English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'A - (3) - (i) - F.'

Key Points

• The goal is to form a single, coherent and grammatically correct statement.
• The combination A - (3) - (i) - F achieves this:
• Sentence A: The failure of the launch was due to (P)____ and a lack of (Q)____ (End)____.
• P Option (3): software malfunction
• Q Option (i): rigorous testing
• End (F): the internal report concluded.
• Resulting

Statement:

"The failure of the launch was due to software malfunction and a lack of rigorous testing, the internal report concluded."

• Analysis: Software malfunction is a direct technical cause of a launch failure, and a lack of rigorous testing is a common contributing factor. The ending, "the internal report concluded," acts as a grammatically sound attribution for the cause of the failure.
• No other option listed forms a strong, coherent sentence:
• B - (2) - (ii) - E: "When analyzing economic trends, we must consider global supply chains in addition to consumer confidence, better opportunities for employment." (Grammatically acceptable, but the flow is awkward as E is a desired outcome, not a factor being considered).
• C - (1) - (iii) - D: "Increasing factory output is essential for cost overruns and creating manufacturing efficiency, led to a significant public outcry." (Illogical, as output is not essential for 'cost overruns' and the grammar of D is incorrect).

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

The correct answer is Option 5, i.e., 'C - (3) - (ii) - E.'

Key Points

• The combination C - (3) - (ii) - E is the correct answer.
• The Coherent

Statement:

• Sentence C: Rapid advances in medicine allow for (P)____ but raise significant (Q)____ (End)____.
• P Option (3): pharmaceutical research
• Q Option (ii): ethical implications
• End (E): without proper regulatory oversight.
• Resulting Coherent

Statement:

"Rapid advances in medicine allow for pharmaceutical research but raise significant ethical implications, without proper regulatory oversight."

• Rationale for Coherence (Based on Option 5):
• The sentence identifies that advances in medicine facilitate pharmaceutical research (P).
• A side effect of medical advances is the creation of complex ethical implications (Q), such as questions about life extension or genetic modification.
• The concluding phrase "without proper regulatory oversight" (E) acts as an adverbial clause, modifying the main verb phrase ("raise significant ethical implications"), suggesting that these issues become especially problematic or significant in the absence of good governance.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Key Points

• I) Public transport helps reduce pollution and traffic.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly mentions that public transport is essential for reducing traffic congestion and pollution in cities.
• II) Many people avoid public transport due to its shortcomings.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage discusses challenges like overcrowding, delays, and poor maintenance that discourage people from using public transport.
• III) Governments are not taking any steps to improve transport.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that governments are investing in modern infrastructure and digital ticketing systems to improve public transport.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1: Both I and II follow.

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: Only III follows: Incorrect because governments are clearly taking steps to improve public transport, as mentioned in the passage.
• Option 3: Only I follows: Incorrect because both I and II can be inferred from the passage.
• Option 4: All of them follow: Incorrect because III cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Option 5: None of them follows: Incorrect because both I and II follow, as per the passage.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• I) People are becoming more conscious about their diet choices.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly mentions that healthy eating is becoming a priority for many people, indicating increasing awareness about diet choices.
• II) Junk food is no longer consumed by anyone.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that junk food continues to attract people, especially the younger generation, which contradicts the idea that no one consumes junk food.
• III) Food industries are adapting to health trends.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage states that restaurants and food companies are offering healthier options to meet the demand for healthy eating.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2 (Both I and III follow).

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (Only I follows): Incorrect because both I and III can be inferred from the passage.
• Option 3 (Only II follows): Incorrect because II cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Option 4 (All of them follow): Incorrect because II cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Option 5 (None of them follow): Incorrect because both I and III can be inferred from the passage.

The correct answer is mindful eating habits and fresh produce, in their meals.

Key Points

• Let us see the meanings of the given options:​
• Junk food and carbonated drinks: These are unhealthy options that contribute to obesity and lifestyle diseases.
• Mindful eating habits and fresh produce: This option promotes balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Excessive sugar intake: Consuming too much sugar can lead to energy spikes and crashes, and is not a sustainable option for balanced nutrition.
• Ignoring physical activity: Lack of exercise leads to comfort but causes health problems in the long run.
• Irregular meals: Skipping or having irregular meals can lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor health.
• Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is 'a' i.e. (B) & (D)​ are grammatically and meaningfully incorrect.

Key Points

• In part (B), the use of the plural form of the verb 'include' is incorrect.
• The subject 'The United Kingdom' in the given sentence is singular.
• We know that a singular verb is used with a singular subject and a plural verb with a plural subject.
• Therefore, the singular form of the verb 'includes' should be used with the singular subject 'The United Kingdom'.
• The singular form of the verb 'includes' should be used in place of the plural form of the verb 'include'.
• In part (D), the use of the conjunction 'and' is incorrect.
• We know that 'either' is used in the same sentence as 'or' to show two or more possibilities or choices.
• Example: You can choose either the red car or the blue car.
• Therefore, the conjunction 'or' should be used with the conjunction 'either'.
• The conjunction 'or' should be used in place of the conjunction 'and'.

Correct Sentence: The United Kingdom competes at the Olympics as Great Britain and includes athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and those British Overseas Territories without their Olympic team, while athletes from Northern Ireland can choose to represent either Great Britain or Ireland.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

The correct answer is 'd' i.e. (A) & (C)​ are grammatically and meaningfully incorrect.

Key Points

• In part (A), the use of the base form of the verb 'schedule' is incorrect.
• The given sentence is in the passive voice and it is in the past simple tense.
• In passive voice, a sentence emphasizes the action or the object of the sentence.
• ​The passive format of the past simple tense is: "was + V3 (past participle form)"
• ​Example: A bank was robbed yesterday.
• Therefore, the past participle form of the verb 'scheduled' should be used in place of the base form of the verb 'schedule'.
• In part (C), the use of the indefinite article 'a' is incorrect.
• In the given sentence, the noun 'tournament' is specific.
• The definite article 'the' is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is specific.
• 'A' and 'an' are indefinite articles, which means that they refer to or introduce an unspecified noun.
• We use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
• 'No article' is used when we refer to general ideas, plurals, or uncountable nouns.
• Therefore, the definite article 'the' should be used in front of the specific noun 'tournament' in place of the indefinite article 'a'.

Correct Sentence: The 2020 edition of the tournament was scheduled to take place but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed until 2021, with the intended host changed to India.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

The correct answer is 'Only III'.

Key Points

• I. The focus of the discussions was mainly on global reliability. In terms of grammar, this is correct. However, in terms of context, the word "reliability" does not fit the scenario described as the topics listed are related to global security issues, not reliability.
• II. The focus of the discussions were predominantly on intercontinental safety. This choice repeats the original verb error by using "were" instead of "was." Additionally, "intercontinental safety" may not fully capture the scope of concerns such as "counterterrorism, radicalisation, drugs trafficking, and illegal arms smuggling."
• III. The focus of the discussions was, to a large extent, on worldwide security. This choice uses the correct singular verb "was" with the singular subject "focus." The term "worldwide security" preserves the original context.
• Therefore, only option III fits the context correctly and correctly matches the singular subject with the singular verb.
• So, the correct answer is: Only III

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• The sentence is incorrect because there is a problem in the highlighted part.
• The verb ‘left’ is in past tense whereas the sentence is in a future continuous tense.
• 'Real madrid' is the team name hence it is in the plural form and the plural verb 'are' verb is used.
• Among the given options, the correct choice is the third one where the verb is in agreement with the sentence.
• After replacement, the sentence will be “Real Madrid is ready to let Gareth Bale leave for a cut-price fee of £ 22 million as they continue to try and free up their hefty wage bill.”

Therefore, option 1 is the correct answer to this question.

Important Points

• The future continuous tense is a verb tense that shows an action happening over a period of time in the future.
• “I will be dancing all night” is an example of the future continuous tense, as it indicates an action continuing over a specific future period of time.

The correct answer is 'No correction required'.

Key Points

• There is no error in the given sentence.
• It might be felt that the preposition 'can be attributed to' is erroneous but it is not so.
• The tense of the given sentence is present tense.
• The subject-verb-agreement is absolutely correct in this sentence.
• attributed: regard something as being caused by. (किसी चीज के कारण होने के संबंध में।)
• ​Example:- "he attributed the firm's success to the efforts of the managing director"
• The word attributed is used correctly.
• Hence, as per the context and grammar, the given sentence is error-free.

Therefore, the correct answer will be option 5.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Sentences are logically sequenced to introduce the study and significance of oculesics, followed by the explanation of the variations of eye contact in different cultures, and concluding with the importance of understanding these nuances.
• Sentence F starts by introducing the concept of oculesics.
• Sentence B follows by emphasizing the importance of appropriate eye contact and its cultural variations.
• Sentence C (fixed) continues discussion on the perception of excessive eye contact.
• Sentence A provides further depth on the uses of eye contact.
• Sentence D gives examples from Western societies.
• Sentence E contrasts with examples from East Asian or African cultures.
• Sentence G concludes by highlighting the need to understand these non-verbal cues.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The study of oculesics, which is the analysis of how the eyes are used in non-verbal communication, reveals its complexity and crucial role. Maintaining appropriate eye contact is a key non-verbal skill that varies significantly across cultures and contexts. However, excessive or prolonged eye contact can often be perceived as staring, which may make others uncomfortable and be interpreted as aggressive or threatening. It can be a tool for social bonding, establishing authority, or conveying a range of emotions such as interest, affection, or even hostility. For instance, in many Western societies, direct eye contact is generally encouraged as a sign of honesty, attentiveness, and confidence. Conversely, in some East Asian or African cultures, prolonged or direct eye contact, especially with elders or superiors, might be seen as disrespectful or challenging authority. Thus, understanding the nuances of this non-verbal cue is vital to avoid miscommunication and foster better interpersonal relationships."

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Sentences are logically sequenced to introduce the study and significance of oculesics, followed by the explanation of the variations of eye contact in different cultures, and concluding with the importance of understanding these nuances.
• Sentence F starts by introducing the concept of oculesics.
• Sentence B follows by emphasizing the importance of appropriate eye contact and its cultural variations.
• Sentence C (fixed) continues discussion on the perception of excessive eye contact.
• Sentence A provides further depth on the uses of eye contact.
• Sentence D gives examples from Western societies.
• Sentence E contrasts with examples from East Asian or African cultures.
• Sentence G concludes by highlighting the need to understand these non-verbal cues.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The study of oculesics, which is the analysis of how the eyes are used in non-verbal communication, reveals its complexity and crucial role. Maintaining appropriate eye contact is a key non-verbal skill that varies significantly across cultures and contexts. However, excessive or prolonged eye contact can often be perceived as staring, which may make others uncomfortable and be interpreted as aggressive or threatening. It can be a tool for social bonding, establishing authority, or conveying a range of emotions such as interest, affection, or even hostility. For instance, in many Western societies, direct eye contact is generally encouraged as a sign of honesty, attentiveness, and confidence. Conversely, in some East Asian or African cultures, prolonged or direct eye contact, especially with elders or superiors, might be seen as disrespectful or challenging authority. Thus, understanding the nuances of this non-verbal cue is vital to avoid miscommunication and foster better interpersonal relationships."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Sentences are logically sequenced to introduce the study and significance of oculesics, followed by the explanation of the variations of eye contact in different cultures, and concluding with the importance of understanding these nuances.
• Sentence F starts by introducing the concept of oculesics.
• Sentence B follows by emphasizing the importance of appropriate eye contact and its cultural variations.
• Sentence C (fixed) continues discussion on the perception of excessive eye contact.
• Sentence A provides further depth on the uses of eye contact.
• Sentence D gives examples from Western societies.
• Sentence E contrasts with examples from East Asian or African cultures.
• Sentence G concludes by highlighting the need to understand these non-verbal cues.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The study of oculesics, which is the analysis of how the eyes are used in non-verbal communication, reveals its complexity and crucial role. Maintaining appropriate eye contact is a key non-verbal skill that varies significantly across cultures and contexts. However, excessive or prolonged eye contact can often be perceived as staring, which may make others uncomfortable and be interpreted as aggressive or threatening. It can be a tool for social bonding, establishing authority, or conveying a range of emotions such as interest, affection, or even hostility. For instance, in many Western societies, direct eye contact is generally encouraged as a sign of honesty, attentiveness, and confidence. Conversely, in some East Asian or African cultures, prolonged or direct eye contact, especially with elders or superiors, might be seen as disrespectful or challenging authority. Thus, understanding the nuances of this non-verbal cue is vital to avoid miscommunication and foster better interpersonal relationships."

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Direct eye contact is universally interpreted as a sign of confidence and honesty.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage mentions that the interpretation of direct eye contact varies across cultures. In some cultures, it can be seen as a sign of respect, while in others, it can be viewed as disrespectful.
• Statement B: Eye contact is primarily a biological reflex and has little to do with learned social cues.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage highlights the significance of learned social cues in understanding eye contact. Different cultures have different norms for eye contact, indicating its learned aspect.
• Statement C: The acceptable level of direct eye contact is fixed and does not change based on who you are talking to.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage indicates that appropriate eye contact varies significantly across different cultures and interpersonal contexts.
• Statement D: The non-verbal communication of the eyes (oculesics) is a complex system that can have both positive and negative implications depending on the cultural setting and context.
• This statement is correct as it aligns with the passage's discussion on the complexity and cultural variations of eye contact.
• Statement E: Prolonged eye contact is only ever considered aggressive, regardless of the cultural background.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage mentions that in some cultures, prolonged eye contact with elders or superiors might be seen as disrespectful but not necessarily aggressive.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Option 4’.

The correct answer is 'Option 5'.

 

Key Points

• The study of oculesics highlights that eye contact is a significant part of non-verbal communication.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly mentions that the study of oculesics reveals the complexity and crucial role of eye contact in non-verbal communication.
• Different societies have varying standards for what constitutes 'appropriate' eye contact.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage provides examples of how Western societies and some East Asian or African cultures differ in their interpretation of eye contact conventions.
• While eye contact can build social bonds, it can also communicate negative feelings like hostility.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that eye contact can convey a range of emotions, including hostility, and that excessive eye contact can be interpreted as threatening or aggressive.
• In some cultures, respecting authority means avoiding prolonged direct eye contact.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage specifically states that in some East Asian or African cultures, prolonged or direct eye contact with elders or superiors might be seen as challenging authority.
• The passage implies that avoiding miscommunication is the sole reason for understanding eye contact nuances; other reasons are irrelevant.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. While the passage mentions that understanding the nuances of eye contact is important to avoid miscommunication, it does not imply that this is the only reason. Eye contact also serves in social bonding, establishing authority, and conveying emotions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 5.

 

Additional Information

• Only A: Incorrect because both A and C can be inferred from the passage.
• Only B: Incorrect because B cannot be inferred from the passage.
• All A, B, and C: Incorrect because B cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Only C: Incorrect because both A and C can be inferred from the passage.

The correct answer is 'Option 5'.

Key Points

• The word "nuances" is correctly placed as it emphasizes the subtle differences of non-verbal cues.
• The word "avoid" is properly used in suggesting the prevention of miscommunication.
• The word "foster" appropriately indicates the encouragement of better relationships.
• The word "interpersonal" correctly describes relationships between people.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 5'.

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:
• Spare: Something extra or additional; to refrain from harming or using something excessively; simple or austere in nature. (अतिरिक्त, बचाना, सादा)
• Now, let’s examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: He always keeps a spare set of keys in his office.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "spare" to describe an extra set of keys kept for contingency purposes.
• Sentence B: The coach spared no effort in preparing the team for the championship.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "spared" to mean that the coach did not hold back in terms of effort to prepare the team.
• Sentence C: She lived a spare lifestyle, devoid of any luxuries.
• This sentence accurately uses the word "spare" to describe a lifestyle that is simple and austere, lacking any excess or luxury.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the word "spare" in different contexts.

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

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:
• Incense: has two common meanings:
• A substance that produces a pleasant smell when burned (noun).
• To make someone very angry (verb).
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The fragrant incense filled the room with a soothing aroma.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "incense" in the context of a substance that produces a pleasant smell when burned (noun).
• Sentence B: His unjust behavior incensed his colleagues, causing a heated argument.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "incensed" in the sense of making someone very angry (verb).
• Sentence C: She decided to incense her clothes to get rid of the bad smell.
• This sentence incorrectly uses the word "incense". The word cannot be used to describe the act of applying it to clothes to remove a bad smell.
• So, only sentences A and B correctly use the word "incense" in their respective contexts.

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

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:
• Reprieve: a temporary relief or delay from something unpleasant or difficult. (राहत, स्थगन)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The judge granted him a reprieve, delaying his sentence by two months.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "reprieve" to describe the temporary delay of a sentence.
• Sentence B: The sudden reprieve in weather meant the storm would hit tomorrow instead.
• This sentence also correctly uses the word "reprieve" to describe a temporary relief in weather conditions.
• Sentence C: Her offer to reprieve the contract was met with enthusiasm by the company.
• This sentence incorrectly uses the word "reprieve" since it does not fit the context of temporary relief or delay.

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

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Toxic productivity is described as being fueled by the fear of inadequacy in the passage.
• Unlike healthy ambition, toxic productivity prioritizes output over well-being and is driven by a relentless need for external validation.
• Other characteristics include the experience of guilt during downtime and the normalization of unhealthy work habits.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Passage Excerpt: "Unlike healthy ambition, which is driven by purpose and moderated by balance, toxic productivity is fueled by the fear of inadequacy and a relentless need for external validation."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Toxic productivity is not encouraged by healthy ambition, as it is unhealthy and compulsive.
• Option 2: Toxic productivity is not driven by a balanced lifestyle; rather, it lacks balance.
• Option 3: It does not prioritize mental well-being over output; instead, it overlooks well-being.
• Option 5: Toxic productivity does not ensure high cognitive function; it actually hinders it due to constant stress.