English Comprehension PYQs

The correct word is 'perils.' It means 'serious and immediate danger.' It makes sense because we are talking about the death of a person most probably a journalist. 

Responsibility: the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.

Onus: something that is one's duty or responsibility.

Guilt: the fact of having committed a specified or implied offence or crime.

Restraint: a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control.

The correct answer is 'Only I and II'.

Key Points

In the given statements, the errors are in statement I and statement II.​

• ​​​In statement I, its should be replaced by it’s (it is) to make the sentence grammatically correct.
• Here Its is a possessive determiner we use to say that something belongs to or refers to something whereas it’s is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”.
• For e.g.- 1. Its been a year since the last time they met. (Incorrect)                          2. It’s been a year since the last time they met. (Correct)
• In statement II, the verb should be say in place of says since the subject is researchers, which is plural in number. According to the Subject-verb Concord, the verb must agree with its subject in number and person.
• For e.g.- No examples are relevant to the case

Thus, the correct sentences are I. It’s hazardous to use a handheld cell phone while driving.  and II. T**hey are also dangerous say, researchers.

Statement III is grammatically and contextually correct. Sentence III is an example of subject-verb agreement with a compound subject.

Additional Information

Compound subjects (two subjects in the same sentence) usually take a plural verb, unless the combination is treated as singular in popular usage or the two subjects refer to the same thing or person.

• Neither my dad nor my brothers know how to ski. (Correct sentence)
• Corn and cheese are great on a pizza. (Correct sentence)

The correct answer is 'Only I and III'.

Key Points

In the given statements, the errors are in statement I and statement III.

• In statement I, the preposition at will be replaced by on to make the sentence grammatically correct. The idiom on the verge of means at the point when (something) is about to happen or is very likely to happen.
• For e.g.- The company was on the verge of going bankrupt.
• In statement III, the preposition in will be replaced by over because the preposition in indicates rest or motion inside anything or refer to a period of time usually in the future.
• For e.g.- She is in the garden.
• He will return in a month

Here the sentence talks about clouds so we have to use the preposition over which means moving across space above someone or something to make the sentence grammatically correct.

• Statement II is grammatically and contextually correct. Here the preposition by is used which means according to; from the evidence of.
• For e.g.- By my watch, it is 10:30.
• Thus the correct sentences are: I. India’s manufacturing sector was believed to be on the verge of sickness. and **​II. Clouds hung thick and grey over Bengaluru airport.

Additional Information

Over can be used in the following ways

The correct answer is Option 2) i.e. Both A and C are incorrect.

Key Points

• A) Sentence A is incorrect. 'invaded Spain' should be there in place of 'has invaded Spain'
• Explanation: When a specified time of past is mentioned then we use past indefinite in place of the present perfect tense.
• B) Sentence B is correct.
• Explanation: Since the action is continuing from the past into the present, the perfect tense is correctly used.
• C) Sentence C is incorrect. 'they had been married' should be there in place of 'they were married'
• Explanation: Present perfect tense is used denoting an action completed prior to some past point of time specified or implied.

Correct Sentence A: 'The Moors invaded Spain in the eighth century, and much of the Spanish language derives from Arabic.' 

Correct Sentence C: 'It must have been very strange for him to be alone after they had been married for more than 50 years.'

The correct answer is Option 4) i.e. Both A and C are incorrect

Key Points

• A) Sentence A is incorrect. 'whether the virtues' should be there in place of 'if the virtues'
• Explanation: 'whether...or' is the correct pair of conjunction
• B) Sentence B is correct.
• Explanation: 'Yet' is used to express a new idea regardless of what the existing one suggests.
• C) Sentence C is incorrect. 'but also that its production' should be there in place of 'but that its production'
• Explanation: 'not only...but also' is the correct pair of conjunction

Correct Sentence A: 'They meditate whether the virtues of the one will exalt or diminish the force of the other, or correct any of its nocent qualities.' 

Correct Sentence C: 'Boulton realized not only that this engine could power his manufactory, but also that its production might be a profitable business venture.'

The correct answer is D.

Key Points

• The given paragraph is about Globalization.
• Sentence D is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of the paragraph by talking about how globalisation influences foreign trade in the world.
• Sentence C is the second sentence as it continues D by explaining that things that were only found in developed countries are now found in other countries as well thus expanding foreign trade.
• Sentence B is the third sentence as it explains that people in other countries can get whatever they want because things from different countries can be traded now.
• Sentence A is the fourth sentence as it explains the international trade in which countries import and export across the globe.
• Sentence E is at the correct place so it's the fifth sentence explaining that to overlook these trades and to maintain a fair trade, some organizations have been established.
• Sentence F is the sixth sentence as it continues E, it talks about World trade organizations which is one of such organisations established to influence individual governments to follow international trade rules, copyrights, policies on subsidies, taxes and tariffs.
• The correct sequence is DCBAEF.

Additional Information

• Globalization is the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

The correct answer is C.

Key Points

• The given paragraph is about Globalization.
• Sentence D is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of the paragraph by talking about how globalisation influences foreign trade in the world.
• Sentence C is the second sentence as it continues D by explaining that things that were only found in developed countries are now found in other countries as well thus expanding foreign trade.
• Sentence B is the third sentence as it explains that people in other countries can get whatever they want because things from different countries can be traded now.
• Sentence A is the fourth sentence as it explains the international trade in which countries import and export across the globe.
• Sentence E is at the correct place so it's the fifth sentence explaining that to overlook these trades and to maintain a fair trade, some organizations have been established.
• Sentence F is the sixth sentence as it continues E, it talks about World trade organizations which is one of such organisations established to influence individual governments to follow international trade rules, copyrights, policies on subsidies, taxes and tariffs.
• The correct sequence is DCBAEF.

Additional Information

• Foreign trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories.
• ​For example, Foreign trade is of critical importance to the economy.

The correct answer is B.

Key Points

• The given paragraph is about Globalization.
• Sentence D is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of the paragraph by talking about how globalisation influences foreign trade in the world.
• Sentence C is the second sentence as it continues D by explaining that things that were only found in developed countries are now found in other countries as well thus expanding foreign trade.
• Sentence B is the third sentence as it explains that people in other countries can get whatever they want because things from different countries can be traded now.
• Sentence A is the fourth sentence as it explains the international trade in which countries import and export across the globe.
• Sentence E is at the correct place so it's the fifth sentence explaining that to overlook these trades and to maintain a fair trade, some organizations have been established.
• Sentence F is the sixth sentence as it continues E, it talks about World trade organizations which is one of such organisations established to influence individual governments to follow international trade rules, copyrights, policies on subsidies, taxes and tariffs.
• The correct sequence is DCBAEF.

Additional Information

• The word copyrights means exclusive and assignable legal right, given to the originator for a fixed number of years, to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material.
• ​​For example, His family still holds the copyright to his songs.

The correct answer is A.

Key Points

• The given paragraph is about Globalization.
• Sentence D is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of the paragraph by talking about how globalisation influences foreign trade in the world.
• Sentence C is the second sentence as it continues D by explaining that things that were only found in developed countries are now found in other countries as well thus expanding foreign trade.
• Sentence B is the third sentence as it explains that people in other countries can get whatever they want because things from different countries can be traded now.
• Sentence A is the fourth sentence as it explains the international trade in which countries import and export across the globe.
• Sentence E is at the correct place so it's the fifth sentence explaining that to overlook these trades and to maintain a fair trade, some organizations have been established.
• Sentence F is the sixth sentence as it continues E, it talks about World trade organizations which is one of such organisations established to influence individual governments to follow international trade rules, copyrights, policies on subsidies, taxes and tariffs.
• The correct sequence is DCBAEF.

Additional Information

• The word subsidies means a sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low. 
• ​​​For example, The company receives a heavy subsidy from the national government.

The correct answer is F.

Key Points

• The given paragraph is about Globalization.

• Sentence D is the first sentence as it introduces the topic of the paragraph by talking about how globalisation influences foreign trade in the world.

• Sentence C is the second sentence as it continues D by explaining that things that were only found in developed countries are now found in other countries as well thus expanding foreign trade.

• Sentence B is the third sentence as it explains that people in other countries can get whatever they want because things from different countries can be traded now.

• Sentence A is the fourth sentence as it explains the international trade in which countries import and export across the globe.

• Sentence E is at the correct place so it's the fifth sentence explaining that to overlook these trades and to maintain a fair trade, some organizations have been established.

• Sentence F is the sixth sentence as it continues E, it talks about World trade organizations which is one of such organisations established to influence individual governments to follow international trade rules, copyrights, policies on subsidies, taxes and tariffs.

• The correct sequence is DCBAEF.

Additional Information

• The word countries is plural for the word country. Here, country ends with a 'y' so its plural form will have a '-ies'.
• Regular nouns are changed to plural by adding an 's'.
• If the singular noun ends in ‑s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z, add ‑es to the end to make it plural.

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."