English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'CAE'

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
• infrastructure (NOUN)- the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
• assume(VERB)- to accept something to be true without question or proof
• fear(VERB)- to be worried or frightened
• boundary(NOUN)- a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something
• influence(NOUN)- the power to have an effect on people or things
• In the first blank, we need a verb because there is a noun.
• In the second blank, we need a noun because there is a definite article.
• In the third blank, we need a noun for the possessive case(its).

So the correct sentence is → Critics fear Russia will use the infrastructure project to expand its influence in Europe.

The correct answer is 'DBE'

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
• global(adjective)- relating to the whole world
• seemingly(adverb)- appearing to be something
• look(verb)- to appear or seem
• economic(adjective)- relating to trade, industry and money
• seem(verb)- give the impression or sensation of being something or having a particular quality.
• In the first blank, we need a noun that has a vowel sound because there is an indefinite article(an)
• In the second blank, we need an adverb to modify the adjective(endless).
• In the third blank, we need a verb used in the singular form because the pronoun is singular.

So the correct sentence is → A pandemic, an economic crisis of historic proportions and a seemingly endless upwards surge in the price of houses — it seems an unlikely combination.

The correct answer is 'BCE'

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
• large(adjective)- big in size or amount
• institutional(adjective)- relating to an institution
• capital(noun)- money and possessions, especially a large amount of money
• investment(noun)- the act of putting money
• funds(noun)- money needed or available to spend on something
• In the first blank, 'of' is a preposition and after the preposition, we write a noun/pronoun/gerund but here the prepositional object has been already mentioned so we need an adjective hence the correct answer is 'institutional'
• In the second blank, we need a noun because there is already an adjective is used and after the blank, we have a verb.
• In the third blank, we need a noun because hedge is a transitive verb hence according to the meaning the correct answer is 'funds.'

So the correct sentence is → The volume of institutional investment, particularly in the form of international capital flows from major corporations, hedge funds and other financial market actors.

The correct answer is 'DEA'

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
• store(VERB)- to put or keep things in a special place
• shroud(VERB)- to hide something by covering or surrounding it
• bring(VERB)- to take or carry someone or something to a place
• unveil(VERB)- If you unveil something new, you show it or make it known for the first time
• wallet(NOUN)- a case for carrying paper or money
• In the first blank, we need a verb because we have nouns on both sides.
• In the second blank, we need a noun because there is already an adjective is used
• In the third blank, we need a verb because, in this situation, we use a verb after preposition 'to'.

So the correct sentence is → The European Commission on Thursday unveiled a plan to provide digital wallets for the EU’s 450 million residents to store their identity documents.

The correct answer is 'ABC'

Key Points

• Let's see the meanings of the given words-
• mandatory(ADJECTIVE)- describes something which must be done, or which is demanded by law
• pay(VERB)- to give something
• key(ADJECTIVE)- very important
• amazing(ADJECTIVE)- extremely surprising
• all(DETERMINER)- the complete amount​
• In the first blank, we need a noun that has a consonant sound because there is an indefinite article(a)
• In the second blank, we need a verb because, in this situation, we use a verb after preposition 'to'.
• In the third blank, we need an adjective for the noun(documents).

So the correct sentence is → Belgium has a mandatory ID card that has a mobile app equivalent that is used to pay taxes, carry out bank transfers or request key documents from local authorities.

The correct answer is 'The politician that authorises the project is rarely the same one that opens it.'

Key Points

• The given passage is talking about the building of public infrastructure.
• The word 'flak' means 'criticism'. The lines immediately following the blank are referring to an elected person that receives all the criticism for some reason.
• Therefore, we need a sentence that is talking about the politician or an elected person.
• All the options get eliminated except option 2 because only sentence 2 is talking about the politician.
• It means that the politician who approves the project is rarely the same person who starts it, which is why elected officials face so much criticism.
• Therefore, according to the given explanation, option 2 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'In 2016 New Zealand hosted 3.5 million tourists from overseas.'

Key Points

• The given paragraph is talking about the large number of tourists who visit New Zealand.
• The lines immediately following the blank mean that by 2023 it is expected that more than 4.5 million tourists (roughly the same as the population in the region) visit New Zealand.
• According to the given explanation, sentence 1 will be the introductory sentence as it means that in 2016, New Zealand welcomed 3.5 million international visitors.
• Therefore, option 1 is the correct answer.

Complete Paragraph: In 2016 New Zealand hosted 3.5 million tourists from overseas. By 2023 more than 4.5 million are expected every year- about the same as the country's resident population. Tourism has overtaken dairy produce as the biggest export, helped by a large number of visitors from China. They are seen to experience the natural beauty promised by the country's "100% pure New Zealand" advertising campaign and shown off in the film adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings" and 'The Hobbit", which were shot in New Zealand's breathtaking wilderness.

 

Additional Information

• Let us learn some important words from the given paragraph:
• resident: a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis.
• overtaken: become greater or more successful than.
• breathtaking: astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away.
• wilderness: a region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings.

The correct answer is 'In Asia wealth is rising'.

Key Points

• From the lines, 'Rising prosperity in the region', it can be understood that the introductory sentence is talking about rising wealth in a particular region.
• According to the above explanation, sentence 2 fits correctly in the given paragraph.
• It means that Asia's wealth is increasing, and as the country's prosperity grows, the cost of manual labour exported to the region also grows.
• Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer.

Complete Paragraph: In Asia wealth is rising. Rising prosperity in the region means the cost of manual work, outsourced to the region is rising. Labour shortages loom. Certain jobs require craft skills which are becoming rarer. From the first sketch of a completely new pair of trainers to making and testing prototypes, ordering materials, sending samples back and forth, rebooting a factory, working up production, and eventually shipping the finished goods to the shops can take the industry as long as 18 months.

 

Additional Information

• Let us learn some important words/phrases from the given paragraph:
• outsourced: obtain (goods or a service) by contract from an outside supplier.
• loom: appear as a vague form, especially one that is large or threatening.
• prototypes: the first, original, or typical form of something; an archetype; models
• back and forth: moving in one direction and then the opposite and so making no progress in either. (backward and forward)
• rebooting: to make a change in (something) in order to establish a new beginning:
• eventually: in the end

The correct answer is 'Whatever the reason, economic growth did not rebound until productivity perked up'.

Key Points

• The given paragraph emphasizes that only by using all the resources like labour, capital, work, etc. more effectively, growth will be attained. Overall, the passage discusses increasing productivity in order to achieve growth.
• The word 'rebound' means 'to recover or increase in amount or value' and the phrase 'perk up' means 'to improve'.
• Sentence 3 fits correctly in the paragraph as it means that the economic growth did not improve until productivity increased.
• Therefore, from the given explanation, option 3 is the correct answer.

Complete Paragraph: Work smarter, not harder: It is one of the more irritating things a book can tell you. But at the macroeconomic level, it is important. Growth can come from having more labour (recruiting more workers, or making existing employees work for longer hours), more capital, or by using that labour and capital more effectively- something known as total factor productivity (TFP). This can come from the kind of brilliant innovations devised by Thomas Edison. Whatever the reason, economic growth did not rebound until productivity perked up.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• Part A of the sentence, i.e., 'recommends QR codes on food products for ensure' is erroneous.
• The preposition "for" before the verb "ensure" should be replaced with "to" to make the sentence error-free.
• The correct construction should be either "to ensure" or "for ensuring."
• This follows the grammar rule that suggests using "to + verb first form" or "for + verb-ing."
• Hence, the correct answer is A.
• The correct sentence would be: "The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recommends QR codes on food products to ensure accessibility for visually impaired individuals, promoting informed consumer choices and addressing rising non-communicable diseases."

 

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Recommend - to suggest or advise something as the best course of action (सिफारिश करना)
• For Example -
• The doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan for your condition.
• Ensure - to make certain that something will happen or be the case (सुनिश्चित करना)
• For Example -
• Double-check the locks to ensure the security of your home.
• Accessibility - the quality of being easy to reach, use, or understand; the extent to which something can be accessed (अभिगम्यता)
• For Example -
• The new ramp at the entrance improved the accessibility of the building for people with disabilities.
• Promoting - the act of supporting or encouraging the growth, development, or popularity of something (बढ़ाव देना)
• For Example -
• The company is actively promoting its new product through advertising and marketing campaigns.
• Non-communicable - not capable of being transmitted from one person to another, typically used in the context of diseases that cannot be spread through direct contact (गैर-संवादनशील)
• For Example -
• Heart disease and diabetes are examples of non-communicable health conditions that are often related to lifestyle and genetics.

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• ​The given sentence is error-free.
• This sentence uses the past tense. It talks about Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressing concerns regarding fuel, food security, and supply chain disruptions, emphasizing the importance of preventing essential supplies from being used for war and disruption.
• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Concerns - feelings of anxiety, worry, or unease about something, often related to potential problems or issues (चिंताएँ)
• For Example -
• The environmental concerns about pollution have led to increased awareness of the need for sustainable practices.
• Disruption - the act of interrupting or causing disorder in a process, system, or event, often resulting in a negative impact (विघटन)
• For Example -
• The strike by the workers caused a significant disruption in the company's production schedule.
• Emphasize - to give special importance or attention to something, typically to highlight its significance (जोर देना)
• For Example -
• The teacher emphasized the importance of proper research in academic writing.
• Prevent - to stop something from happening or avoid it altogether (रोकना)
• For Example -
• Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent many health problems.
• Essential - absolutely necessary or extremely important; fundamental (आवश्यक)
• For Example -
• Clean drinking water is essential for human survival.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Part C of the sentence, i.e., 'and this reduction can help preventing' is erroneous.
• Here, the word "preventing" should be replaced with "prevent" to make the sentence error-free.
• In this context, "help" should be followed by the base form of the verb "prevent."
• Hence, the correct answer is C.
• The correct sentence would be: "If daily salt intake is reduced by five to eight grams, the risk of cardiovascular disease can be lowered, and this reduction can help prevent obesity and high blood pressure."

 

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Intake - the process of taking in something, typically referring to the consumption or absorption of substances such as food, liquid, or information (ग्रहण करना)
• For Example -
• Her daily intake of fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining good health.
• Reduction - the act of making something smaller or less in amount, size, or degree (कमी)
• For Example -
• The reduction in energy consumption has led to significant cost savings for the company.
• Prevent - to stop something from happening or to avoid it from occurring (रोकना)
• For Example -
• Vaccinations can help prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
• Obesity - a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, often leading to health problems (मोटापा)
• For Example -
• Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Part D of the sentence, i.e., 'and casting ethical concerns beside' is erroneous.
• The word "beside" in part D should be replaced with "aside" to make the sentence error-free because "aside" means to set something apart or put it to the side, while "beside" means next to.
• In the context of the sentence, the correct term is "aside" to indicate that ethical concerns are being set aside or ignored.
• Hence, the correct answer is D.
• The correct sentence would be: "These companies exploit celebrity endorsements for seemingly harmless products like elaichi to indirectly promote tobacco and nicotine items, capitalizing on legal loopholes and lucrative revenue, and casting ethical concerns aside."

 

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Exploit - to take advantage of a situation, often unfairly or unethically, for personal gain (शोषण करना)
• For Example -
• Some companies exploit cheap labour in developing countries to maximize their profits.
• Endorsement - the act of publicly expressing support or approval for something, typically a product, service, or person (समर्थन)
• For Example -
• The celebrity's endorsement of the new fashion line boosted its popularity.
• Promote - to support, encourage, or advance the growth or development of something (बढ़ावा देना)
• For Example -
• The company decided to promote their employees based on their performance.
• Capitalizing - making the most of an opportunity, often for financial gain (लाभ उठाना)
• For Example -
• The entrepreneur was excellent at capitalizing on emerging trends in the market.
• Loopholes - small gaps or weaknesses in rules, regulations, or systems that can be exploited or used to an advantage (कमियां)
• For Example -
• Some individuals try to find loopholes in tax laws to reduce their tax liability.
• Revenue - income generated by a company or an individual, typically from sales of goods or services, investments, or other sources of earnings (आय)
• For Example -
• The company's revenue increased significantly after launching its new product.
• Ethical - relating to principles of morality and what is considered right or wrong behaviour, often based on values, norms, and standards of conduct (नैतिक)
• For Example -
• Engaging in fair and honest business practices is not only legal but also ethical.
• Lucrative - producing a lot of profit or financial gain, often describing a business or opportunity that is highly profitable (लाभकारी)
• For Example -
• Investing in the real estate market can be lucrative if you make informed decisions and choose the right properties.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• Part B of the sentence, i.e., 'and short-term contracts poses an unique' is erroneous.
• The article "an" before "unique" in part B of the sentence should be replaced with the article "a" to make the sentence error-free because "unique" begins with a consonant sound, so "a" is the appropriate indefinite article to use. "An" is used before words that start with vowel sounds.
• Hence, the correct answer is B.
• The correct sentence would be: "The shift towards the gig economy and short-term contracts poses a unique challenge for India, where a growing youth population seeks dignified work and social security amid rapid economic growth."

 

Additional Information

Let's understand the use of articles "a," "an," and "the"

"A" and "An" (Indefinite Articles):

• "A" is used before words that begin with consonant sounds.
• "An" is used before words that begin with vowel sounds.
• For Example:
• I saw a cat in the garden.
• (Here, "a" is used before "cat," a word starting with a consonant sound)
• She ate an apple for a snack.
• (Here, "an" is used before "apple," a word starting with a vowel sound)

 

"The" (Definite Article):

• "The" is used to specify a particular or known thing or person.
• For Example:
• The book on the table is mine.
• (Here, "the" is used to refer to a specific book on the table, which the speaker and listener both know about.)

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• Part A of the sentence, i.e., 'Film critics often faces pressure to' is erroneous.
• The word "faces" should be replaced with "face" to agree with the subject "film critics" (plural) and make the sentence error-free.
• The subject "film critics" is plural, so the verb should also be plural, which is "face."
• Hence, the correct answer is A.
• The correct sentence would be: "Film critics often face pressure to write positive reviews or risk losing access to exclusive screenings, talent interactions, and merchandise due to the influence of marketing and social media fandom."

 

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Critics - individuals who evaluate and provide feedback on various forms of art, media, or other creative works, often offering opinions, analysis, and reviews (निन्दक)
• For Example:
• The movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the acting and others criticizing the plot.
• Reviews - assessments or evaluations of a product, service, performance, or other aspects, typically shared by consumers or experts (समीक्षा)
• For Example:
• Before making a purchase, I always read online reviews to get an idea of the product's quality.
• Exclusive - limited to a specific group, individual, or audience; not widely available or accessible (विशेष)
• For Example:
• The club offers exclusive membership benefits, including access to private events and discounts.
• Merchandise - products, goods, or items that are bought and sold, often associated with a particular brand, organization, or event 
• For Example:
• The concert featured a wide range of merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and albums.
• Influence - the capacity or power to affect or shape the thoughts, actions, or decisions of others (प्रभाव)
• For Example:
• Her speeches have the potential to influence public opinion and inspire change.
• Fandom - a passionate and dedicated community of fans who are enthusiastic about a particular person, brand, or work of fiction (प्रशंसक समुदाय)
• For Example:
• The Harry Potter fandom is known for its deep appreciation of the books and movies, often organizing fan events and discussions.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the highlighted word "conducive" in the context of the passage:
• Conducive - making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; favourable (अनुकूल)
• For Example:
• A quiet and peaceful environment is conducive to studying.
• Now, let's consider the options:
• Haphazard - lacking any obvious principle of organization; random (अनियमित)
• For Example:
• The haphazard arrangement of items made it difficult to find what we needed.
• Propitious - giving or indicating a good chance of success; favourable (अनुकूल)
• For Example:
• The propitious weather conditions favoured a successful outdoor event.
• Irrelevant - not connected with or relevant to something (अनयोग्य)
• For Example:
• The speaker's comments were irrelevant to the topic under discussion.
• Tenacious - tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely (दृढ़)
• For Example:
• The tenacious climber reached the summit despite the challenging conditions.
• Superficial - existing or occurring at or on the surface; not deep or profound (सतही)
• For Example:
• Her analysis was superficial and did not address the underlying issues.
• So, after understanding the meaning of the highlighted word "conducive" and all the words given as options, we can conclude that the word "propitious" is the most similar in meaning to the word "conducive" in the context of the passage, as both words convey a sense of favorability or likelihood of success.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Propitious."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the highlighted word "impulsive" in the context of the passage:
• Impulsive - acting or done without forethought; acting on sudden urges or desires (अविवेकी)
• For Example -
• Her impulsive decision to buy the expensive dress without considering her budget led to financial problems.
• Now, let's consider the options:
• Extravagant - exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; excessive (अत्यधिक)
• For Example -
• His extravagant spending on luxury items left him with little savings.
• Inanimate - lacking the qualities of living things; not animated (अजीव)
• For Example -
• The inanimate objects in the room gave it a cold and lifeless atmosphere.
• Deliberate - done consciously and intentionally; careful and unhurried (सोच-समझकर)
• For Example -
• After deliberate consideration, he chose the most suitable option.
• Spontaneous - performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination (स्वतंत्र)
• For Example -
• Their spontaneous decision to go on a road trip turned out to be a memorable adventure.
• Compulsive - resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes (अनिवार्य)
• For Example -
• Her compulsive need to check her phone every few minutes was a challenge during meetings.
• So, after understanding the meaning of the highlighted word and the meanings of all the words given as options, we can conclude that the word that is opposite in meaning to "impulsive" in the context of the passage is "deliberate." Impulsive actions are done without careful thought, while deliberate actions are conscious and intentional.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "deliberate."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first examine the sentence with the blank from the passage:

"Minimalist living advises individuals to ________ spending, avoid falling into the consumerist trap set by supermarkets and shopping malls, and focus on intentional, essential purchases."

• The sentence suggests that minimalist living recommends a specific approach to spending, aiming to avoid impulsive and unnecessary purchases influenced by consumerism.
• The word to fill the blank should convey the idea of reducing or restricting spending deliberately and mindfully.
• Now, let's explore the meanings of the provided options:
• Ponder - to think about carefully; consider (विचार करना)
• For Example -
• Before making a significant purchase, it's essential to ponder its necessity and long-term value.
• Amplify - to make larger, more significant, or more intense (बढ़ाना)
• For Example -
• The marketing campaign aimed to amplify the brand's visibility through various channels.
• Elaborate - involving many careful details; thorough and complicated in design (विस्तार से कहना)
• For Example -
• The architect presented an elaborate plan for the renovation, including intricate design elements.
• Curtail - to reduce the extent or quantity of; restrict (कम करना)
• For Example -
• To save energy, the company decided to curtail its operating hours during non-peak times.
• Meander - to move slowly in no particular direction or with no clear purpose (भटकना)
• For Example -
• The river meandered through the valley, creating a picturesque landscape.
• So, considering the context of the sentence, the word that aligns best with the idea of advising individuals to restrict or reduce spending intentionally and focus on essential purchases is "curtail." It accurately captures the notion of restricting spending to avoid unnecessary purchases influenced by consumerism.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Curtail."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's refer to the following information from the first paragraph of the passage about the primary goal of minimalism:
• "In recent years, minimalism has emerged as a guiding philosophy, advocating for a simplified and intentional approach to life."
• From this part of the passage, it is evident that the primary goal of minimalism is to promote a simplified and intentional approach to life. The philosophy encourages individuals to make intelligent choices about what to keep and what to eliminate, emphasizing a decluttered and purposeful existence.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "To promote a simplified and intentional approach to life."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

To address the given question, let's examine each sentence given in the question:

• Sentence A: Sudha Murty advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, addressing the importance of intentional living.
• This sentence is true. The passage explicitly mentions Sudha Murty addressing a gathering dominated by children and young adults, urging them to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of intentional living.
• Sentence B: Bedrooms and kitchens are suggested spaces for minimalist approaches, promoting focus and eco-friendly habits.
• This sentence is true. The passage indicates that minimalism suggests creating minimalist bedrooms with streamlined wardrobes to promote focus and relaxation. It also recommends a minimalist approach in the kitchen by buying only essential, locally sourced food items to minimize environmental impact.
• Sentence C: Minimalism, gaining traction in developed nations, aims to unburden individuals for a contented existence.
• This sentence is true. The passage mentions that minimalism has gained traction, especially in developed nations, and aims to unburden individuals from unnecessary baggage for a more peaceful and contented existence.
• So, out of the given sentences, all sentences A, B, and C are true based on the passage.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C are true."