English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. agitation.

Key Points

• The word "equanimity" means mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. (समता)
• Example: She accepted the news of her transfer with equanimity.
• "Agitation" refers to a state of anxiety or nervous excitement. (उत्तेजना)
• Example: He was in a state of agitation before the exam results were announced.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'equanimity' is 'agitation'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. agitation.

Additional Information

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

• Tranquillity (शांति): The quality or state of being calm and peaceful.
• Example: The tranquillity of the countryside was a welcome change from the city.
• Composure (धैर्य): The state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself.
• Example: Despite the chaos around her, she maintained her composure.
• Placidity (शांतता): The quality of being calm and peaceful.
• Example: The placidity of the lake was soothing to her mind.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. subdued.

Key Points

• The word "vehement" means showing strong and often angry feelings; very emotional. (उग्र)
• Example: She was vehement in her opposition to the new policy.
• "Subdued" refers to something that is quiet, controlled, and not very noticeable; it often describes a calm or restrained state. (शांत)
• Example: His voice was subdued as he delivered the sad news.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'vehement' is 'subdued'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. subdued.

Additional Information

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

• Ardent (उत्साही): Very enthusiastic or passionate.
• Example: He is an ardent supporter of the local football team.
• Fervent (उत्कट): Having or displaying a passionate intensity.
• Example: She gave a fervent speech about the importance of education.
• Impassioned (भावुक): Filled with or showing great emotion.
• Example: His impassioned plea for justice moved everyone in the courtroom.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. admirable.

Key Points

• The word "nefarious" means wicked or criminal. (दुष्ट या आपराधिक)
• Example: The organization was known for its nefarious activities, including fraud and theft.
• "Admirable" refers to something deserving respect or approval. (प्रशंसनीय)
• Example: Her dedication to helping others is truly admirable.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'nefarious' is 'admirable'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: admirable.

Additional Information

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

• Flagitious (दुष्ट): Shockingly brutal or cruel.
• Example: The flagitious crimes committed by the gang shocked the entire community.
• Execrable (घृणित): Extremely bad or unpleasant.
• Example: The food at the restaurant was execrable, and I vowed never to eat there again.
• Abominable (घृणास्पद): Causing moral revulsion.
• Example: The abominable conditions in the prison were finally exposed by the media.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. affluent.

Key Points

• The word "indigent" means lacking money or resources; poor. (गरीब)
• Example: The charity organization provides food and shelter to indigent families.
• "Affluent" refers to having a great deal of money; wealthy. (धनी)
• Example: The affluent neighborhood is known for its luxurious houses and high standard of living.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'indigent' is 'affluent'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: affluent.

Additional Information

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

• Pretentious (दिखावटी): Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
• Example: His pretentious attitude makes it hard for others to take him seriously.
• Impecunious (निर्धन): Having little or no money.
• Example: The impecunious artist struggled to make ends meet.
• Ruined (विनाश): Reduced to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration.
• Example: The old castle was now a ruined structure, with only a few walls still standing.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. tranquil.

Key Points

• The word "turbulent" means characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm. (अशांत)
• Example: The turbulent weather caused many flight delays and cancellations.
• "Tranquil" refers to something that is calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance. (शांत)
• Example: The lake was tranquil, with not a single ripple disturbing its surface.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'turbulent' is 'tranquil'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. tranquil.

Additional Information

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

• Capricious (मनमौजी): Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
• Example: His capricious nature makes it difficult to predict his actions.
• Desolate (उजाड़): Deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.
• Example: The once bustling town is now desolate and abandoned.
• Obstreperous (उद्धत): Noisy and difficult to control.
• Example: The obstreperous crowd was difficult for the police to manage.

The correct answer is 'Option 3' i.e. if it snows.

Key Points

• The sentence is in the future tense as indicated by "I shall not be going".
• The correct form should use the simple present tense after "if" to indicate a future possibility.
• "If it snows" is the correct usage of the simple present tense to indicate a conditional future event.
• Other options do not correctly follow the grammatical rules for conditional sentences in English.

Therefore, the correct answer is if it snows.

Additional Information

• Option 1: if it may snow - The use of "may" is incorrect because it is not typically used in conditional sentences to indicate a future possibility.
• Option 2: if it snow - This is grammatically incorrect because "snow" should be in the third person singular form "snows".
• Option 4: if snowed - This is incorrect because "snowed" is the past tense form and does not fit the future conditional context.

The correct answer is 'Option 4' i.e. No fewer.

Key Points

• The phrase "No fewer" is used to emphasize that the number is large.
• "No fewer than" is often used in formal contexts to stress the quantity.
• The word "fewer" is used with countable nouns, such as passengers.
• In the context of the sentence, "No fewer than a hundred passengers" correctly emphasizes the large number of passengers killed.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Correct sentence: No fewer than a hundred passengers were killed in the recent train accident.

Additional Information

• Option 1: Less - "Less" is used with uncountable nouns. Since "passengers" is a countable noun, "less" is inappropriate here.
• Option 2: No less - "No less" is used with uncountable nouns and does not fit well with the countable noun "passengers".
• Option 3: Fewest - "Fewest" is a superlative form and does not fit the context of emphasizing a large number.

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

Key Points

• The subject "Each of these paintings" is singular, which means it requires a singular verb.
• Option 1 "are" is a plural verb and does not agree with the singular subject.
• Option 3 "be" is an incorrect form for this sentence structure.
• Option 4 "should" does not fit contextually as it changes the meaning of the sentence.
• Therefore, the correct verb form is "is" which is singular and agrees with the subject "Each of these paintings".

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Correct sentence: Each of these paintings is made by a famous painter.

Additional Information

• Option 1: "are" - This is a plural verb and is not suitable because the subject "Each of these paintings" is singular.
• Option 3: "be" - This form is incorrect for this sentence structure. "Be" is generally used in the subjunctive mood or infinitive form.
• Option 4: "should" - This word suggests a recommendation or obligation, which changes the intended meaning of the sentence.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. extremely.

Key Points

• The sentence aims to describe the population density of an area.
• The adjective "dense" is used to describe the noun "population".
• The appropriate adverb should intensify the adjective "dense".
• "Extremely" is the correct adverb that fits contextually and grammatically to emphasize the density of the population.

Therefore, the correct answer is extremely.

Additional Information

• Option 2: totally - This word means 'completely' but doesn't fit well with "dense population" in this context.
• Option 3: tangentially - This word means 'in a way that relates only slightly to a matter' and does not make sense in this context.
• Option 4: languidly - This word means 'slowly and in a relaxed manner' and is not appropriate to describe population density.

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

Key Points

• The sentence discusses the impact or influence of speech disorders on reading ability in young children.
• "Affected" is the past participle form of the verb "affect," which means to influence or impact.
• "Is affected" is the correct passive form used to indicate that reading ability is being influenced by speech disorders.
• The use of "is affected" properly aligns with the need to express how reading ability is influenced, fitting both grammatical and contextual needs.

Therefore, the correct answer is: is affected

Additional Information

• Option 1: effected Means "brought about" or "executed," which doesn’t fit the context of indicating influence.
• Option 2: affected While "affected" means influenced, it lacks the auxiliary verb "is" needed to complete the passive construction.
• Option 3: is effected means "is caused" or "is brought about," which again is incorrect in this context of showing an influence rather than a result.

The correct answer is 'Option 2' i.e. insurmountable.

Key Points

• The word "insurmountable" means something that is impossible to overcome, which fits the context of extreme difficulty in arranging funds.
• The other options (big, gigantic, large) do not convey the same level of difficulty as "insurmountable".
• Using "insurmountable" emphasizes the significant challenge faced in the situation.
• It accurately reflects the severity of the difficulty in the given context.

Therefore, the correct answer is insurmountable.

Additional Information

• Big: This word means large in size or extent but does not necessarily convey the idea of difficulty.
• Gigantic: This word means extremely large, which again refers to size rather than the level of difficulty.
• Large: Similar to "big," this word refers to size and does not capture the sense of an overwhelming challenge.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. visibly.

Key Points

• The sentence describes the condition of the school building.
• The word used to fill in the blank should appropriately describe the extent to which the building is dilapidated.
• "Visibly" means something that can be seen clearly, which fits the context of describing a dilapidated building.
• The other options do not fit well in the context of describing the dilapidation of the building.

Therefore, the correct answer is visibly.

Additional Information

• Little: This option does not fit the context as it means "small in size or amount," which does not convey the extent of dilapidation.
• Deeply: While it can mean "profoundly," it is not commonly used to describe something that can be seen visually as dilapidated.
• Satisfactorily: This word means "in a satisfactory manner," which is not suitable for describing a dilapidated building.

The correct answer is 'Option 2' i.e. scenic.

Key Points

• The blank in the sentence is followed by the word "beauty," which is a noun.
• Adjectives are used to describe nouns, and "scenic" is an adjective.
• The word "scenic" specifically means "having beautiful natural scenery," which fits the context of the sentence perfectly.
• Other options do not fit grammatically or contextually in the sentence.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Correct sentence: Ranikhet is a place of remarkably scenic beauty.

Additional Information

• Scenery: Refers to the natural features of a landscape, but it is a noun and does not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.
• Scene: Refers to a place where an event occurs or a part of a play or movie, but it is also a noun and does not fit the context.
• Scenically: An adverb that describes how something is done, but it is not appropriate for describing a noun.

The correct answer is 'evade'.

Key Points

• The word "evade" means to escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.
• In the context of the sentence, the criminal avoids being captured, making "evade" the most appropriate choice.
• The other options: "invade," "slip," and "run away" do not fit as precisely in terms of meaning.

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

Complete Sentence: The criminal on the run managed to evade capture by the police officer.

Additional Information

• Invade: means to enter a place, situation, or sphere of activity in large numbers, especially with intrusive effect.
• Slip: means to slide unintentionally for a short distance, typically losing one's balance.
• Run away: means to leave a place or person secretly and suddenly, suggesting more a sense of fleeing than avoiding capture cleverly.

The correct answer is 'Option 2' i.e. embarking.

Key Points

• The word "embarking" means to begin a journey or project, which fits the context of starting an ambitious project.
• "Sailing" typically refers to the act of traveling by boat, which doesn't fit the context of starting a new project.
• "Adventuring" suggests a sense of going on an adventure, but it is not typically used in the context of starting a structured project.
• "Concurring" means to agree or happen at the same time, which does not fit the context of beginning a project.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Correct sentence: I am embarking on the ambitious project of learning one new language every year.

Additional Information

• Sailing: Refers to the act of traveling by boat. It does not fit the context of starting a new project.
• Adventuring: Suggests going on an adventure, which implies a less structured and more spontaneous activity than starting a project.
• Concurring: Means to agree or to happen at the same time. It does not convey the sense of beginning something new.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Careful not to offend or upset others.

Key Points

• The phrase "Walking on eggshells" means being very careful not to offend or upset someone. (किसी को नाराज या परेशान न करने के लिए बहुत सावधान रहना)
• Example: Since the argument, I've been walking on eggshells around my boss.
• "Careful not to offend or upset others" means taking great care in one's actions and words to avoid causing offense or distress. (किसी को नाराज या परेशान न करने के लिए बहुत सावधानी बरतना)
• Example: He is always careful not to offend or upset others, especially during sensitive discussions.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Careful not to offend or upset others.

Additional Information

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

• Walking with great care (बहुत सावधानी से चलना): Moving with extreme caution.
• Example: He was walking with great care on the icy road to avoid slipping.
• Making a noisy entry (शोरगुल करते हुए प्रवेश करना): Entering a place with a lot of noise.
• Example: The children made a noisy entry into the classroom, disrupting the ongoing lesson.
• Undertaking an uncomfortable journey (असुविधाजनक यात्रा करना): Going on a journey that is not comfortable.
• Example: They were undertaking an uncomfortable journey through the desert.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. To make money for oneself by way of dishonest means.

Key Points

• The phrase "Feather your own nest" means to enrich oneself at the expense of others, typically in a dishonest or unethical manner. (अपने घोंसले को पंख देना)
• Example: The corrupt official was found to be feathering his own nest with public funds.
• Option 2: To make money for oneself by way of dishonest means accurately captures the essence of the idiom. (बेईमानी से अपने लिए पैसे बनाना)
• Example: He used his position to feather his own nest, taking bribes and kickbacks.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. To make money for oneself by way of dishonest means.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: To make one's lodgings comfortable (अपने आवास को आरामदायक बनाना)
• Example: She spent the weekend feathering her own nest with new furniture and decorations.
• Option 3: To look at something with a lot of pleasure (किसी चीज को बहुत आनंद के साथ देखना)
• Example: He feathered his own nest by admiring his art collection every evening.
• Option 4: To make something more important than it really is (किसी चीज को वास्तव में जितना महत्वपूर्ण है उससे अधिक महत्वपूर्ण बनाना)
• Example: She has a tendency to feather her own nest, making small achievements seem like major accomplishments.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Difficult to describe or classify.

Key Points

• The idiom "Neither fish nor fowl" means something that is difficult to describe or classify; it does not fit neatly into a specific category. (न तो मछली और न ही पक्षी)
• Example: The new gadget is neither fish nor fowl, as it is a mix of a phone and a tablet.
• "Difficult to describe or classify" refers to something that cannot be easily categorized or defined. (वर्णन या वर्गीकृत करने में कठिन)
• Example: The artwork was difficult to describe or classify, blending elements of both traditional and modern styles.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Difficult to describe or classify.

Additional Information

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

• Option 2: Neither this or that (न यह और न वह): Refers to something that does not belong to one category or another.
• Example: His opinion was neither this or that, making it hard to understand his stance.
• Option 3: Strict rules and regulations (कठोर नियम और विनियम): Refers to rigid guidelines and protocols.
• Example: The school is known for its strict rules and regulations.
• Option 4: Feel awkward because of unfamiliarity (अपरिचित होने के कारण अजीब महसूस करना): Refers to the feeling of discomfort due to not being familiar with something.
• Example: She felt awkward because of unfamiliarity with the new workplace.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. The obvious problem that is being avoided.

Key Points

• The idiom "Elephant in the room" refers to an obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but chooses to ignore. (कमरे में हाथी)
• Example: During the meeting, everyone avoided talking about the elephant in the room - the company's declining profits.
• Obvious problem that is being avoided means a glaring issue that people are unwilling to discuss. (स्पष्ट समस्या जिसे नजरअंदाज किया जा रहा है)
• Example: The tension between the two team members was the obvious problem that was being avoided in the discussion.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. The obvious problem that is being avoided.

Additional Information

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

• The important topic (महत्वपूर्ण विषय): A subject that holds significant importance.
• Example: Climate change is the important topic of our time.
• The unavoidable mind-set (अपरिहार्य मानसिकता): A way of thinking that cannot be avoided.
• Example: The unavoidable mind-set in the office was one of urgency and stress.
• The prized possession in the room (कमरे में कीमती सामान): An object of great value in the room.
• Example: The painting on the wall was the prized possession in the room.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. 'The opportunity has passed'.

Key Points

• The idiom "The ship has sailed" means that a particular opportunity is no longer available. (अवसर अब उपलब्ध नहीं है)
• Example: He waited too long to apply for the job, and now the ship has sailed.
• Opportunity has passed refers to a chance or possibility that is no longer available. (अवसर चला गया)
• Example: By the time he made up his mind, the opportunity had passed, and the position was filled.

Therefore, the correct answer is: The opportunity has passed.

Additional Information

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

• The matter is carried over (मामला आगे बढ़ा दिया गया): This means that the issue or matter is postponed or delayed.
• Example: Due to time constraints, the matter was carried over to the next meeting.
• The matter is decided (मामला तय हो गया): This means that a decision has been made regarding the issue.
• Example: After much discussion, the matter was finally decided.
• Seeking new opportunities (नए अवसरों की तलाश): This means actively looking for new chances or possibilities.
• Example: After leaving his job, he started seeking new opportunities in different fields.