English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points       

• S1. The snowy albatross is among the largest birds that fly in the world.                               
• This statement makes a general assertion about the snowy albatross's impressive size among flying birds.
• S2. It has the widest wingspan among all birds, with lengths reaching up to 12 feet.                               
• This statement provides a specific, remarkable detail (its widest wingspan) that directly supports and adds significant weight to the claim made in S1. The extraordinary wingspan is a key reason why it is considered among the largest.
• When one statement provides strong, specific evidence that makes a previous general assertion more credible, substantial, and impactful, it "reinforces" that assertion. It doesn't just verify it, but strengthens its position.

Therefore, the correct answer is reinforces the first.

 

Additional Information   

• contradicts the first: This would mean S2 says the opposite of S1 (e.g., S2 states it's one of the smallest birds). This is clearly not the case.
• contrasts with the first: This would imply S2 highlights a striking difference from S1 (e.g., S1 says it's large, S2 says it's surprisingly delicate). This is not the relationship here.
• confirms the first: While S2 does support S1, "confirms" implies a more direct verification or proof. "Reinforces" is stronger because the widest wingspan is a contributing factor to its largeness, adding substantial evidence to the general claim rather than just repeating or formally verifying it. It makes the initial statement more convincing and complete.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points

• S1. A scientific theory is first proposed as a hypothesis.                               
• This statement describes the initial step in the scientific method, where an idea is put forward as a testable proposition.
• S2. After it is subjected to inquiry and is proven, it becomes a thesis.                               
• This statement describes the subsequent stage of the hypothesis mentioned in S1. It explains the process of rigorous testing ("inquiry") and validation ("is proven"), which leads to the hypothesis evolving into a more established form, referred to as a "thesis" (or often a scientific theory, depending on the context and level of establishment).
• S2 elaborates on what happens after the initial proposal in S1, detailing the progression of a scientific idea. Therefore, S2 logically continues and expands upon the idea presented in S1.

Therefore, the correct answer is extends the first.

 

Additional Information       

• proves the first: S2 doesn't prove S1 itself. S2 describes what happens to the hypothesis mentioned in S1.
• hypothesises the first: This would mean S2 is a guess or speculation about S1. However, S2 is a declarative statement explaining the next step in the process S1 describes, not hypothesizing about S1.
• challenges the burden of proof: This option implies questioning the necessity of proof, which is irrelevant to the relationship between the two statements.

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Key Points       

• S1. The manhunt for the perpetrator of the crime spread across the entire state.                               
• This statement describes a significant and widespread action taken by law enforcement in response to a crime.
• S2. There was deep public anger triggered by the enormity of the crime.                               
• This statement describes a strong public reaction (anger) to the nature of the crime ("enormity"). This anger would naturally precede and likely motivate such an extensive response as a state-wide manhunt.
• In a sequence of events related to a crime and its consequences, public outrage is often a driving force behind the intensity and scale of the investigation and pursuit of a criminal. Therefore, the public anger (S2) acts as a preceding condition or cause for the widespread manhunt (S1).

Therefore, the correct answer is is a precursor to the first.

 

Additional Information   

• follows the first: This would imply that the public anger arose after the manhunt spread, which is less logical in terms of cause and effect.
• contradicts the first: There is no conflict between S1 and S2; they describe related aspects of a single scenario.
• alters the premise of the first: S2 provides context and motivation for S1, but it does not change the fundamental premise that a manhunt for a perpetrator is underway.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• S1. Awareness about one’s own personality type is very important.
• This statement asserts the significance or value of self-awareness.
• S2. Self-awareness is a difficult goal for most people.
• This statement highlights a challenge or obstacle related to the concept introduced in S1. It doesn't deny the importance, but rather presents a contrasting aspect: the difficulty of achieving that which is deemed important.
• When two statements present distinct or seemingly opposing ideas that, when considered together, create a more complex or nuanced understanding of a subject, their relationship can be described as contrapuntal. The difficulty of self-awareness (S2) acts as a counterpoint to its stated importance (S1), adding a layer of challenge to an otherwise straightforward assertion of value.

Therefore, the correct answer is is contrapuntal vis-a-vis the first.

Additional Information

• contradicts the first: This would imply S2 states the opposite of S1 (e.g., "Awareness about one's personality type is unimportant"). This is not the case.
• confirms the first: This would mean S2 provides evidence or agreement with S1's assertion of importance. Instead, S2 introduces a new, contrasting aspect (difficulty).
• contrasts the first: While S2 does present a contrasting idea (difficulty vs. importance), "contrapuntal" offers a more precise description of this specific kind of relationship where two distinct themes are juxtaposed to create a richer, more complex interplay, rather than just simple opposition.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Key Points

• S1. Liberalisation changed the contours of India’s economy.
• This statement describes a significant historical economic policy shift (liberalisation) and its fundamental impact on the structure and nature of India's economy.
• S2. India is today poised to become one of the top economies of the world.
• This statement describes the current and future positive status of India's economy. It implies a direct result or outcome of the changes mentioned in S1.
• The relationship between the two statements is one of cause and effect or a strong developmental connection. The changes brought about by liberalisation (S1) are presented as the underlying reason or condition that has led to India's current promising economic position (S2). Thus, S2 is a direct outcome or is strongly associated with the effects of S1.

Therefore, the correct answer is correlates to the first.

Additional Information

• contradicts the first: This would mean S2 states something opposite to S1 (e.g., that India's economy worsened due to liberalization). This is clearly not the case.
• contrasts with the first: This would imply S2 highlights a striking difference or opposition. Instead, S2 presents a positive consequence that logically follows from S1.
• coincides with the first: "Coincides with" means to occur at the same time. Liberalisation is a past event, while India being poised to become a top economy is a present and future outlook, so they do not coincide temporally. "Coincide" also doesn't capture the causal link effectively.

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• S1. The final outcome can never be predicted incontrovertibly.
• This statement asserts that it's impossible to predict outcomes with absolute certainty or without dispute.
• S2. All outcomes are based on variables that cannot always be fully understood.
• This statement provides the fundamental reason or justification for why S1 is true. If outcomes depend on variables that are not always fully understood, then it logically follows that these outcomes cannot be predicted with absolute certainty.
• S2 directly and completely explains and supports the assertion made in S1. The inability to fully comprehend all variables (S2) is the complete and sufficient basis for the unpredictability (S1). Therefore, S2 provides full reinforcement for S1.

Therefore, the correct answer is fully reinforces the first.

Additional Information

• reinforces the first to an extent: This would imply partial support, but the reason given in S2 is a complete and direct explanation for S1, not just partial.
• definitely follows the first: This implies a consequence or temporal sequence. S2 is not a consequence of S1; rather, S1 is a consequence of S2. S2 explains why S1 is true.
• definitely does not follow the first: This is incorrect as there is a clear and strong logical connection between the two statements.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• S1. Mastery over any art form requires years of dedication and perseverance.
• This statement establishes a general principle: achieving mastery demands significant, sustained effort over a long period.
• S2. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in a field.
• This statement provides a specific, quantifiable benchmark often cited as a measure of the time and effort required to achieve expertise. The "10,000-hour rule" is a popular concept that attempts to quantify the "years of dedication and perseverance" mentioned in S1.
• S2 is a concrete illustration or a proposed metric for the general concept presented in S1. The idea of "years of dedication and perseverance" is directly and strongly aligned with the notion of putting in "10,000 hours of practice." There is no conflict or partial agreement; they describe the same underlying requirement from different perspectives (general versus specific quantification).

Therefore, the correct answer is is fully consistent with the first.

Additional Information

• is not consistent with the first: This is incorrect as both statements point towards the same fundamental requirement of extensive effort and time for mastery.
• is marginally consistent with the first: This suggests only a weak or slight agreement. However, the connection is strong and direct, making them fully consistent.
• is the only possible explanation for the first: This is too strong a claim. While 10,000 hours is a widely discussed benchmark, the concept of "years of dedication and perseverance" could be explained by other factors (e.g., quality of practice, talent, mentorship) or simply described without a specific hour count. S2 is one prominent explanation, not the only one.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• S1. The beauty of India’s democracy rests in the greatness of its Constitution.
• This statement establishes a claim: the greatness of the Constitution is the foundation of India's democracy's beauty.
• S2. The Constitution of India upholds the collective values of the country’s civilizational ethos.
• This statement explains why the Constitution possesses this "greatness" mentioned in S1. It provides a specific characteristic (upholding civilizational values) that contributes to its greatness and, by extension, the beauty of the democracy it supports.
• Essentially, S2 gives a reason for the positive assertion (the "greatness") made about the Constitution in S1.

Therefore, the correct answer is provides a reason for the assertion regarding the Constitution in the first.

Additional Information

• connects with the mention of Indian democracy in the first: While true, this option is too general. S2 has a more direct and specific relationship to the reason for the beauty (the Constitution's greatness) rather than just a general connection to democracy.
• contradicts the assertion about democracy in the first: S2 does not dispute or negate S1; it builds upon it by explaining a part of it.
• has no connection with the first: This is clearly incorrect as both statements are directly related to India's Constitution and its role in its democracy.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• S1. Roseate is an adjective for the rose flower.
• This statement provides a linguistic fact about a word ("roseate") derived from the rose.
• S2. The rose is a powerful poetic symbol in many languages.
• This statement provides a cultural/symbolic fact about the rose itself.
• The two statements discuss different aspects of the "rose" (one linguistic, one symbolic). S2 does not explain, expand upon, or contradict the specific linguistic detail in S1. Instead, it presents an additional, distinct, but equally true characteristic of the rose. In this context, "coincides with" implies that S2 is another true fact that exists alongside and is consistent with the truth of S1, both pertaining to the subject of the rose. They are separate facts that are simultaneously true about the same entity.

Therefore, the correct answer is coincides with the first.

Additional Information

• expands the first: S2 does not give more detail about "roseate" as an adjective. It introduces a new topic about the rose's symbolic meaning.
• explicates the first: S2 does not analyze or explain the concept of "roseate" being an adjective. It presents a separate idea.
• contrasts the first: There is no opposition or contradiction between S1 and S2. Both statements are factual and can coexist.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Key Points

• S1. The early bird gets the worm.
• This is a proverb, which is a metaphorical statement implying that those who are prompt and proactive in their efforts will achieve success or gain advantages. The underlying assumption is that being "early" or "expeditious" leads to positive outcomes.
• S2. To go about one’s tasks expeditiously is to achieve one’s goals.
• This statement directly and literally expresses the principle that promptness and efficiency in completing tasks lead to goal achievement.
• S2 takes the metaphorical concept presented in S1 and states its literal truth. By doing so, S2 strengthens the core idea or "assumption" embedded within the proverb of S1 – that quick and efficient action leads to success. It doesn't just restate it, but provides a more direct affirmation of the principle that S1 uses as a metaphor.

Therefore, the correct answer is reinforces the assumption of the first.

Additional Information

• makes assertions about the first: S2 is an assertion about the principle the proverb conveys, not an assertion directly about the proverb itself (e.g., not "S1 is a popular proverb").
• provides a metaphorical reassertion of the first: S2 is a literal statement, not a metaphorical one. Therefore, it cannot be a metaphorical reassertion.
• contrasts with the first: S2 clearly agrees with and explains the core message of S1, so there is no contrast.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• The main subject of the sentence is "the Telangana peasant revolt against the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 1940s." So, part R is the most logical beginning.
• Following "is often," we need to describe what it is often considered. "Considered to be paradigmatic" (P) fits perfectly here. So, we have RP.
• After "paradigmatic," the sentence is likely to describe its significance in a broader context. "And the only instance worthy of attention in a comparative" (S) sets up the kind of study it's relevant to. So, we have RPS.
• Finally, what kind of comparative study? A "sociological study of peasant movements in India" (Q) completes the phrase.
• Thus, the logical sequence is RPSQ.

 

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"The Telangana peasant revolt against the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 1940s is often (R) considered to be paradigmatic (P) and the only instance worthy of attention in a comparative (S) sociological study of peasant movements in India. (Q)"

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• The sentence begins by introducing a key characteristic or "attribute." Part R ("one of the major attributes of and with") sets up this introduction.
• This attribute belongs to "social movements" (P). The word "nonetheless" fits naturally after "social movements" as a transitional word. So, we have RP.
• What is this major attribute? It's their "coexistence with national states and" (S). This verb phrase clearly defines the attribute. So, we have RPS.
• Finally, "their political institutions, process and parties" (Q) completes the list of what social movements coexist with, following the "and" from part S.
• Thus, the logical sequence is RPSQ.

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"One of the major attributes of (R) social movements, nonetheless (P), is their coexistence with national states and (S) their political institutions, process and parties. (Q)"

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• The sentence starts with the main subject: "extraction of minerals in India" (S).
• Following the subject, we need the predicate indicating the condition for this extraction. "is possible only after the" (Q) logically follows S. So, we have SQ.
• What must happen "after the"? The "government grants permission" (R). This completes the condition. So, we have SQR.
• Finally, "as most of the minerals are nationalised" (P) provides the reason or explanation for why government permission is required. This fits perfectly after R.
• Thus, the logical sequence is SQRP.

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"Extraction of minerals in India (S) is possible only after the (Q) government grants permission as (R) most of the minerals are nationalised. (P)"

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• The sentence logically starts with the main subject and verb: "sociological theories distinguish social movements" (S).
• Following this, we need to know how they distinguish them. "along two axes" (Q) fits as the next part, indicating the criteria for distinction. So, we have SQ.
• Next, the sentence should describe the first axis. "whether they seek" (which is part of P) starts describing the first axis. "radical or limited change and whether they focus on" (completing P) describes the first type of distinction and introduces the second. So, we have SQP.
• Finally, "the entire society or on specific individuals" (R) describes the second axis of distinction, completing the sentence.
• Thus, the logical sequence is SQPR.

 

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"Sociological theories distinguish social movements (S) along two axes, whether they seek (Q) radical or limited change and whether they focus on (P) the entire society or on specific individuals. (R)"

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• S1. The sentence starts with an "although" clause, indicating a concession. "Although most social movements" (Q) is the clear beginning of this clause.
• S2. What are these movements like? They "are more defensive than offensive and" (P) describes their common characteristic. So, we have QP.
• S3. The "although" clause continues with another characteristic and then introduces the main clause's subject: "tend to be temporary, they" (R). This completes the concessive part and sets up the contrasting main point. So, we have QPR.
• S4. Finally, the main point about "they" (social movements) is that they "are important agents of social transformation" (S). This concludes the sentence.
• Thus, the logical sequence is QPRS.

 

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"Although most social movements (Q) are more defensive than offensive and (P) tend to be temporary, they (R) are important agents of social transformation. (S)"

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• The sentence describes the automobile industry in India. Part P ("in India, the automobile industry") establishes the main subject.
• Following the subject, part Q ("one of the largest industries") serves as an appositive phrase, providing additional descriptive information about the automobile industry. So, we have PQ.
• Next, we need the main verb phrase describing what the industry has done. "has witnessed impressive" (S) fits this role. So, we have PQS.
• Finally, "growth during the last two decades" (R) completes the predicate, specifying what kind of impressive witnessing occurred and over what period.
• Thus, the logical sequence is PQSR.

 

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"In India, the automobile industry (P), one of the largest industries (Q), has witnessed impressive (S) growth during the last two decades. (R)"

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Key Points

• The sentence describes the formation and purpose of the "Sarvajanik Sabha." The most logical starting point is the subject with its initial modifier: "in western India, the Sarvajanik Sabha" (Q).
• Following the subject, we need the verb phrase describing its formation and primary purpose: "was formed in 1870 to give voice to the demands" (P). So, we have QP.
• What demands? "and needs of the people" (S) completes the phrase describing the purpose of giving voice. So, we have QPS.
• Finally, "and all classes of people were its members" (R) adds additional, concluding information about the composition of the Sabha.
• Thus, the logical sequence is QPSR.

 

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"In western India, the Sarvajanik Sabha (Q) was formed in 1870 to give voice to the demands (P) and needs of the people (S) and all classes of people were its members. (R)"

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• The sentence begins by identifying the subject: "the achievements we celebrate" (R).
• Next, it states what these achievements are: "today are but a step towards" (Q). This forms the core predicate and indicates a future orientation. So, we have RQ.
• Following "towards," we need to describe what those steps lead to. "the opportunities to the greater triumphs" (P) fits as the first part of the future outcomes. So, we have RQP.
• Finally, "and achievements that await us" (S) completes the list of future possibilities, using "and" to connect to the previous phrase.
• Thus, the logical sequence is RQPS.

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"The achievements we celebrate (R) today are but a step towards (Q) the opportunities to the greater triumphs (P) and achievements that await us. (S)"

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• The sentence starts by setting the time period and the subject: "during British rule peasants often took" (S).
• Next, it describes what the peasants took part in: "part in revolts against taxes and food" (Q). This logically follows S. So, we have SQ.
• Following "food," the cause of revolts, "scarcity but they lacked the means, programmes" (R) completes the description of the revolts and introduces a contrasting idea (what they lacked). So, we have SQR.
• Finally, "and the vision to carry out a full-scale revolution" (P) completes the list of things they lacked, concluding the sentence.
• Thus, the logical sequence is SQRP.

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"During British rule peasants often took (S) part in revolts against taxes and food (Q) scarcity but they lacked the means, programmes (R) and the vision to carry out a full-scale revolution. (P)"

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• The sentence starts with the main subject: "the colonial Government, now seeing" (R). This introduces the agent and its immediate perception.
• What was the government seeing? It was seeing "that the mounting tension was heading" (Q). This logically follows R. So, we have RQ.
• Where was the tension heading, and what was the government's response? "towards a crisis, wisely decided to change" (S) completes the observation and states the initial action. So, we have RQS.
• Finally, what did the government change? "its policy and announced reforms" (P) concludes the sentence by detailing the specific actions taken.
• Thus, the logical sequence is RQSP.

Coherent sentence after rearrangement:

"The colonial Government, now seeing (R) that the mounting tension was heading (Q) towards a crisis, wisely decided to change (S) its policy and announced reforms. (P)"