Official Paper

PYST 16: IB Security Assistant (Executive) Official Paper - English Language (Held On: 30 Sept, 2025 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)

20 questions · 8 minutes · with answers · free

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Test (20 questions)

1

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

I bought ______ box of chocolates for Raina in the afternoon.

  1. ((a))

    a

  2. ((b))

    No article required

  3. ((c))

    an

  4. ((d))

    the

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

a

The correct answer is 'a'.

 

Key Points

  • The article "a" is used before singular nouns that begin with a consonant sound.
  • The word "box" begins with a consonant sound, and therefore the article "a" is appropriate.
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "I bought a box of chocolates for Raina in the afternoon."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "No article required" is incorrect because the noun "box" is singular and requires an article.
  • Option 3: "an" is incorrect because "an" is used before singular nouns beginning with vowel sounds, and "box" starts with a consonant sound.
  • Option 4: "the" is incorrect because "the" is used to refer to specific or previously mentioned items, which is not the case here.
2

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

After the scandal broke, the company's stock prices began to plummet overnight.

  1. ((a))

    rebound

  2. ((b))

    spearhead

  3. ((c))

    fluctuate

  4. ((d))

    nose-dive

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

nose-dive

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. nose-dive.

Key Points

  • The word "plummet" means to fall or drop straight down at high speed; it is often used to describe a sudden and sharp decline. (तेजी से गिरना)
  • Example: The temperature began to plummet as the sun set in the desert.
  • "Nose-dive" refers to a sudden and dramatic decrease or decline, similar to the motion of a plane diving nose-first. (तेजी से गिरावट)
  • Example: The company's revenue took a nose-dive after the product recall.
  • Hence, the synonym of 'plummet' is 'nose-dive'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

  • Rebound (पुनः उछलना): To recover or bounce back from a setback or decline.
  • Example: The stock prices are expected to rebound after the announcement of the new policy.
  • Spearhead (आगे बढ़ाना या नेतृत्व करना): To lead an effort or movement.
  • Example: She spearheaded the campaign to raise awareness about climate change.
  • Fluctuate (उपर-नीचे होना): To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
  • Example: The price of crude oil continues to fluctuate due to market volatility.
3

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

National Review covered the legredimean used by Stalin and then again by Putin to fuel their rise to absolute power.

  1. ((a))

    legerdamean

  2. ((b))

    lagerdimain

  3. ((c))

    legerdemain

  4. ((d))

    legardemain

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

legerdemain

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'legredimean'.

  • The correct spelling would be 'legerdemain'.
  • The word 'legerdemain' is a noun which means 'skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks or deception'. (हाथ की सफाई)
  • For Example -
  • The magician amazed the audience with his legerdemain.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'legerdemain'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other options - 

  • Legerdamean - Incorrect spelling (no meaning).
  • Lagerdimain - Incorrect spelling (no meaning).
  • Legardemain - Incorrect spelling (no meaning).
4

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given proverb.

Throw someone under the bus

  1. ((a))

    To blame someone for personal benefit

  2. ((b))

    To rescue someone in crisis

  3. ((c))

    To hide someone's mistake

  4. ((d))

    To give someone credit

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

To blame someone for personal benefit

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. "To blame someone for personal benefit".

Key Points

  • The proverb "Throw someone under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice someone for one's own benefit, often to save oneself or gain an advantage. (किसी को धोखा देना या अपने लाभ के लिए उसका बलिदान करना)
  • Example: When things went wrong at work, he threw his colleague under the bus to avoid getting blamed himself.
  • It refers to a situation where someone disloyally shifts blame onto another person. (यह एक ऐसी स्थिति को दर्शाता है जिसमें कोई व्यक्ति किसी और पर दोष डालकर खुद को बचाने की कोशिश करता है।)

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 rescue someone in crisis (किसी को संकट से बचाना): Helping someone in a difficult situation.
  • Example: She rescued her friend in the crisis by giving her a place to stay.
  • Option 3: To hide someone's mistake (किसी की गलती छिपाना): To cover up or conceal someone’s error intentionally.
  • Example: He tried to hide his teammate's mistake during the meeting.
  • Option 4: To give someone credit (किसी को श्रेय देना): To acknowledge someone's contribution or efforts.
  • Example: She gave full credit to her team for the project's success.
5

Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence.

The army retreated after facing heavy resistance.

  1. ((a))

    flourish

  2. ((b))

    withdrew

  3. ((c))

    excuse

  4. ((d))

    fathom

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

withdrew

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

  • The word "retreated" means to withdraw from a position, especially during a battle or after facing resistance. (वापस हटना)
  • Example: The soldiers retreated to a safer location after losing ground to the enemy.
  • "Withdrew" means to pull back or move away from a particular place or situation, often due to unfavorable circumstances. (पी��े हटना)
  • Example: After realizing the mistake, he withdrew his application for the job.
  • Hence, the correct synonym for "retreated" is "withdrew".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

  • Flourish (फूलना-फलना): To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as a result of a favorable environment.
  • Example: The plants flourished in the warm, sunny climate.
  • Excuse (माफ करना): To seek to lessen the blame or forgive a mistake or offense.
  • Example: Please excuse me for being late to the meeting.
  • Fathom (समझना): To understand something deeply or thoroughly, especially after much thought.
  • Example: She couldn't fathom why he acted so strangely at the party.
6

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The policy was introduced last year, ______ its effectiveness remains questionable.

  1. ((a))

    since

  2. ((b))

    whether

  3. ((c))

    as if

  4. ((d))

    yet

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

yet

The correct answer is 'yet'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "yet" is used to contrast two ideas, indicating that something is true despite the previous statement.
  • In this context, the policy being introduced last year and its effectiveness remaining questionable are contrasting ideas, making "yet" the most appropriate choice.
  • Option 1: "since" is incorrect because it implies a cause-and-effect relationship, which does not fit the context.
  • Option 2: "whether" is incorrect because it is used to introduce alternatives or indirect questions, which is not the case here.
  • Option 3: "as if" is incorrect because it implies a hypothetical situation, which does not fit the context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "The policy was introduced last year, yet its effectiveness remains questionable."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "since" is grammatically incorrect in this context because it does not convey the intended contrast.
  • Option 2: "whether" is incorrect because it suggests uncertainty or alternatives that do not apply to the sentence.
  • Option 3: "as if" is incorrect because it introduces a comparison that is not relevant here.
7

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

<br>

P: This one leads through a dark plantation of fir trees and brings you out between low cliffs to the loneliest and ugliest little bay on all our coasts.

Q: Our house is high up on the Andaman coast and there are beautiful walls all around us in every direction except one.

R: One is called the North spit and another the South.

S: The sand hills here run down to the sea and end in two stretches of rock, sticking out opposite to each other.

  1. ((a))

    RQPS

  2. ((b))

    QPSR

  3. ((c))

    QRSP

  4. ((d))

    SQRP

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

QPSR

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins with Sentence Q as it introduces the location and setting:
  • "Our house is high up on the Andaman coast and there are beautiful walls all around us in every direction except one."
  • Sentence P follows as it describes the specific path leading to the bay:
  • "This one leads through a dark plantation of fir trees and brings you out between low cliffs to the loneliest and ugliest little bay on all our coasts."
  • Sentence S comes next as it describes the physical features of the sand hills ending in stretches of rock:
  • "The sand hills here run down to the sea and end in two stretches of rock, sticking out opposite to each other."
  • Sentence R concludes as it names the two stretches of rock mentioned earlier:
  • "One is called the North spit and another the South."
  • The correct sequence is QPSR.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Our house is high up on the Andaman coast and there are beautiful walls all around us in every direction except one. This one leads through a dark plantation of fir trees and brings you out between low cliffs to the loneliest and ugliest little bay on all our coasts. The sand hills here run down to the sea and end in two stretches of rock, sticking out opposite to each other. One is called the North spit and another the South."

8

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

We must leave now ______ it is getting dark.

  1. ((a))

    as soon as

  2. ((b))

    when

  3. ((c))

    as long as

  4. ((d))

    since

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

since

The correct answer is 'since'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "since" is used to provide a reason for the action or situation described.
  • In this sentence, "since" appropriately explains why we must leave now (because it is getting dark).
  • Options 1, 2, and 3 do not provide the correct contextual meaning in this case.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "We must leave now since it is getting dark."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "as soon as" is incorrect because it indicates immediacy rather than providing a reason.
  • Option 2: "when" is incorrect as it refers to a specific time rather than explaining a cause.
  • Option 3: "as long as" is incorrect as it suggests a condition rather than a reason.
9

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

<br>

A dime a dozen

  1. ((a))

    Very cheap

  2. ((b))

    Imported goods

  3. ((c))

    Less than 12 in number

  4. ((d))

    Common and not special

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

Common and not special

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Common and not special.

Key Points

  • The idiom "A dime a dozen" means something that is very common and holds little to no special value; it is easily available and widely seen. (बहुत सामान्य और विशेष नहीं)
  • Example: Books about self-improvement are a dime a dozen these days.
  • "Common and not special" refers to things that are ordinary, easily accessible, and lack uniqueness. (सामान्य और विशेष नहीं)
  • Example: Cheap souvenirs are common and not special at tourist destinations.
  • Hence, we can infer that the idiom "A dime a dozen" perfectly aligns with the meaning "common and not special."

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: Very cheap (बहुत सस्ता): Something that is low in price or inexpensive.
  • Example: The shop sells clothes that are very cheap but of poor quality.
  • Option 2: Imported goods (आयातित वस्तुएं): Products or items brought into a country from abroad.
  • Example: Imported goods are often more expensive due to taxes and shipping costs.
  • Option 3: Less than 12 in number (12 से कम संख्या में): Refers to a quantity that is fewer than twelve.
  • Example: We need to buy more eggs since there are less than 12 in the tray.
10

Select the most appropriate punctuation mark to be used in place of the blank. If no punctuation mark is required, select 'No punctuation required'.

The new political party decided to do a door______to______door campaign.

  1. ((a))

    Semi colons (;)

  2. ((b))

    Hyphens (-)

  3. ((c))

    Commas (,)

  4. ((d))

    No punctuation required

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Hyphens (-)

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase "door-to-door" is a compound adjective used to describe the campaign.
  • Hyphens (-) are used in compound words or phrases to link words together, ensuring clarity and correct interpretation.
  • Using hyphens in "door-to-door" maintains grammatical correctness and readability.
  • Thus, the correct punctuation mark to replace the blank is hyphens (-).

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The new political party decided to do a door-to-door campaign."

 

Additional Information

  • Commas (,): Commas are used to separate elements in a list or clauses in sentences, but they are not appropriate here.
  • Semi-colons (;): Semi-colons are used to link related independent clauses or separate complex list items, which doesn't apply to this context.
  • No punctuation required: The blank requires punctuation to form the correct phrase "door-to-door," making this option incorrect.
  • Hyphens (-): Hyphens are specifically used to create compound modifiers like "door-to-door," making this the correct choice.
11

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

A. Proponents of the harms-based approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to treat them in a way that harms their humanity; whereas proponents of the psychological approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to think of them as less than human.
B. However, there is an ongoing debate about how to develop this basic characterisation.
C. Other theorists adopt a pluralistic view that combines elements of both approaches.
D. Dehumanisation is widely thought to occur when someone is treated or regarded as less than human.

  1. ((a))

    BACD

  2. ((b))

    DABC

  3. ((c))

    BDAC

  4. ((d))

    DBAC

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

DBAC

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

  • The paragraph begins with a general statement about dehumanisation, making Sentence D the first sentence.
  • Sentence B follows as it introduces the ongoing debate about the concept introduced in Sentence D:
  • "However, there is an ongoing debate about how to develop this basic characterisation."
  • Sentence A is the third sentence as it elaborates on the two main approaches to understanding dehumanisation:
  • "Proponents of the harms-based approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to treat them in a way that harms their humanity; whereas proponents of the psychological approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to think of them as less than human."
  • Sentence C concludes the paragraph by presenting a pluralistic view that combines the two approaches mentioned in Sentence A:
  • "Other theorists adopt a pluralistic view that combines elements of both approaches."
  • The correct sequence is DBAC.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Dehumanisation is widely thought to occur when someone is treated or regarded as less than human. However, there is an ongoing debate about how to develop this basic characterisation. Proponents of the harms-based approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to treat them in a way that harms their humanity; whereas proponents of the psychological approach focus on the idea that to dehumanise someone is to think of them as less than human. Other theorists adopt a pluralistic view that combines elements of both approaches."

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

JMW Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' became a 'national celebrity' when it was first unveiled in 1839, and its (1)______ has endured to the present day. It was once (2)______ Britain's favourite painting and (3)______ features on £20 banknotes. But the widely (4)______ interpretation of this iconic painting's message might, in fact, (5)______ Turner's true intentions.

12

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

  1. ((a))

    contend

  2. ((b))

    contradict

  3. ((c))

    contemplate

  4. ((d))

    contrive

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

contradict

The correct answer is ''contradict'.'

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "But the widely accepted interpretation of this iconic painting's message might, in fact, (5)______ Turner's true intentions."
  • 'Contradict' means to be in conflict with or go against, which fits the context of the sentence—suggesting that the common interpretation may not align with what Turner actually intended.
  • Other options do not fit the meaning: "contend" means to argue, "contemplate" means to think about, and "contrive" means to devise or plan.

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

 

Usage in the Passage: ...the widely accepted interpretation of this iconic painting's message might, in fact, contradict Turner's true intentions.

13

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.

  1. ((a))

    enacted

  2. ((b))

    ratified

  3. ((c))

    voted

  4. ((d))

    endorsed

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

voted

The correct answer is ''voted'.'

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "It was once (2)______ Britain's favourite painting..."
  • The word "voted" is used when something is chosen or selected by a group of people, which fits the context of a painting being chosen as a favourite by public opinion or poll.
  • Other options do not fit: "enacted" (to make into law), "ratified" (to formally approve), and "endorsed" (to openly support), none of which are typically used for selecting a favourite in a poll or survey.

Therefore, the correct answer is ''Option 3'.'

 

Usage in the Passage: It was once voted Britain's favourite painting...

14

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

A person who is unfairly blamed for something done by others

  1. ((a))

    Culprit

  2. ((b))

    Scapegoat

  3. ((c))

    Perpetrator

  4. ((d))

    Bystander

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Scapegoat

The correct answer is: Scapegoat.

Key Points

  • The word "Culprit" means a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed. (अपराधी)
  • Example: The police apprehended the culprit who had stolen the car.
  • "Scapegoat" refers to a person who is unfairly blamed for something that has been done by others. (बलि का बकरा)
  • Example: The employee was made a scapegoat for the failure of the entire project.
  • Hence, the correct word for "a person who is unfairly blamed for something done by others" is "Scapegoat".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Scapegoat.

Additional Information

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

  • Culprit (अपराधी): A person responsible for a crime or wrong act.
  • Example: The culprit confessed to the robbery after being interrogated by the police.
  • Perpetrator (अपराध करने वाला): A person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.
  • Example: The police identified the perpetrator of the attack within a few hours.
  • Bystander (दर्शक): A person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.
  • Example: The bystander witnessed the accident but did not intervene.
15

Identify the INCORRECTLY spelt word from the four highlighted words in the given sentence.

At the extremity of the desert, the inquisiteve traveller discovered an ancient covenant, its secrets meant to tantalise the minds of those who dared to seek the truth.

  1. ((a))

    covenant

  2. ((b))

    tantalise

  3. ((c))

    extremity

  4. ((d))

    inquisiteve

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

inquisiteve

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'inquisiteve'.

  • The correct spelling would be 'inquisitive'.
  • The word 'inquisitive' is an adjective which means 'having or showing an interest in learning things; curious'. (जिज्ञासु)
  • For Example -
  • The inquisitive child asked questions about everything she saw.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'inquisiteve'.

Additional Information

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

  • Covenant - a formal agreement or contract (संधि)
  • Tantalise - (तड़पाना)
  • Extremity - the furthest point or limit of something (अत्यंत सीमा)
16

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

They have taken an initiative to launch ______

  1. ((a))

    children games

  2. ((b))

    childrens' games

  3. ((c))

    children's games

  4. ((d))

    childrens games

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

children's games

The correct answer is 'children's games'.

 

Key Points

  • The correct possessive form of the word is "children's", which indicates something belonging to children.
  • Option 2 ("childrens' games") is incorrect because the apostrophe is misplaced and does not follow proper possessive rules.
  • Option 4 ("childrens games") is incorrect because it lacks the apostrophe that indicates possession.
  • Option 1 ("children games") is incorrect because it doesn't use the possessive form.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "They have taken an initiative to launch children's games."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "childrens' games" is incorrect because the plural possessive form is improperly constructed.
  • Option 4: "childrens games" is incorrect because it lacks an apostrophe, which is required to indicate possession.
  • Option 1: "children games" is incorrect because it doesn't use the possessive form of "children."
17

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

<br>

To remove fears, doubts and false ideas, usually by proving them wrong or unnecessary

  1. ((a))

    Quell

  2. ((b))

    Impede

  3. ((c))

    Dispel

  4. ((d))

    Rebut

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Dispel

The correct answer is: Dispel.

Key Points

  • The word "Dispel" means to make fears, doubts, or false ideas disappear, usually by proving them wrong or unnecessary. (दूर करना)
  • Example: The teacher's explanation helped dispel all the students' doubts about the topic.
  • "Dispel" is the correct word to describe the act of removing fears, doubts, or misunderstandings effectively. (दूर करना)
  • Example: She dispelled the rumours by providing evidence to the contrary.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Dispel.

Additional Information

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

  • Quell (शांत करना): To suppress or put an end to something, often using force.
  • Example: The government tried to quell the protests with a public statement.
  • Impede (रोकना): To delay or prevent something by obstructing it.
  • Example: The heavy traffic impeded our journey to the airport.
  • Rebut (खंडन करना): To argue against or prove a statement or theory to be wrong.
  • Example: The lawyer rebutted the accusations with strong evidence.
18

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

  1. ((a))

    simultaneously

  2. ((b))

    instantly

  3. ((c))

    currently

  4. ((d))

    initially

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

currently

The correct answer is ''currently'.'

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "It was once voted Britain's favourite painting and (3)______ features on £20 banknotes."
  • "Currently" fits best as it indicates that the painting features on banknotes at the present time.
  • Other options do not fit the temporal context: "simultaneously" means at the same time as something else, "instantly" means immediately, and "initially" means at first or at the beginning.

Therefore, the correct answer is ''Option 3'.'

 

Usage in the Passage: ...and currently features on £20 banknotes.

19

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.

  1. ((a))

    infamy

  2. ((b))

    eminence

  3. ((c))

    dishonour

  4. ((d))

    notoriety

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

eminence

The correct answer is ''eminence'.'

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "JMW Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' became a 'national celebrity' when it was first unveiled in 1839, and its (1)______ has endured to the present day."
  • 'Eminence' means fame or recognized superiority, especially within a particular sphere, which fits the context of enduring national celebrity and admiration.
  • Other options have negative connotations: 'infamy' and 'notoriety' mean being famous for something bad, and 'dishonour' means loss of respect or reputation.

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

 

Usage in the Passage: ...and its eminence has endured to the present day.

20

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 4.

  1. ((a))

    adapted

  2. ((b))

    assumed

  3. ((c))

    imagined

  4. ((d))

    accepted

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

accepted

The correct answer is ''accepted'.'

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "But the widely (4)______ interpretation of this iconic painting's message might, in fact, (5)______ Turner's true intentions."
  • "Accepted" means generally agreed upon or acknowledged, which fits the context of a commonly held interpretation.
  • Other options do not fit as well: "adapted" means modified, "assumed" means taken for granted without proof, and "imagined" means created in the mind, none of which convey the idea of general consensus.

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

 

Usage in the Passage: But the widely accepted interpretation of this iconic painting's message...

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