English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '(c)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence expresses the benefit of reading newspaper regularly in relation to staying updated with current affairs.
• However, the phrase "to be update with current affairs" is grammatically incorrect.
• The error is in the preposition and the form of the word 'update'. It should be 'updated' not 'update'.
• The correct phrase should be "to be updated with current affairs". The form "updated" is the past participle of the verb "update," which is necessary in this context as we are talking about a state of being (being updated).

Therefore, the correct answer is ‘Option 3’.

Correct Sentence: You should read the newspaper regularly to be updated with current affairs.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "You should" is grammatically correct and fits well in this context because it gives advice to the reader about reading the newspaper.
• (b): "read the newspaper regularly" is also grammatically correct and meaningful. The adverb "regularly" correctly modifies the verb "read", indicating how often one should perform this action.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, there is an error in the sentence, as explained above. Thus, option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(d)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence describes the speaker's plan to visit their grandparents in the future.
• The sentence is structured in the passive voice, which is grammatically right in this case. The active form of the sentence would be "We will visit our grandparents this weekend."
• The verb tenses in context to the stated event are correctly used.
• The preposition "by" is used properly in presenting the object 'us' in the passive sentence structure.
• Consequently, there is no grammatical error found in this sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "Our grandparents" is a correct possessive noun phrase, and it serves well as a subject in the passive voice.
• (b): "will be visited" is the correct future passive form of the verb "visit."
• (c): "by us this weekend" is also grammatically correct. The preposition "by" is used correctly to indicate the doer in a passive sentence, and "this weekend" correctly indicates the time of the action.

The correct answer is '(a)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence implies that the task or process, presumably related to the fair distribution of quality education, is not yet complete.
• The phrase "the task is from done" contains an error in the preposition. The preposition 'from' should be replaced by 'far from'.
• The correct phrase should be "the task is far from done", which means the task is nowhere near completion.
• Therefore, 'far' is the correct preposition to use in this context, as it shows the extent to which the task is yet to be done.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Correct Sentence: However, the task is far from done, particularly in ensuring equity in the distribution of quality education.

 

Additional Information

• (b): "particularly in ensuring equity in" is grammatically correct. The word 'particularly' is used to stress that a specific thing is more relevant or important than others.
• (c): "the distribution of quality education" is also grammatically correct and semantically meaningful. It correctly portrays the idea of providing quality education to all equally.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(b)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence is suggesting that the university is adopting certain measures for the welfare of the students and staff.
• However, the phrase "is expunging revenue generation" is semantically incorrect in this context. The verb "expunge" means to remove or erase something completely, which is incorrect in this setting. The university would want to increase, not erase, revenue generation opportunities.
• "Is exploring revenue generation" should be the correct expression, suggesting that the university is examining or investigating various ways to generate revenue.
• Therefore, 'exploring' is the correct word to use in place of 'expunging', preserving the meaningful context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Correct Sentence: Looking ahead, the university is exploring revenue generation opportunities to add more facilities for students and staff.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "Looking ahead, the university" is both grammatically correct and contextually appropriate. It sets the future-looking tone of the sentence.
• (c): "opportunities to add more facilities for students and staff" is also grammatically correct. It correctly portrays how the university plans to use the revenue it generates.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(c)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence is providing information about a requirement for a job application.
• However, the phrase "must received by Friday" is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb 'must' requires an infinitive verb form for proper sentence construction.
• The correct phrase should be "must be received by Friday". The auxiliary verb 'be' is necessary in this context as we are talking about the obligation of completion of a passive action (the receiving of the application by Friday).
• Therefore, 'be' is the correct word to insert here to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Correct Sentence: If you are interested in applying for the job, your application must be received by Friday.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "If you are interested in" is grammatically correct. It correctly introduces the condition under which the following advice is applicable.
• (b): "applying for the job, your application" is also grammatically correct. The phrase correctly identifies what exactly the interested party should send.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(d)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence discusses the major threat of climate change, particularly its impacts on food systems and the livelihoods of poor farmers.
• The phrase "Perhaps the biggest threat today" correctly introduces the subject and is grammatically accurate.
• The phrase "is the impact of climate change on food" is also grammatically correct.
• The phrase "systems and livelihoods of poor farmers" accurately describes the areas that climate change impacts.
• Thus, there is no grammatical error found in this sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "Perhaps the biggest threat today" is grammatically correct and appropriate in this context, as it offers an opinion about a pressing contemporary issue, which is climate change.
• (b): "is the impact of climate change on food" is also grammatically correct. It rightly points to one of the consequences of climate change, i.e., it's impact on food.
• (c): "systems and livelihoods of poor farmers" is grammatically correct as well. It further describes areas that suffer due to climate change, thus making the statement more precise and informative.

The correct answer is '(c)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence commends India's ability to demonstrate resilience and achieve significant recovery amid a volatile global environment.
• The phrase "demonstrated admirable resilence" has a spelling error. The word 'resilence' is supposed to be 'resilience'.
• Therefore, the corrected phrase should be "demonstrated admirable resilience".

Thus, the correct answer is- 'Option 3'.

Correct Sentence: In such a volatile global environment, it is heartening that India demonstrated admirable resilience and achieved robust recovery.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "In such a volatile global environment" is grammatically correct. It sets the context for the statement, appropriately describing the global situation.
• (b): "it is heartening that India" is also grammatically correct. The word 'heartening' correctly expresses the positive sentiment towards India's actions.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(b)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence conveys the task of drafting an email to a friend to apologize for not being able to attend his birthday party.
• The phrase "expressing you regret" is grammatically incorrect.
• The possessive adjective 'your' should be used instead of 'you' before the noun 'regret'.
• Therefore, the corrected phrase should be "expressing your regret".

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Correct Sentence: Write an email to your friend expressing your regret for not being able to attend his birthday party.

 

Additional Information

• (a): "Write an email to your friend" is grammatically correct and serves as a proper prompt for the action required.
• (c): "to attend his birthday party" is also grammatically correct and completes the context of the instruction successfully by providing the event for which the regret is being expressed.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is '(a)'.

 

Key Points

• The error in question is present in part (a) of the sentence.
• The misuse of the verb "appear" in the context confuses the meaning of the sentence. The verb 'appear' means to come into sight, to seem, which doesn't fit well here.
• Instead, it should be 'Migrating elephant herds like'. This sentence structure implies that the migrating elephant herds have a preference.
• The correct aspect of the sentence should be: "Migrating elephant herds like West Bengal so much..."

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Correct Sentence: Migrating elephant herds like West Bengal so much that they spend more time here than in the neighbouring states from where they cross over.

 

Additional Information

• There's no grammatical or contextual error in part (b) of the sentence. It correctly conveys the point that the elephants spend more time in West Bengal.
• Part (c) of the sentence is also grammatically correct, detailing the elephants' migratory passage from the neighbouring states to West Bengal.
• As a result, options (2) (b), (3) (c), and (4) (d) represent incorrect choices, because the error is in part (a), and not in parts (b), (c), nor is there no error at all.

The correct answer is '(a)'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence states that letters written by the speaker's mother to their father thirty years ago are neatly placed under a pile of clothes in the cupboard.
• The phrase "Trucked neatly under the pile of clothes" is incorrect. The correct verb should be 'tucked', not 'trucked'. 'Tucked' means to put or fit in snugly or securely.
• Therefore, the corrected phrase should be "Tucked neatly under the pile of clothes".

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Correct Sentence: Tucked neatly under the pile of clothes in the cupboard are the letters written by my mother to my father thirty years ago.

 

Additional Information

• (b): "in the cupboard are the letters written" is grammatically correct. The phrase correctly identifies where the letters are stored.
• (c): "by my mother to my father thirty years ago" is also grammatically correct. It gives the reader precise information on the content and the age of the letters.
• (d): This option suggests that there is no error in the sentence. However, as demonstrated above, there is an error in the sentence, so option (d) is not correct.

The correct answer is 'Ideal'.

 

Key Points

• The word 'utopian' pertains to an imagined place or state of things where everything is perfect. (आदर्श)
• Example: His ideas about the future society are utopian, bearing no resemblance to reality.
• The word 'Ideal' is the best or most suitable example of something. (आदर्श)
• Example: The school promotes an ideal image of a student who is both academically adept and socially responsible.
• Hence, the correct synonym for 'utopian' is 'Ideal'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Realistic' refers to the acceptance of situations as they are in reality. (यथार्थवादी)
• Example: His plans for the business are realistic, taking into account various constraints.
• 'Practicable' suggests that something is achievable or feasible. (सम्पादनीय)
• Example: The ideas proposed in the meeting are practicable and can be implemented immediately.
• 'Materialistic' is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. (भौतिकवादी)
• Example: The extravagant lifestyle of modern society represents a materialistic approach."

The correct answer is 'Ineffectual'.

 

Key Points

• The word 'nugatory' refers to having no value, importance, or effect; worthless or futile. (निष्फल)
• Example: His attempts to solve the issue were nugatory without the required resources.
• The word 'Ineffectual' means not producing any significant or desired result. (निष्फल)
• Example: Her efforts to convince her parents were ineffectual.
• Hence, the correct synonym for 'nugatory' is 'Ineffectual'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Explicit' refers to something clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression. (स्पष्ट)
• Example: The instructions were explicit, leaving no room for confusion."
• 'Implicit' suggests something that is implied, rather than directly expressed. (निहित)
• Example: There was an implicit agreement between the two parties."
• 'Composite' means made up of various parts or elements. (संयुक्त)
• Example: The team is a composite of professionals from different disciplines."

The correct answer is 'Shivered'.

 

Key Points

• The word 'convulsed' refers to suffering violent involuntary contractions of the muscles, producing contortion of the body or limbs. (ऐंठना)
• Example: The girl convulsed in pain when she accidentally hit her foot against the table.
• The word 'Shivered' refers to shaking slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited. (कांपना)
• Example: He shivered in the cold winter night without any warm clothes.
• Hence, the correct synonym for 'convulsed' is 'Shivered'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Crouched' refers to adopting a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down. (झुकना)
• Example: The cat crouched, ready to pounce on the mouse.
• 'Shouted' suggests saying something very loudly. (चिल्लाना)
• Example: He shouted to get everyone's attention in the crowded market.
• 'Cried' means to shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow. (रोना)
• Example: The baby cried due to hunger.

The correct answer is 'Contented'.

 

Key Points

• The word 'complacent' refers to being uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements. (आत्मसंतुष्ट)
• Example: Despite his success, he's not complacent about his future; he continues to strive for more.
• The word 'Contented' means feeling or expressing happiness or satisfaction. (संतुष्ट)
• Example: She looked around the room with a contented smile, happy with the decoration.
• Hence, the correct synonym for 'complacent' is 'Contented'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Additional Information

• 'Discontented' refers to being dissatisfied, especially with one's circumstances. (असंतुष्ट)
• Example: The workers were discontented with the low wages.
• 'Ignorant' suggests lacking knowledge or awareness in general. (अज्ञानी)
• Example: People are often ignorant about the customs and traditions of other cultures.
• 'Unsure' means lacking confidence in one's abilities or ideas. (अनिश्चित)
• Example: He was unsure about his decision to switch jobs.

The correct answer is 'inadequate'.

Key Points

• The word 'derisory' refers to something that is so small or unimportant that it is not worth considering; it can also mean mockingly contemptuous or ridiculous. In Hindi, it translates to 'uphaas ka vishay' (उपहास का विषय) or 'avmanjanak' (अवमानजनक).
• Example: The compensation offered by the company for the damage was derisory.
• The word 'inadequate,' means insufficient for a specific requirement; not enough. Its Hindi meaning is 'aparyapt' (अपर्याप्त).
• Example: The resources provided for the project were inadequate, causing delays in its completion.

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

Additional Information

• 'Partial' refers to liking or supporting something more than something else; not fair or impartial. In Hindi, it translates to 'pakshapat' (पक्षपात).
• 'Full' refers to having all the necessary or appropriate parts, qualities, or specified characteristics. In Hindi, it translates to 'poorn' (पूर्ण).
• 'Derogatory' means expressing a low opinion of someone or something; showing a lack of respect. In Hindi, it translates to 'apmaanjanak' (अपमानजनक).

The correct answer is 'mitigated'.

Key Points

• The word 'defused' means to make a dangerous or tense situation calmer. In Hindi, it translates to 'sankat se nikalna' (संकट से निकलना).
• Example: The quick thinking of the mediator defused the escalating argument between the parties.
• The word 'mitigated', implies to make something less severe, serious, or painful. Its Hindi meaning is 'kam karna' or 'ghatana' (कम करना / घटाना).
• Example: Government initiatives are expected to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Additional Information

• 'Mediated' means intervening between parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise. In Hindi, it translates to 'bichbhaav karna' (बीचभाव करना).
• 'Activated' refers to causing a system or device to start functioning. In Hindi, it translates to 'sakriya karna' (सक्रिय करना).
• 'Narrated' refers to giving a spoken or written account of connected events. It translates into Hindi as 'katha sunana' (कथा सुनाना).

The correct answer is 'faced many problems'.

Key Points

• The word 'floundered' means to be in serious difficulty, struggle mentally or physically, or to move clumsily or ineffectively. In Hindi, it translates to 'sankat mein hona' or 'pareshani mein hona' (संकट में होना / परेशानी में होना).
• Example: The young swimmer floundered in the deep water as he was not accustomed to the depth.
• The phrase 'faced many problems',implies encountering multiple difficulties or challenges. Its Hindi meaning is 'kai samasyaon ka samna karna' (कई समस्याओं का सामना करना).
• Example: Due to the unexpected situation, the team faced many problems in completing the project.

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

Additional Information

• 'Glided through' means to move smoothly and continuously along. In Hindi, it translates to 'asani se guzarna' (आसानी से गुजरना).
• 'Floated through' signifies to pass through easily and lightly, sometimes without much notice or effort. Its Hindi counterpart is 'asani se aage badhna' (आसानी से आगे बढ़ना).
• 'Succeeded' denotes achieving the desired aim or result. In Hindi, it translates to 'safalta paana' (सफलता पाना).

The correct answer is 'concision'.

Key Points

• The word 'brevity' means concise and exact use of words in writing or speech. It's a quality which is associated with expressing something in a quick and clear way without any unnecessary details. In Hindi, brevity translates to 'sanchipthta' (संचिप्तता).
• Example: The professor appreciated the student's brevity, as he explained the complex process in one sentence.
• The word 'concision', means the quality of being short and clear, and expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words. Its Hindi meaning is also 'sanchipthta' (संचिप्तता).
• Example: The concision of her speech impressed the audience, as she effectively communicated her ideas without dragging them out.

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

Additional Information

• 'Lengthiness' refers to something that is unusually long in a way that is unnecessary, often causing impatience or annoyance. In Hindi, lengthiness translates to 'lambapan' (लम्बापन).
• 'Permanence' refers to the state of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely. In Hindi, it translates to 'sthaayitva' (स्थायित्व).
• 'Exemplary' refers to being so good that it could be used as an example worth imitating. In Hindi, it translates to 'adarsh' (आदर्श).

The correct answer is 'dull'.

Key Points

• The word 'obtuse' refers to someone being slow to understand or lacking in quickness of sensibility or intellect. In Hindi, it translates to 'manda' (मंद).
• Example: Despite the clear explanation, he was too obtuse to grasp the concept.
• The word 'dull' is used to denote someone who is not sharp, intense, or exciting; it can also refer to a slow-minded or stupid individual. Its Hindi meaning is 'nirjeev' or 'manda' (निर्जीव / मंद).
• Example: He is a dull student and often struggles to keep up with the class.

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

Additional Information

• 'Sensitive' refers to someone capable of perceiving or feeling things easily or being easily hurt or offended. In Hindi, it translates to 'sensitive' or 'samvedansheel' (संवेदनशील).
• 'Careful' means being cautious or vigilant to avoid potential danger or accidents. In Hindi, it translates to 'sambhal kar' or 'savdhani se' (संभाल कर / सावधानी से).
• 'Quick-witted' describes a person who is able to think and respond quickly and effectively. Its Hindi counterpart is 'tez dimag wala' (तेज दिमाग़ वाला).

The correct answer is 'emerged'.

Key Points

• The word 'transpired' refers to something that happened or took place. (घटित हुआ).
• Example: What transpired between them was left a mystery, and we could only guess about their conversation.
• The word 'emerged' is used to denote something coming out, becoming apparent or to become known. (उभर कर आना / सामने आना).
• Example: Details about the mysterious incident emerged only after a lengthy investigation.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Additional Information

• 'Exchanged' refers to giving something and receiving something of the same kind in return. (आदला-बदली).
• 'Was spoken' indicates that words or phrases were uttered or used by someone in speech. (बोलना).
• 'Merged' implies combining or uniting to form a single entity. (मिलाना / संयुक्त करना).