SBI PO 2021 PYQs

Question 1

Eradication of rats was conducted in which year?

Accepted Answer

The eradication of rats, specifically referring to a significant event like the South Georgia rat eradication project, was completed in 2011.

Question 2

Ques No: 1-7 Read the passage given below and then answer the questions given below the passage. Some words may be highlighted for your attention. Pay careful attention. Since 2011, the world’s steelmakers have been feeling the heat. Prices for the metal have halved due to flatlining demand and rising exports from China, which now smelts 50% of the global output. Profits at steel firms around the world have fallen into a sea of red ink, shuttering plants and laying off workers. New measures designed to raise the price of carbon in the EU to help the bloc meet its climate-change targets, voted on by the European Parliament on February 15th, threaten to increase the pressure. The industry is a heavy user of carbon; responsible for 5% of global emissions. Some steel firms have responded by calling for carbon tariffs to prevent the measures undermining their international competitiveness. How do border taxes on carbon emissions work? And are they a good idea? The reforms the European Parliament passed this week are an attempt to increase the price of carbon by cutting the emissions allowances granted to firms. The measures include the EU’s first border tax on carbon, levied on cement imports. Steel firms, also heavy users of carbon, say their exclusion from this scheme is unfair. This week Lakshmi Mittal, the CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s biggest steelmaker, offered his support for the tax. Similar proposals in America are also being mooted. This month a group of Republicans—including two former treasury secretaries, James Baker and George Shultz—proposed a similar levy on imports at the border, as well as for domestic production. Their plan includes a carbon tax on imports of up to $40 for each tonne produced by their manufacture, which would increase over time. The income from the levy would then be distributed to American households on a quarterly basis to make up for higher consumer prices. Proponents of such policies say that they remove the distortions caused by carbon taxes. Under the EU’s reforms, steelmakers in Europe would pay up to €30 ($32) to emit a tonne of carbon, but foreign producers selling in the EU would not have to pay a cent. This harms the cost competitiveness of European producers. It also encourages firms to move production outside the bloc rather than prompt them to use cleaner methods. Taxing imports on their embodied carbon—where this has not already happened in their country of origin—would level the playing field between different systems, they say. It would also give an incentive to countries without controls on emissions to introduce their own carbon taxes, in order to grab a share of the revenues. Economists say the idea works in theory. But many think it would be much more difficult in practice. One big problem is the difficulty of calculating the embodied carbon in imports. This is not easy even for simple sheets of steel; for items made of several bits of metal from different sources, it is hellishly complex. Disputes over this could produce reams of litigation at the WTO between various systems. But the reason why trade economists are so squeamish about carbon tariffs is the fear that they could cause a tariff war. The EU and America are already in a politically driven tit-for-tat over steel duties with China; they have risen in some cases to over 500%. Rather than prod countries to tighten their own regulations, new carbon tariffs could make that battle more vicious . Worse still, lobby groups could easily pervert the charges into a form of quiet protectionism. Donald Trump’s presidency has already rattled free-traders’ nerves. Why risk giving the protectionists another opening?

From the given options choose the correct synonym for the word 'undermining' in context of the given passage.

Accepted Answer

The word 'undermining' in the context of a passage often implies weakening or gradually eroding something. 'Sabotage' (option 1) is the closest synonym, meaning to deliberately destroy or obstruct.

Question 3

Directions: In the following sentence, one part of the sentence has an error, and the other parts are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. Ignore the error of punctuation, if any.Though the town found the prank hilarious. /(A) Taylor, the head of the town council posted a notice asking who the prankster is / (B) and why was he creating havoc in the town. /(C) I do not know what is wrong with him, he feels like whoever did this will come clean to him. /(D) No error. /(E)

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (C). The phrase 'why was he creating havoc' should be 'why he was creating havoc' to maintain the correct indirect question structure after 'asking'.

Question 4

The geologists of the UK Coal Authority believe one-quarter of British homes currently sit on a coalfield. This coalfield stretches across which of the following regions?

Accepted Answer

The UK's major coalfields are extensive, covering Wales, central Scotland, northern England, and the Midlands. This distribution supports the claim that a significant portion of homes are on coalfields.

Question 5

According to the passage, what does the author mean when he  says “The battle between man and machines goes back centuries” ?I. It has been around a century that the fight between man and  machine is on, offering no clear results.II. There seems to be no trace of any truce being reached in  near future that might end the war between man and machine.III. The emerging technologies and the effect on jobs have  been a reason for the tussle between man and machine since ages.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "goes back centuries" implies a long-standing historical conflict. Option III correctly links this to emerging technologies and their impact on jobs over a long period, aligning with the passage's theme.

Question 6

What is the tone of the passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage presents facts and details without expressing strong opinions or biases, indicating an informative tone. It aims to educate the reader.

Question 7

Ques No: 1-7 Read the passage given below and then answer the questions given below the passage. Some words may be highlighted for your attention. Pay careful attention. Since 2011, the world’s steelmakers have been feeling the heat. Prices for the metal have halved due to flatlining demand and rising exports from China, which now smelts 50% of the global output. Profits at steel firms around the world have fallen into a sea of red ink, shuttering plants and laying off workers. New measures designed to raise the price of carbon in the EU to help the bloc meet its climate-change targets, voted on by the European Parliament on February 15th, threaten to increase the pressure. The industry is a heavy user of carbon; responsible for 5% of global emissions. Some steel firms have responded by calling for carbon tariffs to prevent the measures undermining their international competitiveness. How do border taxes on carbon emissions work? And are they a good idea? The reforms the European Parliament passed this week are an attempt to increase the price of carbon by cutting the emissions allowances granted to firms. The measures include the EU’s first border tax on carbon, levied on cement imports. Steel firms, also heavy users of carbon, say their exclusion from this scheme is unfair. This week Lakshmi Mittal, the CEO of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s biggest steelmaker, offered his support for the tax. Similar proposals in America are also being mooted. This month a group of Republicans—including two former treasury secretaries, James Baker and George Shultz—proposed a similar levy on imports at the border, as well as for domestic production. Their plan includes a carbon tax on imports of up to $40 for each tonne produced by their manufacture, which would increase over time. The income from the levy would then be distributed to American households on a quarterly basis to make up for higher consumer prices. Proponents of such policies say that they remove the distortions caused by carbon taxes. Under the EU’s reforms, steelmakers in Europe would pay up to €30 ($32) to emit a tonne of carbon, but foreign producers selling in the EU would not have to pay a cent. This harms the cost competitiveness of European producers. It also encourages firms to move production outside the bloc rather than prompt them to use cleaner methods. Taxing imports on their embodied carbon—where this has not already happened in their country of origin—would level the playing field between different systems, they say. It would also give an incentive to countries without controls on emissions to introduce their own carbon taxes, in order to grab a share of the revenues. Economists say the idea works in theory. But many think it would be much more difficult in practice. One big problem is the difficulty of calculating the embodied carbon in imports. This is not easy even for simple sheets of steel; for items made of several bits of metal from different sources, it is hellishly complex. Disputes over this could produce reams of litigation at the WTO between various systems. But the reason why trade economists are so squeamish about carbon tariffs is the fear that they could cause a tariff war. The EU and America are already in a politically driven tit-for-tat over steel duties with China; they have risen in some cases to over 500%. Rather than prod countries to tighten their own regulations, new carbon tariffs could make that battle more vicious . Worse still, lobby groups could easily pervert the charges into a form of quiet protectionism. Donald Trump’s presidency has already rattled free-traders’ nerves. Why risk giving the protectionists another opening?

From the given options choose the correct antonym for the word 'vicious' in context of the given passage.

Accepted Answer

The word 'vicious' means cruel or violent. 'Civilized' means polite and well-behaved, which is the direct opposite. Therefore, 'Civilized' is the correct antonym.

Question 8

Find out the most effective word from the given options to fill in the blanks of the following questions.The building was ________ with graffiti.She _________ the book by writing on it.

Accepted Answer

Graffiti typically damages or spoils a surface, and writing on a book also spoils it. 'Defaced' means to spoil the surface or appearance of something, fitting both contexts perfectly.

Question 9

The tone of the passage is-

Accepted Answer

Analyze the passage's language and purpose. If it focuses on detailing characteristics or events without taking a stance, its tone is descriptive.

Question 10

Which of the following statement(s) best fits the given blank in  the passage?I. Technological progress has cut the prices of essentials, such as food, and the price of bigger household items such as TVs and kitchen appliances.II. Their conclusion is unremittingly cheerful: rather than destroying jobs, technology has been a “great job-creating machine”III. “In the UK the first sector to feel this effect on any scale was  agriculture,” says the study.

Accepted Answer

The passage discusses technology's impact on jobs. Statement II directly addresses this by calling technology a 'job-creating machine,' fitting the context of the passage's theme.

Question 11

Why were Palmyra's managers removing island's millions of coconut palms?

Accepted Answer

Palmyra's managers removed coconut palms to restore the island's native ecosystem. This allowed indigenous plant species to thrive, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

Question 12

Whose presidency has rattled the free - traders' nerves?

Accepted Answer

Donald Trump's presidency was marked by protectionist trade policies, tariffs, and renegotiation of trade agreements, which significantly concerned free-trade advocates.

Question 13

Why is the Coal Authority exploring the feasibility of some 70 mine water heating projects across the country?

Accepted Answer

Mine water heating projects utilize geothermal energy, a renewable source. This directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon-reduction targets.

Question 14

Which of the following is the MOST SIMILAR to the word  given in bold as per its usage in the passage?Fretting

Accepted Answer

Fretting means to be constantly or visibly worried or anxious. Therefore, 'Worrying' is the most similar in meaning and usage, reflecting a state of concern.

Question 15

Choose the synonym of the word 'Eradicate'

Accepted Answer

Eradicate means to completely destroy or put an end to something. Therefore, 'destroy' is the correct synonym.

Question 16

Directions: In a question given below an incomplete sentence that must be filled/ completed with one of the sentences/phrases given below i.e. one of the sentences/phrases can be fit into the given blanks. Choose the correct option and complete the given sentences.Cyber physical systems _______________________________ due to the destruction of conventional jobs and the mechanization of jobs.

Accepted Answer

The subject 'Cyber physical systems' is plural, so the verb must be 'deal'. Also, 'jobs' are 'created' (passive voice), not 'create' or 'have been created'. Option 4 correctly uses 'deal' and 'would be created'.

Question 17

In the following sentence, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part, which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, choose the option ‘No improvement.'People need not worry orthink outthe repercussions of complaining to the DA, if they find evidence.A Think upB Think throughC Think over

Accepted Answer

The phrasal verb 'think over' means to consider something carefully. This fits the context of considering repercussions. 'Think out' is incorrect here.

Question 18

Choose the most appropriate antonym of'growth'.

Accepted Answer

Growth means development or increase. 'Withering' means to decay or decline, which is the direct opposite of growth. Thus, it is the most appropriate antonym.

Question 19

Select the phrase/connector from the given three options which can be used to form a single sentence from the two sentences given below, implying the same as expressed in the statement sentence.Maxine was the topper in her class. Sasha was in the bottom three.1. Notwithstanding2. Whereas3. Unless

Accepted Answer

'Whereas' is the correct connector as it effectively shows a contrast between Maxine's top position and Sasha's bottom position. The other options do not convey this contrasting meaning.

Question 20

In the following sentence a part of the sentence has been underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part, which might improve the sentence.Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, choose option 5.It is clear that the accused has beenstrongly backed withthe politicians of the country.A. Strongly backed againstB.Strongly backed byC.Strongly supported by

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'backed with' is grammatically incorrect in this context. 'Backed by' or 'supported by' are the correct prepositions to indicate who is providing support. Both B and C are suitable improvements.