For the following questions answer them individually
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.
To sell (stocks or other securities or commodities) in advance of acquiring them, with the aim of making a profit when the price falls.
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
‘Do you have anything to say on behalf of the accused?' said the judge finally.
In the following question, sentence given with blank is to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.
A large crowd--------------to get a glimpse of their favourite star.
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
In a strange ------(1)-------- the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern.---------(2)-----------wonders whether newer forms of “noncaring” or violence are appearing. Somehow, silence, even ------(3)-------, quietly suppresses a meditation on such events.-------------(4)--------------------a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class.-----------(5)------------ society seems so indifferent.