Official Paper

PYST 13: IB Security Assistant (Executive) Official Paper - English Language (Held On: 30 Sept, 2025 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)

20 questions · 8 minutes · with answers · free

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Test (20 questions)

1

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

Someone who studies ancient artefacts and cultures

  1. ((a))

    Anthropologist

  2. ((b))

    Historian

  3. ((c))

    Ecologist

  4. ((d))

    Archaeologist

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

Archaeologist

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Archaeologist.

Key Points

  • The word "Archaeologist" refers to someone who studies ancient artefacts, ruins, and cultures to understand human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis. (पुरातत्वविद्)
  • Example: The archaeologist uncovered ancient pottery and tools during the excavation.
  • An archaeologist plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting historical evidence from ancient times.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

  • Anthropologist (मानवशास्त्री): A person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development.
  • Example: The anthropologist conducted fieldwork to study tribal customs.
  • Historian (इतिहासकार): A person who studies and writes about the past.
  • Example: The historian wrote a detailed book on the history of the Mughal Empire.
  • Ecologist (पर्यावरण विज्ञानी): A scientist who studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
  • Example: The ecologist studied the impact of deforestation on local wildlife.
2

Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.

P: This process of production has been continuing for ages.
Q: Remember that the nation lives in the cottage.
R: They are producing the entire wealth of the land without a word of complaint.
S: The peasants, shoemakers, sweepers and other such classes of India have a much greater capacity for work and self-reliance than us.

  1. ((a))

    QSRP

  2. ((b))

    SRPQ

  3. ((c))

    RSPQ

  4. ((d))

    RQSP

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

SRPQ

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • The paragraph is about the contribution of India's working-class communities and their role in the nation's wealth and self-reliance.
  • Sentence S is the first sentence as it introduces the hardworking nature of India's working classes:
  • "The peasants, shoemakers, sweepers and other such classes of India have a much greater capacity for work and self-reliance than us."
  • Sentence R follows as it elaborates on their contributions without complaint:
  • "They are producing the entire wealth of the land without a word of complaint."
  • Sentence P comes next as it describes the historical continuity of their efforts:
  • "This process of production has been continuing for ages."
  • Sentence Q concludes as it emphasizes the importance of these workers in the nation's life:
  • "Remember that the nation lives in the cottage."
  • The correct sequence is SRPQ.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The peasants, shoemakers, sweepers and other such classes of India have a much greater capacity for work and self-reliance than us. They are producing the entire wealth of the land without a word of complaint. This process of production has been continuing for ages. Remember that the nation lives in the cottage."

3

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The teacher handed a certificate to ______ student for their hard work.

  1. ((a))

    some

  2. ((b))

    each

  3. ((c))

    all

  4. ((d))

    every

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

each

The correct answer is 'each'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "each" is used when referring to individual members of a group separately.
  • In the sentence, the teacher handed a certificate to every individual student, emphasizing that the action was done for each student separately.
  • Options 1, 3, and 4 do not fit the context, as they either do not emphasize individual recognition or are grammatically incorrect here.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The teacher handed a certificate to each student for their hard work."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "some" is incorrect because it does not convey the idea of individual certificates being handed out to every student.
  • Option 3: "all" is incorrect because it refers to the group as a whole, not individually.
  • Option 4: "every" is incorrect in this context because "every" cannot directly follow the preposition "to" in this sentence structure.
4

Identify the INCORRECTLY spelt word in the given sentence and select the option that rectifies it.

The author was known for his acerbic witt.

  1. ((a))

    author

  2. ((b))

    known

  3. ((c))

    acerbic

  4. ((d))

    witt

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

witt

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'witt'.

  • The correct spelling would be 'wit'.
  • The word 'wit' is a noun which means 'the ability to use words or ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor'. (विनोदपूर्ण बुद्धि)
  • For Example -
  • He is known for his sharp wit during conversations.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'witt'.

Additional Information

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

  • Author - a writer of a book, article, or document (लेखक)
  • Known - past participle of know, being recognized or familiar (ज्ञात)
  • Acerbic - having a sharp and forthright style or tone (तीखा)
5

Select the most appropriate article to fill in the blank. If no article is needed, select 'No article required'.

The new law represents ______ significant change in how environmental regulations are enforced.

  1. ((a))

    a

  2. ((b))

    the

  3. ((c))

    No article required

  4. ((d))

    an

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

a

The correct answer is 'a'.

 

Key Points

  • The article "a" is used before singular, countable nouns that begin with a consonant sound.
  • In the sentence, "significant change" is a singular countable noun phrase that begins with a consonant sound, so "a" is the correct article.
  • Option 2 (the) is incorrect because "the" is used for specific or previously mentioned nouns, which is not the case here.
  • Option 3 (No article required) is incorrect because a singular countable noun requires an article.
  • Option 4 (an) is incorrect because "an" is used before vowel sounds, and "significant" begins with a consonant sound.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "The new law represents a significant change in how environmental regulations are enforced."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "the" is incorrect because it is used for specific nouns, and "significant change" is not specific in this context.
  • Option 3: "No article required" is incorrect because singular countable nouns like "significant change" require an article.
  • Option 4: "an" is incorrect because "an" is used before words beginning with vowel sounds, and "significant" starts with a consonant sound.
6

Select the most appropriate verb form to fill in the blank.

We ______ the Pisa Tower, and the tourists were taking pictures all around us.

  1. ((a))

    would visit

  2. ((b))

    are visiting

  3. ((c))

    had visited

  4. ((d))

    will visit

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

had visited

The correct answer is 'had visited'.

 

Key Points

  • The verb "had visited" is the past perfect tense form of the verb "visit."
  • The sentence describes a situation in the past where an earlier action ("had visited the Pisa Tower") occurred before another action ("tourists were taking pictures").
  • Options 1, 2, and 4 are grammatically incorrect in this context as they do not reflect the proper sequence of events in the past.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "We had visited the Pisa Tower, and the tourists were taking pictures all around us."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "would visit" is incorrect because it refers to a habitual or hypothetical action, not one that already occurred in the past.
  • Option 2: "are visiting" is incorrect as it refers to a present action, not a past one.
  • Option 4: "will visit" is incorrect because it refers to a future action, not one that has already occurred.
7

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Bite the bullet

  1. ((a))

    To avoid confrontation

  2. ((b))

    To endure a painful experience bravely

  3. ((c))

    To act impulsively

  4. ((d))

    To speak harshly

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

To endure a painful experience bravely

The correct answer is: Option 2, i.e., "To endure a painful experience bravely".

Key Points

  • The idiom "Bite the bullet" means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination, often when there is no easy way out. (कठिन परिस्थितियों को साहसपूर्वक सहन करना)
  • Example: Despite the pain, she decided to bite the bullet and go through with the surgery.
  • In this context, the idiom emphasizes the act of enduring hardship bravely without complaint. (साहसपूर्वक कठिनाई को सहन करना)
  • Example: He bit the bullet and accepted the criticism without arguing.

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: To avoid confrontation (संघर्ष से बचना): Refers to the act of deliberately avoiding conflict or disagreement.
  • Example: He decided to avoid confrontation by agreeing to their demands.
  • Option 3: To act impulsively (झटपट कार्य करना): Refers to performing actions without thinking carefully about the consequences.
  • Example: She acted impulsively and bought the dress without checking the price.
  • Option 4: To speak harshly (कठोर शब्दों में बात करना): Refers to expressing oneself in an unkind or unpleasant manner.
  • Example: He spoke harshly to his friend during the heated argument.
8

Identify the ANTONYM of the word 'acquit' in the following sentence.

Though the lawyer tried to appease the jury and subtly allude to the defendant's good character, the prosecutor continued to accuse him boldly, while the defence fought hard to absolve him of all charges.

  1. ((a))

    allude

  2. ((b))

    accuse

  3. ((c))

    absolve

  4. ((d))

    appease

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

accuse

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

  • The word "acquit" means to free someone from a criminal charge by declaring them not guilty. (दोषमुक्त करना)
  • Example: The jury decided to acquit the defendant after hearing all the evidence.
  • "Accuse" refers to charging someone with an offense or wrongdoing. It is the opposite of acquit. (आरोप लगाना)
  • Example: The prosecutor accused him of fraud during the trial.
  • Hence, we can infer that the antonym of 'acquit' is 'accuse'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

  • Allude (संकेत करना): To refer to something indirectly or subtly.
  • Example: During the speech, he alluded to the challenges faced by the company.
  • Absolve (दोषमुक्त करना): To declare someone free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.
  • Example: The priest absolved him of his sins during confession.
  • Appease (शांत करना): To pacify or placate someone by giving in to their demands.
  • Example: The manager tried to appease the angry customer by offering a discount.
9

Sentences of a paragraph are given below. While the first and the last sentences (S1 and S6) are in the correct order, the sentences in between are jumbled up. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.

S1. It was midnight when the knock came.
A) Oksana woke with a start, her heart pounding in fear.
B) It came again.
C) Oksana thought of the monsters.
D) It echoed hollowly through the dark cottage.
S6. She hid under her blanket, praying the thing would go away.

  1. ((a))

    ACBD

  2. ((b))

    DABC

  3. ((c))

    ABDC

  4. ((d))

    CADB

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

DABC

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins by describing a knock at midnight, setting a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere.
  • Sentence D comes first as it describes how the knock echoed through the dark cottage, creating an ominous tone:
  • "It echoed hollowly through the dark cottage."
  • Sentence A follows as it introduces the protagonist, Oksana, and her startled reaction:
  • "Oksana woke with a start, her heart pounding in fear."
  • Sentence B is the third sentence as it describes the knock coming again, building tension:
  • "It came again."
  • Sentence C comes last as it reveals Oksana's fearful thoughts, reinforcing the suspense:
  • "Oksana thought of the monsters."
  • The correct sequence is DABC.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"It was midnight when the knock came. It echoed hollowly through the dark cottage. Oksana woke with a start, her heart pounding in fear. It came again. Oksana thought of the monsters. She hid under her blanket, praying the thing would go away."

10

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the highlighted word in the given sentence.

<br>

She made a vehement argument against the proposal, her voice filled with passion and conviction.

  1. ((a))

    legible

  2. ((b))

    mild

  3. ((c))

    laboured

  4. ((d))

    aggressive

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

mild

The correct answer is: Option 2: Mild.

Key Points

  • The word "vehement" means showing strong, passionate, or intense feelings or emotions. It often refers to forcefulness in expression or conviction. (जोरदार, प्रबल)
  • Example: She made a vehement plea for justice, her voice trembling with emotion.
  • "Mild" refers to something that is gentle or not intense in nature. It is the opposite of vehement, as it lacks forcefulness or passion. (मृदु, हल्का)
  • Example: His mild tone calmed the heated argument in the room.
  • Hence, we can conclude that the antonym of "vehement" is "mild".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2: Mild.

Additional Information

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

  • Legible (पढ़ने योग्य): Something that can be easily read or understood.
  • Example: The handwriting on the note was barely legible.
  • Laboured (कठिनाई से किया गया): Done with difficulty or great effort; not smooth or natural.
  • Example: His laboured breathing indicated that he needed medical attention.
  • Aggressive (आक्रामक): Forceful, hostile, or assertive in nature.
  • Example: The aggressive marketing strategies helped boost their sales significantly.
11

Select the option that rectifies the underlined incorrectly spelt word in the given sentence.

We were stuck in the middle of a manuever, and the jeep began to slide.

  1. ((a))

    maneuver

  2. ((b))

    maneuvre

  3. ((c))

    manoeuver

  4. ((d))

    maneuover

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

maneuver

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'manuever'.

  • The correct spelling would be 'maneuver'.
  • The word 'maneuver' is a noun which means 'a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care'. (चालाकीपूर्ण चाल)
  • For Example -
  • The driver executed a perfect maneuver to avoid the accident.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'maneuver'.

Additional Information

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

  • Maneuvre - An alternative but less commonly used British spelling for maneuver.
  • Manoeuver - An incorrect variation of the word.
  • Maneuover - An incorrect spelling of the word.
12

Select the most appropriate punctuation to fill in the blank.

<br>

The results of the experiment were as follows______ increased temperature, decreased viscosity, and reduced particle size.

  1. ((a))
    • (hyphen)
  2. ((b))

    ; (semi-colon)

  3. ((c))

    , (comma)

  4. ((d))

    : (colon)

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

: (colon)

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence requires a colon (:) to introduce a list that follows it.
  • Colons are commonly used to indicate that what comes next is directly related to the preceding statement or to introduce a series of items.
  • In this case, the colon helps to clarify that the list ("increased temperature, decreased viscosity, and reduced particle size") is the result of the experiment.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "The results of the experiment were as follows: increased temperature, decreased viscosity, and reduced particle size."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (- hyphen): A hyphen is used to join words or parts of words, and is inappropriate in this context.
  • Option 2 (; semi-colon): A semi-colon is used to connect independent clauses or separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. It is not suitable for introducing a list.
  • Option 3 (, comma): A comma is used for separation within a list but cannot introduce the list itself.
13

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Raring to go

  1. ((a))

    Dragging one's feet

  2. ((b))

    Spilling the beans

  3. ((c))

    Eager to begin something

  4. ((d))

    Running out of time

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Eager to begin something

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. "Eager to begin something".

Key Points

  • The idiom "Raring to go" means being very enthusiastic or eager to start doing something. (कुछ शुरू करने के लिए उत्सुक)
  • Example: The team was raring to go after months of preparation for the big game.
  • "Eager to begin something" implies being highly motivated or ready to take action immediately. (कुछ शुरू करने के लिए उत्साहित या तत्पर)
  • Example: She was eager to begin her new job and prove her skills to her team.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of the idiom 'Raring to go' is "Eager to begin something."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

  • Dragging one's feet (काम में देरी करना): To delay or be deliberately slow in doing something.
  • Example: The employees were dragging their feet on completing the project.
  • Spilling the beans (राज़ खोल देना): To reveal a secret or disclose information unintentionally or deliberately.
  • Example: She accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.
  • Running out of time (समय समाप्त हो रहा है): To have little or no time left to complete a task.
  • Example: We're running out of time to finish the assignment before the deadline.
14

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

A person who has a strong belief that pleasure is the chief god

  1. ((a))

    Hedonist

  2. ((b))

    Almighty

  3. ((c))

    Worshiper

  4. ((d))

    Doctor

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

Hedonist

The correct answer is: Hedonist.

Key Points

  • The word "Hedonist" refers to a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life. (आनंदवादी)
  • Example: As a hedonist, she spends her weekends indulging in luxurious spa treatments and fine dining.
  • Explanation: The term is derived from the Greek word "hedone," which means pleasure. A hedonist prioritizes personal gratification and pleasure above all else. (आनंद को मुख्य मानने वाला व्यक्ति)
  • Example: The hedonist lifestyle often revolves around enjoying life's pleasures, such as travel, good food, and leisure activities.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Hedonist.

Additional Information

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

  • Almighty (सर्वशक्तिमान): Refers to God or a being that is all-powerful and has unlimited power.
  • Example: People gathered in the temple to pray to the Almighty for their well-being.
  • Worshiper (पूजक): A person who shows reverence and adoration for a deity or sacred object.
  • Example: The worshiper knelt down and offered prayers to the deity.
  • Doctor (डॉक्टर): A professional who is qualified to treat people who are ill or injured.
  • Example: The doctor prescribed medicine to help cure the patient's illness.
15

Select the option that correctly punctuates the given sentence.

The manager said we need to talk

  1. ((a))

    The manager said, "we need to talk".

  2. ((b))

    The manager said, We need to talk.

  3. ((c))

    The manager said, "We need to talk."

  4. ((d))

    The manager said- "we need to talk!"

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

The manager said, "We need to talk."

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is a direct quotation from the manager, and direct speech requires quotation marks.
  • The first word of a direct quote should always begin with a capital letter.
  • Option 3 correctly punctuates the sentence as The manager said, "We need to talk."
  • Other options fail to use proper punctuation or capitalization, making them incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "The manager said, "We need to talk.""

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: The manager said, "we need to talk". – Incorrect because the first word inside the quotation marks is not capitalized.
  • Option 2: The manager said, We need to talk. – Incorrect because there are no quotation marks around the direct speech.
  • Option 4: The manager said- "we need to talk!" – Incorrect due to improper punctuation and capitalization inside the quotation marks.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) ______ idea came to him. Could (2) ______ metalwork process be used to (3) ______ words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) ______ to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) ______ and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

16

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5. 

  1. ((a))

    readily

  2. ((b))

    precisely

  3. ((c))

    strongly 

  4. ((d))

    highly

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

readily

The correct answer is 'readily'.

 

Key Points

  • The blank requires an adverb to describe how the individual blocks of metal should melt.
  • The process must be fast and efficient for mass production, as indicated by the subsequent phrase: "and cool quickly to form durable reusable type".
  • "Readily" means easily and without difficulty or delay, making it the best fit to pair with "cool quickly," emphasizing the speed and ease of the casting process.
  • The metal alloy (likely an early lead-tin-antimony alloy) was chosen precisely because it could be melted and cast efficiently.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) an idea came to him. Could (2) a metalwork process be used to (3) produce words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) was to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) readily and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

 

Additional Information

  • Precisely (adverb): Used to denote accuracy or exactness, not speed or ease of change of state.
  • Strongly (adverb): Describes force or intensity; does not fit the context of melting.
  • Highly (adverb): Describes degree or level; does not fit the context of melting.
17

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1. 

  1. ((a))

    an

  2. ((b))

    was 

  3. ((c))

    one

  4. ((d))

    a

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

an

The correct answer is 'an'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence requires an article to modify the singular noun "idea".
  • The word "idea" begins with a vowel sound (/aɪˈdɪə/).
  • The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
  • The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) an idea came to him. Could (2) ______ metalwork process be used to (3) ______ words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) ______ to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) ______ and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

 

Additional Information

  • Was (verb): This is the past tense of "be" and cannot function as a determiner to introduce a noun in this context.
  • One (determiner): While grammatically possible, "an" is the standard indefinite article used to introduce a new concept or idea in a narrative.
  • A (article): This is used before words starting with a consonant sound (e.g., "a book").
18

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2. 

  1. ((a))

    a

  2. ((b))

    those 

  3. ((c))

    by

  4. ((d))

    an

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

a

The correct answer is 'a'.

 

Key Points

  • The blank requires a determiner to modify the singular noun phrase "metalwork process".
  • The word "metalwork" begins with a consonant sound (/ˈmɛt/ - 'm').
  • The indefinite article "a" is used before singular nouns beginning with a consonant sound.
  • The sentence introduces a general concept of a process, making the indefinite article appropriate.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) an idea came to him. Could (2) a metalwork process be used to (3) ______ words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) ______ to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) ______ and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

 

Additional Information

  • Those: A plural demonstrative adjective used for plural nouns (e.g., "those processes").
  • By: A preposition indicating agency or means, not a determiner (e.g., "done by a process").
  • An: An indefinite article used before vowel sounds (e.g., "an alloy").
19

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3. 

  1. ((a))

    sign

  2. ((b))

    spoil 

  3. ((c))

    skip 

  4. ((d))

    produce

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

produce

The correct answer is 'produce'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence refers to the function of Gutenberg's invention (the printing press).
  • The blank requires a verb that describes the action of putting words onto a page using a mechanical process.
  • "Produce" means to make, manufacture, or bring into existence. In this context, it implies creating or printing words on paper.
  • This aligns with the overall theme of mass-producing text using movable type.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Passage: Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) an idea came to him. Could (2) a metalwork process be used to (3) produce words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) ______ to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) ______ and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

 

Additional Information

  • Sign (verb): To write one's name to identify oneself (e.g., "sign a document").
  • Spoil (verb): To diminish or destroy the value or quality of something.
  • Skip (verb): To omission or jump over something.
20

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4. 

  1. ((a))

    was

  2. ((b))

    were

  3. ((c))

    are

  4. ((d))

    is

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

was

The correct answer is 'was'.

 

Key Points

  • The subject of the sentence is "Gutenberg's idea," which is singular.
  • The passage describes a historical invention, requiring a past tense verb.
  • "Was" is the singular past tense form of the verb "to be," which correctly agrees with the singular subject and fits the historical context.
  • The verb links the subject ("Gutenberg's idea") to its defining components (the type blocks, ink, and press).

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Elements of his invention are thought to have included a metal alloy. As he contemplated, (1) an idea came to him. Could (2) a metalwork process be used to (3) produce words on a page? Gutenberg's idea (4) was to cut from the alphabet on individual blocks of metal that could melt (5) ______ and cool quickly to form durable reusable type, an oil-based ink that could be made sufficiently thick to adhere well to metal type and transfer well to vellum or paper, and a new press.

 

Additional Information

  • Were: Plural past tense (Incorrect agreement).
  • Are: Plural present tense (Incorrect agreement).
  • Is: Singular present tense (Incorrect tense for historical description).

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