SBI PO 2015 PYQs

Question 1

Established brands can wield tremendous power in emerging markets because

Accepted Answer

Established brands leverage their reputation for quality to enter new markets and businesses, building on existing trust and recognition. This reduces entry barriers and marketing costs.

Question 2

According to the author, to make programmes for conserving energy more successful_______(A) only latest technology must be employed.(B) the author’s country mustad here to norms followed in countries where such programmes have been successful.(C) change must be brought in the attitudes of people with respect to efficient usage of energy.

Accepted Answer

The author emphasizes changing people's attitudes towards energy usage for successful conservation programs. This is the core message, making option C the correct choice.

Question 3

What should be the most appropriate title of this passage ?

Accepted Answer

The passage likely discusses various challenges faced by emerging markets. Therefore, 'Hurdles in Emerging markets' best encapsulates the central theme.

Question 4

Which of the following correctly explains the meaning of phrase, ‘a handful of ’ as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'a handful of' means a small, limited number or amount. Therefore, 'Limited' is the correct explanation.

Question 5

Which of the following is most nearly the SAME in meaning to word ‘UNDERPIN’ as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

To 'underpin' means to support or form the basis of something. 'Determine' implies establishing or fixing something, which aligns with providing a foundational basis.

Question 6

CONFORM TO

Accepted Answer

To 'conform to' means to comply with rules or standards. Therefore, 'comply' is the most accurate synonym among the given options.

Question 7

As mentioned in the passage, one of the most critical factors that aids in catering to the needs of consumers is

Accepted Answer

The passage emphasizes understanding consumer needs first, then planning to meet them. Option 2 directly reflects this two-step process as the critical factor.

Question 8

Which of the following is most nearly the SAME in meaning to the word ‘SHRINKING’ as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

Shrinking means becoming smaller in size or extent. 'Narrowing' accurately captures this meaning, implying a reduction in width or scope, which is contextually similar.

Question 9

What is the author trying to convey through the phrase‘albatross around the neck’as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'albatross around the neck' refers to a burden that impedes progress or success. Therefore, option 2 correctly captures this meaning.

Question 10

CAPRICIOUS

Accepted Answer

Capricious means sudden, unpredictable changes. Therefore, its antonym is 'predictable', meaning able to be foreseen or declared in advance.

Question 11

Which of the following is most nearly the SAME in meaning to the word ‘VARIEGATED’ as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

Variegated means having irregular patches of different colors or being diverse. 'Diverse' is the closest synonym among the options, meaning varied or different.

Question 12

The author in the given passage is _______(A) of the view that no  amount of efforts can bring about in employing energy efficiency schemes in his country.(B) positive that more evidence on retrofit schemes is essential to make people more aware and sensitive towards them.(C) cynical about the present state of energy efficiency measures taken in his country.

Accepted Answer

The passage suggests the author believes more evidence is needed to promote energy efficiency, indicating a positive outlook on potential improvements, aligning with option B.

Question 13

Which of the following is most nearly the OPPOSITE in meaning to the word ‘SHUTTERED’ as used in the passage ?

Accepted Answer

The word 'shuttered' implies closing down or ceasing operation. Therefore, its opposite would be to thrive or grow, which is 'flourished'.

Question 14

As mentioned in this passage and according to the experts, in order to exploit potential to better energy afficiency measures __________

Accepted Answer

The passage emphasizes that reliable information from dependable sources is crucial for exploiting energy efficiency potential. This directly aligns with option 2.

Question 15

After his term in the Department of Defence (1)/ he was appointed Secretary of Energy (2)/a job in which he was strongly supported the use (3)/ of alternate sources of energy such as nuclear energy. (4)/ No error (5)

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (3). The phrase should be 'strongly supported the use' instead of 'strongly supported the use'. The verb 'support' does not require a preposition like 'the use of'.

Question 16

Owners of private hostels located in residential areas are not only _______ taxes but are also functioning whimsically in the _______ of any regulatory body.

Accepted Answer

The sentence implies illegal or unethical tax practices and lack of oversight. 'Evading' (avoiding illegally) and 'absence' (lack of presence) fit this context perfectly, making option 4 the best choice.

Question 17

Which of the following should bethe SECOND sentence after rearrangement?

Accepted Answer

To identify the second sentence, one must first determine the opening sentence. The second sentence logically follows the introductory statement, building upon its context or introducing the next key idea.

Question 18

As GDP growth is half of what it (1)/ is just a few years ago,the country (2)/ desperately needs to cut red tape and improve (3)/ infrastructure to boost investment and growth.(4)/ No error (5)

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'just a few years ago' indicates a past event. Therefore, 'is' should be replaced with 'was' to maintain correct tense agreement in the sentence.

Question 19

Contractors across the State have ________ to stop work on the scheme after the Minister failed to give them concrete __________ of timely payment.

Accepted Answer

The first blank requires a verb indicating a firm resolution, 'decided' fits best. The second blank needs a noun for a promise of payment, 'assurance' is the most appropriate choice.

Question 20

Which of the following should be the SIXTH sentence after rearrangement.

Accepted Answer

To find the sixth sentence, first identify the logical flow and connections between all sentences. Arrange them sequentially to form a coherent paragraph, then pinpoint the sentence that falls into the sixth position.