English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'every'.

 

Key Points

• The determiner "every" is the most appropriate choice for expressing a universal statement with negation.
• The sentence uses "not" to negate a universal claim, and "every" is the standard determiner used in this construction.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are either grammatically awkward or change the intended meaning of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Not every metal is necessarily solid in its natural state."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "each" is grammatically awkward in this context; "not each" is not a standard English construction.
• Option 3: "all" requires the construction "not all of the" or "not all the" in standard English, making it less natural here.
• Option 4: "any" changes the meaning entirely; "not any metal" would mean "no metal is solid," which is too absolute and factually incorrect.

The correct answer is 'several'.

 

Key Points

• The word "several" is a determiner used to indicate an indefinite number that is more than two but not many.
• In the context of office or administrative communication, "several occasions" is a standard phrase used to show that a reminder has been sent multiple times.
• "Several" correctly modifies the plural countable noun "occasions."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The reminder has gone out on several occasions, requiring personnel to complete their personal files."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "further" usually refers to additional quantity or distance (e.g., further instructions), but "on further occasions" is less idiomatic here than "several."
• Option 3: "untold" refers to an amount too large to be counted or expressed; it is too hyperbolic for a formal office reminder.
• Option 4: "most" would require a definite article ("on most occasions") or would imply the majority of all possible occasions, which doesn't fit the context of a specific reminder being sent out.

The correct answer is 'with'.

 

Key Points

• The preposition "with" is used to indicate working alongside or in cooperation with someone.
• The sentence emphasizes teamwork and collaboration in the office, making "with" the most appropriate choice.
• Options 1, 2, and 4 do not fit the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "It is important for people to work with their co-workers in the office to ensure maximum productivity."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "for" is incorrect because it indicates benefit or purpose, which does not fit the context here.
• Option 2: "into" is incorrect because it indicates movement or transformation, which is not applicable.
• Option 4: "over" is incorrect because it implies superiority or position above, which does not align with the sentence.

The correct answer is 'whichever'.

 

Key Points

• The determiner "whichever" is used when a choice is being made from a limited or defined set of options.
• The phrase "from the collection available in the shop" indicates a specific, restricted group of shirts, making "whichever" the most precise choice.
• It functions here as a relative determiner, modifying the noun "shirt."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "You can choose whichever shirt you like from the collection available in the shop."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "whatever" is generally used for an unlimited range of choices. While common in casual speech, it is less formal than "whichever" when a specific collection is mentioned.
• Option 2: "whatsoever" is used for emphasis and usually appears in negative statements (e.g., "There is no choice whatsoever").
• Option 4: "which" is typically used to ask a question or would require a different structure, such as "which of the shirts."

The correct answer is 'both'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase "either or both" is a standard English idiom used to indicate a choice between one of two options or the two options together.
• In this context, "either" refers to one course, and "both" refers to taking the pair of courses together.
• Options 1, 2, and 3 do not grammatically complement "either or" in this specific sentence structure.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "Depending on your preference, you can choose to complete either or both courses being offered by the university."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "some" is incorrect because "either" specifically implies a choice between a limited set (usually two), making "some" illogical here.
• Option 2: "many" is incorrect because "either" cannot be paired with a plural quantifier like "many" in this correlative structure.
• Option 3: "any" is incorrect; while "any" refers to choice, the structure "either or any" is not a standard grammatical pairing for this context.

Solution:

The correct answer is 'Option (2)', i.e., 'Sentence 2 only'.

Key Points

• Dairy: A place where milk products are produced or sold (डेयरी).
• Example: They bought milk from the local dairy.
• Diary: A personal notebook used for recording events or thoughts (डायरी).
• Example: She wrote her thoughts in her diary.
• Dreary: Something dull, boring, or depressing (उदासीन).
• Example: The weather was dreary and cold.

The sentences provided:

1. She quietly stored all her sacred memories in her private dairy.
2. The proceedings of the meeting went on and on and were quite dreary.
3. They always bought their milk products from the local diary.

Analysis of sentences:

• Sentence 1: The word 'dairy' is incorrectly used instead of 'diary'.
• Sentence 2: The word 'dreary' is correctly used to describe the dull nature of the proceedings.
• Sentence 3: The word 'diary' is incorrectly used instead of 'dairy'.

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

The correct answer is 'Option (3)' i.e. '2 and 3 only'.

Key points

• Braid: To weave strands together (like hair or rope); not used to mean reshaping or consolidating a river.
• Example: She braided her hair into a single plait.
• Usage check (Sentence 1): Incorrect — “braid the river” is a misuse. Engineers may dam, channelize, or divert a river, but not “braid” it.
• Beard: Facial hair on the chin and cheeks; “sport a beard” is a standard collocation.
• Example: Many philosophers are depicted with a thick beard.
• Usage check (Sentence 2): Correct — “Wise men… often sport a beard.”
• Brood: For birds, to sit on eggs to incubate them; also used for some species where males incubate.
• Example: The penguin will brood the egg through the winter.
• Usage check (Sentence 3): Correct — “males are known to brood the eggs” fits avian behavior in certain species.

Therefore, the correct answer is — 'Option (3)' (2 and 3 only).

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. '1 and 2 only'.

Key Points

• Lesion: A wound or abnormal change in body tissue (घाव या असामान्य परिवर्तन)
• Example: The scan of the affected area indicated the presence of a life-threatening lesion.
• Legion: A large number or group (बड़ी संख्या या समूह)
• Example: He had a legion of followers who hung on to his every word.
• Lesson: To reduce (कम करना)
• Example: It is important to lessen the burden of others as we venture through life. (The word 'lesson' is incorrectly used here, correct usage would be 'lessen')

The correct answer is 'Option (4)' i.e. 'Under extreme circumstances, the government can deport someone from a country.'

Key Points

• Depose: To remove someone from a position of power or authority (गद्दी से हटाना)
• Example: The king was deposed during the revolution.
• Deplore: To express strong disapproval of something (खेद प्रकट करना)
• Example: He deplored the lack of action taken by the authorities.
• Deport: To expel someone from a country, typically for legal reasons (देश से निर्वासित करना)
• Example: The authorities decided to deport the illegal immigrants.

In the given

Statements:

1. The word 'Depose' has been used incorrectly in Sentence 1. The appropriate usage would involve removing someone from a position of power.
2. The word 'Deplore' has been used incorrectly in Sentence 2. It doesn't fit the context of "enthusiastically declaring." This is contradictory to the meaning of deplore.
3. The word 'Deport' has been used correctly in Sentence 3, as it is about expelling someone from a country.

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

The correct answer is 'Option (1)' i.e. '1, 2 and 3'.

Key Points

• Bate: To hold back or restrain (दबाकर रखना)
• Example: Those who had gathered for the unveiling were asked to bate their curiosity.
• Bait: Something offered to tempt or attract (प्रलोभन)
• Example: They set the bait to capture the leopard for tagging.
• Bade: Past tense of bid; to say goodbye or command (विदा कहना या आदेश देना)
• Example: He reluctantly bade goodbye to his belongings.

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

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. 'Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation'.

Key Points

• The idiom "Someone's ears are flapping" means trying very hard to listen to a conversation that is happening nearby, especially one that doesn't involve them. (किसी की बातें छिपकर सुनने के लिए उत्सुक होना)
• Example: I had to whisper when talking about the surprise party because I could see my little brother's ears flapping from the hallway.
• "Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation" refers to a person who is extremely eager and trying hard to secretly listen to what others are saying. (किसी की बातचीत छिपकर सुनने के लिए बेताब व्यक्ति)
• Example: He stood silently behind the door, like someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation between his parents.
• Hence, we can infer that the meaning of the idiom 'Someone's ears are flapping' is 'Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation.

Additional Information

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

• Someone in a state of intense agitation (अत्यधिक उग्र अवस्था में कोई): A person who is extremely disturbed, nervous, or upset.
• Example: After hearing the bad news, he was pacing the room like someone in a state of intense agitation.
• Someone in a state of heightened excitement (अत्यधिक उत्तेजना की स्थिति में कोई): A person who is feeling very enthusiastic and eager.
• Example: The children waiting for the roller coaster ride looked like someone in a state of heightened excitement.
• Someone embarrassed at being caught in the act of lying (झूठ बोलते पकड़े जाने पर शर्मिंदा व्यक्ति): A person feeling ashamed because their falsehood was discovered.
• Example: His red face and stammering made him look exactly like someone embarrassed at being caught in the act of lying.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The idiom "Twist of the knife" is used to describe actions or words that make someone feel worse when they are already in a bad situation. (किसी की मुश्किल स्थिति को और बदतर बनाना)
• Example: After losing the match, his rival taunted him about his poor performance, which was truly a twist of the knife.
• In this context, the idiom signifies intentionally adding to someone's distress or misery.
• Hence, the correct meaning is: To make someone who is already feeling bad, feel worse with one's words or actions. (किसी को और अधिक दुखी करना जो पहले से ही परेशान है।)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Slicing through the difficulties that one faces in life (जीवन की कठिनाइयों को काटना)
• Example: She approached her challenges with determination, slicing through the difficulties effortlessly.
• Option 2: To accept defeat in the face of an enemy (दुश्मन के सामने हार स्वीकार करना)
• Example: The soldiers refused to accept defeat in the face of their enemy.
• Option 3: The last thrust of a difficult operation (कठिन ऑपरेशन का आखिरी प्रयास)
• Example: After hours of deliberation, the team made the last thrust to complete the project successfully.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The idiom "Blow your own trumpet" means to boast excessively about one’s own achievements or abilities. (अपनी उपलब्धियों का अत्यधिक बखान करना)
• Example: He never misses a chance to blow his own trumpet about his success in the business world.
• Boastful, which aligns with the meaning of the idiom, refers to speaking with pride about one’s accomplishments or qualities, often excessively. (डींग मारना)
• Example: She kept boasting about how she managed the project single-handedly.
• Hence, the most appropriate meaning of "Blow your own trumpet" is "Excessively boastful of one's own achievements".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Be very loud in company (किसी समूह में बहुत तेज आवाज में बोलना): Refers to someone speaking or behaving in a loud and noticeable manner in a group setting.
• Example: He was so loud in company that others felt uncomfortable.
• All sound and fury, signifying nothing (सब दिखावा और शोर, लेकिन वास्तव में कुछ नहीं): Refers to loud and passionate actions or words that ultimately have no value or meaning.
• Example: His speech was all sound and fury, signifying nothing.
• Be scathing in one's criticism of others (दूसरों की आलोचना में कठोर होना): Refers to being severely critical or harsh when judging others.
• Example: The critic was scathing in his review of the new movie.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. "To annoy or irritate someone intensely".

Key Points

• The idiom "Get under someone's skin" means to annoy or irritate someone intensely, often by being overly persistent or intrusive. (किसी को परेशान करना)
• Example: Her constant nagging really got under my skin.
• This idiom can also imply causing someone to feel strong emotions, but its primary meaning revolves around irritation or annoyance. (परेशानी महसूस कराना)
• Example: His smug attitude gets under my skin every time we talk.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: To fall intensely in love with someone (किसी के साथ गहराई से प्यार करना): This refers to developing strong romantic feelings for someone.
• Example: He fell under her spell and got intensely in love with her.
• Option 2: To cause intense liking in someone (किसी में गहरी पसंद उत्पन्न करना): This means making someone like you a lot.
• Example: His sense of humor caused intense liking among his peers.
• Option 3: To understand someone completely (किसी को पूरी तरह समझना): This means to grasp someone's thoughts, feelings, or motivations fully.
• Example: Only his best friend truly got under his skin and understood him completely.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The idiom "Many hands make light work" means that when multiple people contribute to a task, it becomes easier and faster to complete. (जब कई लोग एक काम में योगदान देते हैं, तो वह काम आसान और जल्दी पूरा हो जाता है।)
• Example: Cleaning up after the party became much faster because everyone pitched in. Truly, many hands make light work.
• The correct explanation of this idiom is that teamwork or collective effort can significantly ease the burden of any task. (सामूहिक प्रयास किसी भी काम का बोझ कम कर सकता है।)
• Example: Organizing the event seemed impossible for one person, but with everyone helping, it was done in no time.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: "Many people working together can light a new path" (कई लोग मिलकर एक नया रास्ता दिखा सकते हैं।)
• Example: This option implies innovation or creating something new, which is not the meaning of the idiom.
• Option 3: "Many people working together can make work non-serious" (कई लोग मिलकर काम को गंभीर नहीं बना सकते।)
• Example: This option incorrectly suggests that teamwork makes tasks less serious, which is unrelated to the idiom's meaning.
• Option 4: "Workers light up the work they undertake" (कार्यकर्ता अपने कार्य को प्रकाशित करते हैं।)
• Example: This option conveys a metaphorical meaning of inspiration, which is not the essence of the idiom.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The proverb "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush" means that what we currently have is more valuable than what we might gain in the future, as the latter is uncertain. (जो हमारे पास है, वह अधिक मूल्यवान है क्योंकि भविष्य में मिलने वाली चीज़ अनिश्चित है।)
• Example: He decided not to leave his steady job for the risky new opportunity, as he believed that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
• In this context, the correct interpretation aligns with Option 2: "What we have is always more valuable than what we have a chance of getting." (जो हमारे पास है, वह अधिक मूल्यवान है, बजाय इसके कि हमें कुछ पाने का मौका मिले।)
• Example: Instead of gambling his savings for a big win, he chose to keep the money safe, realizing that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: What's hidden is always a matter of speculation (जो छिपा हुआ है वह हमेशा अटकलों का विषय होता है।)
• Example: The mystery behind his absence remained unsolved, as what's hidden is always a matter of speculation.
• Option 3: A gift is always better kept close to oneself (उपहार को हमेशा अपने पास रखना बेहतर होता है।)
• Example: She believed that a gift is always better kept close to oneself, so she decided to treasure her grandmother's ring forever.
• Option 4: What can happen is always better than what has happened (जो हो सकता है, वह हमेशा बेहतर होता है कि जो हो चुका है।)
• Example: He is optimistic and believes that what can happen is always better than what has already happened.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The idiom "Make heavy weather" means to unnecessarily create difficulty in dealing with a task or situation; it refers to exaggerating the effort required for something simple. (एक सरल कार्य को अनावश्यक रूप से कठिन बनाना)
• Example: He made heavy weather of assembling the furniture, even though the instructions were clear.
• The correct meaning of the idiom is "Unnecessarily create difficulty in dealing with a task". (काम को अनावश्यक रूप से कठिन बनाना)
• Example: The team made heavy weather of the project, which could have been completed in half the time.
• Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Cloud seeding (क्लाउड सीडिंग): The process of artificially modifying weather conditions to induce rainfall.
• Example: Scientists are studying the effects of cloud seeding to combat drought.
• Option 2: To pollute the air (हवा को प्रदूषित करना): Refers to contaminating the air with harmful substances.
• Example: Factories that do not use proper filters often pollute the air in surrounding areas.
• Option 3: To complain about wet and rainy conditions (गीले और बारिश के मौसम के बारे में शिकायत करना): Refers to expressing dissatisfaction with rainy or damp weather.
• Example: He always complains about wet and rainy conditions during the monsoon season.

The correct answer is: Option (3) Keep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten.

Key Points

• The idiom "Sweep under the carpet" means to conceal or ignore a problem instead of dealing with it, hoping it will be forgotten. (समस्या को छिपाना या अनदेखा करना)
• Example: The company tried to sweep the financial irregularities under the carpet instead of addressing them.
• Correct meaning: Keep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten. (समस्या को छिपाकर रखना ताकि लोग उसे भूल जाएं)
• Example: Instead of fixing the leaking roof, the landlord swept the issue under the carpet, hoping tenants wouldn’t notice.
• Hence, the correct answer is Option (3).

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option (3) Keep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten.

Additional Information

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

• Option (1) Maintain secrecy under any circumstance (किसी भी परिस्थिति में गोपनीयता बनाए रखना)
• Example: The spy maintained secrecy under any circumstance to protect national security.
• Option (2) Hide from general view (सामान्य दृष्टि से छिपाना)
• Example: He hid the old painting from general view in the attic.
• Option (4) Do a quick clean up job (जल्दी से सफाई करना)
• Example: Before the guests arrived, she did a quick clean up job of the living room.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The idiom "A purple patch" refers to a period of great success or good fortune. (एक शानदार सफलता या भाग्यशाली समय)
• Example: After struggling for years, the author finally hit a purple patch and wrote several bestsellers.
• Correct Explanation: A purple patch refers to a time when someone experiences a streak of success or good luck. (एक ऐसा समय जब किसी व्यक्ति को लगातार सफलता या भाग्य मिलता है।)
• Example: The cricket team is currently in a purple patch, winning all their recent matches with ease.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: A beautiful valley of flowers (फूलों की एक सुंदर घाटी): This refers to a scenic area filled with flowers, unrelated to the idiom.
• Example: The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a beautiful valley of flowers.
• Option 2: The final bloom of the season (मौसम का अंतिम फूल): This means the last flowers that bloom before the season ends, which is incorrect here.
• Example: The gardener was sad to see the final bloom of the season.
• Option 4: A bodily discolouration related to heredity (वंशानुगत शरीर का रंग बदलना): This refers to a medical condition or hereditary discolouration, which is unrelated to the idiom.
• Example: The doctor mentioned that the purple patch on her skin was hereditary.

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• The idiom "Put out to pasture" means to retire someone from their job or render them redundant, often due to old age or the perception that they are no longer useful. (सेवानिवृत्त करना या अप्रासंगिक बनाना)
• Example: After 30 years of dedicated service, Mr. Sharma was put out to pasture by the company.
• In contrast, the phrase "To retire or render redundant" aligns perfectly with the meaning of the idiom, as it implies ending someone's active role due to circumstances like aging or perceived lack of productivity. (सेवानिवृत्त करना या अप्रासंगिक ठहराना)
• Example: The old equipment was put out to pasture as new, advanced machinery took its place in the factory.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.

Additional Information

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

• Option 2: To feed someone (किसी को खाना खिलाना): It means to provide food to someone.
• Example: The mother bird feeds her chicks every morning.
• Option 3: To diminish importance (महत्व को कम करना): It refers to reducing the significance or value of something.
• Example: The new policy diminished the importance of small businesses in the economy.
• Option 4: To incubate (इन्क्यूबेट करना): It means to keep something in a controlled environment to develop, especially eggs or bacteria.
• Example: The scientist incubated the cells to study their growth patterns.