English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2) i.e., RQPS.

Key Points

• "While plays with mythological content continued to be in vogue" (R) is the introductory phrase that sets the context.
• Following this, "One could not overlook the diminishing religiosity which" (Q) logically points out a noticeable observation during the time.
• "Was gradually engulfing the society with its concomitant" (P) describes the effect of the diminishing religiosity on society.
• "Implication for the stage from the third decade of the twentieth century**" (S)** places the entire statement in the specific historical context.

Therefore, the correct answer is: While plays with mythological content continued to be in vogue, one could not overlook the diminishing religiosity which was gradually engulfing the society with its concomitant implication for the stage from the third decade of the twentieth century.

Additional Information

• Option 1) PQRS: This sequence does not start with a suitable introductory phrase and disrupts the flow of the sentence.
• Option 3) QPSR: This arrangement places the actions and effects out of logical order, creating confusion and a disjointed structure.
• Option 4) QRPS: This sequence misplaces the time context at the end and does not make the sentence easy to comprehend.

The correct answer is "SQPR".

Key Points

• Segment S - This is the initial subject introduction. It sets the context by presenting capitalism as more than just an economic system.
• Segment Q - It follows the above point by further identifying capitalism as an independent ideology. The term "one that" indicates there is more to come, setting the stage for additional descriptive details.
• Segment P - A continuation of the details started in segment Q. It starts explaining the characteristics of the ideology (capitalism) such as defending private property and emphasizing competition.
• Segment R - A further continuation of the details from segment Q, this adds another feature of the ideology of capitalism suggesting prosperity results from self-interest.

Complete Sentence: "Capitalism, for instance, is sometimes treated not merely as an economic system but also as an ideology in its own right, specifically one that defends private property, emphasizes the virtues of competition, and suggests that general prosperity will result from the pursuit of self-interest."

The correct answer is "PRSQ".

Key Points

• Segment P - This is the main subject of the sentence, and it appropriately starts the sentence by indicating what we will be discussing, namely, the equality provisions in the Constitution.
• Segment R - This offers an elaboration or a specific viewpoint about the subject introduced in segment P. It communicates the idea that these provisions are more than just protective against discrimination.
• Segment S - This flows naturally as a continuation of segment R. It clarifies who the "neutrality" applies to, which is "all citizens," providing additional information about the context in which these equality provisions operate.
• Segment Q - This segment introduces another dimension of the equality provisions. Using the contrasting conjunctive "nor," it states another aspect of these provisions' reach and applicability, suggesting they extend beyond individual rights.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

Complete Sentence: "The equality provisions in the Constitution are not merely anti-discriminatory, based on the assumption of neutrality of the state towards all citizens, nor are they confined to individuals as bearers of rights."

The correct answer is "SQRP".

• Segment S - This serves as a proper opening statement, establishing the context by stating that the year was challenging for the university due to pandemic.
• Segment Q - Following segment S, this part shows a contrast by indicating how the university dealt with the given challenge. The use of "but" signals a change in direction from the initial challenge.
• Segment R - This continues from segment Q, introducing the solution that the university adopted to overcome the challenge. It transitions neatly into the final part of the sentence by stating that these were innovations, and their purpose was to ensure something, prompting segment P to clarify what was ensured.
• Segment P - This segment concludes the sentence by specifying what the innovations ensured, providing the intended message that despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, the university still managed to maintain a seamless learning-teaching process.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Rearranged sentence: "The pandemic year was a challenge for the university, but it took it in its stride, pulling through with enough innovations to ensure that the learning-teaching process continued seamlessly.

The correct answer is "QRSP".

Key Points

• Segment Q - This is the subject of the sentence and is the starting point of the chronological event described. It sets up the context about the Dramatic Performances Act's effect, which is ending something.
• Segment R - This segment logically follows Q. It completes the sentence started in segment Q by specifying what it was that ended, i.e., the "political activism". Further, it also adds informative details indicating the scarcity of political activism demonstrated.
• Segment S - This part gives us the setting where this event happened - the Bengali public theatre. The remaining part leads onto further information about what happened with some plays, setting the stage for segment P.
• Segment P - This concludes the sentence by explaining the situation of some plays even after the Act brought the end of direct political activism. The plays with even the slightest seditious intent were banned or 'proscribed'.

Therefore, the correct answer is "QRSP".

Rearranged sentence: "The Dramatic Performances Act effectively marked the end of direct political activism, what little had been demonstrated, in the Bengali public theatre, although some plays continued to be proscribed at the slightest hint of any seditious intent."

The correct answer is "QPSR".

Key Points

• Segment Q - This clause is clearly the start of the sentence. It announces that a problem is being addressed.
• Segment P - This segment logically follows Q and provides substance to the initial problem stated. It explains what this tendency is aimed at - moderation and compromise within multiparty systems.
• Segment S - This segment follows the phrase introduced in segment P ('multiparty'), and it provides further elaboration of the problem in these systems—namely, their domination by the political centre.
• Segment R - This final part completes the sentence by detailing the consequences of the central political domination in multiparty systems, which is an inability to offer clear alternative ideologies.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Rearranged Sentence: "A final problem is that the tendency towards moderation and compromise may mean that multiparty systems are so dominated by the political centre that they are unable to offer clear ideological alternatives."

The correct answer is "SQRP".

Key Points

• Segment S: This is the introductory statement setting the context about the favourable aspects of the criminal justice administration, particularly towards women.
• Segment Q: This extension from S clarifies what those favourable provisions are and states that they still rely on observations, indicating there is more to come about these observations.
• Segment R: This segment gives us the specifics on what these observations entail, i.e., the observation of the rules of procedure and evidence enacted by implementing agencies.
• Segment P: This statement refers to the point in time when these observations take place, offering a crucial detail about these observations - indicating they take place even after an offence has been committed.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Rearranged Sentence: "The criminal justice administration with all its favourable provisions for women still is dependent on the observations of the rules of procedure and evidence by the implementing agencies even after an offence has been committed."

The correct answer is "QRSP".

Key Points

• Segment Q: This starts the sentence by clearly identifying the primary subject, which is the theatre management. It describes their action of appreciation, setting a context for further elaboration of what exactly they appreciated.
• Segment R: This goes next, as it logically follows segment Q by specifying what the theatre management appreciated - the popularity of certain themes.
• Segment S: This is a continuation of the theatre management's actions started in segment Q. It signifies a focus on staging plays with something specific, leading nicely to segment P.
• Segment P: This part follows naturally from S and concludes the sentence by identifying what type of plays are being emphasized for staging - plays with similar contents, aiming to earn more revenues due to the assumed popularity of such contents.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

Rearranged Sentence: "The theatre management appreciated the popularity of such themes and emphasised staging plays with similar contents to earn more revenues."

The correct answer is "PRSQ".

Key Points

• Segment P: This sets up the subject of the sentence, which is 'The Supreme Court'. The phrase describes the supreme court in a very dignified way ('in its majesty') and it creates an expectation for further information on what the supreme court did.
• Segment R: This part uses 'and' to continue the description of the Supreme Court from segment P and introduces the action associated with the subject - the Supreme Court has expounded - indicating there's yet to be information on what exactly is being expounded.
• Segment S: This sets up for the final segment by indicating what was expounded: the semantic sweep. However, it leaves open what this sweep refers to, leading logically to the next piece - segment Q.
• Segment Q: This finishes the sentence by letting us know what the semantic sweep refers to - Article 21 dealing with the right to life.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

Rearranged sentence: "The Supreme Court in its majesty and magnanimity has expounded profoundly the semantic sweep of Article 21 which deals with the right to life."

The correct answer is "QSRP".

Key Points

• Segment Q: It serves as an introductory statement, highlighting a specific focus on the legitimacy of a political entity.
• Segment S: This part connects directly with segment Q to complete the sentence about legitimacy, and it introduces the other side of the issue – it provides little knowledge about certain circumstances.
• Segment R: This continues from S, adding detail to the "circumstances" mentioned earlier. It explains that these circumstances are situations where political authority is challenged.
• Segment P: This part completes the idea by specifying what may cause the political authority to be challenged - unpopular policies or a discredited leader or government.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

The correct answer is 'Completely different matter'.

 

Key Points

• 'Another kettle of fish' is an idiom used to describe a situation or matter that is entirely different from the previously mentioned one.
• It's usually applied in situations to highlight the difference in complexity, nature, or type.
• In the sentence, "I always preferred to study Physics and Mathematics, now choosing Economics and Literature for further studies is another kettle of fish", the speaker is expressing that the choice of studying Economics and Literature is entirely different from what they previously preferred, i.e., Physics and Mathematics.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Slightly different matter' doesn't capture the essence of the idiom, as it insinuates only a minor difference while the idiom indicates a completely different situation.
• 'Completely difficult matter' may not always be accurate, as the 'another kettle of fish' idiom doesn't necessarily communicate difficulty but rather distinctiveness.
• 'Doing things in a hurry' is not related to the context of the idiom, which focuses on the difference in matters, not the pace at which they are conducted.

The correct answer is 'Not taking a decision'.

 

Key Points

• 'Sitting on the fence' is an idiom that means not making a decision or choice among options or possibilities, essentially remaining neutral.
• It often implies an avoidance of commitment or a lack of decisiveness.
• The sentence "He criticised the participants for sitting on the fence and not contributing in finalising the report" tells us that the speaker was criticizing the participants for not deciding and thereby not contributing to finalizing the report.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Not following the rules' doesn't represent the correct interpretation of 'sitting on the fence', which pertains to indecision, not disobedience to rules.
• 'Taking sides' is more or less the opposite of 'sitting on the fence'. When one takes a side, they've made a decision and are no longer 'on the fence'.
• 'Showing no respect to the Chair' isn't aligned with the idiom as it suggests disrespect or non-compliance to authority, not indecisiveness.

The correct answer is 'Tried hard'.

 

Key Points

• The idiom used in this sentence is "strained every nerve".
• This idiom means to make a very great effort or to try very hard.
• It is used to convey the idea of applying oneself fully and concentrating hard on the task at hand.
• In this context, "He strained every nerve to understand the discourse on Philosophy" indicates he worked very hard to grasp or comprehend the philosophical discussion.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Criticized' suggests a negative reaction or disapproval to the given discourse, which does not match with the idiom's meaning.
• 'Tried half heartedly' implies a lack of full effort or enthusiasm, which is in contrast to the vigorous effort the idiom communicates.
• 'Raised questions' implies doubts or confusion about the discourse content, but the idiom is about exerting effort to understand, not necessarily about questioning or challenging the content. Hence, this option is also incorrect.

The correct answer is 'Confused'.

 

Key Points

• The idiom used in the sentence is "at sea".
• The phrase "at sea", used metaphorically, means to be confused, perplexed, or not sure what to do.
• This idiomatic expression originally comes from the literal meaning of a ship being at sea and unable to find its way, hence the metaphorical meaning of feeling lost or confused.
• In this sentence, "When it comes to using technology, she is completely at sea" conveys that she is utterly confused or unsure as to how to use technology.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Relaxed' suggests that the person is at ease with using technology, which contradicts the meaning of the idiom "at sea".
• 'Comfortable' implies that the person is very familiar with or adept with using technology, again conflicting with the actual meaning of being "at sea".
• 'Prepared' usually signifies that the person is ready or equipped to use technology, which doesn't reflect the idiom's context of confusion or uncertainty.

The correct answer is 'Ability to speak confidently'.

 

Key Points

• The idiom "gift of the gab" is used in the sentence.
• "Gift of the gab" refers to the natural talent or ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you.
• It implies an individual's ability to engage others in conversation, convince, or persuade them through articulation.
• In the sentence, "He is not a great scholar but he has the gift of the gab", it implies that despite not being academically outstanding, he excels at speaking confidently.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Ability to write creatively' implies an individual's writing skills, which doesn't capture the essence of 'gift of the gab' which is about speaking skills.
• 'Ability to read fluently' denotes competence in reading well, which isn't linked to the verbal communication talent which 'gift of the gab' refers.
• 'Ability to convince' is somewhat related, as someone with the gift of the gab may indeed be convincing. However, the key tenet of the idiom is fluent and confident speech, making 'Ability to speak confidently' a more precise definition.

The correct answer is 'Change of ownership'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase used in the sentence is "changed hands".
• The idiom "changed hands" primarily refers to the transfer of ownership or possession from one person to another.
• It is generally used in the context of buying, selling, or exchanging items, property, businesses, etc.
• In this sentence, "This car belonged to Ravi, but recently it changed hands" indicates that the car that once belonged to Ravi is now owned by someone else.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Change of driver' could be misinterpreted as the car continuing to be owned by the same person but simply driven by another, which does not convey the full meaning of the idiom.
• 'Change of mechanic' and 'Change of machinery' deal with alterations in mechanical possession or machinery equipped in the car, but neither appropriately expresses the shift in ownership implied by "changed hands".

The correct answer is 'Having multiple tasks to complete'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase used in the sentence is "irons in the fire".
• The idiom 'irons in the fire' refers to having several ongoing projects, tasks, or commitments concurrently.
• It is generally used in the context of juggling multiple tasks or responsibilities at once.
• In this sentence, "He turned down the new assignment; he felt that he already had too many irons in the fire" suggests that he declined the new task because he already had too many tasks or commitments to handle.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Having involvement in illegal activities' is incorrect because the idiom ‘irons in the fire’ does not suggest illegality.
• 'Having problems in completing tasks' is not entirely accurate, as the idiom does not necessarily imply difficulty or trouble in completion; rather, it indicates the volume or number of simultaneous tasks.
• 'Having financial hurdles' is not related with the phrase because it implies financial problems, which is not the context here.

The correct answer is 'Movement of professionals to another country for better prospect'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase "brain drain" is used in this context.
• 'Brain drain' refers to the departure or emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country to another, usually due to factors like better job opportunities, a higher salary, more advanced research facilities, or a higher standard of living.
• It usually involves scientists, doctors, engineers, other professionals with significant expertise and qualifications.
• So, the sentence "Something should be done to stop the brain drain of Indian scientists to other countries." means that some steps should be taken to prevent Indian scientists from moving to other countries for preferable conditions or opportunities.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Movement of professionals to another country for higher studies' is not fully accurate, as the term 'brain drain' applies to professionals who have already achieved a level of education and are moving primarily for improved job prospects or work conditions.
• 'Movement of professionals to another country for security' can be a potential cause for brain drain, but it is not the overwhelmingly common reason compared to the search for better career opportunities or improved living conditions.
• 'Movement of professionals to another country for excursion' suggests a temporal visit or short stay, which doesn't resonate with the core concept of 'brain drain' which implies a long-term or permanent move.

The correct answer is 'To be in good mental and physical state'.

 

Key Points

• "As right as rain" idiom means feeling perfectly well or in excellent health, both physically and mentally.
• It's often used to indicate that someone has recovered from an illness or is feeling well after a period of uncertainty or discomfort.
• In the given sentence, "I just need to take rest and then I'll be as right as rain" the speaker suggests that they will recover and feel better after taking some rest.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Additional Information

• 'To be physically active' is not a comprehensive interpretation of the phrase; it overlooks the mental well-being aspect which is encompassed in being "as right as rain".
• 'To be able to recall the past events' is not the correct interpretation as the phrase doesn't pertain to memory recall.
• 'To be able to work for long-hours' may be a result of feeling well or being "as right as rain" but the capacity to work long hours is not directly implied by the phrase itself.

The correct answer is 'Something which I don't understand'.

 

Key Points

• 'It’s all Greek to me' is an idiom that denotes something that's difficult to understand because it's complex or incomprehensible. It's like trying to understand a language you don't know, hence the reference to Greek.
• It expresses confusion or an inability to comprehend a certain piece of information, context, or conversation.
• The sentence "It is all Greek to me" suggests that the speaker finds something completely incomprehensible or difficult to understand.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

• The option 'Something which I don't believe' isn't suitable as the phrase doesn't pertain to belief or non-belief, but rather to the inability to understand.
• 'Something which I don't accept' is not the correct interpretation as the phrase doesn't relate to acceptance or non-acceptance.
• 'Something which I don't recognize' isn't correct as the phrase is about understanding, not recognition or familiarity.