English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. C

Key Points

• ‘A’ is the only sentence which can be used as the opening sentence as the use of words "Hence, But Therefore etc." in other sentences points that they must be used in between other sentences. So, A is the first statement.
• ‘E’ is in direct contrast to ‘A’ as it tries to answer what’s asked in ‘A’. So, E is the second statement.
• ‘F’ is next as it supplements the information given in ‘E’ i.e. even though we have knowledge and capacity to store we need training to be efficient. So, F is the third statement.
• ‘C’ and ‘D’ are linked and must be used together in that order. C introduces two aspects educated and uneducated and D says what they can do. So, C is the fourth statement and D is the fifth statement.
• ‘B’ is the ideal choice for closing the passage as it provides a conclusion of what’s discussed earlier. So, B is the last statement.

The correct order A-E-F-C-D-B.

Thus the fourth sentence is C.

The correct answer is option 5 i.e. D

Key Points

• ‘A’ is the only sentence which can be used as the opening sentence as the use of words "Hence, But Therefore etc." in other sentences points that they must be used in between other sentences. So, A is the first statement.
• ‘E’ is in direct contrast to ‘A’ as it tries to answer what’s asked in ‘A’. So, E is the second statement.
• ‘F’ is next as it supplements the information given in ‘E’ i.e. even though we have knowledge and capacity to store we need training to be efficient. So, F is the third statement.
• ‘C’ and ‘D’ are linked and must be used together in that order. C introduces two aspects educated and uneducated and D says what they can do. So, C is the fourth statement and D is the fifth statement.
• ‘B’ is the ideal choice for closing the passage as it provides a conclusion of what’s discussed earlier. So, B is the last statement.

The correct order A-E-F-C-D-B.

Thus the fifth sentence is D.

The correct answer is option 5 i.e. B

Key Points

• ‘A’ is the only sentence which can be used as the opening sentence as the use of words "Hence, But Therefore etc." in other sentences points that they must be used in between other sentences. So, A is the first statement.
• ‘E’ is in direct contrast to ‘A’ as it tries to answer what’s asked in ‘A’. So, E is the second statement.
• ‘F’ is next as it supplements the information given in ‘E’ i.e. even though we have knowledge and capacity to store we need training to be efficient. So, F is the third statement.
• ‘C’ and ‘D’ are linked and must be used together in that order. C introduces two aspects educated and uneducated and D says what they can do. So, C is the fourth statement and D is the fifth statement.
• ‘B’ is the ideal choice for closing the passage as it provides a conclusion of what’s discussed earlier. So, B is the last statement.

The correct order A-E-F-C-D-B.

The correct answer is In 1961, India was on the brink of mass famine.

Key Points

• The sentence 'In 1961, India was on the brink of mass famine.' is grammatically correct.
• The preposition 'in' is appropriate because we use it before 'years'.
• A past event is mentioned here. That is why simple past tense is used.
• The preposition 'on' which is used to express the position of something above something else is also appropriately used here.
• The definite article 'the' is also correct as something specific is mentioned here.
• Hence, the sentence is grammatically correct.
• The corrected form of the other sentences are:
• | Option | Grammatical mistake | Corrected sentence | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. | The preposition 'about' should be replaced with 'on'. | Today the dominant form of economic organization at the world level is based on market-oriented mixed economies. | | 2. | The definite article 'the' should be replaced with 'a'. | Market socialism is a form of market economy where the means of production are socially owned. | | 3. | The word 'have' should be replaced with the word 'has'. | Mexico has been called the 'birthplace' and 'burial ground' of the Green Revolution. |

 

• Therefore, option 4) is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Brink: edge

The correct answer is The spread of Green Revolution agriculture affected both agricultural biodiversity and wild biodiversity.

Key Points

• The sentence 'The spread of Green Revolution agriculture affected both agricultural biodiversity and wild biodiversity.'
• In this given sentence a past action is mentioned. That is why, simple past tense is used here.
• The words 'agricultural' and 'wild' are appropriately to qualify the word 'biodiversity' because these are adjectives.
• Hence, this sentence is grammatically correct.
• The corrected forms of the other sentences are:
• | Option | Grammatical system | Corrected sentence | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. | The verb 'regarding' should be replaced with verb 'regarded'. | Brazil's vast inland Cerrado region was regarded as unfit for farming before the 1960s because the soil was too acidic. | | 2. | The preposition 'to' should be replaced with 'of'. | The effects of the Green Revolution on global food security are difficult to assess. | | 4. | The adverb 'acutely' should be replaced with the adjective 'acute'. | Acute health problems may occur in workers that handle pesticides. |

 

• Therefore, option 3) is the answer.

Additional Information

• Acute: severe

The correct answer is Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil.

Key Points

The sentence 'Infiltration is the process by which water enters the soil.' is grammatically correct.

• The word 'Infiltration' is a singular noun that is why the singular verb (is) is used here.
• The definite article 'the' is appropriate before the noun 'process' and the word 'soil'.
• The word 'water' is an uncountable noun and it is treated as a singular noun that is why 's' is used at the end of the verb 'enter'.
• Hence, this sentence is grammatically correct.

The corrected form of the other sentences are:

 

Therefore, option 1) is the answer.

Additional Information

• Confluence: joining or meeting
• Envoy: a messenger or representative

The correct answer is Psychologists seek an understanding of the emergent properties of brains.

Key Points

• The sentence 'Psychologists seek an understanding of the emergent properties of brains.' is grammatically correct.
• The article 'an' should be used before the word 'understanding' as the word begins with a 'vowel' sound.
• The word 'emergent' is an adjective and it is appropriately used to qualify the noun 'properties'.
• The preposition 'of' is also correct.
• The definite article 'the' is used before the word 'emergent' because something specific is mentioned in this sentence.
• Hence, the sentence is grammatically correct.
• The corrected form of the other given sentences are:
• | Options | Grammatical mistake | Corrected sentence | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. | The preposition 'in' should be added before the word 'terms'. | Geographers attempt to understand the Earth in terms of physical and spatial relationships. | | 3. | The verb 'develop' should be replaced with the noun form 'development'. | The purpose of archaeology is to learn more about past societies and the development of the human race. | | 4. | The adjective 'previous' should be replaced with the adverb 'previously'. | Regional survey is the attempt to systematically locate previously unknown sites in a region. |

 

• Therefore, the correct answer is option 2).

Additional Information

• Spatial: relating to space
• Emergent: coming out

The correct answer is During Covid, India became the second-largest manufacturer of PPE kits in the world.

Key Points

• The sentence 'During Covid, India became the second-largest manufacturer of PPE kits in the world.' is grammatically correct.
• A past event is mentioned in the sentence, hence simple past tense is used here.
• The preposition 'during' means 'though out or in the course of'. Hence, it is appropriately used in this sentence.
• The definite article 'the' is appropriately used before the adjective 'second-largest' and also with the word 'world'.
• Hence, the sentence is grammatically correct.
• The corrected form of the other sentences are:
• | Option | Grammatical mistake | Corrected sentence | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. | The word 'transform' should be replaced with the noun 'transformation'. | Indian enterprises will continue to invest in digital transformation to take advantage of the new market opportunities. | | 2. | The verb 'expect' should be replaced with its past participle' form, i.e. 'expected'. | The restriction of inter-city and intra-city movement of non-essentials is expected to put additional pressure on existing logistics infrastructure. | | 4. | The definite article 'the' should be used before the word 'economy'. | Banking is an integral part of the economy. |

 

• Therefore, option 3) is the answer.

Additional Information

• Integral: essential or fundamental

The correct answer is 'divert, attention.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the thieves stealing items from a shop.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Divert' means to draw the attention of someone from something.
• 'Attention' means notice taken of someone or something.

Conclusion:

The thieves had to draw the attention of the shopkeeper to steal the items from the shop.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Complete Sentence: The thieves knew how to divert the shopkeeper’s attention so they could steal the items.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Abstract' means existing only as an idea, not as a physical thing.
• 'Solace' means comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
• 'Concern' means a cause of anxiety or worry.
• 'Amuse' means to make somebody laugh or smile.
• 'Neglect' means to give too little or no attention or care to somebody or something.
• 'Harass' means to annoy or worry somebody by doing unpleasant things to him or her, especially over a long time.
• 'Ritual' means an action, ceremony, or process which is always done the same way.
• 'Aggravate' means to make something worse or more serious.

The correct answer is 'rude, trouble.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the life of teenagers.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Rude' means offensively impolite or bad-mannered.
• 'Trouble' means difficulty or problems.

Conclusion:

The use of offensive or bad words often drags teenagers into trouble.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Complete Sentence: Teenagers go through a phase in their life where their rude words seem to get them in trouble.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Fettle' means a state of being or fitness.
• 'Adept' means very skilled or proficient at something.
• 'Salvation' means a thing or person that rescues somebody/something from danger, disaster, etc.
• 'Ripe' means ready for something or in a suitable state for something.
• 'Exposure' means the act of making something public; the thing that is made public.
• 'Evolved' means to develop or to make something develop gradually, from a simple to a more advanced form.
• 'Abide' means accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation.
• 'Gracious' means courteous, kind, and pleasant, especially towards someone.

The correct answer is 'argued, ​considerable.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about something related to the passion of the author towards her case.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Argued' means to give reasons that support your opinion about something.
• 'Considerable' means great in amount or size.

Conclusion:

The author has given reasons that support the case with great passion.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Complete Sentence: She argued her case with considerable passion.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Trivial' means of little value or importance.
• 'Deterred' means discouraging someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
• 'Minute' means a very short time.
• 'Enticed' means attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage.
• 'Meagre' means lacking in quantity or quality.
• 'Denied' means to refuse to admit or accept something.
• 'Nominal' means very small; much less than normal.
• 'Refuted' means to say that a claim is unfair and not true.

The correct answer is 'suffer, oblivion.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about something related to alcoholics.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Suffer' means to experience something unpleasant, for example, pain, sadness, difficulty, etc.
• 'Oblivion' means the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one.

Conclusion:

Alcoholics often get unconscious after drinking alcohol.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Complete Sentence: Alcoholics often suffer from periods of oblivion.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Prohibit' means to say that something is not allowed by law; to forbid.
• 'Obligation' means the state of having to do something because it is a law or duty, or because you have promised.
• 'Forbid' means to not allow something.
• 'Awareness' means knowledge, consciousness, or interest.
• 'Permit' means to allow somebody to do something or to allow something to happen.
• 'Cognizance' means detailed knowledge about or understanding of something.
• 'Hinder' means to make it more difficult for somebody or something to do something.
• 'Memory' means a person’s ability to remember things.

The correct answer is Option 1)i.e. Looked into.

Key Points

• The sense of the sentence on a whole is such that it is speaking about an event that has occurred in the past 'years ago.'
• Option 1 ‘looked’ is the correct answer because the given statement is in the past tense and the entire statement must be in the same tense.✔️
• Option 2 is incorrect because ‘look’ is in the simple present tense.❌
• Option 3 is incorrect because ‘looks’ is in the present perfect tense.❌
• Option 4 is incorrect because the given sentence is in the active voice and ‘was looked’ cannot be used in the active voice sentence.❌
• Option 5 is incorrect because the ‘looking’ is in the present continuous.❌

📌Correct sentence: The CBI officer came looked into all the evidence. The case was closed years ago. The jury was hung and could not reach a verdict.✔️

Additional Information

• An action verb expresses an activity that a person or thing can do.
• Example: Gita eats ice cream.
• ‘eating’ is something Gita can do
• A stative verb expresses a state rather than an action. A stative verb typically relates to a state of being, a thought, or an emotion.
• Example: He believes in fairies.
• A transitive verb is one that acts on something (i.e it has a direct object)
• Example:  The postman will give Alex the letter.
• here, the direct object is the ‘letter’.

The correct answer is Option 3)i.e. How much.

Key Points

• In the given sentence, a question has been raised regarding the subject 'Daddy' instructions regarding spending. The quantity of 'spend' is the main part of this sentence.
• ‘More’ is a comparative term for quantity or extent that is used with reference to a previous quantity or against an established reference. It is used with uncountable nouns. So, option 2 is incorrect.❌
• Example: Tokyo is more populous than Beijing.
• ‘Little’ is used with uncountable nouns means small in size, degree or amount.
• ‘Little’ is considered semi-negative because it gives almost negative meaning. Hence, option 1 is incorrect.❌
• Example:  Alex had directed the little he said to her only.
• ‘A little’ is used with singular uncountable nouns mean some but less amount. It has a positive connotation. So, option 4 is incorrect.❌
• Example: I'll be fine after we rest for a little bit.
• ‘Much’ indicates the quantity or amount of a noun. We use ‘much’ only with uncountable nouns.
• In a negative sentence, “not much” means “little” or “a small amount of” an uncountable noun. The noun is in the singular form. Hence, option 3 is correct. ✔️
• Also in the given sentence, we can see that at the end 'proper amount' is mentioned, this means that we are focusing on the quantity being spent.
• Example: You may talk as much as you like.
• ‘Many’ indicates the quantity or amount of a noun. We use ‘many’ only for the countable nouns. The noun is in the plural form. Hence, option 5 is incorrect.❌
• Example: There are many animals at the zoo.

📌Correct answer: Did daddy tell you how much to spend on groceries? the markets are fluctuating widely. So we need to have a proper amount.✔️

Additional Information 

• Quantifiers are determiners** that indicate how much or how little of the noun is being discussed. They include words such as all, few, many, much, little, a little etc.**
• A determiner is a word that introduces a noun. It always comes before a noun, not after or any other adjectives used to describe the noun.
• There are four different types of determiners: articles, demonstrative, quantifiers and possessives.

The correct answer is Option 3)i.e. used to play.

Key Points

• Upon reading the given sentence we see that:
• The sentence talks about the matter in which the committee is involved.
• ‘used to’ is present before the blank which indicated that the action was done in past.
• ‘used to’ is always followed by an infinitive if it talks about a past event.
• Here,‘ to play ’ is the infinitive of ‘play’.
• The correct phrase is 'to play.'✔️

📌Correct sentence: He used to play football professionally but he had to quit because of an injury.✔️

Additional Information 

• Let us look at the use of other words:
• Playing is the continuous tense of the verb ‘play’. It is also the gerund and participle of the verb.
• Played is the past participle of the verb ‘play’.
• Had played is used for past perfect tense.
• Has played is used for present perfect tense.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the following lines from the third paragraph of the passage discussing the evolution of major occupations in Kolkata's slums:
• "The major occupations in slums in Kolkata have remained the same over the decade, with a fourth of the working population taking on unskilled labour. It is the most stable and significant occupation in slums."
• This part of the passage clearly indicates that unskilled labour remains the most stable and predominant occupation in Kolkata's slums over the past decade. Despite mentioning other occupations such as skilled or semi-skilled labour, employment in private organizations, and owning petty businesses or small shops, the passage emphasizes that unskilled labour continues to be the most stable and significant occupation in slums.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Unskilled labour remains the most stable and predominant occupation in slums."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the following lines from the second paragraph of the passage discussing migration patterns in India based on the IER 2024:
• "As in the IER 2024, although overall migration has increased, the migration of males has declined by 1.2% during 2000-08 and further marginally in 2021. This implies that migration for economic mobility is losing its sheen."
• This part of the passage indicates that male migration for economic reasons is decreasing, leading to increased migration to urban slums. It suggests that although overall migration has increased, there's a decline in male migration for economic mobility.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Male migration for economic reasons is decreasing, leading to increased migration to urban slums."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's break down the sentences given in the question:
• Sentence A: Over the decade, the proportion of individuals engaged in skilled and semi-skilled labour decreased by 6%.
• This sentence can be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that the share of employment in skilled and semi-skilled labour decreased by 6% between 2012-19 in slums, reflecting a similar trend found in the IER 2024 for the overall Indian workforce.
• Sentence B: Higher unemployment rates in urban areas are juxtaposed with significantly higher average monthly earnings.
• This sentence can also be inferred from the passage. The passage discusses how there is a higher unemployment rate in urban areas compared to rural areas, yet the average monthly earnings are significantly higher for various categories of workers in urban areas, as highlighted in the IER 2024.
• Sentence C: Migration for economic mobility among males declined by 1.2% during 2000-08 and marginally in 2021.
• This sentence can be inferred from the passage as well. The passage mentions the decline in male migration for economic mobility during the stated periods, aligning with the findings of the IER 2024.
• So, out of the three sentences given in the question, all sentences A, B, and C can be inferred from the passage.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the following lines from the first paragraph of the passage discussing the trend of unemployment rates between rural and urban areas:
• "It also shows a divergent trend between rural and urban areas in terms of employment and income. It demonstrates a relatively higher unemployment rate in urban areas, at 4.8% in 2000 over the 1.5% in rural areas."
• This comparison clearly indicates that urban areas consistently experience higher unemployment rates compared to their rural counterparts.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Urban areas experience higher unemployment rates compared to rural areas."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meanings of the words given in bold:
• Coexistence - the state or fact of existing together at the same time or in the same place, often in a peaceful manner (सहजीवन)
• For Example -
• The coexistence of various ethnic groups in the neighbourhood contributed to its cultural richness.
• Underrated - not given enough credit or recognition for one's value or importance; underestimated (कम महत्व दिया गया)
• For Example -
• Although she was an underrated actress at the beginning of her career, her talent soon became widely acknowledged in the industry.
• Petty - of little importance; trivial (तुच्छ)
• For Example -
• Arguing over petty issues only serves to distract from the real problems at hand.
• Momentum - the impetus gained by a moving object; the force or speed of movement; figuratively, the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes (गति)
• For Example -
• The team's successful product launch gained momentum as positive reviews spread, leading to increased sales.
• Now, let's evaluate the sentences with the highlighted words from the passage:
• The coexistence of higher unemployment and wages requires further investigation to understand its implications for the urban poor.
• The highlighted word "coexistence" is used correctly in this sentence. It refers to the simultaneous existence of higher unemployment and wages, requiring further investigation.
• The higher income in urban areas and a better life have underrated rural-urban migration in the past.
• The highlighted word "underrated" implies undervaluation, which doesn't align with the context of this sentence. Instead, something like "prompted" would better fit here to convey that higher urban income and lifestyle encouraged rural-urban migration.
• Other major occupations in slums were skilled or semi-skilled labour work, and people as employees in private organisations, and owning petty businesses or small shops.
• The highlighted word "petty" is used correctly in this sentence. It describes businesses or shops of little importance, aligning with the context of small-scale enterprises.
• Among occupations that were less popular earlier but which gained momentum in the last 10 years are truck driving and cleaning, by 5%, and construction and related work, by 4%.
• The highlighted word "momentum" is used correctly in this sentence. It indicates the increase in popularity or activity of certain occupations over time, fitting well within the context of growth in specific job sectors.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "underrated."