English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• To identify the second sentence, we trace the logical connection leading to the fixed third sentence:
• Sentence E (1^st): Opens the paragraph by introducing the central cause—human activities destroying natural habitats globally.
• "Human activities like farming and urban growth are rapidly destroying natural habitats across the globe."
• Sentence A is the SECOND sentence: Connects directly to sentence E using "This habitat loss" to explain the immediate consequence on species.
• "This habitat loss directly threatens wildlife, leading to the extinction of many delicate species."
• Sentence C (3^rd - Fixed): Uses "For example" to ground the general statement in sentence A with a concrete case study of UK wildflower meadows.
• "For example, wildflower meadows in the UK have suffered a shocking 97% decline since the 1930s."
• Sentence F (4^th): Refers back to sentence C ("these unique meadows vanish") and describes the loss of insect and small animal life.
• "As these unique meadows vanish, the insects and small animals that rely on them disappear as well."
• Sentence B (5^th): Expands from the specific UK example to broader global extinction statistics.
• "Today, around 11% of bird species and 50% of mammals face a real risk of extinction worldwide."
• Sentence D (6^th): Serves as the natural concluding recommendation urging habitat protection and restoration.
• "To save these animals, we must protect and restore these vital natural places before it is too late."
• The complete sequence is E - A - C - F - B - D, making A the SECOND sentence.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Human activities like farming and urban growth are rapidly destroying natural habitats across the globe. This habitat loss directly threatens wildlife, leading to the extinction of many delicate species. For example, wildflower meadows in the UK have suffered a shocking 97% decline since the 1930s. As these unique meadows vanish, the insects and small animals that rely on them disappear as well. Today, around 11% of bird species and 50% of mammals face a real risk of extinction worldwide. To save these animals, we must protect and restore these vital natural places before it is too late."

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• To determine the first sentence and build the correct sequence:
• Sentence E is the FIRST sentence: Introduces the broad, overarching theme—human activities like farming and urban growth destroying natural habitats globally.
• "Human activities like farming and urban growth are rapidly destroying natural habitats across the globe."
• Sentence A (2^nd): Directly follows E by elaborating on how "This habitat loss" leads to the extinction of species.
• "This habitat loss directly threatens wildlife, leading to the extinction of many delicate species."
• Sentence C (3^rd - Fixed): Provides a concrete, local illustration ("For example") of habitat decline by highlighting UK wildflower meadows.
• "For example, wildflower meadows in the UK have suffered a shocking 97% decline since the 1930s."
• Sentence F (4^th): Continues the meadow example by noting that as "these unique meadows vanish," dependent insects and small animals disappear.
• "As these unique meadows vanish, the insects and small animals that rely on them disappear as well."
• Sentence B (5^th): Scales back up to global statistics to show the wider scale of the extinction risk (11% of birds, 50% of mammals).
• "Today, around 11% of bird species and 50% of mammals face a real risk of extinction worldwide."
• Sentence D (6^th): Concludes with a call to action—protecting and restoring these natural habitats to save species.
• "To save these animals, we must protect and restore these vital natural places before it is too late."
• The complete sequence is E - A - C - F - B - D, making E the FIRST sentence.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Human activities like farming and urban growth are rapidly destroying natural habitats across the globe. This habitat loss directly threatens wildlife, leading to the extinction of many delicate species. For example, wildflower meadows in the UK have suffered a shocking 97% decline since the 1930s. As these unique meadows vanish, the insects and small animals that rely on them disappear as well. Today, around 11% of bird species and 50% of mammals face a real risk of extinction worldwide. To save these animals, we must protect and restore these vital natural places before it is too late."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

The given sentence is already grammatically correct and meaningful.

• The sentence reads: "Her keen (A) observations helped her scrutinize (B) the evidence, resulting in a coherent (C) report and a vivid (D) explanation."
• Each bolded word is used correctly in context:
• Keen (A): Means sharp or highly developed, which fits well with "observations."
• Scrutinize (B): Means to examine closely, which is appropriate for analyzing evidence.
• Coherent (C): Means logical and consistent, which is suitable for describing a report.
• Vivid (D): Means clear or detailed, which fits well with "explanation."

Since no interchange is required, the correct answer is option 5 ("No interchange required").

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

Explanation:

• The sentence is: The adept (A) scientist found a conducive (B) environment for her research, leading to acrimonious (C) discoveries despite profound (D) debates among colleagues.
• Here, the words acrimonious (C) and profound (D) need to be interchanged to make the sentence meaningful.
• After the interchange, the corrected sentence will be: The adept (A) scientist found a conducive (B) environment for her research, leading to profound (C) discoveries despite acrimonious (D) debates among colleagues.
• This makes the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful.

Additional Information

Let’s understand the meanings of the marked words:

• Adept: Highly skilled or proficient (निपुण)
• Conducive: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible (अनुकूल)
• Acrimonious: Angry and bitter (कटु)
• Profound: Very great or intense (गंभीर)

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• Original sentence: The candid (A) child gave a reckless (B) response, though his genuine (C) innocence made the remark seem benign (D).
• Swap A & B (option 1): The reckless child gave a candid response, though his genuine innocence made the remark seem benign.

Why this interchange is correct:

• Reckless (B) — careless or hasty — correctly describes the child’s behavior.
• Candid (A) — honest or straightforward — correctly describes the response, not the child.
• The adjectives genuine (C) and benign (D) are correctly placed and need no change.

 

Additional Information

Meanings for reference:

• Candid — truthful, straightforward.
• Reckless — careless, without thought of consequences.
• Genuine — real, sincere.
• Benign — harmless, gentle, or kind.

The correct answer is 'Vanish.'

Key Points

• The first sentence talks about the child who watched in wonder as the magician made the coin disappear from behind his ear.
• The use of the word ''magician'' in the first sentence indicates the use of the word 'vanish' in the blank.
• The second sentence talks about Mamta who was confused when the cookies began to disappear from the jar.
• The use of the word ''confused'' in the second sentence indicates the use of the word 'vanish' in the blank.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is, 'Vanish'.
• The word 'Vanish' means To disappear suddenly or in a way that you cannot explain. (एकाएक ग़ायब हो जाना ऐसे कि पता न चले, ओझल हो जाना)

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Sentence 1: The child watched in wonder as the magician made the coin vanish from behind his ear.

Sentence 2: Mamta was confused when the cookies began to vanish from the jar until she saw her toddler with chocolate smeared all over his face.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Relinquish means To stop having or doing something. (त्‍याग देना, छोड़ देना)
• Lavish means Giving or spending a large amount of money. (जो बहुत पैसा दे या ख़र्च करे, ख़र्चीला; फिज़ूलख़र्ची)
• Improvise means To make, do, or manage something without preparation, using what you have. (जो पास है उसी से तत्‍काल कुछ व्‍यवस्‍था करना)
• Urge means To advise or try hard to persuade somebody to do something. (किसी व्‍यक्ति को कुछ करने के लिए समझाना या प्रबल रूप से प्रेरित करना)

The correct answer is 'Barbaric.'

Key Points

• The first sentence talks about how cruel animal owners treat their dogs.
• The use of the word ''cruel'' in the first sentence indicates the use of the word 'barbaric' in the blank.
• The second sentence talks about writing offensive graffiti all over the school.
• The use of the word ''offensive'' in the second sentence indicates the use of the word 'barbaric' in the blank.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is, 'Barbaric'.
• The word 'Barbaric' means Very cruel and violent. (बहुत क्रूर और नृशंस, अतिनिर्मम; अति निष्ठुर)

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Sentence 1: The cruel animal owners were known to treat their dogs in a barbaric manner.

Sentence 2: A barbaric person wrote offensive graffiti all over the school.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Attitude means The way that you think, feel, or behave. (सोचने, अनुभव करने का तरीक़ा विशेष; रुख़, दृष्टिकोण)
• Contradictory means Being opposed to or not matching something else. (विरोधात्‍मक, असंगत, प्रतिकूल)
• Vague means Not clear or definite. (अस्‍पष्‍ट या अनिश्‍चित)
• Inherited means To receive property, money, etc. from somebody who has died. (मृतक की संपत्ति, धन आदि को उत्तराधिकार या विरासत के रूप में प्राप्‍त करना)

The correct answer is 'Severe.'

Key Points

• The first sentence talks about the intensity of the thunderstorm that caused so much damage.
• The use of the word ''damage'' in the first sentence indicates the use of the word 'severe' in the blank.
• The second sentence talks about the intensity of someone's food allergies.
• The use of the word ''allergies'' in the second sentence indicates the use of the word 'severe' in the blank.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is, 'Severe'.
• The word 'Severe' means Extremely bad or serious. (बहुत कठिन, कष्‍टप्रद या गंभीर)

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Sentence 1: The severe thunderstorm caused so much damage that recovery would take years.

Sentence 2: Her food allergies are so severe that she has to bring a lunch to school instead of eating in the cafeteria.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Desire means The feeling of wanting something very much; a strong wish. (अत्‍यधिक चाह; तीव्र इच्‍छा)
• Aspire means To have a strong desire to have or do something. (कुछ पाने की प्रबल अभिलाषा रखना; आकांक्षा करना)
• Futile means Having no success; useless. (असफल कार्रवाई; व्‍यर्थ)
• Endeavor means To try hard. (कठोर परिश्रम करना; भरसक प्रयास करना)

The correct answer is 'Disparity.'

Key Points

• The first sentence talks about a comparison between the crime rates in the urban cities and the crime rates in the rural areas.
• The use of the word ''between'' in the first sentence indicates the use of the word 'disparity' in the blank.
• The second sentence talks about a comparison between a private school education and a public school education.
• The use of the word ''between'' in the second sentence indicates the use of the word 'disparity' in the blank.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is, 'Disparity'.
• The word 'Disparity' means A difference, especially one that is caused by unfair treatment. (असमानता, विषमता विशेषतः अनुचित व्‍यवहार के फलस्‍वरूप)

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Sentence 1: There is a huge disparity between the crime rates in the urban cities and the crime rates in the rural areas.

Sentence 2: As a parent concerned about her daughter’s future, I would like to know the disparity between a private school education and a public school education.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Deceive means To try to make somebody believe something that is not true. (बहकाना, भ्रमित करना)
• Anguish means Great mental pain or suffering. (गहरी वेदना या पीड़ा; मनोव्‍यथा)
• Torment means Great pain and suffering in your mind or body; somebody or something that causes this. (तीव्र मानसिक या शारीरिक वेदना; ऐसी वेदना पहुँचाने वाला व्यक्ति या वस्‍तु)
• Unheeding means Not paying attention. (बेपरवाह)

The correct answer is 'Vigilant.'

Key Points

• The first sentence talks about remaining watchful of threats against homeland security.
• The use of the word ''security'' in the first sentence indicates the use of the word 'vigilant' in the blank.
• The second sentence talks about teachers who have to be more watchful against the new ways of cheating that students are constantly coming up with.
• The use of the word ''cheating'' in the second sentence indicates the use of the word 'vigilant' in the blank.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is, 'Vigilant'.
• The word 'Vigilant' means Careful and looking out for danger. (सतर्क, सावधान)

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Sentence 1: As the Secretary of Defense, it is your responsibility to remain vigilant to threats against Homeland Security.

Sentence 2: With all the new ways of cheating that students are constantly coming up with, teachers have to be more vigilant than ever.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Negligent means Failing to take proper care of something. (असावधान; उपेक्षाशील)
• Distracted means Unable to concentrate because one is preoccupied by something worrying or unpleasant. (व्‍याकुल या अनमना, चिंता के कारण जिसका ध्यान अन्‍यत्र हो)
• Oblivious means Not noticing or realizing what is happening around you. (आस-पास होने वाली घटनाओं से बेख़बर)
• Dreamy means Looking as though you are not paying attention to what you are doing because you are thinking about something else. (विचारों में खोया हुआ, कल्‍पनामग्‍न)

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage mentions cultural theorist Theodor Adorno, who warned that traditional museums risk becoming "mausoleums."
• His critique highlighted that museums may isolate artefacts from their living contexts, separating them from their original cultural and historical environment.
• This perspective contrasts with that of other philosophers like John Dewey, who saw public heritage sites as fostering a balanced relationship between history and community life.
• Therefore, the correct answer pointing to the philosopher warning about isolation of artefacts is indeed Theodor Adorno.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

• John Dewey: He argued that public heritage sites foster democratic citizenship and historical literacy when integrated into daily community life.
• Socrates, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx: These philosophers were not mentioned in the passage in relation to opinions on museums and cultural artefacts.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses various factors that impact the structural integrity of cultural institutions.
• Factors mentioned include environmental exposure, urban expansion, and construction methodologies.
• Material choices in construction from 150 years ago are also emphasised as influencing today's restoration strategies.
• "Immortalisation in texts" has not been cited as a factor affecting the structural integrity of these institutions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Additional Information

• Environmental exposure: Refers to the impact of weather and other environmental factors on structures.
• Urban expansion: Highlights how growing cities and infrastructure developments can affect historical buildings.
• Construction methodologies: Indicates the techniques and practices used during the original construction period.
• Material choices: Focuses on the raw materials originally selected for building these institutions.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage states that institutions dedicated to knowledge preservation, such as museums, monuments, and libraries, have served as the physical anchor of human civilisation's collective memory.
• These institutions have played this role for over a century and a half, emphasising their long-standing importance in preserving collective memory.
• The correct answer must include museums and libraries, which are explicitly mentioned in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

• Museums, monuments, and libraries: These institutions collectively preserve and anchor human civilisation's memories.
• Cultural theorists and pragmatists: These are groups of philosophers who have debated the purpose and utility of such institutions, but they are not institutions themselves.
• Construction sites: Refers to areas where building occurs, not directly linked to knowledge preservation as referenced in the passage.
• Cultural repositories and philosophers: Includes cultural repositories as a general term but does not specifically answer the question on institutions mentioned in the passage.

The correct answer is 'immersive'.

 

Key Points

• The word "immersive" means providing a completely engaging and involved experience. (पूर्णत: संलग्न)
• In the context of digital archives and virtual exhibits, the term "immersive" is used to describe experiences that fully engage the senses and provide a sense of presence.
• The other options: "diverse," "outdated," "exclusive," and "extravagant" do not fit the context as appropriately.

​Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Complete Sentence: As digital archives and immersive virtual exhibits rapidly spring up worldwide...

Additional Information

• Diverse (विविध): means having variety or including many different types.
• Outdated (पुराना): means no longer current; out of date.
• Exclusive (विशिष्ट): means limited to a particular person or group.
• Extravagant (फिजूलखर्ची): means lacking restraint in spending money or using resources.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: John Dewey argued that public heritage sites isolate artefacts from their living contexts.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage indicates that Theodor Adorno, not John Dewey, warned about museums isolating artefacts from their living contexts.
• Statement B: The urgent debate about restoring cultural institutions has been sparked by centuries of environmental exposure and urban expansion.
• This statement is correct as it accurately reflects the context provided in the passage.
• Statement C: Theodor Adorno believed that museums foster historical literacy when integrated into daily community life.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage indicates that John Dewey argued for the integration of public heritage sites into daily community life for fostering historical literacy and active democratic citizenship.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only B’.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Well-maintained heritage spaces evoke stronger historical empathy and collective pride.
• This statement is correct as it accurately reflects the context provided in the passage.
• Statement B: Pragmatist thinkers argue that traditional museums risk becoming "mausoleums."
• This statement is incorrect as the passage indicates that cultural theorists like Theodor Adorno, not pragmatist thinkers, warned that traditional museums risk becoming "mausoleums."
• Statement C: The architectural research is the central foundation for detailing how material choices from 150 years ago dictate today’s strategies.
• This statement is correct as it aligns with the information provided in the passage about the role of architectural research.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only B’.

The correct answer is: Involved.

Key Points

• The word "engaged" means participating or actively involved in something. (संलग्न)
• Example: She was actively engaged in the discussion about environmental conservation.
• "Involved" refers to taking part in something actively or engaged in a particular activity or thing. (शामिल)
• Example: He was deeply involved in community service projects.
• Hence, we can infer that 'engaged' is similar in meaning to 'involved'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Involved.

Additional Information

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

• Distracted (बिचलित): Unable to concentrate because of being preoccupied.
• Example: The noise from the construction site distracted him from his studies.
• Finished (समाप्त): Brought to an end; completed.
• Example: She finished her work ahead of the deadline.
• Avoided (बचते): Stay away from or stop oneself from doing something.
• Example: He avoided answering the question directly.
• Inactive (निष्क्रिय ): Not engaging in any form of activity; idle or dormant.
• Example: The committee has been inactive for several months.

The correct answer is: Proportional.

Key Points

• The word "balanced" means being in a state where different elements are in the correct proportion or harmony. (संतुलित)
• Example: A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health.
• "Proportional" refers to corresponding in size or amount to something else; having a correct or suitable relationship in size, number, or degree. (अनुपातिक)
• Example: The length of the film was proportional to the attention span of its intended audience.
• Hence, we can infer that 'balanced' is similar in meaning to 'proportional'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Proportional.

Additional Information

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

• Unequal (असमान): Not the same in size, amount, or value.
• Example: The two teams were very unequal in terms of their skill levels.
• Heavy (भारी): Of great weight; difficult to lift or move because of weight.
• Example: The box was too heavy for him to lift by himself.
• Skewed (विकृत): Not straight or level; bent, twisted, or distorted.
• Example: The survey results were skewed due to the bias in question phrasing.
• Upright (सीधा): Standing or sitting with the back straight; characterized by integrity or honesty.
• Example: He remained upright and refused to compromise on his principles.

The correct answer is: Manifestation.

Key Points

• The word "evidence" means information or signs indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. (प्रमाण)
• Example: The fingerprints on the weapon served as crucial evidence in the investigation.
• "Manifestation" refers to an event or action that clearly shows or embodies something, particularly a theory or an abstract idea. (अभिव्यक्ति)
• Example: The new policy was a manifestation of the government's commitment to reform.
• Hence, we can infer that 'evidence' is similar in meaning to 'manifestation'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Manifestation.

Additional Information

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

• Disproof (खंडन): Evidence or argument proving that a theorem or hypothesis is untrue.
• Example: His research provided a disproof of the common belief that the Earth is flat.
• Theory (सिद्धांत): A supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something.
• Example: The theory of relativity was proposed by Albert Einstein.
• Guess (अनुमान): An estimate or conclusion made without sufficient information.
• Example: She made a guess about the number of jelly beans in the jar.
• Myth (मिथक): A widely held but false belief or idea.
• Example: The myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice is incorrect.

The correct answer is: Appear suddenly.

Key Points

• The phrase "spring up" means to appear suddenly or quickly come into existence. (अचानक उभरना)
• Example: New cafes and restaurants have sprung up all over the city.
• The context of the passage talks about digital archives and virtual exhibits rapidly appearing worldwide, indicating quick and sudden emergence.
• Hence, we can infer that 'spring up' is similar in meaning to 'appear suddenly'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Appear suddenly.

Additional Information

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

• Gradually vanish (धीरे-धीरे गायब होना): To disappear slowly over time.
• Example: The old customs gradually vanished as modern ways took over.
• Become obsolete (अप्रचलित हो जाना): To become outdated or no longer in use.
• Example: With the advancement of technology, many traditional gadgets have become obsolete.
• Grow slowly (धीरे-धीरे बढ़ना): To increase or develop gradually and not quickly.
• Example: The seeds planted in the garden grew slowly over the months.
• Erode over time (समय के साथ क्षय होना): To be gradually worn away or deteriorated.
• Example: The cliffs are slowly eroding over time due to wind and water.