In each of the following questions, sentences are given with blanks to be filled in with an appropriate word (s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. Choose the correct alternative out of the four and indicate your choice for the correct answer.

It appears as though John’s having a run of bad luck, he failed to secure the much coveted scholarship, in spite of his dedication and intense_____.

A vexed problem facing us is the clamour to open more colleges and to reserve more seats for backward classes. But it will be a sheer folly to expand such facilities recklessly without giving any thought to the quality of education imparted. If admissions are made far more selective, it will automatically reduced the number of entrants. This should apply particularly colleges, many of which are little more than degree factories. Only then can the authorities hope to bring down the teacher-student ratio to manageable proportion. What is more, teachers should be given refresher courses, every summer to brush up their knowledge. Besides, if college managements increase their library budget it will help both the staff and the to new students a great deal. 
At the same time, however, it will be unfair to deny college education to thousands of young men and women, unless employers stop insisting on degrees even for clerical jobs. For a start, why can't the Government disqualify graduates from securing certain jobs, say class III and IV posts? Once the link between degrees and jobs is severed at least in some important departments, in will make young people think twice before joining college. 

The author is in favor of restricting college admissions –

Directions: In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.
I feel (a)/ a certain problems (b)/ in the execution (c)/ of this plan. (d)/ No error (e)

In these questions read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. If there is no error, the answer is (D).

The examination begins (A)/ from Monday (B)/ next week. (C)/ No error (D)

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To play ducks and drakes

Select the word which match same as the group of words given.
A student who idly or without excuse absents himself/herself from school

Directions : In these questions , a part of the sentence is given in bold . Below are given alternatives to the bold part at (A) , (B) and (C) which may improve the sentence . Choose the correct alternative . In case no improvement is needed you answer is (D ) .

If you wrote, to me earlier, I would have easily solved your problem. 

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'

The teacher said (a)/ to us that one ought (b)/ to work hard in order (c)/ to attain one goal. (d)/No error (e)