English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• Atttache (Attache)
• Explanation: Diplomatic support staff who assist in various capacities.
• Correct Match: 3. Diplomatic support staff
• Reason: An attache is typically a person who is assigned to the administrative staff of a higher-ranking officer or diplomat.
• Aperitif
• Explanation: A drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
• Correct Match: 4. A drink just before a meal
• Reason: An aperitif is traditionally consumed before a meal to enhance the dining experience.
• Avant-garde
• Explanation: New and experimental ideas, especially in the arts.
• Correct Match: 1. New and experimental
• Reason: The term "avant-garde" is used to describe innovative and pioneering concepts, particularly in the creative fields.
• Alibi
• Explanation: The proven fact of being elsewhere when a crime occurred.
• Correct Match: 2. Proven fact of being elsewhere
• Reason: An alibi is a claim or evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, took place.

So, the pairings are:

• A. Atttache - 3. Diplomatic support staff
• B. Aperitif - 4. A drink just before a meal
• C. Avant-garde - 1. New and experimental
• D. Alibi - 2. Proven fact of being elsewhere

Therefore, the correct answer is: A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• Sui generis
• Explanation: Nothing else like it
• Correct Match: 3. Nothing else like it
• Reason: "Sui generis" describes something unique or in a class by itself.
• Facta non verba
• Explanation: Deeds not words
• Correct Match: 4. Deeds not words
• Reason: "Facta non verba" emphasizes actions rather than words.
• Mutatis mutandis
• Explanation: Adjusting for differences
• Correct Match: 1. Remaining same despite changes
• Reason: "Mutatis mutandis" means making necessary alterations while keeping the main point intact.
• Non sequitur
• Explanation: Conclusion not drawn from stated logic
• Correct Match: 2. Conclusion not drawn from stated logic
• Reason: A "non sequitur" is an illogical conclusion that doesn't follow from the premises.

So, the pairings are:

• A. Sui generis - 3. Nothing else like it
• B. Facta non verba - 4. Deeds not words
• C. Mutatis mutandis - 1. Remaining same despite changes
• D. Non sequitur - 2. Conclusion not drawn from stated logic

Therefore, the correct answer is: A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• **Connoisseur(**विशेषज्ञ)
• Explanation: A connoisseur is an expert in matters of taste, such as food, art, or music.
• Correct Match: 4. Expert in matters of taste
• Reason: The term "connoisseur" directly relates to someone who has expert knowledge and keen discrimination in some field, especially the fine arts or matters of taste.
• **Cul-de-sac(**संकरी गली)
• Explanation: A cul-de-sac is a street or passage closed at one end.
• Correct Match: 3. Street with a closed end
• Reason: The term "cul-de-sac" is used to describe a road or passage that is closed at one end, making "street with a closed end" the accurate meaning.
• **Dossier(**दस्तावेज)
• Explanation: A dossier is a collection of documents about a particular person, event, or subject.
• Correct Match: 2. Collection of documents on someone or something
• Reason: The term "dossier" refers to a set of documents containing detailed information about a particular subject, making "collection of documents on someone or something" the correct match.
• **Debris(**मलबा)
• Explanation: Debris refers to the scattered remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up.
• Correct Match: 1. Scattered remains
• Reason: The word "debris" is used to describe the pieces that are left after something has been broken or destroyed, making "scattered remains" the precise translation and meaning.

So, the pairings are:

 

• A. Connoisseur - 4. Expert in matters of taste
• B. Cul-de-sac - 3. Street with a closed end
• C. Dossier - 2. Collection of documents on someone or something
• D. Debris - 1. Scattered remains

Therefore, the correct answer is: A-4 B-3 C-2 D-1

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Key Points

• **Deja vu (**प्रत्यभिज्ञान)
• Explanation: Deja vu is the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before.
• Correct Match: 2. Feeling of having experienced the present
• Reason: The term "Deja vu" directly relates to the feeling of familiarity with a current experience.
• **Faux pas (**अशिष्टाचार)
• Explanation: Faux pas is a social blunder or tactless act or remark.
• Correct Match: 3. Tactless remark or act
• Reason: "Faux pas" refers to an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.
• **En route (**मार्ग में)
• Explanation: En route means on the way or along the way.
• Correct Match: 4. During the course of a journey
• Reason: "En route" describes the process of traveling or being on the way to a destination.
• **Laissez-faire (**निरपेक्ष नीति)
• Explanation: Laissez-faire is a policy of minimal governmental interference in the economic affairs of individuals and society.
• Correct Match: 1. Policy of minimal governmental interference
• Reason: "Laissez-faire" refers to a hands-off approach, especially in economic matters, advocating for minimal government intervention.

So, the pairings are:

 

• A. Deja vu - 2. Feeling of having experienced the present
• B. Faux pas - 3. Tactless remark or act
• C. En route - 4. During the course of a journey
• D. Laissez-faire - 1. Policy of minimal governmental interference

Therefore, the correct answer is: A-2 B-3 C-4 D-1

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• Facade (मुखौटा)
• Explanation: The principal front of a building, that faces onto a street or open space.
• Correct Match: 1. Principal front of a building
• Reason: The word "facade" is used to describe the front face or exterior of a building, often elaborately designed.
• Liaison (सम्पर्क)
• Explanation: Communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations.
• Correct Match: 3. Diplomatic support staff
• Reason: Liaison often refers to individuals who act as intermediaries or facilitators, particularly in diplomatic contexts.
• Maisonette (छोटा मकान)
• Explanation: A set of rooms with a separate entrance, typically within a larger building.
• Correct Match: 4. Rooms with a separate entrance in a building
• Reason: A maisonette is often a self-contained living unit within a larger building, accessible through its own entrance.
• Beret (टोपी)
• Explanation: A round, flat, soft cap.
• Correct Match: 2. Round flattish cap
• Reason: A beret is a type of cap that is typically round and flat in design.

So, the pairings are:

 

• A. Facade - 1. Principal front of a building
• B. Liaison - 3. Diplomatic support staff
• C. Maisonette - 4. Rooms with a separate entrance in a building
• D. Beret - 2. Round flattish cap

Therefore, the correct answer is: A-1 B-3 C-4 D-2

The correct answer is: Self-confidence.

Key Points

• The word "aplomb" means self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. (आत्मविश्वास)
• Example: She handled the criticism with aplomb, never losing her composure.
• "Self-confidence" refers to a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment. (आत्मविश्वास)
• Example: His self-confidence was evident as he presented his ideas to the board.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Self-confidence.

Additional Information

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

• Pride (गौरव): A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements.
• Example: He felt a surge of pride when he saw his daughter graduate.
• Determination (दृढ़ संकल्प): Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
• Example: Her determination to succeed in her career is truly inspiring.
• Arrogance (घमंड): An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner.
• Example: His arrogance made him unpopular among his peers.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Punishment appropriate to wrong-doing.

Key Points

• The word "condign" means punishment that is considered to be deserved or appropriate to the wrong-doing. (उचित दंड)
• Example: The judge handed down a condign sentence to the corrupt official.
• "Punishment appropriate to wrong-doing" refers to a penalty that fits the crime committed; it is neither too lenient nor too harsh. (उचित दंड)
• Example: The thief received condign punishment for his repeated offenses.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Punishment appropriate to wrong-doing.

Additional Information

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

• Ingredients in culinary activities (खाना पकाने की गतिविधियों में सामग्री): Items or substances used in the preparation of food.
• Example: Fresh herbs and spices are essential ingredients in culinary activities.
• Confined to one place (एक स्थान तक सीमित): Restricted or limited to a specific location.
• Example: During the quarantine, everyone was confined to their homes.
• Formally arranged sit-down dinner (औपचारिक रूप से व्यवस्थित बैठने का खाना): A meal where guests are seated and served in a formal setting.
• Example: The charity event concluded with a formally arranged sit-down dinner.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Not wanting to or able to communicate.

Key Points

• The word "incommunicado" means not wanting to or being able to communicate with others. (संपर्क से बाहर)
• Example: After the argument, he went incommunicado and didn't answer any calls.
• "Not wanting to or able to communicate" refers to a state where a person is either unwilling or unable to communicate with others. (संपर्क नहीं करना चाहना या सक्षम न होना)
• Example: She was not wanting to or able to communicate after the tragic incident.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Not wanting to or able to communicate.

Additional Information

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

• Breakdown and isolation (विघटन और अलगाव): A situation where communication breaks down and leads to isolation.
• Example: The breakdown and isolation of the network left many users disconnected.
• Communication across semantic barriers (सार्थक बाधाओं के पार संचार): Refers to the process of communicating despite differences in meaning or understanding.
• Example: Effective communication across semantic barriers is crucial in a multicultural workplace.
• Unbridged destinations (अप्राप्त गंतव्य): Refers to locations or points that are not connected or accessible.
• Example: The unbridged destinations in the rural areas make transportation difficult.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Art and science of fine food and eating.

Key Points

• The word "Gastronomy" refers to the study of the relationship between culture and food. It involves understanding the art and science of cooking and eating fine food. (भोजन विज्ञान)
• Example: She studied gastronomy to become a world-renowned chef.
• "Gastronomy" is derived from Greek words and is a comprehensive term that covers the culinary arts, food science, and culture. (भोजन विज्ञान)
• Example: His passion for gastronomy led him to travel the world and explore different cuisines.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Art and science of fine food and eating.

Additional Information

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

• Study of cosmic gases or cosmic dust (ब्रह्मांडीय गैसों या ब्रह्मांडीय धूल का अध्ययन): This refers to the scientific study of gases and dust in outer space.
• Example: The astronomer focused on the study of cosmic gases to understand the formation of stars.
• Science of flatulence (गैस बनने का विज्ञान): This would involve the study of gas production in the digestive system.
• Example: The doctor explained the science of flatulence to help the patient understand his digestive issues.
• Study of the digestive system (पाचन तंत्र का अध्ययन): This refers to the branch of medicine dealing with the digestive system and its disorders.
• Example: He specialized in the study of the digestive system to become a gastroenterologist.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Resident outside country of citizenship.

Key Points

• The word "expatriate" refers to a person who lives outside their native country. (प्रवासी)
• Example: John has been an expatriate in Japan for over five years now.
• "Resident outside country of citizenship" means a person who is living in a country other than the one they are a citizen of. (नागरिकता के देश के बाहर निवासी)
• Example: Many expatriates find it challenging to adapt to a new culture.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Resident outside country of citizenship.

Additional Information

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

• To remove from a settled location (स्थापित स्थान से हटाना): To force someone to leave a place where they have been living.
• Example: The villagers were removed from their settled location due to the construction of a new dam.
• Out of court settlement (अदालत के बाहर समझौता): An agreement reached between parties without going to court.
• Example: They reached an out of court settlement to avoid a lengthy legal battle.
• To congregate outdoors (बाहर इकट्ठा होना): To gather together in an open-air space.
• Example: The community congregated outdoors for the annual fair.

Question: In the following items, certain words which have been borrowed into English from other languages have been given. Select the most appropriate meaning from the options provided and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The correct answer is 'Option 4' i.e. 'get back'.

Key Points

• The phrase "get back to form" is commonly used in sports and other contexts to mean returning to a previous level of performance or skill.
• In the given sentence, the context is about doing well in a tournament, which implies a need to return to a previous good form.
• Other options do not fit the context of returning to a previous good performance.
• "Get back" perfectly completes the sentence in a meaningful way.

Therefore, the correct answer is- get back

Additional Information

• Get on: This means to have a good relationship with someone or to make progress. It does not fit the context of returning to form.
• Get along: This means to have a harmonious or friendly relationship. It is not relevant to the context of improving in a tournament.
• Get done: This means to complete a task. It does not make sense in the context of returning to form.

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

Key Points

• The phrasal verb 'tripped over' means to stumble or fall because of hitting one's foot against something.
• The context of the sentence suggests that the person stumbled or fell while walking along the road.
• Other options such as 'tripped out,' 'tripped off,' and 'tripped in' do not fit the context of walking along the road.
• The phrasal verb 'tripped over' is the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank as it accurately describes an action that can occur while walking.

Therefore, the correct answer is- tripped over

Additional Information

• Tripped out: This phrase can mean to become very excited or hallucinate, especially due to drugs. It is not suitable for the context of walking along a road.
• Tripped off: This phrase is not commonly used in English and does not fit the context of the sentence.
• Tripped in: This phrase is also not commonly used and does not make sense in the context of walking along a road.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. 'pored over'.

Key Points

• The phrase "pored over" means to examine or read something very carefully, which fits the context of the sentence perfectly.
• In the given sentence, the team is described as having scrutinized the contract thoroughly before making a recommendation.
• The other options do not convey the same meaning of careful examination or scrutiny as "pored over".
• Using "pored over" correctly completes the sentence in a way that makes logical sense.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'pored over'.

Additional Information

• Ply over: This is not a standard phrasal verb in English. "Ply" usually means to work diligently, but it does not fit in this context.
• Poured over: This phrase is incorrect here. "Pour over" means to flow or cause to flow in a continuous stream, which does not fit the context of scrutinizing a document.
• Run over: This means to hit someone or something with a vehicle, or to quickly go through a document or list. It does not convey the same thorough examination as "pored over".

The correct answer is 'Option 3' i.e. carried on.

Key Points

• The sentence describes a crowd continuing its activities despite adverse conditions (pouring rain).
• The phrasal verb "carried on" means to continue an activity or task.
• The context of the sentence implies continuity of action, which aligns with the meaning of "carried on".
• Other options do not convey the correct sense of continuation in the given context.

Therefore, the correct answer is carried on.

Additional Information

• Played on: This phrasal verb can mean to continue playing, but it does not fit well in the context of the sentence which is about general merry-making, not specifically playing.
• Flowed on: This is not a standard phrasal verb and does not make sense in the context of the sentence.
• Carried out: This phrasal verb means to execute or perform an action, which does not fit the context of continuing an activity despite the rain.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. set upon.

Key Points

• The phrase "set upon" means to attack someone suddenly and violently.
• In the context of the sentence, the goons attacking the unsuspecting victims fits well with this meaning.
• Other options do not convey the same sense of sudden and violent action.
• The sentence structure and context indicate that a phrasal verb meaning "to attack" is appropriate here.

Therefore, the correct answer is - set upon.

Additional Information

• Set up: This means to establish something, such as a business or a structure. It does not fit the context of the sentence, which requires an action of attack.
• Set along: This is not a standard phrasal verb in English, and thus is not suitable for the context.
• Set down: This means to place something on a surface. It does not imply any form of attack or confrontation.

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. S1 is right and S2 is wrong.

Key Points

• The word "especially" means "particularly" or "notably."
• The word "specially" means "for a special purpose" or "specifically."
• In S1, "especially" correctly emphasizes the notable manner in which the pair dresses.
• In S2, the word "specially" is used incorrectly because it implies a specific purpose, whereas "especially" would be more appropriate to emphasize the frequency on board meeting days.

Therefore, the correct answer is: S1 is right and S2 is wrong.

Additional Information

• Option 2: S1 is wrong and S2 is right - Incorrect. S1 correctly uses "especially," while S2 should use "especially" instead of "specially."
• Option 3: Both S1 and S2 are wrong - Incorrect. S1 correctly uses "especially."
• Option 4: Both S1 and S2 are right - Incorrect. "Specially" in S2 is used incorrectly and should be "especially."

The correct answer is Option (3) i.e., "Both S1 and S2 are wrong."

Key Points

• S1: The matter was resolved amicably between the group even though there were so many of them.
• The word "between" is typically used when referring to two items or parties.
• Since "the group" implies more than two people, the correct word should be "among."
• Corrected sentence: "The matter was resolved amicably among the group even though there were so many of them."
• S2: Among them the two never have problems sharing what they have.
• The word "among" is incorrect as it refers to two people.
• Since the sentence refers to "the two", the correct word should be "between."
• Corrected sentence: "Between them the two never have problems sharing what they have."

Additional Information

• Between is used when referring to two entities.
• Among is used when referring to more than two entities.

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. Both S1 and S2 are right.

Key Points

• In S1, the use of the phrase "We shall have to present ourselves before the Dean and explain our behaviour" is correct as it accurately conveys the necessity to appear before the Dean and provide an explanation.
• In S2, the phrase "They will need to get their act together if they wish to win the contract" is correct. The idiom "get their act together" means to organize oneself or one's affairs effectively, which is contextually appropriate when discussing the requirements to win a contract.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Both S1 and S2 are right.

Additional Information

• Option 1: S1 is right and S2 is wrong - Incorrect. Both sentences are grammatically and contextually correct.
• Option 2: S1 is wrong and S2 is right - Incorrect. S1 is also correct.
• Option 3: Both S1 and S2 are wrong - Incorrect. Both sentences are correct.

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. S1 is wrong and S2 is right.

Key Points

• The word "since" is used to refer to a point in time in the past until now.
• In S1, "since" is incorrectly used because "a long time" is a duration, not a specific point in time.
• In S2, "since" correctly refers to a specific point in time in the past when the speaker last saw her.

Therefore, the correct answer is: S1 is wrong and S2 is right.

Additional Information

• Option 1: S1 is right and S2 is wrong - Incorrect. S1 incorrectly uses "since" with a duration instead of a point in time.
• Option 3: Both S1 and S2 are wrong - Incorrect. S2 correctly uses "since."
• Option 4: Both S1 and S2 are right - Incorrect. S1 incorrectly uses "since" with a duration instead of a point in time.

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. S1 is right and S2 is wrong.

Key Points

• The word "any" is used in negative sentences and questions to refer to an unspecified quantity or number.
• The word "some" is used in positive sentences to refer to an unspecified quantity or number.
• In S1, "any" is correctly used in a question to refer to an unspecified problem.
• In S2, the word "some" is incorrectly used in a question. The correct word should be "any."

Therefore, the correct answer is: S1 is right and S2 is wrong.

Additional Information

• Option 2: S1 is wrong and S2 is right - Incorrect. S1 correctly uses "any," while S2 wrongly uses "some."
• Option 3: Both S1 and S2 are wrong - Incorrect. S1 correctly uses "any."
• Option 4: Both S1 and S2 are right - Incorrect. "Some" in S2 is grammatically incorrect in a question.