English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The sentence describes a hypothetical or imaginary situation (inheriting a million dollars), which requires the second conditional structure.
• The rule for the second conditional is: If + Simple Past (condition clause), would + base verb (result clause).
• In the given sentence, the result clause "I would sponsor" is correct, but the condition clause uses the simple present "inherit."
• To maintain grammatical consistency, "inherit" must be changed to the simple past "inherited."
• Thus, the error is located in part A of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

 

Correct Sentence: "If I inherited a million dollars, I would sponsor an organization to support an activity and primarily to reach specified business goals."

 

Additional Information

• B: "I would sponsor an organization to" – This part is correct as it follows the "would + base verb" structure for a second conditional result clause.
• C: "support an activity and primarily" – This part is correct and acts as an infinitive phrase (to support) following the purpose established in Part B.
• D: "to reach specified business goals." – This part is grammatically correct and maintains parallelism with "to support" in the previous clause.
• No error – This option is incorrect because the tense mismatch in part A constitutes a grammatical error.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The error lies in part D of the sentence.
• The sentence follows the Third Conditional structure, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past.
• The structure of the Third Conditional is: If + past perfect (had + V3), ... would have + past participle (V3).
• In the given sentence, the condition is "If you had told me" (past perfect), so the result clause should be "I would have come" instead of "I would came."
• Additionally, "would" is a modal verb and must be followed by the base form of the verb (come) or "have + V3," never the past tense form "came."

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

 

Correct Sentence: "If you had told me in the morning that you wanted to go to a movie tonight, I would have come home earlier."

 

Additional Information

• A: "If you had told me" – This is the correct past perfect form for the 'if' clause in a third conditional sentence.
• B: "in the morning that you" – This part is grammatically correct and functions as a time adverbial and a relative clause connector.
• C: "wanted to go to a movie" – This part is grammatically correct.
• E: "No error" – This is incorrect because there is a clear grammatical error in the tense/modal usage in part D.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary error in the sentence lies in part A due to the incorrect use of tense in a conditional clause.
• In Type 1 conditional sentences (which refer to a possible condition and its probable result), the "if" clause should be in the simple present tense, while the main clause is in the simple future tense.
• The phrase "will help" should be replaced with "help" because we do not use the future auxiliary "will" immediately after "if" when expressing a condition.
• Thus, the error is located in part A of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

 

Correct Sentence: "If sleep-inducing capsules help me fall asleep, I will take a couple of capsules tonight as I am suffering from Insomnia."

 

Additional Information

• B: "me fall asleep, I will take" – This part is correct as it uses the simple future tense ("will take") for the result clause.
• C: "a couple of capsules tonight" – This part is grammatically sound, referring to the quantity and time.
• D: "as I am suffering from Insomnia." – This part correctly uses the present continuous tense to describe a currently persisting condition.
• No error (E) – This option is incorrect because there is a specific grammatical error in the first segment.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The primary error in the sentence is a lack of tense consistency.
• The sentence begins with the past tense phrase "It was quite apparent," which establishes the timeframe of the statement in the past.
• According to the rule of sequence of tenses, if the principal clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause should generally follow in the past tense as well.
• Therefore, the present tense verb "is" in part B should be replaced with the past tense verb "was" to match the main clause.
• Thus, the error is located in part B of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

 

Correct Sentence: "It was quite apparent that the Centre was averse to the elevation of Justice Kureshi, who is from the Gujarat High Court, but serving in the Bombay High Court on transfer."

 

Additional Information

• A: "It was quite apparent that the Centre" – This part correctly sets the sentence in the past tense.
• C: "who is from the Gujarat High Court," – This part describes a permanent fact about the person, though in strict sequence of tenses, "was" could also be used; however, the primary error is the immediate conflict in part B.
• D: "but serving in the Bombay High Court on transfer." – This part functions correctly as a participial phrase or a continuation of the description.
• No error – This is incorrect because the tense mismatch in part B constitutes a grammatical error.

The Correct Answer is Option B

Key Points 

• The error is in use of 3 dozens
• Nouns expressing numbers like hundred, dozen, score, etc. are used in singular with numerical adjectives.
• Hence 'Dozens' is an incorrect option it should be replaced with dozen.

​Correct answer - Sushant bought 3 dozen bananas and a 5-kilogram apple for a total of Rs. 500 in the supermarket near Wadala station*.*

Additional Information

• The Noun is Part of the sentence which defines persons, Place or things.
• Helping verbs in the sentence are decided with the help of a noun or subject.
• Some Nouns expressing numbers are considered singular.
• Eg. Thousand, Million, Billion, Gross,  Etc.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• In the given sentence use 'millions rupees' is incorrect.
• Nouns expressing numbers like hundred, dozen, score, etc are used in singular with numerical adjectives.
• These nouns are Thousand, Million, Billion, Gross,  Etc.
• Hence in the given sentence 'millions rupees' should be replaced with 'million rupees'

Correct answer - The government has sanctioned  4 million rupees for this project.

Additional Information 

• The Noun is Part of the sentence which defines persons, Place or things.
• Helping verbs in the sentence are decided with the help of a noun or subject.
• Noun expressing numbers are considered singular.
• Eg. Hundred, Pair, Score, Stone, Dozen,

The correct answer is 'C'

Key Points

• C introduces us to the theme of the paragraph, which is, pop music.
• AB is a pair and will follow C since they mention the various terms associated with pop music.
• E will follow 4 by mentioning the eclectic nature of pop music.
• FD is a pair since they both talk about the core elements of pop music.
• D with ‘these core elements’ will follow F.

The correct order is CAB4EFD.

The FIRST statement is C.

The correct answer is 'A'

Key Points

• C introduces us to the theme of the paragraph, which is, pop music.
• AB is a pair and will follow C since they mention the various terms associated with pop music.
• E will follow 4 by mentioning the eclectic nature of pop music.
• FD is a pair since they both talk about the core elements of pop music.
• D with ‘these core elements’ will follow F.

The correct order is CAB4EFD.

The SECOND statement is A.

The correct answer is 'B'

Key Points

• C introduces us to the theme of the paragraph, which is, pop music.
• AB is a pair and will follow C since they mention the various terms associated with pop music.
• E will follow 4 by mentioning the eclectic nature of pop music.
• FD is a pair since they both talk about the core elements of pop music.
• D with ‘these core elements’ will follow F.

The correct order is CAB4EFD.

The THIRD statement is B.

The correct answer is 'F'

Key Points

• C introduces us to the theme of the paragraph, which is, pop music.
• AB is a pair and will follow C since they mention the various terms associated with pop music.
• E will follow 4 by mentioning the eclectic nature of pop music.
• FD is a pair since they both talk about the core elements of pop music.
• D with ‘these core elements’ will follow F.

The correct order is CAB4EFD.

The SIXTH statement is F.

The correct answer is 'D'

Key Points

• C introduces us to the theme of the paragraph, which is, pop music.
• AB is a pair and will follow C since they mention the various terms associated with pop music.
• E will follow 4 by mentioning the eclectic nature of pop music.
• FD is a pair since they both talk about the core elements of pop music.
• D with ‘these core elements’ will follow F.

The correct order is CAB4EFD.

The SEVENTH statement is D.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the phrase given in the question:
• Cut corners: to do something in the easiest or shortest way, which usually involves omitting something important or reducing quality. (काम को बढ़िया ढंग से करने के बजाय, उसका आसान तरीका अपनाना)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The company decided to cut corners on materials, leading to a lower quality product.
• This sentence correctly uses the phrase "cut corners" to describe how the company reduced quality by taking shortcuts on materials.
• Sentence B: She cut corners while preparing the report, but it still turned out excellent.
• This sentence correctly uses the phrase "cut corners" to describe how she took shortcuts while preparing the report, yet it turned out well.
• Sentence C: After taking a cut corners class, he became more efficient in his time management.
• This sentence incorrectly uses the phrase "cut corners" because it does not accurately convey the sense of reducing quality by taking shortcuts; it describes a class and efficiency, which is not the core meaning of the phrase.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Both A & B."

The correct answer is: Option 1) A-C and B-D i.e. Perpetual – Ephemeral and Fleeting – Interminable.

Key Points

• The word "perpetual" means never ending or changing; everlasting. (अनंत / निरंतर)
• Example: The region is in a state of perpetual conflict.
• The word "ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time; transient. (क्षणिक / अल्पकालिक)
• Example: The beauty of a rainbow is ephemeral.
• The word "fleeting" means lasting for a very short time; passing quickly. (क्षणिक / अल्पकालिक)
• Example: She felt a fleeting sense of joy before reality set in.
• The word "interminable" means endless or seemingly endless. (अंतहीन / अनंत)
• Example: The meeting felt interminable and never seemed to end.
• Correct usage: The ephemeral joy of winning the lottery was quickly followed by an interminable depression, an irony considering the winner had expected perpetual happiness rather than fleeting despair.
• Hence, A (perpetual) and C (ephemeral) as well as B (fleeting) and D (interminable) must be interchanged for the sentence to be meaningful and grammatically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 1) A-C and B-D i.e. Perpetual – Ephemeral and Fleeting – Interminable

Additional Information

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

• Option 2) A-B and C-D (विकल्प A-B और C-D): Perpetual (अनंत) and fleeting (क्षणिक) swapped, ephemeral (क्षणिक) and interminable (अंतहीन) swapped, would not match the logical contrast of joy and depression in this context.
• Example: The fleeting joy of winning the lottery... expected interminable happiness rather than ephemeral despair (illogical).
• Option 3) A-D (विकल्प A-D): Perpetual (अनंत) and interminable (अंतहीन) interchanged would not correctly match the intended meaning for joy and despair.
• Example: The interminable joy... fleeting depression... expected ephemeral happiness rather than perpetual despair (contradictory).
• Option 4) B-C (विकल्प B-C): Fleeting (क्षणिक) and ephemeral (क्षणिक) interchanged would not resolve the issue with joy and depression duration.
• Example: The perpetual joy... ephemeral depression... expected fleeting happiness rather than interminable despair (illogical in context).
• Option 5) No interchange required (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं): Incorrect, as the original sentence is not logical or meaningful without the interchange.

The correct answer is: Option 5) No interchange required.

Key Points

• The word "convoluted" means extremely complex and difficult to follow. (जटिल / उलझा हुआ)
• Example: His convoluted argument confused everyone in the room.
• The word "obfuscate" means to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand. (जटिल बनाना / अस्पष्ट करना)
• Example: The spokesperson attempted to obfuscate the facts during the interview.
• The word "lucid" means expressed clearly; easy to understand. (स्पष्ट / साफ-सुथरा)
• Example: She gave a lucid explanation of the theory.
• The word "inscrutable" means impossible to understand or interpret. (अगम्य / रहस्यमय)
• Example: His inscrutable expression made it hard to know what he was thinking.
• All the words are correctly placed in the sentence. The professor's complex (convoluted) explanation made the topic harder (obfuscate), turning a clear (lucid) concept into a mysterious (inscrutable) one. The contrast and meaning are logical and grammatically correct as is.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 5) No interchange required

Additional Information

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

• Option 1) A-B (विकल्प A-B): Convoluted (जटिल) and obfuscate (अस्पष्ट करना) interchanged would not fit the structure, as one is an adjective and the other a verb.
• Example: The obfuscate explanation served only to convoluted the topic (incorrect usage).
• Option 2) A-C and B-D (विकल्प A-C और B-D): Convoluted (जटिल) and lucid (स्पष्ट), obfuscate (अस्पष्ट करना) and inscrutable (अगम्य) swapped would destroy the correct contrast of the sentence.
• Example: The lucid explanation served only to inscrutable the topic (illogical).
• Option 3) B-C (विकल्प B-C): Obfuscate (अस्पष्ट करना) and lucid (स्पष्ट) interchanged would swap a verb with an adjective, making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
• Example: Served only to lucid the topic (incorrect usage).
• Option 4) A-D (विकल्प A-D): Convoluted (जटिल) and inscrutable (अगम्य) interchanged would not fit, as both are adjectives but refer to different aspects of the sentence.
• Example: The inscrutable explanation served only to obfuscate the topic (less logical than original).

The correct answer is: Option 3) A-C i.e. Hackneyed – Innovative.

Key Points

• The word "hackneyed" means lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite. (घिसा-पिटा / बहुत प्रयुक्त)
• Example: The editor criticized the script for its hackneyed dialogue and clichés.
• The word "innovative" means featuring new methods; advanced and original. (नवोन्मेषी / नवीन)
• Example: The company is known for its innovative approach to technology.
• Correct usage: The author’s innovative prose was celebrated for its unprecedented originality, while her rival’s hackneyed ideas were dismissed as completely trite.
• Hence, A (hackneyed) and C (innovative) must be interchanged for the sentence to be meaningful and grammatically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 3) A-C i.e. Hackneyed – Innovative

Additional Information

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

• Option 1) B-C (विकल्प B-C): Unprecedented (अभूतपूर्व) and innovative (नवोन्मेषी) interchanged would not resolve the mismatch in the sentence.
• Example: Celebrated for its innovative originality (redundant and does not address the contrast with rival’s ideas).
• Option 2) A-D (विकल्प A-D): Hackneyed (घिसा-पिटा) and trite (घिसा-पिटा) interchanged would not correct the contrast in the sentence since both mean the same.
• Example: The trite prose was celebrated for its originality (illogical).
• Option 4) B-D (विकल्प B-D): Unprecedented (अभूतपूर्व) and trite (घिसा-पिटा) interchanged would make the sentence illogical since originality cannot be trite.
• Example: Celebrated for its trite originality (contradictory).
• Option 5) No interchange required (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं): This is incorrect, as the original sentence is not logical or meaningful without the interchange.

The correct answer is: Option 4) B-C i.e. Capricious – Invariable.

Key Points

• The word "capricious" means given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable. (मनमौजी / परिवर्तनशील)
• Example: The weather in the mountains is notoriously capricious.
• The word "invariable" means never changing; constant. (अपरिवर्तनीय / स्थिर)
• Example: The rules of the game are invariable regardless of who plays.
• Correct usage: The immutable laws of physics are often considered invariable, whereas human emotions, notoriously capricious, are completely fickle.
• Hence, B (capricious) and C (invariable) must be interchanged for the sentence to be meaningful and grammatically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 4) B-C i.e. Capricious – Invariable

Additional Information

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

• Option 1) A-B (विकल्प A-B): Immutable (अपरिवर्तनीय) and capricious (मनमौजी) interchanged would not fit since immutable laws cannot be described as capricious.
• Example: Capricious laws of physics (illogical in scientific context).
• Option 2) C-D (विकल्प C-D): Invariable (अपरिवर्तनीय) and fickle (चंचल) interchanged would make the sentence contradictory about human emotions.
• Example: Human emotions, notoriously fickle, are completely invariable (contradictory).
• Option 3) A-C (विकल्प A-C): Immutable (अपरिवर्तनीय) and invariable (अपरिवर्तनीय) interchanged would not resolve the contrast needed between physics and emotions.
• Example: The invariable laws of physics are often considered immutable (repetitive and illogical for contrast).
• Option 5) No interchange required (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं): This is incorrect, as the sentence is not meaningful or logical without the interchange.

The correct answer is: Option 2) A-C and B-D i.e. Supercilious – Obsequious and Deferential – Imperious.

Key Points

• The word "supercilious" means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant. (घमंडी)
• Example: His supercilious attitude alienated his coworkers.
• The word "obsequious" means obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree; overly submissive. (चापलूस)
• Example: The manager disliked staff who were obsequious and insincere.
• The word "deferential" means showing respect or submission to others. (आदरपूर्ण)
• Example: He was deferential to the senior partners in the firm.
• The word "imperious" means assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. (हुक्म चलाने वाला / अत्यधिक अधिकार जताने वाला)
• Example: Her imperious tone discouraged open discussion.
• Correct usage: The obsequious intern was fired for his imperious behavior, while the supercilious executive was praised for her deferential leadership.
• Hence, A (supercilious) and C (obsequious) as well as B (deferential) and D (imperious) must be interchanged for the sentence to be meaningful and grammatically correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 2) A-C and B-D i.e. Supercilious – Obsequious and Deferential – Imperious

Additional Information

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

• Option 1) A-D (विकल्प A-D): Supercilious (घमंडी) and imperious (हुक्म चलाने वाला) interchanged would not correct the logic, as both are negative but the context requires swapping with the positive/servile terms.
• Example: The imperious intern was fired for his deferential behavior (contradictory).
• Option 3) B-C (विकल्प B-C): Deferential (आदरपूर्ण) and obsequious (चापलूस) interchanged would not fix the mismatch in leadership style and praise/criticism.
• Example: The supercilious intern was fired for his obsequious behavior (does not resolve the leadership issue).
• Option 4) A-B and C-D (विकल्प A-B और C-D): Supercilious (घमंडी) and deferential (आदरपूर्ण), obsequious (चापलूस) and imperious (हुक्म चलाने वाला) swapped would not fit the praise/firing logic.
• Example: The deferential intern was fired for supercilious behavior (contradicts context).
• Option 5) No interchange required (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं): This is incorrect, as the original sentence is not logical or meaningful without the interchanges.

The correct answer is 'Investment.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is saying that protecting minor minerals requires the action or process of investing money in production and consumption measurement.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Investment'.
• Also, the use of the word ''production'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'investment' in the blank.
• The word 'Investment' means The action or process of investing money.
• Example: The high cost of borrowing is inhibiting investment by industry in new equipment.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentence: Protecting minor minerals requires investment in production and consumption measurement and also monitoring and planning tools.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Excitement means The state of being excited, especially because something interesting is happening or will happen.
• Contentment means A feeling of happy satisfaction.
• Argument means An angry discussion between two or more people who disagree with each other.
• Pavement means A hard flat area at the side of a road for people to walk on.

The correct answer is 'Turmoil.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about a state of political disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty in the mid-to-late 1960s.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Turmoil'.
• Also, the use of the word ''failures'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'turmoil' in the blank.
• The word 'Turmoil' means A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
• Example: The country is in a state of political turmoil.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Complete Sentence: The abject failures of community development programs and sclerotic economic growth led to the political turmoil of the mid-to-late 1960s.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Curtail means To make something shorter or smaller; to reduce.
• Prevail means To persuade someone to do something.
• Spoil means To diminish or destroy the value or quality of something.
• ​Counterfoil means The part of a cheque, receipt, ticket, etc. that is kept by the giver as a record.

The correct answer is 'glimpses'.

 

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the scientists and technicians of the country having made great sacrifices and that portrayal of those sacrifices in the movie Rocketry by Madhavan.
• Therefore the most appropriate word to fill in the blank from the given options is 'glimpses'.
• The word 'glimpses' means to get a brief look at.
• Example: She got a glimpse of him but didn't get to meet him personally.

Hence, the correct option is option 2.

Additional Information

• Let us explore the given options:
• Regard: attention to or concern for something.
• Gaze: look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
• Glint: give out or reflect small flashes of light.
• Browse: an act of casual looking or reading.