English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the given sentence:
• "His pleasant and affable demeanour hid a deceitful and cunning character, revealing that he was not what he seemed in the business world where appearances often masked the true nature of individuals."
• This sentence reveals a person's deceptive nature, as his friendly behaviour conceals a cunning character, common in a business environment where appearances can be misleading.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the idioms given as options:
• Option 1: A fox in the henhouse -
• A person with harmful intentions in a vulnerable or unsuspecting situation.
• For Example -
• The new employee turned out to be a fox in the henhouse, stealing confidential information.
• Option 2: A Trojan horse -
• Something that appears harmless but conceals a threat or danger.
• For Example -
• The seemingly harmless email contained a Trojan horse, infecting the computer with a virus.
• Option 3: A fish out of water -
• Someone feeling uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
• For Example -
• In the formal gala, the comedian seemed like a fish out of water among the sophisticated guests.
• Option 4: A snake in the grass -
• A deceitful or treacherous person who hides their true intentions.
• For Example -
• Beware of him; he's a snake in the grass, pretending to be your friend while spreading rumours behind your back.
• Option 5: A wolf in sheep's clothing -
• Someone who pretends to be harmless or innocent but is actually dangerous.
• For Example -
• The charming con artist was a wolf in sheep's clothing, swindling people out of their money with a friendly facade.
• So, after understanding the given sentence and the meanings of the given idioms, we can conclude that option 5, "a wolf in sheep's clothing," is the correct choice to replace the highlighted phrase "not what he seemed." This idiom perfectly captures the essence of the sentence, conveying the idea that the person's pleasant exterior hides a more deceitful and cunning nature, which is consistent with the meaning of the given sentence.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "A wolf in sheep's clothing."

Correct Answer: Option 3 (A-D)

Key Points

• "Forecast" (D) is the correct word for a meteorologist’s prediction. (पूर्वानुमान)
• "Coastal" (A) refers to areas near the sea. (तटीय)
• In the given sentence, swapping Coastal (A) and Forecast (D) makes the sentence correct: "The meteorologist's forecast predicted a severe blizzard, prompting officials to evacuate several vulnerable coastal towns."

✅ Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 (A-D).

Additional Information

• Option 1 (A-C and B-D): Coastal ↔ Evacuate, Blizzard ↔ Forecast → "meteorologist's evacuate predicted a severe forecast" is grammatically wrong.
• Option 2 (B-C): Blizzard ↔ Evacuate → "predicted a severe evacuate" is nonsensical.
• Option 4 (C-D): Evacuate ↔ Forecast → "prompting officials to forecast several vulnerable evacuate towns" is incorrect.
• Option 5 (No interchange required): Wrong because "meteorologist's coastal predicted" is grammatically incorrect; meteorologists give forecasts, not coastals.

👉 Thus, the sentence becomes grammatically correct and meaningful only when A and D are interchanged.

Correct Answer: Option 2 (A-C)

Key Points

• "Bankrupt" means financially ruined or insolvent. (दिवालिया)
• "Merged" means combined or united into one. (विलयित)
• In the given sentence, swapping Bankrupt (A) and Merged (C) makes the sentence correct: "The two companies merged their operations to boost revenue and prevent the enterprise from going bankrupt under the new executives."

✅ Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (A-C).

Additional Information

• Option 1 (B-D): Revenue ↔ Executives → "boost executives" is incorrect.
• Option 3 (A-B): Bankrupt ↔ Revenue → "bankrupt revenue" is illogical.
• Option 4 (C-D): Merged ↔ Executives → "going executives under the new merged" is grammatically wrong.
• Option 5 (No interchange required): Wrong because "companies bankrupt their operations" is incorrect usage.

👉 Thus, the sentence becomes grammatically correct and meaningful only when A and C are interchanged.

The correct answer is: Option 4 (A-D).

Key Points

• "Championship" refers to a competition or contest to determine the best individual or team. (प्रतियोगिता/चैंपियनशिप)
• Example: The team won the national championship after months of hard work.
• "Resilient" means able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. (लचीला/सहनशील)
• Example: She remained resilient despite facing many challenges in her career.
• In the given sentence, swapping Championship (A) and Resilient (D) makes the sentence correct: "The resilient athlete pushed through severe fatigue during the final match of the tournament to secure the championship."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 (A-D).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and why they are incorrect:

• Option 1 (A-B and C-D): Championship ↔ Fatigue, Tournament ↔ Resilient. (चैंपियनशिप ↔ थकान, टूर्नामेंट ↔ सहनशील)
• This would result in "The fatigue athlete pushed through severe championship," which is grammatically and semantically wrong.
• Option 2 (B-C): Fatigue ↔ Tournament. (थकान ↔ टूर्नामेंट)
• This would produce "severe tournament during the final match of the fatigue," which is illogical.
• Option 3 (A-C): Championship ↔ Tournament. (चैंपियनशिप ↔ टूर्नामेंट)
• This would lead to "final match of the championship to secure the tournament," which distorts the intended meaning.
• Option 5 (No interchange required): (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं)
• This option is wrong because the original sentence "to secure the resilient" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "to secure the championship."

The correct answer is: Option 3 (A-C).

Key Points

• "Ingredients" are the individual food items or substances used to prepare a dish. (सामग्री)
• Example: Tomatoes and onions are key ingredients in many Indian curries.
• "Simmer" means to cook food gently just below boiling point. (धीमी आँच पर पकाना)
• Example: Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to enhance its flavor.
• In the given sentence, swapping Ingredients (A) and Simmer (C) makes the sentence correct: "To create a rich flavor, you must simmer the sauce slowly, adding aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients to please the modern palate."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 (A-C).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and why they are incorrect:

• Option 1 (B-D): Aromatic ↔ Palate. (सुगंधित ↔ स्वादेंद्रिय)
• This would result in "adding palate herbs and fresh simmer," which is grammatically and semantically incorrect.
• Option 2 (A-D and B-C): Ingredients ↔ Palate, Aromatic ↔ Simmer. (सामग्री ↔ स्वादेंद्रिय, सुगंधित ↔ धीमी आँच पर पकाना)
• This would produce "you must palate the sauce slowly," which is meaningless.
• Option 4 (C-D): Simmer ↔ Palate. (धीमी आँच पर पकाना ↔ स्वादेंद्रिय)
• This would lead to "fresh palate to please the modern simmer," which is illogical.
• Option 5 (No interchange required): (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं)
• This option is wrong because the original sentence "you must ingredients the sauce slowly" is grammatically incorrect.

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the phrasal verb "put around":

• put around - to spread or circulate information, rumors, or physical objects; to place things in various positions within an area. (प्रसारित करना / चारों ओर रखना)
• For Example:
• Someone has been putting around a rumor that the factory is closing.
• He put around copies of the agenda before the meeting started.

 

Now, let's break down the sentences to analyze which of them use the phrase "put around" correctly:

• A. She decided to put around some flyers to advertise the event.
• The phrase is used correctly here. In this context, it means to distribute or circulate the flyers to various people or places to spread information.
• B. After the presentation, he put around his notes for everyone to review.
• The phrase is used correctly here. It signifies passing the notes around or distributing them among the group so that everyone could see them.
• C. The rugs were put around the room to enhance the cozy ambiance.
• The phrase is used correctly here. It refers to the physical placement of the rugs in various spots throughout the room.
• Since all three sentences use the phrase "put around" in a grammatically and contextually appropriate manner, they are all correct.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B & C."

The correct answer is 'Perpetuate.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about making a democratic judicial atmosphere that supports the cause of freedom continue indefinitely.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Perpetuate'.
• Also, the use of the word ''approach'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'perpetuate' in the blank.
• The word 'Perpetuate' means To make something continue indefinitely.
• Example: Increasing the supply of weapons will only perpetuate violence and anarchy.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Complete Sentence: The need is to expand the latter approach and to create and perpetuate a democratic judicial atmosphere that supports the cause of freedom.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Valuate means To estimate the worth or quality of something; appraise.
• Actuate means To cause someone to act in a particular way; motivate.
• Discriminate means To recognize a distinction; differentiate.
• Compensate means To give someone something in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury incurred; recompense.

The correct answer 'reflexively'.

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about police and the common habit of arresting a suspect first and then looking for a possible offence.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'reflexively'.
• The word 'reflexively' means as a reflex, without conscious thought; automatically.
• Example: The staff reflexively opposes the policies regarding salaries thinking it may cause them a loss.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.

Additional Information

  Let us explore the other options:

• mooted: raise (a question or topic) for discussion; suggest (an idea or possibility).
• overhaul: the act of completely changing something, especially by getting rid of some people or things and replacing them with others.
• unstated: not stated or declared.
• aligned: the same as or similar to something else.

The correct answer is 'Weakening.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about permitting construction risks the foundations of centuries-old edifices becoming less strong.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Weakening'.
• Also, the use of the word ''risks'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'weakening' in the blank.
• The word 'Weakening' means To become less strong; to make somebody or something less strong.
• Example:  A spider's web can stretch considerably without weakening.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Complete Sentence: Moreover, permitting construction work risks weakening the foundations of centuries-old edifices.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Strengthening means To become stronger or make something stronger.
• Trafficking means To deal or trade in something illegal.
• Panicking means To feel or cause to feel panic.
• Discriminating means To recognize a distinction; differentiate.

The correct answer is 'Development.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about impeding the States from a specified state of growth or advancement.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Development'.
• Also, the use of the word ''impedes'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'development' in the blank.
• The word 'Development' means A specified state of growth or advancement.
• Example: She paves the path of development after a good solid foundation.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentence: It only impedes States from charting their own autonomous path of development.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Contentment means A state of happiness and satisfaction.
• Disappointment means Sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
• Harassment means Aggressive pressure or intimidation.
• Amusement means The state or experience of finding something funny.

The correct answer is 'Error.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the Court correcting the mistake in the near future.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Error'.
• Also, the use of the word ''corrects'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'error' in the blank.
• The word 'Error' means A mistake; the state of being wrong.
• Example: The program not only corrects the error in your document but also learns from its mistake.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Complete Sentence: One can only hope that sometime in the not distant future the Court corrects the error.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Terror means Extreme fear.
• Prefer means To like one thing or person better than another or others; tend to choose.
• Fetor means A strong, foul smell.
• Abductor means A person who abducts another person.

The correct answer is Option B.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly discusses the impact of daily commutation on organizational efficiency and worker output.
• In the first paragraph, the text states: "...as transit times in urban centres steadily climb, the traditional model of requiring physical attendance for every role is encountering diminishing returns."
• This indicates that the practice of requiring employees to be physically present for every job role is becoming less effective or profitable as travel times increase.
• Therefore, Option B is the correct answer as it directly reflects the information provided in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

 

Relevant Sentence from the Passage: "The report presented a stark analytical perspective, noting that as transit times in urban centres steadily climb, the traditional model of requiring physical attendance for every role is encountering diminishing returns."

 

Additional Information

• A: Mandatory desk hours – While related to physical attendance, the passage specifically uses the phrase "physical attendance for every role" in the context of diminishing returns.
• C: Employee performance reviews – The passage mentions performance metrics as a solution to managerial concerns, not as something suffering from diminishing returns.
• D: Remote working – Remote working is presented as a potential solution (hybrid models) rather than the cause of diminishing returns.
• E: Collaborative projects – The passage suggests reserving physical travel for these projects, implying they still hold high value.

The correct answer is Option C.

 

Key Points

• The question asks for the third factor mentioned in the passage that correlates directly with long travel times, alongside elevated stress levels and decreased cognitive stamina.
• According to the first paragraph: "Chronically long travel times correlate directly with elevated stress levels, decreased cognitive stamina, and a higher rate of burnout among staff."
• The passage explicitly lists "higher rate of burnout" as the third consequence of heavy daily commutation.
• Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

 

Correct Sentence from Passage: "Chronically long travel times correlate directly with elevated stress levels, decreased cognitive stamina, and a higher rate of burnout among staff."

 

Additional Information

• A: Lower salaries – This is not mentioned in the passage as a correlation to travel time.
• B: Increased absenteeism – While plausible in a real-world scenario, the passage mentions "voluntary turnover" and "declining engagement," but not specifically "increased absenteeism."
• D: Reduced accountability – This is mentioned in the second paragraph as a concern managers have regarding working from home, not as a direct result of long travel times.
• E: Fragmented team cohesion – Similar to Option D, this is a concern related to remote work, not a direct correlation of long commutes.

The correct answer is Option E.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly lists the negative impacts of heavy daily commutation on employees and the organization.
• According to the text, long travel times correlate with elevated stress levels, decreased cognitive stamina, and a higher rate of burnout.
• It also mentions that for the firm, this results in declining engagement during morning hours and an uptick in voluntary turnover, which are described as "tangible losses."
• Increased company profits is not cited as a consequence; in fact, the passage suggests the opposite by mentioning "tangible losses" and "operational friction."

Therefore, the correct answer is E.

 

Correct Option: "Increased company profits"

 

Additional Information

• A: Elevated stress levels – This is directly mentioned in the second paragraph as a correlation of long travel times.
• B: Decreased cognitive stamina – This is explicitly listed as a result of chronically long travel times.
• C: Higher rate of burnout among staff – The passage identifies this as a direct consequence of heavy commutation.
• D: Declining engagement during morning hours – The text states that operational friction translates into declining engagement during critical morning hours.

The correct answer is 'expenses'.

 

Key Points

• The word "expenses" means the cost required for something; the money spent on something (खर्च).
• Here, it refers to the cost of fuel due to heavy daily commutation.
• The other options: "consumption," "efficiency," "savings," and "utilization" do not fit the context as appropriately.

​Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Complete Sentence: The study highlighted that the true cost of heavy daily commutation extends far beyond fuel expenses or public transit fares.

Additional Information

• Consumption (उपभोग): means the use of a resource.
• Efficiency (दक्षता): means the ability to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort.
• Savings (बचत): means the money one has saved, especially through a bank or official scheme.
• Utilization (उपयोग): means the action of making practical and effective use of something.

The correct answer is Option D.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: The report from Double Communication recommended increasing mandatory office presence for critical collaborative projects.
• This statement is incorrect. The passage states the report recommended a "phased reduction in mandatory office presence," suggesting that physical travel be "reserved only" for high-value collaborative projects, rather than increasing the overall mandatory presence.
• Statement B: Moving away from established working habits presents psychological and operational hurdles.
• This statement is correct. The passage explicitly mentions: "However, transitioning away from established working habits presents psychological and operational hurdles."
• Statement C: Establishing clear performance metrics is suggested to address managerial concerns about remote work.
• This statement is correct. The passage states: "Addressing these managerial apprehensions requires establishing clear performance metrics rather than relying on visible desk hours."
• Since statements B and C are correct, the correct option is B and C.

Therefore, the correct answer is: B and C.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: The study found that longer commutes result in decreased afternoon performance.
• This statement is incorrect. The passage specifically mentions "declining engagement during critical morning working hours," not afternoon performance.
• Statement B: Managers expressed reservations about remote output, citing decreased accountability.
• This statement is correct. The passage states that managers raised concerns that "working from home lies at the heart of reduced accountability."
• Statement C: Employee well-being can be balanced with empirical productivity data for modern work structures.
• This statement is correct. The final sentence of the passage notes that modern work structures will require companies to "balance empirical productivity data with employee well-being."
• Since the question asks for the incorrect statement, only Statement A fits the criteria.

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

The correct answer is: Option (A) i.e., Conclusion.

Key Points

• The word "closure" in the context of the passage refers to the act of bringing a debate, discussion, or situation to a definitive end or resolution. (समापन/निष्कर्ष)
• Example: The final meeting helped bring closure to the long-standing dispute between the two departments.
• "Conclusion" refers to the end or finish of an event, process, or discussion; it signifies reaching a final decision or settlement. (निष्कर्ष/समाप्ति)
• Example: The committee reached a conclusion after reviewing all the empirical data provided in the report.
• Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'closure' is 'conclusion'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Conclusion.

Additional Information

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

• Duration (अवधि): The length of time that something continues or lasts.
• Example: The duration of the flight was approximately three hours.
• Transition (परिवर्तन/संक्रमण): The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
• Example: The company is currently undergoing a transition from traditional to digital marketing.
• Conflict (संघर्ष/विवाद): A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
• Example: There was a conflict between the management's goals and the employees' expectations.
• Implementation (कार्यान्वयन): The process of putting a decision or plan into effect; execution.
• Example: The implementation of the new remote work policy will begin next month.

The correct answer is: Option (B) i.e., Rests.

Key Points

• The word "lies" in the context of the passage means to be situated or to remain in a specified state or place; it refers to the location or basis of a particular problem or concern. (स्थित होना/निहित होना)
• Example: The solution to the problem lies in better communication between the departments.
• "Rests" means to be based on or to reside in something; in this context, it signifies that the core of the concern is situated within the idea of working from home. (आधारित होना/निहित होना)
• Example: The success of the project rests on the dedication of the team members.
• Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'lies' in this context is 'rests'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Rests.

Additional Information

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

• Surpasses (से आगे निकलना): To exceed or be greater than something else.
• Example: The quality of the new product surpasses all our previous versions.
• Conceals (छिपाना): To keep from sight or hide something.
• Example: The heavy fog conceals the mountain peaks from view.
• Depends (निर्भर होना): To be controlled or determined by something else.
• Example: Our outdoor picnic depends entirely on the weather conditions.
• Manages (प्रबंधन करना): To be in charge of or to succeed in surviving or attaining one's objectives.
• Example: She manages a large team of software developers with great efficiency.

The correct answer is: Option (C) i.e., Unity.

Key Points

• The word "cohesion" refers to the action or fact of forming a united whole; it is the state of sticking together or working well together as a group. (एकजुटता)
• Example: The team's success was largely due to the strong cohesion among its members.
• "Unity" refers to the state of being joined together or in agreement as a whole; it is a synonym for cohesion, especially in a social or professional group context. (एका)
• Example: The manager worked hard to foster a sense of unity and cooperation within the department.
• Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'cohesion' is 'unity'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Unity.

Additional Information

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

• Discord (कलह): Disagreement between people or lack of harmony.
• Example: The new policy caused a great deal of discord among the staff members.
• Division (विभाजन): The action of separating something into parts or the process of being separated.
• Example: The division of labour helped the factory increase its total production.
• Resilience (लचीलापन): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
• Example: The company showed great resilience by bouncing back after the economic downturn.
• Efficiency (कार्यकुशलता): The state or quality of being efficient; achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort.
• Example: The new software was designed to improve the efficiency of the accounting department.