Official Paper

PYST 6: IB Security Assistant & MTS Official Paper - English Language (Held On: 24 March, 2023 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)

20 questions · 8 minutes · with answers · free

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Test (20 questions)

1

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

  1. ((a))

    Sailor

  2. ((b))

    Waitor

  3. ((c))

    Author 

  4. ((d))

    Actor

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Waitor

The incorrect word is: Waitor.

Key Points

  • The word 'Waitor' is not an English word. The correct spelling of this word is 'Waiter' (वेटर).
  • 'Waiter' refers to a person who serves customers in a restaurant or cafe.
  • Example: The waiter served the food promptly.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Waiter'.

Key Points

  • 'Sailor' (नाविक) is correctly spelt. It refers to a person who works on a ship, especially one who is not an officer.
  • 'Author' (लेखक) is correctly spelt. It refers to a person who writes books, stories, articles, etc.
  • 'Actor' (अभिनेता) is correctly spelt. It refers to a person whose profession is acting on the stage, in films, or on television.
2

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blanks.

The artist was shocked ________ that somebody had scratched his painting _______ a knife.

  1. ((a))

    see, for

  2. ((b))

    to be seeing, from 

  3. ((c))

    to see, with

  4. ((d))

    seeing, by 

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

to see, with

The correct answer is: to see, with.

Key Points

  • The infinitive form of a verb is the base form which is preceded by the word 'to'.
  • Example: 'to run', 'to play', 'to eat' are all examples of infinitive verbs.
  • In this question, the phrase "to see" is an infinitive verb. Using "to see" after verbs expressing feelings or emotions such as "shocked", "surprised", "happy", "sad," etc., is grammatically correct here.
  • In the phrase "shocked to see", "to see" is used as an infinitive to express the reason for the shock. The shock pertains to 'seeing' something.
  • Hence, 'to see' grammatically fits the context in the first blank.
  • The preposition "with" is commonly used to indicate the instrument or means by which some action is performed.
  • Example: The snake was killed with a stick.
  • In this question, the action was 'scratching', and the tool used was 'a knife'.
  • Using "with" in the context of this sentence provides the correct implication that the painting was scratched by means of a knife.
  • Hence, the correct preposition that must fit the blank should be 'with'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- The artist was shocked to see that somebody had scratched his painting with a knife.

3

Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

Our solar system is a part of the Milky Way galaxy

  1. ((a))

    cosmos

  2. ((b))

    No substitution required

  3. ((c))

    creation

  4. ((d))

    universe 

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

No substitution required

The correct answer is "No substitution required"

Key Points

  • "Our solar system is a part of the Milky Way galaxy" is a scientifically accurate statement. Our solar system is indeed a part of the Milky Way galaxy. Substituting "Milky Way galaxy" with "cosmos", "creation" or "universe" would not maintain the same level of accuracy.
  • "Cosmos" and "universe" are broader terms than "Milky Way galaxy" and would therefore imply that our solar system is part of everything that exists, including space and celestial bodies, which is true but less specific.
  • "Creation" can mean many things and isn't specific to astronomical contexts, so it's not a suitable replacement here.
  • In the context of the sentence, no substitution is required because the original statement accurately represents the scope of our solar system's placement within the Milky Way galaxy.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

4

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

  1. ((a))

    Culture 

  2. ((b))

    Sculptur

  3. ((c))

    Murmur 

  4. ((d))

    Puncture

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Sculptur

The correct answer is "Sculptur".

Key Points

  • "Culture", "Murmur", and "Puncture" are all spelled correctly, following standard English spelling.
  • The word "Sculptur" is not spelled correctly according to standard English spelling.
  • The correct spelling is "Sculpture", which refers to the artistic process of shaping or combining materials, often in the form of statues or other three-dimensional works.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

5

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Sarju sat next to her mother ________ her doll tightly in her arms.

  1. ((a))

    holding

  2. ((b))

    to hold

  3. ((c))

    held

  4. ((d))

    hold

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

holding

The correct answer is "holding".

Key Points

  • The sentence talks about an ongoing action that Sarju was doing (sitting next to her mother and holding her doll).
  • The verb form that represents an ongoing action in the present is the present participle, which in this case is "holding".
  • "To hold", "Held" and "Hold" do not correctly express the ongoing action discussed in the sentence.
  • "To hold" is an infinitive and implies an intention or future action, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
  • "Held" is in the past tense, whereas the sentence is in the present tense.
  • "Hold" is the base form of the verb, and it does not fit into the sentence's structure which is describing an ongoing event, not a command or suggestion.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

6

Select the option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given proverb correctly. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

Strike while the person is not ready.

  1. ((a))

    everything is cold

  2. ((b))

    everybody is resting 

  3. ((c))

    the iron is hot 

  4. ((d))

    No substitution required

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

the iron is hot 

The correct answer is 'the iron is hot'.

Key Points

  • The phrase "Strike while the iron is hot" is an idiomatic expression or proverb which means to make most of an opportunity while it is available or to act decisively and take an opportunity when it arises.
  • The phrase comes from the practice of blacksmithing.
  • The blacksmith heats the iron in the fire until it is red-hot and malleable, then strikes it with a hammer to shape it.
  • If they wait until the iron cools, it will no longer be malleable and much harder to work with.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

7

Select the correct punctuation mark to fill in the blank.

Bobby _____ I didn’t know you could play the mouth organ.

  1. ((a))

    semicolon (;)

  2. ((b))

    colon (:)

  3. ((c))

    dash (-)

  4. ((d))

    comma (,)

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

comma (,)

The correct answer is 'Option 4' i.e., 'comma (,)'

Key Points

  • In English grammar, when addressing someone directly, we usually set off their name or title with a comma.
  • This rule applies to the given sentence as 'Bobby' is being directly addressed and should therefore be marked off by a comma.
  • Thus, the comma (,) should be used after 'Bobby' to signify a slight pause and differentiate between the address (Bobby) and the rest of the sentence.
  • The use of the comma also ensures clarity in sentence structure and improves readability.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'Bobby, I didn’t know you could play the mouth organ.'

Additional Information

  • A semicolon (Option 1) is used to join two related independent clauses. It's inappropriate in this context as the sentence doesn't have two independent clauses.
  • A colon (Option 2) is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation. It's not appropriate in this context.
  • A dash (Option 3) can be used to add extra information or an interruption in thought, which isn't the case in this context.
8

Select the sentence with correct punctuation and capitalisation.

  1. ((a))

    Well thats all I’ve got to say about Mars

  2. ((b))

    Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about Mars.

  3. ((c))

    Well, that’s all Ive got to say, about Mars. 

  4. ((d))

    “Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about mars?”

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about Mars.

The correct answer is “Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about Mars."

Key Points

  • 'Option 2' uses the correct format with appropriate punctuation and capitalization. It starts with a capital letter, has accurate usage of commas, and ends with a full stop.
  • 'Option 1' lacks the necessary punctuation marks such as comma after "Well" and the proper use of an apostrophe in the contraction "that's".
  • 'Option 3' incorrectly placed the comma after "say". Also, it lacks the correct usage of an apostrophe in "Ive".
  • 'Option 4' misuses the question mark in the statement. Also, proper nouns like 'Mars' should always be capitalized, and here lower-case 'mars?' is used.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

9

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.

The whole story narrated by the girl was _______ (accurate).

  1. ((a))

    correct

  2. ((b))

    false

  3. ((c))

    strict

  4. ((d))

    just

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

false

The correct answer is 'False'.

Key Points

  • "Accurate" means "correct in all details; exact". ("सटीक").
  • For example, The accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking.
  • "False" means "not according with truth or fact; incorrect". ("झूठा").
  • For example, The rumor that was spread about him was completely false.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Additional Information

  • The word "Correct" means the same i.e., free from error; in accordance with the factual information. ("सही").
  • The word "Strict" means requiring or characterized by severe discipline or adherence to rules. ("कठोर").
  • The word "Just" means based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair, or it can mean a moment ago. ("न्यायपूर्ण")
10

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

We took a break after we _______ for two days continuously.

  1. ((a))

    have worked

  2. ((b))

    worked

  3. ((c))

    had worked

  4. ((d))

    are working

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

had worked

The correct answer is 'had worked'.

Key Points

  • In this sentence, two past actions are mentioned - "we took a break" and "we worked for two days continuously".
  • When two actions occur in the past, the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle) is used for the action that happened first.
  • The Past Simple tense is used for the action that happened next.
  • So in this case, the sequence of actions is: first "we worked for two days continuously", and then "we took a break".
  • "Had worked" is in Past Perfect tense, indicating this action happened before another past action ("took a break").

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

11

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

This story is ______ the partition of India and Pakistan.

  1. ((a))

    to

  2. ((b))

    at

  3. ((c))

    about

  4. ((d))

    for

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

about

The correct answer is 'Option 3' i.e., 'about'

Key Points

  • When telling what a story, book, movie, or event is focused on, we use the preposition 'about'.
  • The sentence is indicating the subject or theme of the story; hence, 'about' is the most suitable option as it suggests the primary focus, topic, or theme.
  • In the context of the sentence, the theme of the story is the historical event of the partition of India and Pakistan.
  • Therefore, the word 'about' best expresses the intended meaning, indicating that the story's content or subject matter revolves around that event.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'This story is about the partition of India and Pakistan.'

Additional Information

  • 'To' (Option 1) is generally used to indicate the direction, recipient, or a relationship between two entities. It's not appropriate in this context.
  • 'At' (Option 2) generally denotes a precise location or time and doesn't work grammatically in this context.
  • 'For' (Option 4) is often used to imply purpose or intended use. It's not appropriate in this context either.
12

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. Once, I went for a wedding with my cousins to the neighbouring village.

B. We children enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

C. In those days, a wedding was a great event.

D. We would eat and play endlessly, savouring the freedom because all the elders were busy.

  1. ((a))

    ADCB

  2. ((b))

    ABDC

  3. ((c))

    ADBC

  4. ((d))

    ACBD

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

ACBD

The correct sequence is: ACBD.

Key Points

  • Sentence A sets the stage by introducing an event - the speaker and their cousins went to a wedding in a neighboring village. In context, this sentence works as a good introduction, setting the time and place for the upcoming narrative.
  • Sentence C next provides the importance of a wedding in those times, conveying why this event is worth mentioning in the first place. It provides the context that makes the story meaningful.
  • Sentence B describes the joy and entertainment the children had at the wedding. This sentence logically follows the context set up by sentence C, as we've established that a wedding is a significant event.
  • Sentence D further elaborates on what they did at the wedding and why. The mention of freedom because the elders were busy connects to sentence B, which is about their enjoyment.
<br>

Therefore, the correct sequence of sentences that forms a meaningful and coherent paragraph is: ACBD.

13

Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

We have constructed a rough estimate of expenditure for this project.

  1. ((a))

    manufactured

  2. ((b))

    No substitution required

  3. ((c))

    prepared

  4. ((d))

    built

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

prepared

The correct answer is: prepared.

Key Points

  • The underlined phrase in the sentence is "constructed" (संरचना), which is typically used when referring to building something physically.
  • Example: They constructed a new bridge across the river.
  • The correct word is 'prepared' (तैयार) when referring to making something ready for use or consideration, especially something abstract like an estimate.
  • Example: We have prepared a detailed proposal for the client.

Therefore, the correct answer is- "We have prepared a rough estimate of expenditure for this project."

Additional Information

  • 'Manufactured' (निर्मित) typically refers to making or producing goods in large quantities in a factory.
  • 'Built' (बनाया) is similar to 'constructed' in meaning, but it is typically used for physical structures rather than abstract concepts like an estimate.
14

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given word.

Absolute

  1. ((a))

    Yielding

  2. ((b))

    Limited

  3. ((c))

    Restricted

  4. ((d))

    Complete

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

Complete

The correct answer is 'Complete'.

 

Key Points

  • 'Absolute' means something that is total, complete, or unrestricted in nature. (परम or सम्पूर्ण)
  • Example: She had absolute faith in her mentor's wisdom.
  • The correct word provided in the options is 'Complete'. The meaning of 'Complete' is to finish making or doing something, or something that is finished, whole, or perfect. (सम्पूर्ण or पूरा)
  • Example: She's been on a diet and exercise program, and the transformation is complete.
  • Hence, the correct synonym of 'Absolute' is 'Complete'.

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

 

Additional Information

  • 'Yielding' implies giving way under strain or being inclined to yield or comply. (किसी के सामने झुक जाना)
  • 'Limited' signifies something restricted in size, amount, or scope. (सीमित)
  • 'Restricted' means to be limited in extent, number, or scope. (प्रतिबंधित)
15

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

By and large

  1. ((a))

    At some future time

  2. ((b))

    Certainly

  3. ((c))

    On the contrary

  4. ((d))

    On the whole

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

On the whole

The correct answer is 'On the whole'.

 

Key Points

  • The given idiom is 'By and large'. The meaning of this idiom is generally or overall, considering all things.
  • Example: By and large, the project was successful in achieving its objectives.
  • The correct meaning provided in the options is 'On the whole'. This idiom is used when you are providing a summary or conclusion, and it generally suggests that everything has been considered.
  • Example: Despite some minor setbacks, the event was, on the whole, a success.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of 'By and large' is 'On the whole'.

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

 

Additional Information

  • 'At some future time' suggests something happening in the future and has no relation to the idiom in question.
  • 'Certainly' is a term used for emphasizing that something is definitely true or will definitely happen.
  • 'On the contrary' is used to introduce a statement that contradicts the one that has just been made.
16

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

My grandfather _________ for a morning walk everyday irrespective of the weather outside.

  1. ((a))

    go

  2. ((b))

    is going

  3. ((c))

    goes

  4. ((d))

    has gone

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

goes

The correct answer is 'goes'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence given is 'My grandfather _________ for a morning walk everyday irrespective of the weather outside.'
  • Here, a regular action is being talked about, which is the daily habit of the grandfather going for a walk. For such cases where a habit, a universal truth or something that happens often is being discussed, simple present tense is used.
  • The verb 'go' in its third person singular form becomes 'goes' which is the correct term to be used in this context.
  • Example: He goes to the gym every day for workout.
  • Hence, the correct phrase to fill in the blank is 'goes'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- "Option 3".

 

Additional Information

  • 'Go' is the base form of the verb and it doesn't fit grammatically in the context of the sentence.
  • 'Is going' would signify that the action is happening right now, which is not the intended meaning in the context of the sentence.
  • 'Has gone' is used in present perfect tense to indicate an action that happened at an unspecified time before now. This doesn't suit the context of the sentence as well.
17

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. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the greatest concentration.

B. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart.

C. My grandmother never went to school so she could not read.

D. Every Wednesday, a magazine called Karmaveera would come, and I would read a story to her.

  1. ((a))

    ADBC

  2. ((b))

    DACB

  3. ((c))

    CBDA

  4. ((d))

    CDAB

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

CDAB

The correct answer is "CDAB".

Key Points

  • "C." starts with an important piece of information about the grandmother, establishing that she never went to school and couldn't read.
  • "D." then provides context as to what happened given the grandmother's situation. This reveals the connection between the narrator (most likely a grandchild) and the grandmother via a weekly ritual of story-telling from a magazine called Karmaveera.
  • "A." elaborates on the grandmother's behavior during these story-telling sessions. It shows how engrossed she was in listening to the stories, indicating that she was learning and remembering them.
  • "B." is the logical conclusion, showing the result of this weekly engagement: the grandmother, even though she couldn't read, could repeat the entire text by heart after listening to it.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

Correct Paragraph: "My grandmother never went to school so she could not read. Every Wednesday, a magazine called Karmaveera would come, and I would read a story to her. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the greatest concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart."

18

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The Grand Central Terminal is ________ most famous station in the world.

  1. ((a))

    the

  2. ((b))

    a

  3. ((c))

    No word required

  4. ((d))

    an

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

the

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e., 'the'

Key Points

  • Here, the sentence is talking about the Grand Central Terminal, proposing it as the particular, unique station of greatest fame in the world.
  • In English grammar, we use the definite article 'the' when we talk about something specific or something that is unique or considered unique.
  • 'The' is used here because it’s referring to 'the most famous station', implying that it is the only one which is at the highest level of fame, hence it is distinctive.
  • Therefore, the word 'the' before 'most famous station' is showing that the Grand Central Terminal is the singular, outstanding station amongst all the stations in the world.

Therefore, the correct answer is- ' The Grand Central Terminal is the most famous station in the world.'

Additional Information

  • 'A' (Option 2) is an indefinite article used before words beginning with a consonant sound. Here it is inappropriate because the Grand Central Terminal is being identified as a specific entity, not merely one of many.
  • No word required (Option 3) is incorrect because the sentence is comparing the Grand Central Terminal to all other stations. So, an article is necessary for correct comparison.
  • **'An' (**Option 4) is an indefinite article used before words beginning with a vowel sound. It is incorrect in this context for the same reason as 'a'.
19

Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.

Any inventory of Darjeeling is incomplete if a tea plantation is not included in it.

  1. ((a))

    itinerary

  2. ((b))

    index

  3. ((c))

    No substitution required 

  4. ((d))

    record

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

itinerary

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e., 'itinerary'

Key Points

  • The term 'inventory' generally refers to a detailed list of items such as goods in stock or the contents of a building or room.
  • However, the context of the sentence suggests a discussion about visiting places or key attractions in Darjeeling, which is more aligned with the term 'itinerary'.
  • An 'itinerary' is a planned route or journey. In this context, the term 'itinerary' is far more suitable because it suggests a list of places to be visited on a journey or tour.
  • Therefore, substituting 'inventory' with 'itinerary' makes the sentence more cogent and specifically aligned with prominent attractions of Darjeeling, a key one being its tea plantations.

Therefore, the correct answer is- 'itinerary'

Additional Information 

  • 'Index' (Option 2) refers to an alphabetical list of names or topics usually at the end of a printed work that gives page numbers where each item can be found. It doesn't make sense in this context.
  • Choosing 'No substitution required' (Option 3) would retain 'inventory' which, as explained, seems to be slightly off-context.
  • 'Record' (Option 4) primarily refers to a piece of evidence or information about the past that is documented or preserved. Using it in place of 'inventory' doesn't perfectly match the context of touring key attractions of a place.
20

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

________ antique shop will be a good place to see old clocks.

  1. ((a))

    A

  2. ((b))

    An

  3. ((c))

    The

  4. ((d))

    No word required

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

An

The correct answer is 'An'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence requires an article to precede the word 'antique shop'.
  • The rule is that 'a' precedes words that begin with a consonant sound, and 'an' precedes words starting with a vowel sound.
  • Since 'antique' begins with a vowel sound (the 'a' is pronounced as the letter), 'an' is the correct article to use, not 'a'.
  • 'An' is used when referring to any member of a group or category, not a specific one.
  • Hence, 'An' is the most suitable choice in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Additional Information

  • 'Option 1', i.e. 'A', is incorrect because 'antique' starts with a vowel sound and 'a' is used before words that start with a consonant sound.
  • 'Option 3', i.e. 'The', could potentially be correct. We use 'the' when we think that the listener knows or can work out what particular person/thing we are talking about. However, in this context, there is not enough evidence to believe that we are talking about a specific antique shop known to both the speaker and the listener.
  • 'Option 4', i.e. 'No word required', is incorrect because noun phrases generally contain an article. Without an article, the sentence sounds incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

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