English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The verb "are" is incorrect. "Each of the players" should be followed by "is" because "each" is singular.
• The correct phrase should be "Each of the players is required to submit their medical certificates before the tournament."
• Thus, the error is located in part B of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

 

Correct Sentence: "Each of the players is required to submit their medical certificates before the tournament."

 

Additional Information

• A: "Each of the players," – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• C: "their medical certificates" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• D: "before the tournament." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part B.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the incorrect use of the future tense "will arrive" with "By the time."
• In such sentences, the present perfect tense ("has arrived") is used instead of the future tense.
• The correct phrase should be "By the time she arrives", ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity.
• Thus, the error is located in part A of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

 

Correct Sentence: "By the time she arrives at the airport, the flight would have taken off an hour earlier."

 

Additional Information

• B: "at the airport," – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• C: "the flight would have taken off" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• D: "an hour earlier." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part A.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the use of "their" when referring to "Everyone."
• "Everyone" is a singular pronoun and should be followed by a singular pronoun, not a plural one.
• The correct phrase should be "his or her" instead of "their" to maintain grammatical correctness.
• Thus, the error is located in part B of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

 

Correct Sentence: "Everyone at the meeting must bring his or her own copy of the document for discussion."

 

Additional Information

• A: "Everyone at the meeting" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• C: "own copy of the document" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• D: "for discussion." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part B.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the incorrect use of the phrase "If he would have studied harder."
• In conditional sentences, the correct form is "If he had studied harder."
• This form correctly reflects the past perfect tense required for the condition.
• Thus, the error is located in part A of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

 

Correct Sentence: "If he had studied harder, he would have passed the exam with flying colors easily."

 

Additional Information

• B: "he would have passed" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• C: "the exam with flying colors" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• D: "easily." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part A.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the redundancy of the word "back" after "returned."
• The word "returned" already implies going back, so "back" is unnecessary and redundant.
• The correct phrase should be "She returned to her hometown," ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity.
• Thus, the error is located in part A of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

 

Correct Sentence: "She returned to her hometown after completing her studies abroad."

 

Additional Information

• B: "to her hometown" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• C: "after completing her" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• D: "studies abroad." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part A.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (1):

This (1) calls for a conducive learning environment, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and spatial planning in fostering these reforms.

• This sentence emphasizes the need for a conducive learning environment and stresses the importance of infrastructure and spatial planning in implementing educational reforms.
• Blank (1) should be filled with a word related to a guiding principle or belief system that guides the creation of a conducive learning environment, such as "philosophy."
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
• Routine - a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program 
• For Example:
• Her morning routine included jogging in the park and preparing a healthy breakfast.
• Philosophy - the study of fundamental nature, knowledge, reality, existence, values, reason, mind, and language 
• For Example:
• Eastern philosophy often emphasizes mindfulness and the interconnectedness of all things.
• Hypothesis - a supposition or proposed explanation made based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation (परिकल्पना)
• For Example:
• Before experimenting, the scientist formulated a hypothesis to guide the research.
• Foundation - the basis or groundwork of anything (आधार)
• For Example:
• Education is the foundation for personal and societal development.
• Nostalgia - a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations (विरह)
• For Example:
• Looking at old photographs filled him with nostalgia for the carefree days of his youth.
• So, given the context and the meanings of the words, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (1) is "philosophy." It aligns with the idea that a guiding principle or belief system is needed to create a conducive learning environment, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and spatial planning in fostering educational reforms.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "philosophy."
• The complete sentence would be: "This philosophy calls for a conducive learning environment, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and spatial planning in fostering these reforms."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (2):

Educational campuses, with (2) room for student interaction, play a crucial role in shaping behavioural tendencies.

• This sentence emphasizes the importance of educational campuses providing sufficient space for student interaction to shape behavioural tendencies positively.
• Blank (2) should be filled with a word suggesting an abundance or adequacy of space, like "sufficient" or "ample," to convey the idea of a spacious environment promoting student interaction.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
• Juggle - manage (multiple tasks or responsibilities) skillfully, especially simultaneously (बहुकार्य करना)
• For Example:
• She had to juggle her job, family, and personal commitments to maintain a balanced life.
• Stagnate - cease to flow or move; become stagnant (स्थिर)
• For Example:
• Without innovation and new ideas, a business may stagnate and lose its competitive edge.
• Ample - enough or more than enough; plentiful (प्रचुर)
• For Example:
• The buffet offered ample choices for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
• Scarce - insufficient for the demand; not plentiful (कम)
• For Example:
• During the drought, water became scarce, causing hardship for the local residents.
• Wiggle - move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small, quick movements 
• For Example:
• The toddler started to wiggle in excitement as soon as she saw the colourful balloons.
• So, given the context and the meanings of the words, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (2) is "ample." It aligns with the idea that educational campuses should have sufficient room for student interaction, playing a crucial role in shaping behavioural tendencies positively.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "ample."
• The complete sentence would be: "Educational campuses, with ample room for student interaction, play a crucial role in shaping behavioural tendencies."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (3):

Schools serve as primary interactions for children with society and the environment, (3) impacting young minds.

• This sentence emphasizes the significant impact of schools on children, stating that they are the primary interfaces with society and the environment, profoundly influencing young minds.
• Blank (3) should be filled with a word conveying a deep and lasting impact, aligning with the idea that schools greatly influence young minds.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
• Extraneously - in a manner unrelated or irrelevant to the current topic or situation (बाह्यतः)
• For Example:
• The speaker's extraneous comments during the presentation distracted the audience from the main points.
• Superficially - on the surface or in appearance only; not thoroughly or deeply (सतही)
• For Example:
• She seemed confident superficially, but she was struggling with self-doubt beneath the surface.
• Remotely - to a small degree; slightly; from a distance (दूरस्थ)
• For Example:
• The possibility of success seemed only remotely achievable given the challenging circumstances.
• Inadvertently - without intention; accidentally or unintentionally (अनजाने में)
• For Example:
• He inadvertently offended his friend by making a thoughtless remark.
• Profoundly - to a profound extent; deeply or intensely (गहिराई से)
• For Example:
• The loss of a loved one can profoundly impact a person's emotional well-being.
• So, given the context and the meanings of the words, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (3) is "profoundly." It aligns with the idea that schools serve as primary interactions for children with society and the environment, profoundly impacting young minds.  The word "profoundly" emphasizes a deep and lasting influence, which is suitable in this context.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "profoundly."
• The complete sentence would be: "Schools serve as primary interactions for children with society and the environment, profoundly impacting young minds."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (4):

Such (4) education prepares students for life beyond academics, encouraging critical thinking and adaptability.

• This sentence emphasizes that a comprehensive, well-rounded education prepares students for life beyond academics, fostering critical thinking and adaptability.
• Blank (4) should be filled with a word that signifies comprehensive, well-rounded education that considers various aspects, not just specific or isolated elements.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
• Isolated - separated from other things or places; remote or alone (अलग)
• For Example:
• The small village was isolated from major cities, making transportation and access to services challenging for its residents.
• Specialized - requiring or involving detailed and specific knowledge or training (विशेषज्ञ)
• For Example:
• The surgeon specialized in performing delicate heart surgeries that required precision and expertise.
• Inconsistent - not staying the same in behaviour, quality, or nature; lacking uniformity (असंगत)
• For Example:
• The athlete's inconsistent performance raised concerns among the coaching staff, as he alternated between exceptional and subpar games.
• Holistic - characterized by the consideration of the whole rather than analysis or treatment of separate parts (पूर्णतावादी)
• For Example:
• Holistic medicine focuses on treating the entire person, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being.
• Superficial - existing or occurring at or on the surface; not deep or profound (सतही)
• For Example:
• The critic argued that the movie's plot was superficial, lacking depth and meaningful character development.
• So, given the context and the meanings of the words, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (4) is "holistic." It aligns with the idea that a comprehensive, well-rounded education prepares students for life beyond academics, fostering critical thinking and adaptability.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "holistic."
• The complete sentence would be: "Such holistic education prepares students for life beyond academics, encouraging critical thinking and adaptability."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (5):

Ultimately, these educational reforms aim to create an inclusive and dynamic learning ecosystem that (5) students with the skills necessary for the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

• This sentence expresses the goal of educational reforms to establish an inclusive learning environment that empowers students with skills for an ever-changing world.
• Blank (5) requires a word that conveys the idea of providing or supplying, aligning with the theme of empowering students in the sentence.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
• Restrict - to limit or control something, typically to prevent it from going beyond certain boundaries (प्रतिबंधित)
• For Example:
• The new policies aim to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Equip - to provide with necessary tools, equipment, or resources for a particular purpose (सुसज्जित करना)
• For Example:
• The government plans to equip schools with modern technology to enhance the learning experience.
• Hinder - to create obstacles or difficulties that slow down or impede progress (रोकना)
• For Example:
• Heavy traffic can hinder the timely arrival of emergency services.
• Confine - to keep within certain limits or boundaries; to restrict the movement or freedom of someone or something (सीमित करना)
• For Example:
• The quarantine measures were implemented to confine the spread of the contagious disease.
• Impede - to obstruct or interfere with the progress, movement, or development of something (रोकना)
• For Example:
• The construction work was temporarily impeded by adverse weather conditions.
• So, given the context and the meanings of the words, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (5) is "equips." It aligns with the idea that educational reforms aim to provide or supply students with the skills necessary for the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "equips."
• The complete sentence would be: "Ultimately, these educational reforms aim to create an inclusive and dynamic learning ecosystem that equips students with the skills necessary for the challenges of an ever-evolving world."

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

• "Cohesive" refers to something that is united or sticks together firmly. (संबद्ध)
• Example: The team was very cohesive, working together smoothly and efficiently.
• "Unify" means to make or become united, uniform, or whole. (एकीकृत करना)
• Example: The new leader aims to unify the different factions within the party.
• "Consolidate" means to combine several things into a single more effective or coherent whole. (सुदृढ़ करना)
• Example: The company decided to consolidate its various departments to improve efficiency.
• The word "divide" means to separate or cause to separate into parts or groups. (विभाजित करना)
• Example: The teacher decided to divide the class into small groups for the project.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'cohesive', 'unify', and 'consolidate' is 'divide'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Divide.

Additional Information

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

• Gather (इकट्ठा करना): To collect or accumulate.
• Example: She went out to gather flowers for the bouquet.
• Integrate (एकीकृत करना): To combine one thing with another to become a whole.
• Example: The new policy aims to integrate immigrants into the community.
• Amalgamate (मिलाना): To combine or unite to form one organization or structure.
• Example: The two companies decided to amalgamate to improve their market position.
• Join (शामिल होना): To connect or fasten things together.
• Example: He decided to join the local chess club.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The word "watershed" means a critical turning point in time where important changes occur. (महत्वपूर्ण मोड़)
• Example: The invention of the internet was a watershed in the history of communication.
• "Turning point" refers to a specific moment when a significant change happens. (टर्निंग पॉइंट)
• Example: The discovery of penicillin was a turning point in medical science.
• "Milestone" is a significant event or stage in the development of something. (मील का पत्थर)
• Example: Graduating from college was a major milestone in her life.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'watershed, turning point, and milestone' is 'shift'. (पुनर्स्थापन)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Shift.

Additional Information

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

• Regression (अवनति): The act of going back to a previous place or state.
• Example: The patient's condition showed signs of regression after the initial improvement.
• Eclipse (ग्रहण): A loss of significance, power, or prominence in relation to another person or thing.
• Example: His career experienced an eclipse after the scandal.
• Obstacle (बाधा): Something that blocks or hinders progress.
• Example: The biggest obstacle to their success was a lack of funding.
• Hurdle (अवरोध): A problem or difficulty that must be overcome.
• Example: She faced many hurdles on her way to becoming a doctor.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The word "mettle" means the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. (हिम्मत)
• Example: The soldiers showed their mettle in the face of adversity.
• "Fiber" refers to the strength of character or moral qualities that enable a person to face adversity. (साहस)
• Example: It takes a lot of fiber to stand up for what you believe in.
• "Resilience" is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. (लचीलापन)
• Example: Her resilience was remarkable after facing numerous challenges.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'mettle', 'fiber', and 'resilience' is 'grit'. (साहस)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Grit.

Additional Information

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

• Weakness (कमजोरी): The state or condition of lacking strength.
• Example: His weakness in mathematics was evident in his test scores.
• Fragility (नाजुकता ): The quality of being easily broken or damaged.
• Example: The fragility of the glass vase made it difficult to transport.
• Flexibility (लचीलापन): The quality of bending easily without breaking.
• Example: Yoga can improve your flexibility and strength.
• Doubt (संदेह): A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
• Example: She had a moment of doubt before making her final decision.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's understand the meaning of all the given idioms -
• Carry a monkey on one's back - to have a burdensome or persistent problem or responsibility.
• For Example -
• Despite his success, he still carries a monkey on his back in the form of a troubled past.
• Carry a skeleton in one's closet - to have a secret or shameful past that one does not want others to know about
• For Example -
• Despite his polished image, the famous politician carries a skeleton in his closet, a scandalous affair from his early years.
• Wear one's heart on their sleeve - openly displaying or expressing one's emotions or feelings.
• For Example -
• Sarah always wears her heart on her sleeve, making it easy to know how she truly feels.
• Carry a chip on one's shoulder - to be easily provoked or to harbor a grudge.
• For Example -
• Despite his success, Mark always carries a chip on his shoulder, constantly seeking validation from others.
• Have one's head in the clouds - to be impractical or unaware of the reality
• For Example -
• Despite his intelligence, he often has his head in the clouds when it comes to practical matters.
• Therefore, after looking at the meaning of all the given idioms, we can conclude that in the given context, the idiom 'carry a chip on his shoulder' aligns more accurately with the individual's feelings and need for validation.
• The correct sentence would be, 'Despite his remarkable achievements, he always carries a chip on his shoulder, harboring a constant sense of insecurity and a need to prove himself to others.'

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:
• Antique: a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age. (पुराना, प्राचीन वस्तु)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: The antique vase in the museum dates back to the 18^th century.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "antique" to describe a vase that is old and valuable, dating back to the 18^th century.
• Sentence B: She bought an antique car at the auction and plans to restore it.
• This sentence also correctly uses the word "antique" to describe an old car that has considerable age and is valuable.
• Sentence C: He wore an antique jacket to the party, which was a gift from his uncle.
• This sentence accurately uses the word "antique" to describe an old and valuable jacket that he wore to the party.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the word "antique" to illustrate different contexts of valuable old objects.

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

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the word given in the question:
• Eccentric: unconventional and slightly strange. (अजीब, असामान्य)
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• Sentence A: His eccentric behaviour often leaves people puzzled and amused.
• This sentence correctly uses the word "eccentric" to describe unconventional and slightly strange behaviour.
• Sentence B: The town's eccentric architecture attracts tourists from around the world.
• This sentence also correctly uses the word "eccentric" to describe unconventional and slightly strange architecture.
• Sentence C: The bakery's eccentric selection of pastries includes flavours like lavender and cardamom.
• This sentence accurately uses the word "eccentric" to describe an unconventional and slightly strange selection of pastry flavours.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the word "eccentric" to illustrate different contexts of being unconventional and slightly strange.

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

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the decline of the Silk Road during the late mediaeval period.
• Several factors contributed to this decline, as mentioned in the passage.
• One of the key factors highlighted is the rise of powerful maritime powers in Europe.
• The exploration of sea routes offered a faster and cheaper alternative to the land-based Silk Road.
• Therefore, the rise of European maritime powers significantly impacted the Silk Road's prominence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Additional Information

• 1) The spread of Buddhism across Asia - This occurred during the Silk Road's active period, not its decline.
• 3) The expansion of the Mongol Empire - This initially fostered trade along the Silk Road; its fragmentation later contributed to decline.
• 4) The invention of gunpowder - While transmitted via the Silk Road, it wasn't a primary cause of its decline.
• 5) The establishment of direct land routes to Europe - The Silk Road itself was a network of land routes. The rise of sea routes was the key factor.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly mentions the time frame for the zenith of the Silk Road era.
• It states that this period spanned roughly from the Han Dynasty in China (206 BCE - 220 CE).
• The zenith continued up to the Mongol Empire (13^th-14^th centuries).
• Therefore, the period of the Silk Road's peak activity was between the Han Dynasty and the Mongol Empire.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

 

Additional Information

• 1) The fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of the Mongol Empire - The Han Dynasty predates the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE).
• 2) The Han Dynasty to the Roman Empire - While the Roman Empire was a contemporary of the later Han Dynasty and connected to the Silk Road's western end, the zenith extended beyond the Roman Empire's existence as a unified entity.
• 4) The Gupta Empire to the Ming Dynasty - The Gupta Empire (roughly 3^rd to 6^th centuries CE) falls within the Silk Road's zenith, but the starting point is earlier (Han Dynasty), and the end point is earlier than the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).
• 5) The rise of the Mongol Empire to the decline of the Ottoman Empire - The rise of the Mongol Empire marks the end of the zenith, not the beginning, and the decline of the Ottoman Empire is much later than the Silk Road's decline as a major artery.

The correct answer is 'the profound impact of intercultural exchange'.

 

Key Points

• The blank in the passage asks what the memory of the Silk Road's vibrant past reminds us of regarding human history.
• The passage emphasizes the exchange of ideas, religions, technologies, and cultures along the Silk Road.
• This exchange had a significant and lasting effect on the regions connected by the routes.
• Therefore, the blank should be filled with a phrase that reflects the significant influence of this intercultural exchange.
• Options 1, 3, 4, and 5 focus on specific aspects that are mentioned but are not the central theme the passage concludes with regarding its lasting reminder.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The historical interactions fostered along these routes left an indelible mark on the cultural, linguistic, and genetic makeup of the regions they connected. The memory of its vibrant past continues to inspire scholarly inquiry and reminds us of the profound impact of intercultural exchange on the course of human history."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "the tremendous challenges faced" is mentioned in the context of traversing the terrain but isn't the ultimate reminder of its legacy.
• Option 3: "the devastating effects of disease" is mentioned as something transmitted but isn't the overarching impact the passage emphasizes as a reminder.
• Option 4: "the economic success of global trade" is a part of the Silk Road's history, but the passage highlights the broader cultural and intellectual exchange as its profound impact.
• Option 5: "the technological advances in transportation" is relevant to the Silk Road but not the central theme of its lasting impact on human history as summarized at the end.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the Silk Road, a historical network of trade routes.
• It highlights the Silk Road's role in facilitating intercultural exchange, including goods, ideas, religions, and technologies.
• The passage also explains the reasons for the Silk Road's decline, such as the fragmentation of empires and the rise of European maritime powers.
• Despite its decline as a dominant trade route, the passage emphasizes the Silk Road's lasting legacy on the cultural and historical landscape.
• The tone of the passage is informative and objective, presenting historical information without strong emotions or biases.

Therefore, the correct answer is 4.

 

Correct Answer Explanation: The passage provides a factual account of the Silk Road, its significance, its decline, and its lasting impact. It avoids expressing personal opinions or biases, focusing on presenting historical information in a neutral and informative manner. Therefore, the tone is best described as informative and objective.

 

Additional Information

• 1) Sarcastic: The passage does not employ irony or mockery.
• 2) Nostalgic and reflective: While the passage discusses a historical period, its primary aim is to inform rather than evoke sentimental longing for the past.
• 3) Critical and judgmental: The passage does not express negative opinions or evaluations of the historical events or entities discussed.
• 5) Optimistic and hopeful: The passage concludes by mentioning the modern "Belt and Road Initiative" but does not express a particularly optimistic or hopeful tone about it in relation to the Silk Road's past. The overall tone remains focused on presenting historical information.