PYST 12: IB Security Assistant (Executive) Official Paper - English Language (Held On: 29 Sept, 2025 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is: Option 4 (Bibliophile).

Key Points

• The word "linguist" refers to a person who is skilled in foreign languages or studies linguistics. (भाषाविद्)
• Example: She is a linguist fluent in seven languages.
• The word "lexicographer" refers to a person who compiles dictionaries. (शब्दकोश निर्माता)
• Example: The lexicographer spent years compiling the new edition of the dictionary.
• The word "bookworm" describes a person who loves reading books and spends a lot of time doing so. (पुस्तक प्रेमी)
• Example: She is such a bookworm that she finishes a novel every week.
• The word "bibliophile" refers to a person who collects or has a great love of books. (पुस्तक प्रेमी)
• Example: As a bibliophile, he has a vast collection of rare and antique books.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 (Bibliophile).

Additional Information

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

• Linguist (भाषाविद्): A person skilled in foreign languages or who studies linguistics.
• Example: He is a linguist who specializes in ancient languages.
• Lexicographer (शब्दकोश निर्माता): A person who writes or compiles dictionaries.
• Example: The lexicographer carefully reviewed the meanings of thousands of words.
• Bookworm (पुस्तक प्रेमी): A person who enjoys reading and spends a lot of time doing it.
• Example: My sister is such a bookworm that she spends all her free time in the library.

The correct answer is 'a; a'.

 

Key Points

• The article "a" is used before words starting with a consonant sound, such as "yellow."
• The article "a" is also used before "uniform" because "uniform" begins with a consonant sound (/juː/).
• Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect as the use of "an" before these words is grammatically incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "He bought a yellow shirt and a uniform for school."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "an; an" is incorrect because "yellow" and "uniform" do not start with a vowel sound.
• Option 2: "an; a" is incorrect because "yellow" does not start with a vowel sound.
• Option 3: "a; an" is incorrect because "uniform" does not start with a vowel sound.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e., complex.

Key Points

• The word "basic" means something that is fundamental, simple, or elementary. (मूलभूत)
• Example: Understanding basic math concepts is essential for solving complex problems.
• The word "complex" refers to something that is complicated, intricate, or not simple. (जटिल)
• Example: The problem was so complex that it took the team several weeks to find a solution.
• Hence, the antonym of 'basic' is 'complex'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Steady (स्थिर): Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaky or likely to fall.
• Example: She kept a steady pace throughout the marathon.
• Preliminary (प्रारंभिक): Something that comes before the main part or event; initial or introductory.
• Example: The preliminary results of the experiment are promising.
• Proper (उचित): Correct, appropriate, or suitable for a particular purpose or situation.
• Example: Please make sure to use the proper tools for this task.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The paragraph begins with Sentence A, which introduces Finland’s achievement and its deeply-rooted values that contribute to its happiness rankings.
• Sentence D follows as it provides the reaction of the Finnish people to the news of their happiness ranking, adding depth to their perspective:
• "Though the UN's 2025 World Happiness Report once again named them the happiest, Finns meet the news with a modest shrug and eye roll."
• Sentence B comes next as it highlights how Finnish travel operators embrace the title, linking happiness and well-being to Finland's identity:
• "However, Finnish travel operators are embracing the title as more people link Finland with genuine happiness and well-being."
• Sentence C concludes the paragraph, emphasizing the impact of Finland’s happiness rankings on travelers and their desire to experience the Finnish lifestyle:
• "Many travellers are now inspired to visit and experience the calm, grounded lifestyle that defines the Finnish version of happiness."
• The correct sequence is ADBC.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Finland has topped the World Happiness Rankings for the eighth year in a row, thanks to its deeply-rooted values of balance, nature and contentment. Though the UN's 2025 World Happiness Report once again named them the happiest, Finns meet the news with a modest shrug and eye roll. However, Finnish travel operators are embracing the title as more people link Finland with genuine happiness and well-being. Many travellers are now inspired to visit and experience the calm, grounded lifestyle that defines the Finnish version of happiness."

The correct answer is: Option 1 (Abnormal).

Key Points

• The word "peculiar" means something that is unusual or not typical. It refers to something strange or different from what is normal. (अजीब, असामान्य)
• Example: Her peculiar behavior at the party left everyone puzzled.
• "Abnormal" means something that deviates from the usual or standard, often referring to something unusual or out of place. (असामान्य)
• Example: The doctor was concerned about the abnormal growth in the X-ray scan.
• Hence, the synonym of 'peculiar' in the given sentence is 'abnormal'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 (Abnormal).

Additional Information

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

• Familiar (परिचित): Something that is well-known or easily recognized.
• Example: The familiar sound of the piano brought back memories of childhood.
• Typical (सामान्य): Representing what is usual or expected in a particular context.
• Example: It was a typical summer day with clear skies and warm temperatures.
• Standardised (मानकीकृत): Something that is made consistent or regular according to a particular standard.
• Example: The standardised tests are designed to evaluate students' performance uniformly.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Talkative people often lack substance.

Key Points

• The proverb "Empty vessels make the most noise" means that people who talk a lot or make the most noise often lack real depth or substance in their thoughts or actions. (खाली बर्तन सबसे ज्यादा शोर करते हैं।)
• Example: The person who keeps bragging about their achievements often turns out to be someone with little actual accomplishments.
• Talkative people often lack substance (बातूनी लोग अक्सर गहराई में कमी रखते हैं): This means that people who talk excessively or loudly are often those who do not have much meaningful or valuable to say.
• Example: He constantly interrupts others during meetings with loud opinions, but his ideas lack depth. This proves the saying that "empty vessels make the most noise."

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: Volume measures importance (आवाज़ से महत्व मापा जाता है): This implies that the louder someone is, the more important they are. However, this is incorrect as the proverb focuses on lack of depth, not importance.
• Example: Just because someone speaks loudly doesn't mean their point is valid.
• Option 3: Loud people are always wise (तेज आवाज़ वाले लोग हमेशा समझदार होते हैं): This is incorrect as being loud does not equate to wisdom. The proverb suggests the opposite—those who make the most noise often lack wisdom.
• Example: Wisdom is often found in the quietest of people, not the loudest.
• Option 4: Silence is strength (चुप्पी ताकत है): While this is a meaningful statement, it is not the correct interpretation of the given proverb.
• Example: Sometimes, remaining silent can be more powerful than shouting your opinions.

The correct answer is: Obsolete.

Key Points

• The word "Obsolete" means something that is no longer in use or outdated. (अप्रचलित)
• Example: The typewriter has become obsolete in the age of computers.
• "Redundant" refers to something that is unnecessary or superfluous. While it may share some similarities with "obsolete," it does not specifically mean something is out of use. (अनावश्यक)
• Example: The extra paragraph in the report was redundant and removed.
• Hence, the correct word that directly substitutes "a thing no longer in use" is "Obsolete."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Obsolete.

Additional Information

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

• Sick (बीमार): Refers to someone who is unwell or unhealthy.
• Example: She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
• Redundant (अनावश्यक): Refers to something that is unnecessary or superfluous.
• Example: The redundant data was removed from the database.
• Obnoxious (अप्रिय): Refers to something that is unpleasant or offensive.
• Example: His obnoxious behavior annoyed everyone at the party.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'Inadvertant'.

• The correct spelling would be 'Inadvertent'.
• The word 'Inadvertent' is an adjective which means 'not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning'. (अनवधानवश)
• For Example -
• He made an inadvertent error during the presentation.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'Inadvertant'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other marked words - 

• Incandescent - emitting light as a result of being heated (दीप्तिमान)
• Jeopardise - put someone or something into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure (जोखिम में डालना)
• Superfluous - unnecessary, especially through being more than enough (अनावश्यक)

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The word "novels'" is incorrectly used in the sentence.
• The correct form should be "novel's" as it indicates possession, meaning the structure of the novel.
• A singular noun like "novel" requires an apostrophe followed by "s" to show possession.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "Even though it was a new story, this novel's post-modern structure made it hard to comprehend."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "novels" – This is incorrect as it refers to a plural noun and does not indicate possession.
• Option 3: "novels's" – This is incorrect because it is grammatically incorrect to add an extra "s" after the apostrophe for plural nouns.
• Option 4: "novel'" – This is incorrect as it omits the "s" required to indicate possession for singular nouns.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The paragraph begins with a general statement about sports and how children and adults enjoy participating in them for fun and health benefits.
• Sentence Q is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of sports and its importance for enjoyment and health:
• "Many children and adults enjoy participating in various sports activities for fun and health benefits."
• Sentence P follows as it elaborates on how sports help improve physical fitness and strength:
• "Playing sports regularly helps improve physical fitness and strength."
• Sentence S is the third sentence because it highlights how playing sports promotes teamwork and teaches important life skills:
• "It also promotes teamwork and teaches important life skills like discipline."
• Sentence R is the final sentence as it mentions the mental benefits of sports, such as stress relief and relaxation:
• "In addition, playing sports can be a great way to relieve stress and relax."
• The correct sequence is QPSR.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many children and adults enjoy participating in various sports activities for fun and health benefits. Playing sports regularly helps improve physical fitness and strength. It also promotes teamwork and teaches important life skills like discipline. In addition, playing sports can be a great way to relieve stress and relax."

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence requires words that fit both the meaning and grammatical structure.
• The word "albeit" means "although" or "even though," which fits the first blank.
• The word "lest" means "for fear that" or "to prevent something," which fits the second blank.
• Options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect as the word combinations do not make sense in the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "The jury reached a unanimous verdict, albeit after prolonged deliberation, lest their hesitation be construed as uncertainty or bias."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "lest; insofar as" is incorrect because "insofar as" does not fit the context of the sentence.
• Option 2: "insomuch that; however" is incorrect because "insomuch that" and "however" do not make logical sense in the context.
• Option 4: "lest; albeit" is incorrect because the placement of the words does not align with the grammatical structure of the sentence.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The idiom "Speak of the devil" means when someone you are talking about suddenly appears. (जिसके बारे में बात हो रही हो, वह अचानक प्रकट हो जाए)
• Example: We were just talking about John, and speak of the devil, here he comes!

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 order the devil to perform a particular task (शैतान को किसी विशिष्ट कार्य करने के लिए आदेश देना): Incorrect interpretation of the idiom.
• Option 2 - To engage in Satanic rituals (शैतानी अनुष्ठानों में शामिल होना): This does not relate to the idiom's meaning.
• Option 3 - To send someone for a difficult task (किसी को कठिन कार्य करने के लिए भेजना): This option is unrelated to the idiom.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'Accomodation'.

• The correct spelling would be 'Accommodation'.
• The word 'Accommodation' is a noun which means 'a room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay'. (आवास)
• For Example -
• The hotel offers comfortable accommodations for all guests.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'Accomodation'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other marked words - 

• Fascinating - extremely interesting or charming (आकर्षक)
• Circumstance - a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action (परिस्थिति)
• Visibility - the state of being able to see or be seen (दृश्यता)

The correct answer is 'poses'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the serious threat posed by the decline of pollinator populations.
• The appropriate verb should indicate that the decline of pollinators presents a serious threat.
• "Poses" fits well as it correctly signifies presenting a threat, aligning with the context of a serious issue for global agriculture.
• Other options ("limits", "introduces", "emits") do not fit the context of presenting a serious threat.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Complete Passage: The decline of pollinator populations, especially bees, poses a serious threat to global agriculture. As key agents in crop fertilisation, their absence could jeopardize food security worldwide. Scientists have linked this phenomenon to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts to reverse the trend now focus on promoting bee-friendly practices, such as planting wildflowers and minimising pesticide use. If ignored, this issue may escalate into an ecological crisis.

 

Additional Information

• Poses (खड़ा करता है): "Poses" means to present or constitute (a problem, danger, or opportunity).
• Limits (सीमित करता है): "Limits" means to restrict or reduce, which does not fit well with presenting a threat.
• Introduces (परिचय कराता है): "Introduces" means to bring something into use or operation for the first time.
• Emits (उत्सर्जित करता है): "Emits" means to produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation), which does not fit the context of a threat.

The correct answer is 'jeopardise'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the potential consequences of the decline of pollinator populations.
• The appropriate verb should indicate that their absence puts food security at risk.
• "Jeopardise" fits well as it means to put something in danger or at risk, aligning with the context of food security being threatened.
• Other options ("determine", "enforce", "influence") do not convey the same level of threat or risk.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Complete Passage: The decline of pollinator populations, especially bees, poses a serious threat to global agriculture. As key agents in crop fertilisation, their absence could jeopardise food security worldwide. Scientists have linked this phenomenon to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts to reverse the trend now focus on promoting bee-friendly practices, such as planting wildflowers and minimising pesticide use. If ignored, this issue may escalate into an ecological crisis.

 

Additional Information

• Jeopardise (जोखिम में डालना): "Jeopardise" means to put someone or something into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure.
• Determine (निर्धारित करना): "Determine" means to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen.
• Enforce (लागू करना): "Enforce" means to make people obey a law, or to make a particular situation happen or be accepted.
• Influence (प्रभावित करना): "Influence" means to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

The correct answer is 'adopting'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the efforts to reverse the declining trend in pollinator populations by focusing on certain practices.
• The appropriate verb should indicate the implementation or acceptance of these practices.
• "Adopting" fits well as it means to take up, follow, or start using something, aligning with the context of embracing bee-friendly practices.
• Other options ("ignoring", "enforcing", "concealing") do not fit the positive action being described.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Passage: The decline of pollinator populations, especially bees, poses a serious threat to global agriculture. As key agents in crop fertilisation, their absence could jeopardise food security worldwide. Scientists have linked this phenomenon to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts to reverse the trend now focus on adopting bee-friendly practices, such as planting wildflowers and minimising pesticide use. If ignored, this issue may escalate into an ecological crisis.

 

Additional Information

• Adopting (अपनाना): "Adopting" means to take up, follow, or start to use or follow (an idea, method, or course of action).
• Ignoring (नज़रअंदाज़ करना): "Ignoring" means to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge.
• Enforcing (बलपूर्वक लागू करना): "Enforcing" means to compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation).
• Concealing (छिपाना): "Concealing" means to keep from sight or hide.

The correct answer is 'minimising'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses efforts to reverse the declining trend in pollinator populations by focusing on certain practices.
• The appropriate verb should indicate a decrease in pesticide use to aid pollinators.
• "Minimising" fits well as it means to reduce to the smallest possible amount, aligning with the context of decreasing pesticide use.
• Other options ("neutralising", "increasing", "promoting") do not fit as accurately with the idea of reducing pesticide use.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: The decline of pollinator populations, especially bees, poses a serious threat to global agriculture. As key agents in crop fertilisation, their absence could jeopardise food security worldwide. Scientists have linked this phenomenon to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts to reverse the trend now focus on adopting bee-friendly practices, such as planting wildflowers and minimising pesticide use. If ignored, this issue may escalate into an ecological crisis.

 

Additional Information

• Minimising (कम करना): It means to reduce to the smallest possible amount.
• Neutralising (निष्क्रिय करना): It means to make something ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect.
• Increasing (बढ़ाना): It means to become or make something greater in size, amount, or degree.
• Promoting (बढ़ावा देना): It means to support or actively encourage something.

The correct answer is 'snowball'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the potential worsening of the issue if it is not addressed.
• The appropriate verb should indicate the issue growing or escalating significantly over time.
• "Snowball" fits well as it means to increase rapidly in size, intensity, or importance, aligning with the context of an escalating ecological crisis.
• Other options ("transform", "settle", "dissolve") do not convey the same sense of rapid escalation or worsening of the issue.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: The decline of pollinator populations, especially bees, poses a serious threat to global agriculture. As key agents in crop fertilisation, their absence could jeopardise food security worldwide. Scientists have linked this phenomenon to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. Efforts to reverse the trend now focus on adopting bee-friendly practices, such as planting wildflowers and minimising pesticide use. If ignored, this issue may snowball into an ecological crisis.

 

Additional Information

• Snowball (बर्फ का गोला बनना): It means to increase in size, intensity, or importance at a rapid rate.
• Transform (परिवर्तित करना): It means to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of something.
• Settle (स्थिर करना): It means to resolve or reach an agreement about something.
• Dissolve (विघटित करना): It means to close down or dismiss, or to make or become liquid.

The correct answer is: Option 1) yet i.e. yet.

Key Points

• The word "yet" is used as a conjunction to show contrast between two statements, similar to "but" or "nevertheless." (फिर भी, बावजूद इसके)
• Example: The exam was difficult, yet she managed to score well.
• In the sentence, "The weather was freezing, ______ she went out without a coat," "yet" best fits the context, indicating an unexpected action despite the situation.

Therefore, the correct answer is- yet.

Additional Information

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

• But (लेकिन): Used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned.
• Example: She is very talented, but she is also very humble.
• And (और): Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences.
• Example: He bought bread and butter from the store.
• So (इसलिए): Used to show the effect, result, or consequence.
• Example: She was tired, so she went to bed early.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The sentence needs commas to separate the list of cities.
• In lists, commas are used to clarify each item. The correct format is "Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata."
• No punctuation is required before "last summer" in this context, as it follows the natural flow of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "I visited Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata last summer."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: The hyphen is incorrect and unnecessary here.
• Option 2: The comma after "visited" is misplaced.
• Option 3: The colon is not needed in this context and disrupts the flow.