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Question

Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or group of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

The Arabs who are not in the cities live in the desert throughout the year, shifting from one oasis to another.

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2019 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2019)
The correct answer is

spring

Understanding the Word in Context

The question asks for the word or group of words nearest in meaning to the underlined word "oasis" in the given sentence: "The Arabs who are not in the cities live in the desert throughout the year, shifting from one oasis to another."

To answer this, we need to understand what an "oasis" is, especially in the context of people living and moving within a desert environment.

What is an Oasis?

An oasis is a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found. It is typically a place that supports vegetation and human or animal life in an otherwise dry and barren area. The presence of water is the defining characteristic of an oasis.

Analyzing the Options for Nearest Meaning

Let's look at the provided options and compare their meanings to the word "oasis":

  • sandbank: A sandbank is a deposit of sand forming a shallow area in a river, lake, or sea. It is primarily a geographical feature related to bodies of water, but not typically associated with a water source in a desert environment for sustaining life in the way an oasis does.
  • mound: A mound is a rounded mass of earth, stone, or other material; a small hill. This is a landform and does not relate to the presence of water.
  • dune: A dune is a mound or ridge of sand shaped by the wind, typically found in deserts and along coasts. Like a mound, it is a landform and not a source of water.
  • spring: A spring is a place where water flows out from the ground. This is a natural source of water. Finding a spring in a desert would create a fertile spot capable of supporting life, which aligns directly with the definition of an oasis.

Comparing Oasis and Options

Based on the meanings, the word "spring" is the most similar to "oasis" because both refer to a natural source of water. An oasis is essentially a location in the desert where a water source, often a spring or well, allows life to flourish. The sentence describes movement between these water sources in the desert.

Conclusion: Identifying the Closest Meaning

Considering the primary function of an oasis as a water source in a desert enabling habitation and vegetation, the word "spring," which means a place where water emerges from the ground, is the nearest in meaning among the given options.

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Word Meaning Relevant to Desert Context
Oasis Fertile spot in a desert with water.
Sandbank Shallow sand deposit in water (not typically desert water source).
Mound A small hill (landform, not water source).
Dune Sand ridge formed by wind (landform, not water source).
Spring Place where water flows from the ground (natural water source).

Additional Information on Desert Geography Vocabulary

Understanding vocabulary related to geography, especially distinct environments like deserts, is important for language comprehension. Here are a few related terms:

  • Arid: Extremely dry. Deserts are arid regions.
  • Barren: Land that is too poor to produce vegetation. Deserts are often barren.
  • Wadi: A valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season.
  • Butte: An isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a small, relatively flat top.

These terms help paint a more complete picture of a desert landscape, where an oasis stands out as a vital area due to the presence of water.

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