English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Alz grew up in a village with abundant local opportunities.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage mentions that Alz grew up in a village with scarce opportunities.
• Statement B: The government is contemplating an increase in the tourism tax.
• This statement is correct as the passage states that the government is considering an increase in the tourism tax to ensure sustainable growth.
• Statement C: Greece has surpassed all previous records in tourism revenue.
• This statement is correct as the passage mentions that Greece has surpassed all previous records in tourism revenue.

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

The correct answer is 'highlights'.

 

Key Points

• The word "highlights" means to emphasize or make prominent.
• In the context of the passage, the story of Alz underscores the positive impact of tourism on individuals' lives.
• The other options: "exacerbates," "eliminates," "neglects," and "obfuscates" do not fit the context appropriately.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Sentence: As the debate continues, one story from a small village highlights the transformative power of tourism on individual lives.

Additional Information

• Exacerbates (बिगाड़ना): means to make a problem or situation worse.
• Eliminates (समाप्त करना): means to completely remove or get rid of something.
• Neglects (अनदेखा करना): means to fail to care for or give proper attention to something.
• Obfuscates (जटिल बनाना): means to render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e., stratagem.

Key Points

• The word "measure" means a plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose (उपाय).
• Example: The government introduced several measures to improve the country's economy.
• "Stratagem" refers to a carefully planned way of achieving or dealing with something, often with the purpose of deceiving others (चाल).
• Example: The general devised a cunning stratagem to outmanoeuvre the enemy forces.
• Hence, in the context of the passage, "stratagem" can be seen as a synonym to "measure".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e., stratagem.

Additional Information

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

• Permutation (परिवर्णी ): A way in which a set of things can be ordered or arranged.
• Example: The permutation of candidates in the interview schedule was randomised.
• Anthem (गान ): A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group or cause.
• Example: The national anthem is sung at the beginning of the ceremony.
• Delimiter (विभाजक ): A character that separates parts of data.
• Example: Commas are often used as delimiters in CSV files.
• Enigma (पहेली ): A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
• Example: The motives behind his actions remain an enigma.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e., precedent.

Key Points

• The word "record" in the context of the passage refers to an achievement that surpasses all previous levels of performance or an instance. (कीर्तिमान)
• Example: The company set a new sales record last quarter.
• "Precedent" refers to an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. (पूर्व उदाहरण)
• Example: The court's decision set a precedent for future cases of this nature.
• Hence, in the context of the passage, "precedent" can be seen as a synonym to "record".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e., precedent.

Additional Information

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

• Cancellation (रद्द): The action of cancelling something that has been arranged or planned.
• Example: The cancellation of the flight caused many passengers to reschedule their plans.
• Delay (विलंब): The period of time by which something is late or postponed.
• Example: The project experienced a delay due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Hinderance (बाधा): Something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.
• Example: The weather conditions proved to be a significant hindrance to the rescue operation.
• Limitation (सीमा): A restriction or boundary.
• Example: The limitation of resources made it difficult to complete the project.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Twist: a sudden change in direction or storyline; a device for closing or securing something by twisting.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The plot of the novel had a surprising twist at the end.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "twist" to describe a sudden change in the storyline.
• Sentence B: She used a twist tie to secure the bag of bread.
• This sentence also correctly uses the word "twist" to describe a device for securing something by twisting.
• Sentence C: He wore a colourful twist scarf around his neck.
• This sentence incorrectly uses the word "twist" as it does not fit the common meanings of the word.
• Therefore, sentences A and B correctly use the word "twist."

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

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Intricate: very complicated or detailed; having many interrelated parts or facets. (पेचीदा, जटिल)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The artist's intricate design on the vase was admired by everyone.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "intricate" to describe a very detailed and complex design on the vase.
• Sentence B: His explanation of the concept was too intricate for me to understand.
• This sentence also correctly uses the word "intricate" to describe an explanation that is very complicated and difficult to understand.
• Sentence C: She wore an intricate dress that caught everyone's attention at the party.
• This sentence accurately uses the word "intricate" to describe a dress that is very detailed and complex, attracting attention.
• All three sentences correctly use the word "intricate" to illustrate different contexts of complexity and detail.

Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C."

The correct answer is 'was an example'.

Key Points

• We need to first identify if the underlined part of the sentence has an error which would lead to its replacement by an appropriate phrase.
• The underlined part of the sentence has three errors.

1. Instead of the present tense helping verb 'is', we need to use the past tense helping verb 'was'. This is because the sentence talks about Indian agriculture in the past.
2. We cannot use the indefinite article 'a' before a word starting with a vowel (example starts with the vowel 'e'). We need to use 'an'.
3. Indian agriculture is a singular entity. It is incorrect to use the plural 'examples' for it.

• Hence, 'was an example' is the correct replacement for the underlined phrase.
• This makes option 3 the correct answer.

​

Confusion Points

• Options 1 and 5 also use helping verbs in the past tense form (would, were).
• 'Would' is the past tense form of 'will' and is used to talk about hypotheses (when we imagine something). I would like to visit Paris next year./She would have definitely failed in her task.
• 'Were' is used with plural objects.

​​

Additional Information

Grammar Rules Learnt:

1. For singular nouns, 'is' is the helping verb in present tense scenario, while 'was' is used in case of past tense.
2. For words starting with a vowel, the indefinite article 'an' is used where needed.

The correct answer is 'enough food'.

Key Points

• We need to first identify if the underlined part of the sentence has an error which would lead to its replacement by an appropriate phrase.
• The underlined part of the sentence uses the adjective 'meagre' to describe the noun 'food'. This is incorrect as 'meagre' means (of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality.
• Using this adjective changes the basic meaning of the sentence.
• We need to use an adjective that would imply that India was unable to produce as much food as was required by its population in the past.
• Hence, 'enough food' is the correct replacement for the underlined phrase as 'enough' means as much or as many of something as required.
• This makes option 1 the correct answer.

​

Confusion Points

• 'Food' and 'fodder' can be confused.
• Food means any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink or that plants absorb in order to maintain life and growth.
• Fodder means food, especially dried hay or straw, for cattle and other livestock.

The correct answer is 'a better growth rate'.

Key Points

• We need to first identify if the underlined part of the sentence has an error which would lead to its replacement by an appropriate phrase.
• The underlined part of the sentence uses the noun 'batter' which means a semi-liquid mixture of flour, egg, and milk or water, used for making pancakes or for coating food before frying. In context of the given sentence, this is incorrect.
• The comparative adjective 'better' is the best fit word to describe 'growth rate'.
• Hence, 'a better growth rate' is the correct replacement for the underlined phrase.
• This makes option 2 the correct answer.

​

Confusion Points

• 'Well' is often confused with the adjective 'good'. 'Well' is an adverb and modifies a verb. I did well on the test.
• *'*Best' is also an adjective but it is the superlative form. The article 'the' is always used before a superlative form. Hence using 'a' makes option 3 grammatically incorrect.
• 'Worse' means of poorer quality or lower standard and does not fit the context of the sentence.

​​

Additional Information

Grammar Rules Learnt: 

• When we use a superlative adjective ('the shortest student') before the noun, we generally use it with 'the'.
• 'Well' is an adverb. It is used to modify a verb. But it has an exception. 
• It is used as an adjective when we refer to a person’s health or well-being. She asked about Rahul's illness, and I told her he is well now.

The correct answer is 'constitutional ideals'.

Key Points

• We need to first identify if the underlined part of the sentence has an error which would lead to its replacement by an appropriate phrase.
• The underlined part of the sentence is wrong as -

1. 'ides' refer to (in the ancient Roman calendar) a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (the 15^th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13^th of other months) from which other dates were calculated. Using this word is incorrect in context of the sentence.
2. 'constitution' is a noun and cannot be used to describe another noun.

• Hence, 'constitutional ideals' is the correct replacement for the underlined phrase. (Ideals mean a standard or principle to be aimed at. This fits the context of the sentence.)
• This makes option 3 the correct answer.

​

Confusion Points

• 'Constitution' is a noun. 'Constitutional' is an adjective. 'Constitutionally' is an adverb.

​​

Additional Information

Grammar Rules Learnt:

1. A noun cannot be modified by another noun or adverb. It needs an adjective.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph centers on the importance of mitochondria and their role in cellular processes and diseases.
• Sentence A is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of mitochondrial function:
• "Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases."
• Sentence C follows as it emphasizes the importance of the research discovery:
• "This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail."
• Sentence D is the third sentence as it explains the fundamental role of mitochondria:
• "Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP."
• Sentence E is the fourth because it gives information about the unique nature of mitochondria:
• "They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus."
• Sentence B is the fifth as it describes additional cellular processes involving mitochondria:
• "Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death."
• Sentence F is the sixth as it highlights the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction:
• "These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."
• The correct sequence is ACDEBF.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases. This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP. They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death. These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."

The correct answer is Option 5.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph centers on the importance of mitochondria and their role in cellular processes and diseases.
• Sentence A is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of mitochondrial function:
• "Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases."
• Sentence C follows as it emphasizes the importance of the research discovery:
• "This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail."
• Sentence D is the third sentence as it explains the fundamental role of mitochondria:
• "Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP."
• Sentence E is the fourth because it gives information about the unique nature of mitochondria:
• "They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus."
• Sentence B is the fifth as it describes additional cellular processes involving mitochondria:
• "Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death."
• Sentence F is the sixth as it highlights the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction:
• "These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."
• The correct sequence is ACDEBF.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases. This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP. They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death. These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph centers on the importance of mitochondria and their role in cellular processes and diseases.
• Sentence A is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of mitochondrial function:
• "Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases."
• Sentence C follows as it emphasizes the importance of the research discovery:
• "This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail."
• Sentence D is the third sentence as it explains the fundamental role of mitochondria:
• "Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP."
• Sentence E is the fourth because it gives information about the unique nature of mitochondria:
• "They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus."
• Sentence B is the fifth as it describes additional cellular processes involving mitochondria:
• "Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death."
• Sentence F is the sixth as it highlights the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction:
• "These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."
• The correct sequence is ACDEBF.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases. This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP. They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death. These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph centers on the importance of mitochondria and their role in cellular processes and diseases.
• Sentence A is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of mitochondrial function:
• "Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases."
• Sentence C follows as it emphasizes the importance of the research discovery:
• "This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail."
• Sentence D is the third sentence as it explains the fundamental role of mitochondria:
• "Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP."
• Sentence E is the fourth because it gives information about the unique nature of mitochondria:
• "They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus."
• Sentence B is the fifth as it describes additional cellular processes involving mitochondria:
• "Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death."
• Sentence F is the sixth as it highlights the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction:
• "These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."
• The correct sequence is ACDEBF.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases. This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP. They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death. These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."

The correct answer is Option 5.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph centers on the importance of mitochondria and their role in cellular processes and diseases.
• Sentence A is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of mitochondrial function:
• "Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases."
• Sentence C follows as it emphasizes the importance of the research discovery:
• "This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail."
• Sentence D is the third sentence as it explains the fundamental role of mitochondria:
• "Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP."
• Sentence E is the fourth because it gives information about the unique nature of mitochondria:
• "They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus."
• Sentence B is the fifth as it describes additional cellular processes involving mitochondria:
• "Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death."
• Sentence F is the sixth as it highlights the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction:
• "These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."
• The correct sequence is ACDEBF.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Recent research has revealed that alterations in mitochondrial function can contribute to a range of diseases. This discovery underscored the importance of understanding mitochondrial function in greater detail. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they are responsible for producing the energy currency of the cell, ATP. They possess their own DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus. Additionally, mitochondria are involved in other cell processes such as cell differentiation, cell signaling, and cell death. These organelles are also unique in that their dysfunction can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and cardiac disorders."

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Sentence A: The artist, along with his assistants, were preparing for the exhibition.
• This sentence is incorrect because when "along with" is used, the subject (the artist) is the one that determines the verb. So, it should be "was" instead of "were" (The artist, along with his assistants, was preparing).
• Sentence B: The book that you gave me was really interesting.
• This sentence is correct as it is grammatically sound and contextually meaningful. It uses the relative clause "that you gave me" correctly.
• Sentence C: Unless he doesn’t apologize, she won’t forgive him.
• This sentence is incorrect because "unless" already implies a negative condition, so "doesn't" is redundant. The correct sentence should be "Unless he apologizes, she won’t forgive him."

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

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Sentence A: The teacher as well as the students has left the classroom.
• This sentence is correct because the verb should agree with the first subject, which is "teacher" (singular).
• Sentence B: He hardly had no time to prepare for the interview.
• This sentence is incorrect because "hardly" and "no" are redundant in a negative construction. The correct sentence is: "He hardly had time to prepare for the interview."
• Sentence C: She has been working here since five years.
• This sentence is incorrect because "since" should be used with a specific point in time, not a period of time. The correct sentence is: "She has been working here for five years."

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

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Sentence A: Each of the boys have submitted his homework.
• This sentence is incorrect because "each" is singular, and the verb should agree with the singular subject. The correct sentence is "Each of the boys has submitted his homework."
• Sentence B: No sooner had she arrived than it started to rain.
• This sentence is correct because it correctly uses the "no sooner... than" construction to express the idea that one event happened immediately after another.
• Sentence C: They are planning to go for a picnic, isn’t it?
• This sentence is incorrect because the question tag should match the subject in number and person. Since "they" is plural, the correct question tag is "aren't they?" instead of "isn't it?"

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘A and C’.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Sentence A: He has visited London last year with his family.
• This sentence is incorrect because "has visited" is present perfect, and it should be used with a non-specific time. Since "last year" is a specific time, the past simple tense "visited" should be used instead. The correct sentence is "He visited London last year with his family."
• Sentence B: The news are spreading rapidly across social media.
• This sentence is incorrect because "news" is a singular noun, so it takes the singular verb "is" instead of "are." The correct sentence is "The news is spreading rapidly across social media."
• Sentence C: She speaks French fluently and understands German as well.
• This sentence is correct as it is grammatically and contextually sound. It correctly uses "and" to connect two related actions, and both parts are correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘A and B’.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage highlights the unintended consequences of overusing pesticides in Ravi's village.
• It specifically mentions the "disappearance of beneficial insects like bees."
• This indicates that the overuse of pesticides harmed the ecosystem, especially affecting these vital insects.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Supporting Sentence: “The soil's quality was deteriorating, and beneficial insects like bees were disappearing.”

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (Decrease in crop yields) is incorrect because the passage states that pesticides improved yields in the short term.
• Option 2 (Improvement of soil quality) is incorrect as the soil quality actually deteriorated.
• Option 4 (Increase in rainfall) is not mentioned in the passage.
• Option 5 (Expansion of farming land) is also not discussed in the passage.