English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Dr. Anil Shah's primary objective was clearly stated as creating an ultra-thin solar cell that could capture energy more efficiently than existing technology.
• The passage describes in detail his focus on achieving higher energy conversion efficiency using quantum dots and a new stabilizing agent solution.
• None of the other options, such as creating a new type of catalyst or synthesizing a new chemical compound, were indicated as his primary objective in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage specifically mentions that Dr. Shah introduced a catalyst made from a rare earth element to enhance the reaction.
• Phosphine gas and gallium arsenide were part of the chemical solution he prepared, but they were not the catalyst.
• Quantum dots and carbon nanotubes were not mentioned as catalysts in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage states that the preliminary results showed a 25% increase in efficiency for Dr. Shah's experimental solar cell compared to traditional solar cells.
• This specific figure, 25%, is mentioned in relation to the increase in energy conversion efficiency.
• Other percentages like 15%, 20%, 30%, and 35% were not mentioned in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Dr. Shah’s experiment involved the use of a high-intensity solar simulator.
• This statement is correct as it accurately reflects the context provided in the passage.
• Statement B: The primary objective of the experiment was to reduce the cost of solar cells.
• This statement is incorrect because the passage mentions that Dr. Shah’s primary objective was to create an ultra-thin solar cell with higher efficiency, not to reduce costs.
• Statement C: The results showed a 50% increase in efficiency.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage specifies that the results showed a 25% increase in efficiency.

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

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Dr. Shah mixed gallium arsenide with phosphine gas in his experiment.
• This statement is correct as it accurately reflects the experiment described in the passage.
• Statement B: The results of the experiment were not promising.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage clearly states that the preliminary results were promising, showing a 25% increase in efficiency.
• Statement C: The lab walls were covered with charts and graphs.
• This statement is correct according to the description of the lab in the passage.

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

The correct answer is 'intricacies'.

 

Key Points

• The word "intricacies" means the complex details of something.
• The context of the passage is about the detailed and complicated nature of scientific research and experiments.
• The other options: "uncertainties," "marvels," "depths," and "revelations" do not capture this complexity as appropriately.

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

Complete Sentence: In his mind, he captured the essence of his journey—a journey through the intricacies of science, driven by curiosity and sustained by perseverance.

Additional Information

• Uncertainties (अनिश्चितताएँ): means situations where outcomes are unknown.
• Marvels (चमत्कार): means wonderful or astonishing things.
• Depths (गहराईयाँ): means the deep parts of something.
• Revelations (प्रकाशन): means the act of revealing or disclosing something.

The correct answer is: Approach.

Key Points

• The word "means" refers to a method or way of achieving something. (साधन)
• Example: Effective communication is a vital means of resolving conflicts.
• "Approach" refers to a way of dealing with a situation or problem. (दृष्टिकोण)
• Example: Her approach to teaching is very interactive and engaging.
• Hence, we can infer that the word "means" in the context of the passage is similar in meaning to "approach".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Approach.

Additional Information

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

• Objective (उद्देश्य): A goal or purpose that is aimed for.
• Example: His objective is to become a successful entrepreneur.
• Device (यंत्र): A tool or gadget used for a specific purpose.
• Example: The new device can help monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Barrier (बाधा): An obstacle that prevents movement or access.
• Example: Lack of education can act as a barrier to progress.
• Resource (संसाधन): A source of supply or support.
• Example: Water is a vital natural resource that needs to be conserved.

The correct answer is: Collection.

Key Points

• The word "net" in the context of the passage refers to a conceptual aggregate or a gathering of hopes and hypotheses. (जाल)
• Example: His net of connections helped him secure the funding for his project.
• "Collection" refers to the act or process of gathering or accumulating items or concepts together. (संग्रह)
• Example: She has a remarkable collection of ancient artefacts.
• Hence, we can infer that "collection" is similar in meaning to "net" in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Collection.

Additional Information

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

• Mesh (जाल): A material made of a network of wire or thread.
• Example: The window is covered with a fine mesh to keep out insects.
• Framework (ढांचा): A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
• Example: They developed a framework for the new policy.
• Capture (पकड़ना): The act of catching or seizing something.
• Example: The camera can capture stunning images in low light.
• Lattice (जाली): A structure of crossed wooden or metal strips, typically used as a screen or support for climbing plants.
• Example: The garden was surrounded by a beautiful lattice fence.

The correct answer is "Option 3".

Key Points

• The correct phrase to be substituted in the above sentence is "refers to harvesting a renewable".
• The given sentence is in the simple present tense, and the subject of the given sentence is "overexploitation" which is singular.
• So, the singular form of the verb should be used i.e. "refers" instead of "referring" to maintain subject-verb agreement.
• Hence, "refers to harvesting a renewable" is the correct phrase to be substituted.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Correct Sentence: "Overexploitation, also called overharvesting, refers to harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns."

Additional Information

• "refer to harvesting a renewable" is not appropriate here because "refer" is a plural verb form.
• "referred to harvesting a renewable" is not appropriate here because "referred" is used in the past tense.
• "referred to harvest a renewable" is not appropriate here because "referred" is used in the past tense and we need "harvesting" (gerund form) to act as a noun and indicate the ongoing or continuous nature of the action.

The correct answer is '5' i.e. No correction required.

Key Points

• The phrase "Upon hearing the news" is grammatically correct and means "as soon as we heard the news".
• "Upon" can be followed by a gerund (-ing form) to indicate that one action happened immediately after another.
• Therefore, "Upon hearing the news of his accident" correctly describes the situation before the action "we immediately rushed to the hospital."
• The sentence is also contextually appropriate because the people rushed to the hospital immediately after receiving the news.

Correct sentence: Upon hearing the news of his accident in the local market, we immediately rushed to the hospital without informing anyone.

Therefore, the correct answer is '5' i.e. No correction required.

Additional Information

• Option 1 – After we heard the news: Grammatically possible, but it unnecessarily changes the original concise and correct construction.
• Option 2 – While hearing the news: Incorrect in context because "while" suggests that the two actions were happening simultaneously.
• Option 3 – Since we have heard the news: Incorrect because "since" changes the intended meaning and tense relationship.
• Option 4 – On hearing the news: Grammatically correct and similar in meaning to the original, but no correction is required because the original phrase is already correct.
• Option 5 – No correction required: Correct. ✓

The correct answer is "Option 2".

Key Points

• The correct phrase to be substituted in the above sentence is "to make constant".
• In the given sentence, "to make constant" is grammatically correct because it uses the infinitive form of the verb "to make" followed by the adjective "constant."
• "Vehicle" is a noun so we need an adjective before it but "constantly" is an adverb.
• Hence, "to make constant" is the correct phrase to be substituted.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Correct Sentence: "Data accumulated during service operation will allow the companies to make constant vehicle improvements to better meet local needs and specifications."

Additional Information

• "make constant to" is incorrect because it uses "to" inappropriately after "constant." when using an infinitive after a verb, we typically use "to" before the infinitive form of the verb. Example: "to make," "to go," etc.
• "to made constant" is incorrect because "made" is the past tense form, which is not suitable here.
• "Constantly make" is incorrect because it suggests that the action of making improvements is ongoing which is different from the actual meaning of the sentence.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. adversely affecting profitability.

Key Points

• The original phrase ‘affecting profitability adverse’ is incorrect because the adverb 'adversely' is required to modify the verb 'affecting'. The adjective 'adverse' cannot be used in this context.
• The correct phrase is ‘adversely affecting profitability’, which accurately conveys that profitability was being negatively impacted.
• The other options are not correct in this context.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Correct sentence: The management decided to shut the branch as the expenses incurred were higher than the revenue generated, and it was adversely affecting profitability.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

Basic first aid education ________ students to act ________ in emergencies, transforming ________ into potential lifesavers and ________ a caring society.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Bystanders - individuals who are present at an event or incident but are not directly involved or taking part in it (साक्षी)
• For Example -
• The bystanders watched in horror as the accident unfolded before their eyes.
• (B) Fostering - promoting the development or growth of something; nurturing or encouraging (प्रोत्साहन)
• For Example -
• The teacher focused on fostering a sense of creativity and curiosity among her students.
• (C) Empowers - giving someone the authority or power to do something; enabling or strengthening (बल देना)
• For Example -
• The new initiative empowers women in rural areas by providing them with financial literacy training and resources to start their own businesses.
• (D) Swiftly - quickly or promptly; with great speed or efficiency (त्वरित)
• For Example -
• The emergency response team arrived swiftly at the scene of the accident to provide medical assistance to the injured.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that, in the given sentence, swapping "bystanders (A)" and "empowers (C)" and the words "fostering (B)" and "swiftly (D)" would make the sentence more grammatically correct and contextually meaningful. Here, "bystanders" refers to individuals who are present at an event but are not directly involved. In the context of the sentence, basic first aid education should empower students to act, not bystanders. Also, the word "fostering" fits appropriately in the context of basic first aid education nurturing or encouraging a caring society.
• Hence, the correct answer is "A-C and D-B."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "Basic first aid education empowers students to act swiftly in emergencies, transforming bystanders into potential lifesavers and fostering a caring society."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

Despite ________ leaps, road safety shouldn't be ________ by risky behaviours like using phones while driving, ________ the need for responsible ________ behaviour.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Technological - relating to technology or the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes (तकनीकी)
• For Example -
• The technological advancements in renewable energy have led to more sustainable solutions for power generation.
• (B) Compromised - to undermine or weaken something, typically by exposing it to danger or risk (खतरे में डालना)
• For Example -
• The integrity of the data was compromised when the system was hacked, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• (C) Emphasizing - giving special importance or prominence to something; highlighting or stressing a particular aspect (जोर देना)
• For Example -
• The speaker kept emphasizing the need for teamwork to achieve success in the project.
• (D) Civic - relating to the duties, rights, and responsibilities of citizens within a community or society (नागरिक)
• For Example -
• Participating in local clean-up initiatives is a civic duty that helps to improve the environment for everyone.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that all the marked words are given in their correct places and there is no need for rearrangement.
• Hence, the correct answer is "No interchange required."

The correct answer is CBAD

Key Points

From the context of the sentence, we can see that it is talking about researchers and their beliefs about humans seeing faces in faceless things. 

• Now let's look at the meaning of the words:

 

• Now let's assume that the emboldened words in the sentence are replaced with blanks:
• Researchers believe that _________may have an __________in our brains being _________to see faces in __________objects.
• The first blank requires a noun that can represent the concept that the researchers believe in. 
• 'Hardwired' is a verb (an action) and thus is not something that can make the brain 'see' things, it is just the action taken by the nun making the brain see things.
• The third blank requires a verb in the past tense, one that can represent the action happening on the brain that is making it 'see faces'. 
• 'Darwinism' is a concept, a system of belief and is not something one can 'be', it is something one can believe in.
• Hence, the terms 'Darwinism' and 'hardwired' need to be interchanged in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.

Thus, the correct answer will be: Researchers believe that Darwinism may have an underpinning in our brains being hardwired to see faces in nondescript objects.

The correct answer is option 3.

 Key Points To answer this question, let's first understand the meanings of the marked words:

• Profoundly - deeply or significantly; to a great extent (गहराई से)
• For Example -
• The news of their engagement profoundly affected her, bringing tears of joy to her eyes.
• Resonate - to evoke a strong and sympathetic response or reaction; to have a lasting impact (सहमति या प्रतिक्रिया पैदा करना)
• For Example -
• The speech on unity and equality resonated with the audience, inspiring them to take action.
• Infrequent - not happening often; rare or occurring at irregular intervals (अस्वाभाविक)
• For Example -
• Earthquakes are infrequent in this region, but when they do occur, they can be quite devastating.
• Antitrust - relating to laws and regulations designed to prevent or control monopolistic practices and unfair competition in business 
• For Example -
• The antitrust laws are in place to ensure fair competition and protect consumers from monopolies.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that in the given sentence, "profoundly" should be interchanged with "infrequent" because it would make more sense to describe the idea of something happening rarely or seldom
• Similarly, "resonate" should be interchanged with "antitrust" because "antitrust" is the appropriate term when discussing legal actions against companies like Microsoft for monopolistic practices, making the sentence more contextually accurate.
• Hence, the correct answer is "C-A, B-D."

 

The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "The infrequent but impactful nature of antitrust cases, such as the U.S. government's battle against Microsoft led by Bill Gates, can profoundly reshape entire sectors and resonate globally."

The correct answer is option 3.

 Key Points To answer this question, let's first understand the meanings of the marked words:

• Resilient - the ability to withstand or recover from difficult conditions or setbacks (सहनशीलता)
• For Example -
• Despite the economic downturn, the company's resilient business model allowed it to thrive.
• Pre-pandemic - referring to the period before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (पैंडेमिक से पहले)
• For Example -
• The travel industry was booming in the pre-pandemic era, but it faced significant challenges during the lockdowns.
• Initial - relating to the beginning or starting point of something (प्रारंभिक)
• For Example -
• The initial stages of a project require careful planning and organization.
• Dominance - the state of being in control, more powerful, or having a commanding position in a particular field or context (प्रमुखता)
• For Example -
• The company's dominance in the tech market was unchallenged for many years.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that in the given sentence, "initial" should be swapped with "resilient" because physical retail endured and bounced back, demonstrating resilience.
• Also, "pre-pandemic" should be replaced with "dominance" to convey that foot traffic levels returned to their previous high, indicating a resurgence in physical retail's prominence.
• Hence, the correct answer is "A-C, D-B."

 

The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "Despite initial predictions of virtual retail's dominance during the lockdown, physical retail has proven resilient, with foot traffic in high streets, malls, and shopping centres returning to pre-pandemic levels."

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:
• Cue: A signal or prompt that triggers an action, OR a long stick used to strike balls in games like billiards. (संकेत, इशारा, संकेत देने वाली वस्तु)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: She took it as a cue to leave the party when the music stopped.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "cue" to describe a signal or indication to take an action (in this case, to leave the party).
• Sentence B: The signal person used a bright-coloured cue to divert the traffic.
• This sentence incorrectly uses the word "cue" because the word does not refer to a physical object used to divert traffic.
• Sentence C: He racked the balls and passed the cue stick to his friend.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "cue" to describe the stick used in billiards or similar games.
• So, both Sentence A and Sentence C correctly use the word "cue" in their respective contexts.

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

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:
• Outfit:
• (Verb): To provide with a set of equipment or clothes.
• (Noun): A set of clothes worn together, especially for a particular occasion or purpose.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The company decided to outfit all employees with new computers.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "outfit" as a verb to describe the act of equipping employees with new computers.
• Sentence B: She wore her favourite outfit to the interview.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "outfit" as a noun to describe a set of clothes worn for a specific occasion, in this case, an interview.
• Sentence C: The sailors finished preparing to outfit the ship for the long voyage.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "outfit" as a verb to describe the act of equipping the ship with necessary supplies for the voyage.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the word "outfit" to illustrate different contexts of equipping or clothing.

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

The correct answer is Option 1

 Key Points

• The verb "instigate" generally means to provoke or stir up, incite someone to do something, often something harmful or illegal.
• In the sentence "The plan was to catch him off guard and instigate him", instigate is used correctly as it suggests that there is a plan to provoke the individual or stimulate some type of action or response.
• his indeed matches one of the primary meanings of the term "instigate."