English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e 'Abstract noun'.

Key Points

• The underlined word "happiness" refers to a quality or state that cannot be physically touched or seen but can only be felt or experienced, which is the characteristic of an abstract noun.
• Abstract nouns often represent emotions, ideas, or qualities that are intangible, such as happiness, courage, or freedom.
• In the sentence, "happiness" is being used to refer to the state of being happy, making it an abstract noun.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 2.

Additional Information

• Collective Noun: A collective noun refers to a group or collection of individuals or things, such as "team" or "family." "Happiness" does not fall under this category.
• Adjective: An adjective modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. In this sentence, "happiness" is not modifying another word, so it is not an adjective.
• Common Noun: A common noun refers to general, non-specific people, places, or things, such as "city" or "dog." "Happiness" is not a common noun.

The correct answer is Option 3 i.e 'Verb'.

Key Points

• The underlined word "wonder" acts as the main action or state of mind for the subject "I", which is the primary characteristic of a verb.
• Verbs generally express an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. In this case, "wonder" indicates the mental action of thinking about something with curiosity or doubt.
• It functions as the finite verb that anchors the independent clause "I wonder" before introducing the dependent clause starting with "if".

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 3.

Additional Information

• Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often answering how, when, where, or to what extent. "Wonder" is the action itself, not a modifier.
• Conjunction: A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. In the given sentence, "if" acts as a subordinating conjunction, but "wonder" does not serve a connecting function.
• Participle: A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective or be used to create continuous or perfect verb tenses (e.g., "wondering" or "wondered"). Here, "wonder" is in its base finite form, not a participle.

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e 'Distributive numeral adjective'.

Key Points

• The underlined word "every" modifies the noun "employee" by referring to each member of the group individually, which is a hallmark of a distributive adjective.
• Distributive numeral adjectives (e.g., every, each, either, neither) distribute the reference across members of a set, focusing on individuals one-by-one.
• It does not denote a specific number, so it is not a definite numeral adjective; nor is it a demonstrative adjective (like this/that/these/those), which points out specific entities.
• It is also not an infinite numeral adjective (like many, some, several), because "every" has a precise distributive sense rather than an indefinite quantity.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 2.

Additional Information

• Definite numeral adjective: Indicates an exact number (e.g., one, two, first, second). "Every" does not specify a number.
• Demonstrative adjective: Points out specific nouns (e.g., this, that, these, those). "Every" does not perform this pointing function.
• Infinite numeral adjective: Expresses an indefinite quantity (e.g., many, some, several). "Every" conveys distribution, not indefiniteness.

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e 'Plural Noun'.

Key Points

• The underlined word "righteous" refers to a group of people who act morally or ethically correct, which makes it a plural noun.
• Nouns often represent persons, places, things, or ideas. In this case, "righteous" denotes a group of people and is functioning as a noun.
• Plural nouns refer to more than one entity, which aligns with the context of the word "righteous" in the given sentence.
• Righteous in this context is used without a definite article, indicating it is a plural form referring to a collective group.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 1.

Additional Information

• Adverb: An adverb modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In the given sentence, "righteous" does not function as an adverb.
• Determiner: A determiner is used to specify a noun (e.g., "the," "a," "this"). The word "righteous" is not functioning as a determiner here.
• Singular noun: A singular noun refers to one entity. In the sentence, "righteous" is plural, representing multiple entities.

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e 'Adjective'.

Key Points

• The underlined word "every" modifies the noun "day" by specifying which day or how often, which is a characteristic function of an adjective.
• Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns by giving more information about them. In this sentence, "every" is describing the noun "day."
• The phrase "every day" acts as a time expression, but grammatically, "every" functions as an adjective because it qualifies the noun "day."
• Adjectives answer questions such as which one, what kind, or how many. Here, "every" answers the question "which day?" — every day.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 4.

Additional Information

• Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this sentence, no word is modifying the verb "rained" in the manner of an adverb.
• Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun. The word "every" does not replace a noun; instead, it describes one.
• Conjunction: A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. The word "every" does not perform this function in the sentence.

The correct answer is 'therefore'.

 

Key Points

• The discourse marker "therefore" is used to indicate a conclusion or result based on previous information.
• In the given sentence, "therefore" is the most appropriate word as it conveys a logical connection to the request for tolerance.
• Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not fit the context and meaning of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "I must, therefore, ask for tolerance from the board."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "thus" is incorrect because "thus" typically introduces an explanation or summary rather than a direct conclusion.
• Option 3: "for example" is incorrect because it introduces examples rather than connecting to a conclusion.
• Option 4: "likely" is incorrect because it indicates probability rather than a logical result.

The correct answer is 'Unengagingly'.

 

Key Points

• The word "Unengagingly" fits the context of the sentence, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or connection.
• The sentence contrasts skepticism with high theory removed from reality, making "Unengagingly" the most appropriate option.
• Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not accurately describe the tone or context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "Unengagingly eloquent expression of this skepticism can be found in the high theory removed from the reality."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "Somewhat" does not convey the lack of enthusiasm or detachment described in the sentence.
• Option 3: "Indeed" suggests affirmation, which does not align with the intended meaning.
• Option 4: "Fortunate" is completely out of context.

The correct answer is 'in particular'.

 

Key Points

• The discourse marker "in particular" is used to focus on a specific aspect or detail of a broader topic.
• In the given sentence, the speaker specifies their consideration of "the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers," which aligns with the meaning of "in particular."
• Options 1, 3, and 4 do not fit the context or meaning required in the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "I shall consider, in particular, the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "sui generis" is incorrect as it means "unique or in a class of its own" and does not relate to the context of the sentence.
• Option 3: "matter of fact" is incorrect as it denotes a factual tone, which does not fit the sentence structure or meaning.
• Option 4: "serendipitously" is incorrect as it implies something happening by chance, which is irrelevant to the sentence context.

The correct answer is 'Somewhat'.

 

Key Points

• The discourse marker "Somewhat" is used to indicate a moderate degree or level of something.
• In this context, "Somewhat" appropriately conveys the nuanced relationship between different followers of the party.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 do not fit the sentence logically or contextually.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "Somewhat, issues of religious plurality are embedded in the relationship between different followers of the party."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "Significantly" is incorrect because it implies a large degree of importance, which does not match the context of the sentence.
• Option 3: "Unexpectedly" is incorrect as it suggests surprise, which is not indicated in the sentence.
• Option 4: "Overmuch" is incorrect because it implies excessive emphasis, which is not contextually relevant here.

The correct answer is 'Finally'.

 

Key Points

• The word "Finally" acts as a discourse marker used to indicate the last point in a sequence or to introduce a concluding thought.
• The sentence requires a transitional word to set up the introduction of a concluding argument ("an argument from ordinary life"), making "Finally" the most appropriate choice.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are structurally and contextually incorrect in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Finally we can take recourse to, what I call, an argument from ordinary life."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Aggrievedly" is incorrect because it is an adverb meaning to act with a feeling of resentment, which doesn't fit the logical flow of the sentence.
• Option 3: "Fatally" is incorrect because it means causing death or disaster, which is nonsensical when introducing a logical argument.
• Option 4: "Acceptably" is incorrect because it describes an action done in a satisfactory manner and does not function as a structural discourse marker to introduce a new point.

The correct answer is 'Option (1)' i.e. 'Lose is a verb meaning to misplace and loose is an adjective meaning slack or movable.'

Key Points

• Lose: It is a verb which means to misplace something or fail to retain it (खो देना)
• Example: I always lose my keys when I’m in a hurry.
• Loose: It is an adjective which means slack or not tight (ढीला होना)
• Example: The rope was too loose to hold the weight.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Option 1'.

The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Anyway is an adverb meaning regardless. Any way is a phrase meaning any manner or method.

Key Points

• The word "Anyway" is an adverb used to mean regardless, in any case, or nonetheless. (वैसे भी / खैर)
• Example: It was getting late, but he decided to finish the project anyway.
• The phrase "Any way" consists of the adjective 'any' and the noun 'way', referring to any manner, method, or direction. (किसी भी तरह से / कोई भी रास्ता)
• Example: Is there any way you can help me move this heavy table?
• Therefore, the correct answer is- Anyway is an adverb meaning regardless. Any way is a phrase meaning any manner or method.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings:

• Option 1: Incorrectly swaps the meanings. It defines "Anyway" as a manner/method (गलत अर्थ) and "Any way" as regardless (गलत अर्थ).
• Option 2: Incorrectly identifies the grammatical parts. "Anyway" is not a phrase (गलत व्याकरण) and "Any way" is not a single adverb (गलत व्याकरण).
• Option 4: Incorrectly identifies the grammatical parts. It calls "Anyway" a phrase (गलत व्याकरण) and "Any way" an adverb (गलत व्याकरण).

The correct answer is 'Option (1)' i.e. 'Allusion is a noun that is an implied reference to something. Illusion is a noun that refers to a false idea.'

Key Points

• Allusion: A noun that refers to an indirect or implied reference to something (संकेत).
• Example: The poem makes an allusion to Greek mythology.
• Illusion: A noun that refers to a false idea or belief (भ्रम).
• Example: The magician created an illusion of a disappearing coin.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Option 1'.

The correct answer is 'Option (2)' i.e. 'Appraise is a verb meaning to examine and form an opinion about something. Apprise is a verb meaning to inform about something.'

Key Points

• Appraise: To examine and form an opinion about something (मूल्यांकन करना)
• Example: The expert appraised the painting to determine its value.
• Apprise: To inform someone about something (सूचित करना)
• Example: The manager apprised the team of the changes in the schedule.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Option 2'.

The correct answer is 'Option (4)' i.e. 'Climactic is an adjective meaning moment of heightened excitement. Climatic is an adjective meaning climate of a particular area.'

Key Points

• Climactic: Refers to the climax or a moment of heightened excitement (चरम पर पहुंचा हुआ)
• Example: The movie ended with a climactic battle scene.
• Climatic: Relates to the climate or weather conditions of a particular area (जलवायु से संबंधित)
• Example: The climatic conditions in the desert are harsh and dry.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Option 4'.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the word given in the question:
• Advice: It is a noun and refers to a suggestion or recommendation offered to someone about what they should do or how they should act. (सलाह)
• Advise: It is a verb and means to offer suggestions or recommendations to someone. (सलाह देना)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Option 1: He adviced his friend to take a break from his hectic schedule.
• The word "adviced" is incorrect because the correct verb form is "advised." This sentence contains an error.
• Option 2: The doctor's advice went unheeded by his patient.
• This sentence correctly uses "advice" as a noun to refer to the suggestions given by the doctor.
• Option 3: The teacher repeatedly adviced her students to take safety precautions on the road.
• The word "adviced" is incorrect because the correct verb form is "advised." This sentence contains an error.
• Option 4: Elders are often advicing their children on various aspects of their heritage.
• The word "advicing" is incorrect because the correct form is "advising." This sentence contains an error.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Illicit: means unlawful, illegal, or not permitted. (गैरकानूनी, अवैध)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence 1: The police put out a notice to illicit more information from the public.
• This sentence uses "illicit" incorrectly. The correct word here should be "elicit," which means to bring out or draw forth.
• Sentence 2: Illicit trading in liquor became profitable during the prohibition.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "illicit" to describe illegal trading of liquor during prohibition.
• Sentence 3: The offer for new residential areas illicited a lukewarm response.
• This sentence incorrectly uses "illicit." The correct word here should be "elicited," meaning to provoke or generate a response.
• Sentence 4: The news of the earthquake illicited a massive outpouring of help for the victims.
• This sentence also incorrectly uses "illicit." The correct word here should be "elicited," meaning to bring out or inspire help.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• The word "Effect" is primarily used as a noun meaning "a result or consequence."
• In Option 2 ("Climate change will have long term effect on..."), the word is correctly used as a noun acting as the object of the verb "have." (Though typically "an effect" or "effects", the part of speech is correct here).
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they require a verb meaning "to influence or impact." The correct word for this meaning is "Affect."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Corrected Sentences:

• Option 1: The weather conditions began to affect his health.
• Option 3: The people of the town were deeply affected by the new laws...
• Option 4: All creatures are affected by emotion.

 

Additional Information

• Affect (Verb): To produce a change in someone or something. (e.g., "The cold weather affected the crops.")
• Effect (Noun): The result of a change. (e.g., "The effect of the medication was immediate.")
• Note: "Effect" can sometimes be used as a verb, but it means "to bring about" or "to accomplish" (e.g., "to effect change"), which does not fit the context of the incorrect options above.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Brake: a device for slowing or stopping motion (noun); to slow or stop a vehicle using brakes (verb).
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Option 1: Frequent disruptions caused the braking of the flow of the speaker.
• Incorrect; "braking" improperly used for interrupting flow—"breaking" fits better.
• Option 2: The rapid swirling water caused the dam walls to brake.
• Incorrect; "brake" misused for structural failure—"break" is required.
• Option 3: The driver braked sharply to avoid a collision.
• This sentence correctly uses "braked" as the past tense verb for applying vehicle brakes.
• Option 4: The young officer did not know how to brake the unwelcome news to the family.
• Incorrect; idiom is "break the news," not "brake."
• So, only option 3 correctly uses "brake" in its standard vehicular context.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Incite: to encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior); to provoke. (उकसाना, भड़काना)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence 1: He has a deep incite into various aspects of social formations.
• This sentence uses the word incorrectly. The correct word here should be "insight," which means deep understanding or perception.
• Sentence 2: The words of the speaker incited feelings of anger, sorrow and grief.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "incited" to mean provoking or stirring up strong emotions such as anger, sorrow, and grief.
• Sentence 3: His research gave the audience an incite into market trends.
• This sentence uses the word incorrectly. The correct word here should be "insight," meaning a deep understanding of market trends.
• Sentence 4: Since he was incite she decided to call out to him.
• This sentence uses the word incorrectly. The structure and usage are incorrect, as "incite" does not fit the context.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.