English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2 (C).

 

Key Points

• The paragraph aims to describe the journey of a spiritual leader from India and how they are perceived in the West, moving from general introduction to specific nuances of perception.
• Sentence C is the first sentence as it broadly introduces the subject of Indian spiritual leaders and their global following:
• "Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries."
• Sentence E follows as it elaborates on the initial positive perception of these leaders:
• "They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery."
• Sentence A is the third sentence because it introduces a contrasting, skeptical viewpoint using "However," indicating a shift from the generally positive perception:
• "However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct."
• Sentence D is the fourth as it synthesizes the contrasting positive and negative views, explaining them as a "dual perception":
• "This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation."
• Sentence B is the fifth (last) as it concludes by describing the resulting approach taken by individuals in the West due to this dual perception, using "Consequently":
• "Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."
• The correct sequence is C E A D B.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries. They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery. However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct. This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation. Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."

The correct answer is Option 5 (E).

 

Key Points

• The paragraph aims to describe the journey of a spiritual leader from India and how they are perceived in the West, moving from general introduction to specific nuances of perception.
• Sentence C is the first sentence as it broadly introduces the subject of Indian spiritual leaders and their global following:
• "Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries."
• Sentence E follows as it elaborates on the initial positive perception of these leaders:
• "They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery."
• Sentence A is the third sentence because it introduces a contrasting, skeptical viewpoint using "However," indicating a shift from the generally positive perception:
• "However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct."
• Sentence D is the fourth as it synthesizes the contrasting positive and negative views, explaining them as a "dual perception":
• "This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation."
• Sentence B is the fifth (last) as it concludes by describing the resulting approach taken by individuals in the West due to this dual perception, using "Consequently":
• "Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."
• The correct sequence is C E A D B.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries. They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery. However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct. This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation. Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."

The correct answer is Option 2 (A).

 

Key Points

• The paragraph aims to describe the journey of a spiritual leader from India and how they are perceived in the West, moving from general introduction to specific nuances of perception.
• Sentence C is the first sentence as it broadly introduces the subject of Indian spiritual leaders and their global following:
• "Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries."
• Sentence E follows as it elaborates on the initial positive perception of these leaders:
• "They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery."
• Sentence A is the third sentence because it introduces a contrasting, skeptical viewpoint using "However," indicating a shift from the generally positive perception:
• "However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct."
• Sentence D is the fourth as it synthesizes the contrasting positive and negative views, explaining them as a "dual perception":
• "This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation."
• Sentence B is the fifth (last) as it concludes by describing the resulting approach taken by individuals in the West due to this dual perception, using "Consequently":
• "Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."
• The correct sequence is C E A D B.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries. They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery. However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct. This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation. Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."

The correct answer is Option 2 (D).

 

Key Points

• The paragraph aims to describe the journey of a spiritual leader from India and how they are perceived in the West, moving from general introduction to specific nuances of perception.
• Sentence C is the first sentence as it broadly introduces the subject of Indian spiritual leaders and their global following:
• "Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries."
• Sentence E follows as it elaborates on the initial positive perception of these leaders:
• "They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery."
• Sentence A is the third sentence because it introduces a contrasting, skeptical viewpoint using "However," indicating a shift from the generally positive perception:
• "However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct."
• Sentence D is the fourth as it synthesizes the contrasting positive and negative views, explaining them as a "dual perception":
• "This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation."
• Sentence B is the fifth (last) as it concludes by describing the resulting approach taken by individuals in the West due to this dual perception, using "Consequently":
• "Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."
• The correct sequence is C E A D B.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries. They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery. However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct. This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation. Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."

The correct answer is Option 3 (B).

 

Key Points

• The paragraph aims to describe the journey of a spiritual leader from India and how they are perceived in the West, moving from general introduction to specific nuances of perception.
• Sentence C is the first sentence as it broadly introduces the subject of Indian spiritual leaders and their global following:
• "Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries."
• Sentence E follows as it elaborates on the initial positive perception of these leaders:
• "They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery."
• Sentence A is the third sentence because it introduces a contrasting, skeptical viewpoint using "However," indicating a shift from the generally positive perception:
• "However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct."
• Sentence D is the fourth as it synthesizes the contrasting positive and negative views, explaining them as a "dual perception":
• "This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation."
• Sentence B is the fifth (last) as it concludes by describing the resulting approach taken by individuals in the West due to this dual perception, using "Consequently":
• "Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."
• The correct sequence is C E A D B.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"Many spiritual leaders from India have gained a significant following across the globe, particularly in Western countries. They are often seen as purveyors of ancient wisdom, offering practices like yoga and meditation that promise inner peace and self-discovery. However, the rise of some "so-called" gurus has also led to skepticism, with critics pointing to commercialization and alleged misconduct. This dual perception reflects a complex interplay of genuine spiritual seeking and concerns about exploitation. Consequently, individuals in the West often approach these figures with a blend of reverence and cautious scrutiny."

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Key Points

• I. Exams alone cannot measure a student’s true potential.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage highlights that exam pressure dominates the system, and many students focus more on marks than on real understanding, implying that exams alone are insufficient to measure true potential.
• II. Schools are adding new activities to improve learning experiences.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly mentions that schools are introducing activities like debates, art workshops, and community service to make learning more holistic.
• III. Education is only about memorizing facts for exams.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage argues that education should also focus on critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, which contradicts the idea that education is only about memorizing facts.

Therefore, the correct answer is Both I and II follow.

 

Additional Information

• Only III: Incorrect because III cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Only II: Incorrect because both I and II can be inferred from the passage.
• All of them: Incorrect because III cannot be inferred from the passage.
• None of them: Incorrect because I and II can be inferred from the passage.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points

• I. Globalization has no impact on local traditions.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage states that globalization exposes people to diverse forms of art but also raises concerns about overshadowing traditional practices, indicating that globalization does indeed impact local traditions.
• II. Communities are making efforts to protect cultural heritage.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly mentions communities promoting folk art, local crafts, and classical performances to preserve their heritage.
• III. Art is an important part of society’s identity.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage states that art and culture reflect the identity of a society, emphasizing its importance.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4: Both II and III follow.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (All of them follow): Incorrect because statement I cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Option 2 (Only I follows): Incorrect because statement I does not follow.
• Option 3 (Both I and II follow): Incorrect because statement I does not follow.
• Option 5 (None of them follow): Incorrect because statements II and III follow.

The correct answer is 'space research and social development, equally'.

Key Points

• Let us see the analysis of the options:​
• Option 1: Ignoring global issues for scientific fame.

This option suggests ignoring global issues entirely, which is not balanced.

• Option 2: War preparations and nuclear testing, rapidly.

Irrelevant to the context of space exploration and social development.

• Option 3: Excessive spending, without accountability.

This option highlights a problem but does not suggest balance.

• Option 4: Abandoning innovation to avoid risks.

This option suggests halting progress, which is not balanced.

• Option 5: Space research and social development, equally.

This option correctly highlights the need for a balanced approach.

• Thus, 'space research and social development, equally' is the correct answer as it emphasizes a balanced approach.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's analyze each sentence to understand the theme and identify if there is an odd one out:

• Highlighted sentence: The research aims to enhance evidence-based decision-making, promoting fair, effective, and sustainable ocean management by providing valuable insights into marine activities worldwide.
• This sentence emphasizes the goal of research in enhancing evidence-based decision-making for fair, effective, and sustainable ocean management, with a focus on providing valuable insights into marine activities worldwide.
• Sentence A: A newly published study in the journal Nature utilizes satellite images, vessel GPS data, and AI to unveil human industrial activities across the ocean over five years.
• This sentence aligns with the theme as it discusses a study using advanced technologies to reveal human industrial activities across the ocean.
• Sentence B: Despite advancements in monitoring ocean activities, some argue that the vastness of the sea should remain uncharted, preserving mystery and autonomy for maritime industries.
• This sentence takes a different perspective, arguing for the preservation of mystery and autonomy in the vastness of the sea, which doesn't align with the theme of enhancing evidence-based decision-making and providing insights.
• Sentence C: Approximately 75% of fishing vessels detected were missing from public AIS monitoring systems, particularly around Africa and South Asia, revealing previously invisible activity.
• This sentence aligns with the theme as it discusses the detection of fishing vessels missing from monitoring systems, revealing previously invisible activity in specific regions.
• Sentence D: The freely available data through Global Fishing Watch supports real-world efforts in monitoring fishing in data-poor regions, combating illegal fishing, and addressing climate change impacts on oceans.
• This sentence also aligns with the theme, emphasizing the use of data to support real-world efforts in monitoring fishing, combating illegal fishing, and addressing climate change impacts.
• So, comparing all the sentences, we can see that sentence B is different from the others. While the other sentences focus on technological advancements, data-driven insights, and real-world efforts in monitoring ocean activities, sentence B takes a contrasting stance, arguing for the preservation of mystery and autonomy in the sea.
• Therefore, sentence B is the odd one out.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's analyze each sentence to understand the theme and identify if there is an odd one out:

• Highlighted sentence: Maintaining a journal for just 20 minutes daily, at no cost, and from the comfort of your home, offers stress reduction, improved memory, and enhanced writing skills.
• This sentence emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a journal, including stress reduction, improved memory, and enhanced writing skills, all achieved through a simple and cost-free daily practice at home.
• Sentence A: Engaging in journaling is a futile activity with no discernible benefits for students, as it neither enhances writing skills nor contributes to stress reduction or improved mental health.
• This sentence contradicts the theme by claiming that journaling is a futile activity with no discernible benefits for students. It dismisses the positive effects mentioned in the highlighted sentence.
• Sentence B: Journaling aids students in goal-setting, fostering task prioritization, and providing a record for reflection, fostering clarity in decision-making and time management.
• This sentence aligns with the theme, emphasizing the positive impacts of journaling on students, including goal-setting, task prioritization, reflection, decision-making, and time management.
• Sentence C: Journaling, a cost-free 20-minute activity at home, enhances memory, reduces stress, and aids goal-setting, especially beneficial for students navigating various tasks and pressures.
• This sentence is in line with the theme, reiterating the benefits of journaling such as enhancing memory, reducing stress, and aiding goal-setting. It specifically mentions the relevance of journaling for students dealing with various tasks and pressures.
• Sentence D: In the digital age, journaling becomes a crucial tool for students to refine communication skills, providing a safe space to experiment with language, and grammar, and develop a unique voice.
• This sentence also aligns with the theme, highlighting the importance of journaling in the digital age for refining communication skills and providing a safe space for language experimentation and voice development.
• So, comparing all the sentences, we can see that sentence A is the odd one out. While the other sentences emphasize the positive impacts of journaling, sentence A dismisses it as a futile activity with no discernible benefits for students.
• Therefore, sentence A is the odd one out.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• The blank (A) in the sentence needs a word that indicates the improvement of India's disaster management capabilities.
• "Significantly" is an adverb that denotes a high degree or extent of improvement, fitting well with the context.
• The phrase "has significantly improved" is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate, indicating a notable enhancement.
• Neither "augmented" nor "witnessed" fits the context as effectively as "significantly."
• Given that the word in blank (A) should convey the enhancement of disaster management capabilities, "significantly" clearly communicates the extent of this improvement.

Therefore, the correct answer is Only ll.

 

Additional Information

• Augmented: While "augmented" means to enhance or increase, it does not fit as smoothly in the context of this specific sentence. The phrase "has augmented improved" would be redundant.
• Witnessed: "Witnessed" would imply observing an improvement rather than actively making improvements, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence states: "It has ________ in disaster mitigation, risk assessment, reduction, and response..."
• The blank requires a verb that appropriately describes the performance and progress of NDMA in disaster management activities.
• "Excelled" means performed exceptionally well, which correctly fits the context of NDMA improving and performing effectively in disaster management activities.
• "Thrived" means developed or progressed successfully, which also fits suitably in the given context.
• "Involved" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence because it should be written as "has been involved in".

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Sentence: It has excelled / thrived in disaster mitigation, risk assessment, reduction, and response, evolving to address new threats like heatwaves.

 

Additional Information

• Excelled (उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन करना): To do something extremely well.
• Thrived (फलना-फूलना): To grow, develop, or be successful.
• Involved (शामिल): Taking part in something; however, it does not fit grammatically in the given sentence structure.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The blank (C) in the passage refers to the degree of performance or functionality of state disaster management agencies.
• "Effectiveness" refers to the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result, which fits well with the context of disaster management.
• "Efficacy" means the ability to produce a desired or intended result, making it a suitable choice for the blank as well.
• "Efficiency" refers to achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense, which is relevant for discussing the performance of disaster management agencies.
• All three terms appropriately describe and qualify the varying performance levels of state disaster management agencies.

Therefore, the correct answer is All I, II and III.

 

Additional Information

• Effectiveness: This word conveys the state disaster management agencies' success in achieving their objectives. "Nearly every state now has its disaster management agency, although their effectiveness varies" indicates that some agencies are more successful than others.
• Efficacy: Similarly, "efficacy" suggests the agencies' ability to produce desired outcomes. "Nearly every state now has its disaster management agency, although their efficacy varies" indicates varying degrees of success in meeting goals.
• Efficiency: This term highlights the productivity and resourcefulness of the agencies. "Nearly every state now has its disaster management agency, although their efficiency varies" suggests differences in how well resources are utilized to achieve disaster management objectives.

The correct answer is Option 5.

 

Key Points

• The blank (D) in the passage needs a word that represents the difficulties or obstacles faced by disaster management agencies due to the increase in frequency and intensity of disasters.
• "Problems" refers to situations regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome, which fits well within the context.
• "Challenges" refers to difficult tasks or situations that require a great effort to overcome, which is highly relevant to the context of managing disasters.
• "Hurdles" metaphorically refers to obstacles or difficulties that need to be overcome, also fitting well within the context.
• All three words—problems, challenges, and hurdles—are appropriate to describe the difficulties faced by disaster management agencies.

Therefore, the correct answer is All I, II, and III.

 

Additional Information

• Problems: "To counter these problems, disaster management agencies need more resources and capacity-building." This suggests that there are issues that need solutions.
• Challenges: "To counter these challenges, disaster management agencies need more resources and capacity-building." This implies that there are difficult tasks to overcome.
• Hurdles: "To counter these hurdles, disaster management agencies need more resources and capacity-building." This indicates obstacles that need to be overcome.

The correct answer is Option 5.

 

Key Points

• The blank (E) in the passage deals with how India's ongoing infrastructure development must handle disaster resilience.
• "Incorporate" means to include or integrate a component into a larger whole, making it fit the context of ensuring that disaster resilience is a part of infrastructure development.
• "Enhance" means to improve or augment, which also aligns well with making infrastructure more resilient to disasters.
• "Integrate" means to combine or bring together different elements to form a cohesive whole, which is relevant to embedding disaster resilience into infrastructure development.
• All three words—incorporate, enhance, and integrate—are suitable and contextually appropriate for this blank.

Therefore, the correct answer is All I, II, and III.

 

Additional Information

• Incorporate: "India's ongoing infrastructure development must incorporate disaster resilience." This suggests that disaster resilience should be included as an integral part of new developments.
• Enhance: "India's ongoing infrastructure development must enhance disaster resilience." This implies that infrastructure should be improved to withstand disasters better.
• Integrate: "India's ongoing infrastructure development must integrate disaster resilience." This suggests combining disaster resilience features into the planning and building process.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand what each sentence is talking about:
• Sentence l - She was exhausted after working late into the night.
• This sentence conveys that the subject was tired due to working late.
• Sentence ll - She managed to complete the project ahead of the deadline.
• This sentence indicates that the subject successfully finished the project before the deadline.
• After understanding both the given sentences, we can conclude that the connection between the two sentences lies in the contrast between the subject's exhaustion and her ability to complete the project ahead of the deadline.
• Hence, both "Although" and "Despite" can effectively link these sentences by emphasizing the unexpected accomplishment despite the exhaustion, making for a coherent single sentence.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both 1 and 3."
• The combined sentence would be:
• "Although she was exhausted after working late into the night, she managed to complete the project ahead of the deadline."
• Despite being exhausted after working late into the night, she managed to complete the project ahead of the deadline.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand what each sentence is talking about:
• Sentence l - The weather forecast predicted heavy rain for the weekend.
• This sentence conveys that the weather forecast anticipates heavy rain for the weekend.
• Sentence ll - The most anticipated World Cup match was cancelled.
• This sentence indicates that the highly anticipated World Cup match was cancelled.
• After understanding both the given sentences, we can conclude that the connection between the two sentences is related to the reason or cause for the cancellation of the World Cup match.
• Hence, all three options, "As," "Due to," and "As a result of," can effectively link these sentences to create a single coherent sentence. They all convey the causal relationship between the heavy rain forecast and the cancellation of the World Cup match.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All 1, 2, and 3."
• The combined sentence options would be:
• "As the weather forecast predicted heavy rain for the weekend, the most anticipated World Cup match was cancelled."
• "Due to the weather forecast predicting heavy rain for the weekend, the most anticipated World Cup match was cancelled."
• "As a result of the weather forecast predicting heavy rain for the weekend, the most anticipated World Cup match was cancelled."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand what each sentence is talking about:
• Sentence l - The weather was gloomy and cold at the mountain's peak.
• This sentence describes the weather conditions at the mountain's peak, which are gloomy and cold.
• Sentence ll - Down in the valley, the sun shone brightly, creating a warm atmosphere.
• This sentence depicts a different weather condition in the valley, with the sun shining and creating a warm atmosphere.
• After understanding both the given sentences, we can conclude that the connection between the two sentences lies in the contrast between the weather conditions at the mountain's peak and in the valley.
• Hence, the appropriate connector to express this contrast is "On the other hand."
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Only 2."
• The combined sentence would be:
• "The weather was gloomy and cold at the mountain's peak; on the other hand, down in the valley, the sun shone brightly, creating a warm atmosphere."

Additional Information The meaning of the given connectors:

• "As a result" - This is used to introduce a statement that explains something caused by the situation or action you have just referred to. It signifies a consequence or outcome.
• Example: He didn't study for the exam; as a result, he failed.
• "On the other hand" - This is used to present a contrasting or differing point of view, circumstance, or result from the one previously stated or implied. It signifies a difference or contrast.
• Example: John loves Italian food; on the other hand, his wife prefers Chinese cuisine.
• "In the meantime" - This phrase indicates a period of time between two events, and is used to suggest that something happens during that period or is relevant to it. It signifies something happening concurrently or during a waiting period.
• Example: This project will take a few years to finish; in the meantime, we'll have to manage with our limited resources.

The correct answer is to hit the sack.

Key Points

• Vote with one's feet means showing disregard for something
• Hit the sack means falling asleep
• Bury the hatchet means to forget about the fight and become friends again
• Play it by ear means to act according to the situation.
• Be up with the lark means waking up early in the morning
• Thus, the correct answer is to hit the sack

Completed Sentence: Sneha worked very hard throughout the day and now, its time for her to hit the sack

The correct answer is twenty-four/ seven.

Key Points

• Go for the jugular means it means to criticize someone recklessly.
• Stir up a hornet's nest means creating a lot of trouble and discomfort
• Out of the jaws of death means to be saved from danger.
• Twenty-four/seven means all day long.
• Come hell or high water means to fight with the circumstances and not give up

Completed sentence: Mentors are working twenty-four/seven in order to make the best content for the students.