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 vacancy was filled (a)/ by an old artisan (b)/ who had an extensible knowledge of ancient art and craft. (c)/ No error. (d)

The conclusion of World Trade Organization’s 11th biennial ministerial conference at Buenos Aires was worrisome. From an Indian standpoint, there was no loss as status quo continues in the most important issue: the right to continue the food security programme by using support prices. But the inability of the negotiators to reach even one substantive outcome suggests that WTO’s efficacy is under question. As a 164-country multilateral organisation dedicated to crafting rules of trade through consensus, WTO represents the optimal bet for developing countries such as India. Strengthening WTO is in India’s best interest.
 Perhaps the biggest threat to WTO’s efficacy today is the attitude of the US. The world’s largest economy appears to have lost faith in the organisation and has begun to undermine one of its most successful segments, the dispute redressal mechanism. This is significant as the US has been directly involved in nearly half of all cases brought to WTO. Separately, large groups of countries decided to pursue negotiations on e-commerce, investment facilitation and removal of trade obstacles for medium and small scale industries. By itself this should not weaken WTO. But it comes at a time when there is growing frustration with gridlock at WTO.
 India did well to defend its position on its food security programme. The envisaged reform package which will see a greater use of direct cash transfers to beneficiaries will be in sync with what developed countries do. But it’s important for India to enhance its efforts to reinvigorate WTO. In this context, India’s plan to organise a meeting of some countries early next year is a step in the right direction. WTO represents the best available platform to accommodate interests of a diverse set of nations. Therefore, India should be at the forefront of moves to fortify it.

What is the biggest threat to WTO’s efficacy today?

Directions (11-20): In the passage given below, some of the words from 11-20 have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Mark your answer.
Civilisation means outward (11) whereas culture means inward perfection. We may be (12) today, but we are not cultured. We have trains, aeroplanes and all modern modes and (13). This is (14) on the road of materialism but we have lost our finer emotions. Civilisation has (15) mystery and romance out of the heart of nature and (16) her beauty and magic. It has placed (17) power in the hands of man, making him a (18). With a single atom or hydrogen bomb, he can rain death and (19) on millions of innocent creatures. Thus, he is out to (20) himself with his own hands. 

Choose the correct option for (13). 

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
There are five basic features of services. These features distinguish them from goods. The first is that services are intangible. They are experiential in nature. One cannot taste a doctor’s treatment, or touch entertainment. One can only experience it. An important implication of this is that quality of the offer can often not be determined before consumption or before purchase. It is, therefore, important for the service providers that they consciously work on creating a desired service so that the customer undergoes a favourable experience. The second important characteristic of services is inconsistency. Since there is no standard tangible product, services have to be performed exclusively each time. Different customers have different demands and expectations. Service providers need to have an opportunity to alter their offer to closely meet the requirements of the customers. Another important characteristic of services is the simultaneous activity of production and consumption being performed. This makes the production and consumption of services inseparable. While we can manufacture a car today and sell it after, say, a month; this is often not possible with services that have to be consumed as and when they are produced. For example, the services of a teacher, doctor or lawyer. Service providers may design a substitute for the person by using appropriate technology but the interaction with the customer remains a key feature of services. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) may replace the banking clerk for the front office activities like cash withdrawal and cheque deposit. But, at the same time, the presence of the customer, is required and his/her interaction with the process has to be managed. Services have little or no tangible components and, therefore, cannot be stored for a future use. That is, services are perishable and providers can, at best, store some associated goods but not the service itself. This means that the demand and supply needs to be managed as the service has to be performed as and when the customer asks for it. They cannot be performed earlier to be consumed at a later date. For example, a railway ticket can be stored but the railway journey will be experienced by a traveller only when the railways provide it.

Which of the following is NOT a service provider?

In the question below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Choose the correct alternative which may improve the sentence:
 In spite of age he is my senior.

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
Sanitation refers to public health conditions___ (1)__ to clean drinking water and adequate treatment and disposal __(2)____ human waste and sewage.  ___(3)___ human contact with faeces is part of sanitation. Sanitation system ___(4)___ to protect human health by providing a clean environment  __(5)___ will stop the transmission of disease.

Select the most appropriate option for blank No 2.

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice.
 A trip to the village temple was made by Bhavani yesterday.

In the question a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct and mark your answer in the Answer Sheet.

"It's not my business," said the postman. "Let the government do whatever it has to."