English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

Amending ________ funds regulations is ________ to address loopholes ________ by NBFCs, restoring ________ and transparency in financial markets.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Exploited - taken advantage of unfairly or selfishly for one's own gain (शोषित)
• For Example -
• The workers were exploited by their employers, who paid them below minimum wage for long hours of labour.
• (B) Integrity - the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; the state of being whole or undivided (अखंडता)
• For Example -
• She admired his integrity, as he always stood by his principles even when facing difficult decisions.
• (C) Alternative - an option or choice that is available as a substitute for something else; different from the usual or conventional (विकल्प)
• For Example -
• They decided to take an alternative route to avoid the traffic jam on the main road.
• (D) Imperative - of vital importance; crucial; necessary (अनिवार्य)
• For Example -
• It is imperative to address climate change to ensure the survival of future generations.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that, in the given sentence, swapping "exploited (A)" and "alternative (C)" and "integrity (B)" and "imperative (D)" would make the sentence more grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
• The word "exploited" does not logically fit in the context of funds regulations. It suggests that the regulations themselves are being unfairly taken advantage of, which is not the intended meaning. Instead, the word "alternative" should be used here to convey the idea that amending funds regulations is one of the available options to address loopholes. Also, the word "integrity" refers to honesty and strong moral principles, which doesn't align well with the context of addressing loopholes. On the other hand, "imperative" emphasizes the necessity and crucial importance of amending the regulations to address these loopholes effectively.
• Hence, the correct answer is "C-A and B-D."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "Amending alternative funds regulations is exploited to address loopholes imperative by NBFCs, restoring integrity and transparency in financial markets."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

Our ________ advancement contrasts with ________ human tendencies to imagine intentions behind ________ events, influencing ________ responses to crises.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Political - relating to the government or the public affairs of a country (राजनीतिक)
• For Example -
• The political party promised to lower taxes if elected into office.
• (B) Adverse - unfavourable or harmful; acting against one's interests (प्रतिकूल)
• For Example -
• The adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of the outdoor event.
• (C) Persistent - continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition (दृढ़)
• For Example -
• Despite numerous setbacks, he remained persistent in pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.
• (D) Technological - relating to or involving technology (प्रौद्योगिकी)
• For Example -
• The technological advancements in the medical field have greatly improved patient care.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that, in the given sentence, swapping "political (A)" and "technological (D)" and the words "adverse (B)" and "persistent (C)" would make the sentence more grammatically and contextually correct.
• In the context of the sentence, it makes more sense for the advancement to be technological rather than political, as the contrast is being drawn between technological advancement and human tendencies. Also, swapping the words "adverse (B)" and "persistent (C)" would align the meaning with the intended context. The sentence aims to contrast technological advancement with human tendencies, indicating that these tendencies are persistent despite adverse events.
• Hence, the correct answer is "D-A and C-B."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "Our technological advancement contrasts with persistent human tendencies to imagine intentions behind adverse events, influencing political responses to crises."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

Bitcoin emerged from early internet communities with ________ ideals, promising an ________ to ________ finance amid the dot-com boom's ________.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Mainstream - widely accepted, prevalent, or conventional; about the dominant or commonly accepted ideas, practices, or culture (प्रमुख)
• For Example -
• In mainstream media, celebrity gossip often garners more attention than important world events.
• (B) Alternative - offering or presenting a choice different from the usual or conventional; differing from the mainstream or commonly accepted option (विकल्प)
• For Example -
• She opted for alternative medicine instead of traditional treatments for her chronic pain.
• (C) Libertarian - advocating for individual liberty, free will, and minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters; promoting a philosophy of freedom from coercion or constraint (स्वतंत्रतावादी)
• For Example -
• The politician's libertarian views on taxation resonated with many voters who believed in limited government.
• (D) Collapse - to break down suddenly and completely; to fall apart or fail catastrophically (पतन)
• For Example -
• The company faced a collapse in profits due to mismanagement.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that in the given sentence, swapping "mainstream (A)" and "libertarian (C)" would make the sentence more grammatically and contextually correct. In the context of the sentence, it makes more sense for Bitcoin to promise an alternative to mainstream finance rather than to libertarian finance. Also, Bitcoin, emerging from early internet communities with libertarian ideals, suggests a departure from conventional financial systems, aligning more logically with the concept of libertarianism.
• Hence, the correct answer is "A-C."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "Bitcoin emerged from early internet communities with libertarian ideals, promising an alternative to mainstream finance amid the dot-com boom's collapse."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

European governments face the ________ task of balancing agricultural livelihoods with climate change ________ efforts amidst ________  protests and ________ among farmers across the continent.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Discontent - dissatisfaction or lack of contentment with one's situation, circumstances, or conditions (असंतोष)
• For Example -
• The students expressed their discontent with the new grading system by organizing a protest.
• (B) Escalating - increasing rapidly in intensity, magnitude, or scope (तेजी से बढ़ता हुआ)
• For Example -
• The conflict between the two countries has been escalating, raising concerns about the possibility of war.
• (C) Mitigation - the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or harmful effects of something (कम करना)
• For Example -
• Planting more trees is one way to contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
• (D) Daunting - intimidating or discouraging through sheer size, difficulty, or complexity (भयंकर)
• For Example -
• The daunting task of writing a novel seemed overwhelming at first, but she persevered and completed it.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that, in the given sentence, swapping "mitigation (C)" and "escalating (B)" and "discontent (A)" and "daunting (D)" would make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• Here, the word "mitigation" refers to the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or harmful effects of something, which aligns with the efforts European governments need to undertake in the face of climate change. On the other hand, "escalating" means increasing rapidly in intensity, magnitude, or scope, which better fits the protests mentioned in the sentence.
• Also, the word "discontent" refers to dissatisfaction or lack of contentment, which is more apt in describing the sentiment among farmers across the continent. Meanwhile, "daunting" means intimidating or discouraging through sheer size, difficulty, or complexity, which better fits the task European governments face in balancing agricultural livelihoods with climate change efforts.
• Hence, the correct answer is "C-B and A-D."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "European governments face the daunting task of balancing agricultural livelihoods with climate change mitigation efforts amidst escalating protests and discontent among farmers across the continent."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

To answer this question, first, let's look at the given sentence this way:

The ________ of written grammar on spoken language ________ speaking ________, highlighting the ________ between formal rules and spoken communication.

• Now, let's understand the meanings of the marked words:
• (A) Imposition - forcing something on someone; the act of imposing rules, regulations, or expectations on others (थोपना)
• For Example -
• The imposition of strict curfew regulations restricted the movements of the residents after dark.
• (B) Impedes - hinders or obstructs progress or movement; slows down or prevents something from happening (बाधा डालना)
• For Example -
• Lack of resources impedes innovation and development in rural areas.
• (C) Disconnect - a lack of connection or coherence between two or more things; a gap or disparity in understanding or communication (असंगति)
• For Example -
• There is often a disconnect between what politicians promise during campaigns and what they achieve in office.
• (D) Competence - the ability to do something well or effectively; proficiency or skill in a particular area (कुशलता)
• For Example -
• Her competence in mathematics allowed her to solve complex problems with ease.
• After understanding the meanings of the marked words, we can conclude that, in the given sentence, swapping "disconnect (C)" and "competence (D)" would make the sentence more grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
• The word "disconnect" refers to a lack of connection or coherence between two or more things, whereas "competence" refers to the ability to do something well or effectively. In the original sentence, "disconnect" is used in the context of hindering speaking, which doesn't convey the intended meaning. However, if we swap "disconnect" with "competence," the sentence becomes coherent as it would imply that the imposition of written grammar on spoken language impedes speaking competence, highlighting the gap or disparity between formal rules and spoken communication.
• Hence, the correct answer is "C-D."
• The correct sentence after the rearrangement would be: "The imposition of written grammar on spoken language impedes speaking competence, highlighting the disconnect between formal rules and spoken communication."

The correct answer is 'Developing countries'.

Key Points

• Let's take a look at the reference sentence in the passage:-
• 'With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, the demand and supply chain of sunflower oil has been impacted. As a result, edible oil companies are now looking at options to import edible oil from other countries. They have also put forward the proposal of the usage of other cooking oils such as palm oil and groundnut oil so that the retail prices do not increase.'
• We can see that it is the edible oil companies who have proposed using cooking oils other than sunflower oil so that the retail prices do not increase.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

The correct answer is 'Developing countries.'

Key Points

• Let's take a look at the reference sentence in the passage:-
• 'While limited supply and soaring prices are set to worsen inflation of food items like salad dressing and mayonnaise in wealthy economies like the U.S., developing nations like India are set to feel the worst impacts.'
• The above sentence clearly states that developing nations like India will feel the worse impact of the inflation of food items.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is 'Disruption in the supply chain by the war'.

Key Points

• Let's take a look at the reference sentence in the passage:-
• 'With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, the demand and supply chain of sunflower oil has been impacted. As a result, edible oil companies are now looking at options to import edible oil from other countries.'
• The above line gives the answer to the given question.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is 'Palm oil'.

Key Points

• Let's take a look at the reference sentences in the passage:-
• 'While limited supply and soaring prices are set to worsen inflation of food items like salad dressing and mayonnaise in wealthy economies like the U.S., developing nations like India are set to feel the worst impacts. Such countries depend on imports of palm oil as a cheaper alternative to more costly soybean, sunflower and canola oil.'
• The concluding line gives the direct answer to the question.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

The correct answer is 'Ukraine'.

Key Points

• Let us have a look at the following lines given in the passage:-
• 'Ukraine and Russia have been the major suppliers of sunflower oil. Between November 2020 and October 2021, India imported a total of 18.93 lakh tonnes of crude sunflower oil; of this Ukraine exported 13.97 lakh tonnes and Russia exported 2.22 lakh tonnes of sunflower oil to India.'
• We can see that India imported a large amount of sunflower oil (18.93 lakh tonnes) in the said time, and the data clearly shows Ukraine has supplied most of it (13.97 lakh tonnes).

Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.

The correct answer is ' Russia's invasion of Ukraine'.

Key Points

• Let's take a look at the reference sentence in the passage:-
• 'The United Nations has also warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could soon cause a global food crisis that may last for years.'
• The above line gives the direct answer to the question.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

The correct answer is 'plight'.

Key Points

• Let us see the meaning of the words given in the options:
• windfall ⇒ a large amount of money that is won or received unexpectedly.
• boon ⇒ a thing that is helpful or beneficial.
• godsend ⇒ a very helpful or valuable event, person, or article.
• pulchritude ⇒ beauty.
• plight ⇒ a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.
• From above, we can see that the word 'plight' is closest to the meaning of 'crisis'.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.

The correct answer is 'finished'.

Key Points

• The word 'ongoing' is a participial adjective and it means something that is continuing; still in progress.
• Usage example, 'No agreement has yet been reached and the negotiations are still ongoing.'
• Let us take a look at the meaning of the marked word:
• finished ⇒ brought to an end; completed.
• Clearly, these two words are opposite in meaning.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Let us see the meanings of the other words in the options:
• occurring (adj) ⇒ happening, taking place.
• extant (adj) ⇒ still in existence; surviving.
• current (adj) ⇒ happening or being used now.
• happening (adj ⇒ fashionable, trendy.

The correct answer is 'propose'.

Key Points

• The phrasal verb 'put forward' means recommend as a suitable option.
• Usage example, 'These tentative suggestions have been put forward to generate discussion in the next meeting.'
• Clearly, propose is the correct meaning of put forward.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer to this question is 'vestal'.

Key Points

• The word 'essential' is an adjective and it means something absolutely necessary; extremely important.
• Usage example, 'Mother's milk is essential for a baby at least for first six months.'
• Let us take a look at the meaning of the marked word:
• vestal ⇒ relating to the Roman goddess Vesta.
• Other words like necessary, crucial, indispensable and vital have similar meanings as essential.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. firm, domestic.

• From the context of the sentence, the adjectives should be used in the given blanks.
• Let us explore the options:
• The first option is incorrect as 'firmly' is used as an adverb in the sentence. 'Domestic' is still okay for the second blank but 'firmly' is not fit for the first blank.
• The second option is correct as 'firm' is used as an adjective to describe the noun 'trend'. 'Domestic' is also used as an adjective to describe the noun 'market'.
• The third option is incorrect as 'domestics' is used as a noun. 'Firm' is still okay for the first blank but 'domestics' is not fit for the second blank.
• The fourth option is incorrect as 'firms' is used as a noun and 'domestically' is used as an adverb.
• The fifth option is incorrect as 'firmed' is used as the past form of the verb and 'domesticate' is also used as the verb.
• Hence, the correct option is "firm, domestic".

​Complete Sentence: According to brokers, a firm trend in Asia accelerates buying activity in the domestic market.

• Important Tips and Tricks to solve double fillers: 
• Do not read options: Read the sentence and think of a word that 'fits' the sentence. Now go to the options and choose the word that best replaces the word that you had thought of initially.
• Elimination method: In certain questions, our knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and common idioms-phrases may be tested. Hence, be sure to have a good skill set of such phrases.
• Use grammar clues: Keep a close watch at the tense of the sentence, subject-verb agreement, whether the blank in the sentence is after the article 'an' etc.
• Use Connotation: Each word expresses two things: a definition and a connotation. A connotation is a positive, negative, or neutral feeling that is implied by or associated with a word.
• Identify the Indicators: Indicators tell us what is coming up. They indicate if the question is moving to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.

The correct answer is option 5) i.e. triggered, financial.

• From the context of the sentence, a past participle form of the verb and an adjective should be used respectively in the given blanks.
• Let us explore the options:
• The first option is incorrect as 'triggers' is used as a third-person present form of the verb. 'Financially' is used as an adverb.
• The second option is incorrect as 'triggering' is used as a present participle form of the verb. 'Financial' is still okay for the second blank but 'triggering' is not fit for the first blank.
• The third option is incorrect as 'trigger' is used as the base form of the verb. 'Financing' is used as a noun.
• The fourth option is incorrect as 'finances' is used as a noun. 'Triggered' is still okay for the first blank but 'finances' is not fit for the second blank.
• The fifth option is correct as 'triggered' is used as the past participle form of the verb and 'financial' is used as an adjective describing the noun 'needs'.
• Hence, the correct option is "triggered, financial".

​​Complete Sentence: The pandemic triggered a range of new financial needs, particularly around liquidity, for many retail and business customers.

• Important Tips and Tricks to solve double fillers: 
• Do not read options: Read the sentence and think of a word that 'fits' the sentence. Now go to the options and choose the word that best replaces the word that you had thought of initially.
• Elimination method: In certain questions, our knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and common idioms-phrases may be tested. Hence, be sure to have a good skill set of such phrases.
• Use grammar clues: Keep a close watch at the tense of the sentence, forms of the verb, subject-verb agreement, whether the blank in the sentence is after the article 'an' etc.
• Use Connotation: Each word expresses two things: a definition and a connotation. A connotation is a positive, negative, or neutral feeling that is implied by or associated with a word.
• Identify the Indicators: Indicators tell us what is coming up. They indicate if the question is moving to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. likely, sharp.

• From the context of the sentence, an adverb and an adjective should be used respectively in the given blanks.
• Let us explore the options:
• The first option is incorrect as 'likes' is acting as a third-person singular verb and 'sharps' is acting as a noun.
• The second option is correct as 'likely' is acting as an adverb and modifying the verb 'see'. 'Sharp' is acting as an adjective describing the noun 'increase'.
• The third option is incorrect as 'liking' is the present participle form of the verb and 'sharping' is acting as a noun.
• The fourth option is incorrect as 'sharpen' is acting as a verb. 'Likely' is still okay for the first blank but 'sharpen' is not fit for the second blank.
• The fifth option is incorrect as 'like' is acting as a verb. 'Sharp' is still okay for the second blank but 'like' is not fit for the first blank.
• Hence, the correct option is "likely, sharp".

​Complete Sentence: Emerging-market banks will likely see a sharp increase in credit losses in 2020.

• Important Tips and Tricks to solve double fillers: 
• Do not read options: Read the sentence and think of a word that 'fits' the sentence. Now go to the options and choose the word that best replaces the word that you had thought of initially.
• Elimination method: In certain questions, our knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and common idioms-phrases may be tested. Hence, be sure to have a good skill set of such phrases.
• Use grammar clues: Keep a close watch at the tense of the sentence, subject-verb agreement, whether the blank in the sentence is after the article 'an' etc.
• Use Connotation: Each word expresses two things: a definition and a connotation. A connotation is a positive, negative, or neutral feeling that is implied by or associated with a word.
• Identify the Indicators: Indicators tell us what is coming up. They indicate if the question is moving to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.

The correct answer is 'Assurance, Apology'

Key Points

Here, a basic knowledge of parts of speech can help you to find the correct answer at once.

The words verbal and written are adjectives which tell you that they are indicating some noun in the blank. Other words like assure (verb), Assuring(gerund/participle), assured(past participle) don’t fit in the blank.

So the correct word that would fit in the blank is assurance.

Similarly the second blank also requires a noun, hence apology is the correct answer.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. growing, started​​.

• From the context of the sentence, the verbs should be used in the given blanks.
• Let us explore the options:
• The first option is incorrect as 'grown' is the past participle form of the verb. 'Started' is still okay for the second blank but 'grown' is not fit for the first blank.
• The second option is correct as 'growing' is the present participle of the verb, the present perfect continuous is formed using has/have + been + present participle and 'started' is the past tense of the verb.
• The third option is incorrect as 'grow' is the base or simple form of the verb. 'Started' is still okay for the second blank but 'grow' is not fit for the first blank.
• The fourth option is incorrect as 'starting' is the present participle of the verb. 'Growing' is still okay for the first blank but 'starting' is not fit for the second blank.
• The fifth option is incorrect as 'grows' is the third person present form of the verb.
• Hence, the correct option is "growing, started​​".

​Complete Sentence: Interest to serve the merchants has been growing since digitization started at the merchant's end.

• Important Tips and Tricks to solve double fillers: 
• Do not read options: Read the sentence and think of a word that 'fits' the sentence. Now go to the options and choose the word that best replaces the word that you had thought of initially.
• Elimination method: In certain questions, our knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and common idioms-phrases may be tested. Hence, be sure to have a good skill set of such phrases.
• Use grammar clues: Keep a close watch at the tense of the sentence, subject-verb agreement, whether the blank in the sentence is after the article 'an' etc.
• Use Connotation: Each word expresses two things: a definition and a connotation. A connotation is a positive, negative, or neutral feeling that is implied by or associated with a word.
• Identify the Indicators: Indicators tell us what is coming up. They indicate if the question is moving to draw a contrast with something stated previously, or support something stated previously.