NDA General Ability Test 18 Sept 2016 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is option 2, i.e., part (b).

Explanation:

• Part (b) uses the incorrect simple present tense form of the verb 'drive'.
• Being Habitual to- something done constantly or as a habit.
• Note here that the preposition 'to' is used with 'habitual' and not as a to-infinitive with the verb 'drive'.

Key Points

• One is habitual to 'doing' something. i.e., 'Habitual to' requires the present participle form of the verb (verb+ -ing).
• e.g. I am habitual to running in the morning.
• Note: Although 'habitual to' is used in common speech, the most accurate form of 'habitual' is the adjective form. e.g. He was a habitual smoker.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: My friend was habitual to driving a car at very high speeds.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., part (a).

Key Points

• Part (a) uses the present participle 'being', which is incorrect.
• Usually, 'being' is used to join two sentences, where the qualities of the subject are discussed; because of which the second sentence exists.
• e.g. Harry being a great wizard; the crisis was avoided.
• Here, the sentence uses the present participle 'being'; but there is no subject. e.g. (What) being a day of national mourning?
• So, in order to be correct; there needs to be a subject, such as Tuesday, Labour day etc.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: Tuesday being a day of national mourning the offices were closed and the national flag flew half mast.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., part (a).

Explanation

• Part (a) uses the incorrect present continuous verb 'are wanting'.
• The sentence already uses the present participle (verb+ ing) form 'nesting' after the verb; while the second verb is the modal verb 'must not'.

Key Points

• Modal verbs usually denote a condition, which is dependent on the fact expressed by the other verb.
• So, here, the first verb must express a general fact, in which case, the appropriate tense to be used is simple present tense.
• The correct verb form here would be the simple present tense form 'want'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: If you want to watch the birds nesting you must not let them see you.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., part (c).

Explanation

• Part C uses the incorrect present progressive verb form 'am advising'.
• The sentence uses the phrase 'for a long time', which means that the action of giving advice has begun in the past and is still continuing.
• In case of actions that begin in the recent past and are still continuing; the correct tense to be used is present perfect continuous tense.
• So, the correct verb form here would be the present perfect continuous 'have been advising'.

Note: 

• Present perfect 'have advised' can also work here, but given that the main verb is in the simple present tense (used for general facts); present perfect continuous tense is most appropriate.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: He does not listen to what I say, even though I have been advising him for a long time.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., No Error.

Explanation

• The sentence is free from any grammatical errors.
• Lest is a conjunction which means with the intention of preventing (something undesirable); to avoid the risk of.
• Example: We must obey the rules; lest we be punished.
• Lest is used where the first sentence expresses a condition/fact to be done + lest  (to avoid) + the second sentence expressing a fear/ condition.
• Here, the first part expresses the fact of reaching the station before non, to avoid missing the train. So, 'Lest' is used appropriately here.

The correct answer is "(d)"

Key Points

• The sentence is grammatically and contextually correct. The tense used here is 'Past perfect tense'.
• The past perfect is formed using "had + past participle". Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and had.
• Negatives are made with not.
• Look at the following example:
• Statement: You had studied English before you moved to New York.
• Question: Had you studied English before you moved to New York?
• Negative: You had not studied English before you moved to New York.

Hence, the correct sentence: I asked him what had brought him there

The correct answer is Option 3) i.e. ​to harm him.

To make the sentence grammatically correct we must omit 'to' in this sentence because dare is a modal and it will be followed by 'base form of the verb' not infinitive.

Dare is both a main verb and a semi-modal verb. Dare can mean ‘challenge somebody’. With this meaning, it is a main verb and requires an object. Any verb that follows it is in the to-infinitive:

• Go on, I dare you.
• Some snakes can bite but I dare (challenge) you to hold this big snake.

Dare also means ‘to be brave enough or rude enough to do something’.

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. No error.

Key Points

• The above sentence is grammatically correct.
• Since 'principal' is a singular noun, a singular verb must continue it. Here, 'looks' continue it, which makes part (a) error free.
• Part (b) shows us that the sentence is in present perfect tense with 'have been'. Also, the usage of proposition 'on' before 'strike' is also correct.
• In part (c), 'action' is the correct usage and 'actions' would be wrong to use.
• Thus. all the parts are error free. It contains no error.
• Thus the correct answer is option 4.

The correct sentence is: The Principal looks very worried because students have been on strike for the last fifteen days as a protest against his disciplinary action against some miscreants.

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. ​to find evidences.

Key Points

• 'Evidence' is an uncountable noun so we cannot make it as plural by attaching 's' to it.
• So we must replace 'evidences' in the above sentence to make it grammatically correct.
• Thus the correct answer is option 2.

The correct sentence is: The king was embarrassed to find evidence against his own queen.

Additional Information

• Let's understand what an uncountable noun is
• ​They are substances, concepts etc that we cannot divide into separate elements.
• ​Example: Furniture, children, air etc.

The erroneous segment is "a) As I prefer coffee than tea".

Key Points

• In the given sentence, the usage of the preposition "than" for showing a preference is incorrect.
• We use the preposition "to"  to introduce the second part of the comparison to show a preference for a thing
• Example: I prefer yoga to gymming.
• In the given sentence, we need to use the preposition "to" in place of "than" to make the sentence grammatically correct.

The correct sentence is: As I prefer coffee to tea my friends always take the trouble to get me a cup of coffee whenever I visit them. 

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

The correct answer is 'Generosity shown to guests'.

Key Points

• The given word 'Hospitality' means looking after guests and being friendly and welcoming towards them. (आतिथ्‍य-सत्‍कार, मेहमाननवाज़ी)
• ​Let's see the meaning of other given options:-
• 'Duty of a doctor' means a task or action that a doctor is required to perform as part of the job. (एक कार्य या क्रिया जिसे डॉक्टर को नौकरी के हिस्से के रूप में करने की आवश्यकता होती है)
• 'Generosity shown to guests' means the quality of being kind or generous to guests. (मेहमानों के प्रति दयालु या उदार होने का गुण)
• 'Cleanliness in hospitals' means the state or quality of hospitals being clean or being kept clean. (अस्पतालों के साफ-सुथरे रहने या साफ रखे जाने की स्थिति या गुणवत्ता)
• 'Kindness' means the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. (दयालुता; दयामय कार्य)
• ​From the context of the sentence, the second option is the most similar word in meaning to the underlined word.
  

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Additional Information

• The synonyms of the word 'Hospitality' are "generosity, kindness, politeness".
• The antonyms of the word 'Hospitality' are "arrogance, unfriendliness, impoliteness".
• Example of 'Hospitality' in a sentence:
• The local people showed me great hospitality.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Exorbitant. 

Explanation 

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:

• Astronomical means (of an amount) extremely large.

Let's look at the meanings of the given words:

• Exorbitant- (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
• Commercial- making or intended to make a profit.
• Planetary- relating or belonging to a planet or planets.
• Illogical- lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.

Out of these, only Exorbitant shows a meaning that is similar to Astronomical. Therefore Option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'Suitable.'

Key Points

• The given word 'Appropriate' means suitable or right for a particular situation, person, use, etc. (किसी परिस्थिति, व्‍यक्ति या उपयोग आदि के लिए उपयुक्त या उचित)
• ​Let's see the meaning of other given options:-
• 'Modern' means with all the newest methods, equipment, designs, etc.; up to date. (जिसमें नवीनतम विधियाँ, उपकरण, आकृतियाँ आदि हों; नवीन)
• 'Suitable' means right or appropriate for somebody or something. (किसी के लिए सही या उचित या उपयुक्त)
• 'Effective' means successfully producing the result that you want. (अभीष्‍ट प्रभाव उत्‍पन्‍न करने वाला; प्रभावोत्‍पादक)
• 'Growing' means becoming greater over a period of time; increasing. (समय के साथ बड़ा होना; बढ़ रहा)
  

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Additional Information

• The synonyms of the word 'Appropriate' are "suitable, proper, right".
• The antonyms of the word 'Appropriate' are "unsuitable, wrong, improper".
• Example of 'Appropriate' in a sentence:
• She gave a speech appropriate to the occasion.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., very Fond. 

Explanation 

• Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:
• Enamoured means be filled with love for; have a strong liking or admiration for something.
• Let's look at the meanings of the given words:
• Fond- having affection or liking for.
• Concerned- worried, troubled, or anxious.
• Obsessed- be constantly talking or worrying about something.
• Imbued- inspire or permeate with (a feeling or quality).

Out of these, only Fond shows a meaning that is similar to Enamoured. Thus Option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Sensational reporting. 

Explanation  

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:

• Yellow Journalism means newspapers that present little or no legitimate well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales.

The term is derived from the recycled yellowish paper that was used for cheaper publications; which was also associated with a lower quality of content. 

Let's look at the meanings of the given words:

• Misrepresentation- the action or offence of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something.
• Vulgarization- to make vulgar or coarse; lower; debase.
• Sensational reporting- news selected and worded to excite sentiments of readers rather than informing them of facts.
• Loud gestures- using a variety of unnecessary hand movements to present one's point.

Out of these, only Sensational reporting shows a meaning that is similar to Yellow Journalism. Thus the correct answer is Option 3 i.e Sensational reporting.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., Pardoned.

Explanation  

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:

• Sentenced: means declare the punishment decided for (an offender).

So, its opposite meaning must be to legally forgive someone for one's offence.

Let's look at the meanings of the given words:

• Acquitted- free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty.
• Punished- inflict a penalty or sanction on someone for an offence.
• Relieved- no longer feeling distressed or anxious; reassured.
• Pardoned- forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offence).

Out of these, only Pardoned shows the opposite meaning to Sentenced. Thus the correct answer is Option 4 i.e Pardoned

Acquitted may seem like a correct answer; but it is not. To sentence suggests issuing a legal punishment for a blame; while To pardon is to forgive someone's punishment or to free them from blame.

To acquit is to be legally free from a punishment (regardless of whether one is actually free of blame).

The correct answer is 'Extravagant.'

Key Points

• The given word 'Thrifty' means using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. (कमख़र्च, किफ़ायती)
• ​Let's see the meaning of other given options:-
• 'Careless' means not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or errors. (असावधान, लापरवाह)
• 'Instinctive' means (of behavior or actions) not thought about, planned, or learned. ((व्यवहार या कार्यों के बारे में) सोचा, नियोजित या सीखा नहीं)
• 'Sentimental' means of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia. (भावुकतापूर्ण, जो अतिसशक्त या अनुपयुक्त हो सकता है)
• 'Extravagant' means spending or costing too much money. (फ़िजूलख़र्च या बेहद महँगा)
  

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Mistake Points  

• Careless may seem like the correct answer, but it is not as **'**Thrifty' talks specifically about 'money and resources', the correct antonym must be 'Extravagant'.

Additional Information

• The antonyms of the word 'Thrifty' are "extravagant, unthrifty, lavish".
• The synonyms of the word 'Thrifty' are "economical, saving, preserving".
• Example of 'Thrifty' in a sentence:
• He was brought up to be thrifty and never to get into debt.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., Seasoned.

Explanation

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:

• Immature means not fully developed or mature.

So, its opposite meaning must be mature; developed. 

Let's look at the meanings of the given words:

• Thoughtful- showing consideration for the needs of other people.
• Cautious- careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
• Calculating- acting in a scheming and ruthlessly determined way.
• Seasoned- accustomed to particular conditions; experienced; expert.

Out of these, only Seasoned shows the opposite meaning to Immature. Thus the correct answer is Option 4 i.e Seasoned.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., To conceal my plan.

Explanation  

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined phrase:

• To show one's hand means to reveal or disclose one's plan.

So, its opposite must mean to hide or not reveal one's plan.

Let's look at the meanings of the given phrases:

• To yield- produce or provide; to let go of something.
• To shake hands- (regarding something) confirm a promise or bargain; to agree.
• To conceal- not allow to be seen; hide.
• To lose ground- Fail to hold one's position; fall behind, deteriorate.

Out of these, only the phrase 'To conceal my plan' shows the opposite meaning to 'show my hand'. Thus the correct answer is Option 3.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., Unwise.

Explanation    

Let's look at the meaning of the underlined word:

• Sagacious means wise or shrewd.

So, its opposite meaning must be unwise or foolish.

Let's look at the meanings of the given words:

• Haughty- arrogantly superior and disdainful.
• Cunning- skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
• Rude- offensively impolite or bad-mannered.
• Unwise- not wise or sensible; foolish.

Out of these, only Unwise shows the opposite meaning to Sagacious. Thus the correct answer is Option 4 i.e Unwise.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Pull through.

Explanation

The sentence uses the blank after the verb 'will', suggesting that the blank must contain the main verb.

The sentence talks about her being in bed for a long time. So, the verb in the blank must mean survive.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Come out- emerge; become known.
• Pull out- withdraw from an undertaking.
• Pull through- get through an illness or other dangerous or difficult situation.
• Go out- to go outside from a place.

Out of these, only Pull through is appropriate here, given the context.

Thus, the complete sentence is: She has been lying in bed for the last fortnight. I hope she will pull through. Hence Option 3 i.e Pull through is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'With'.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the blank after the verb 'beset' and before the noun 'difficulties'; so it must contain a preposition that makes the verb meaningful.
• 'Beset' means having a lot of trouble with something, or having to deal with a lot of something that causes problems.
• Example: With the amount of traffic nowadays, even a trip across town is beset with dangers.
• Only the preposition 'with' makes the correct phrase 'beset with'.
• Beset with means to pester, bother, or harass, often excessively.
• In this usage, a person or group can also be indicated between "beset" and "with."
• Example: The students beset the teacher with a lot of complaints.
• None of the other prepositions can make the sentence meaningful.
• Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in the given blank is 'with' because it indicates that the path of progress has many difficulties.
• Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.

Complete sentence: The path of progress is beset with difficulties.

Additional Information

• Let's explore the other given options: 
• 'Through' means from one end or side of something to the other.
• 'Along' means in addition to someone or something else.

Mistake Points ​

• 'Beset by' is sometimes used in common speech, but it is grammatically incorrect.

Hinglish

• वाक्य 'beset' क्रिया के बाद और संज्ञा 'कठिनाईयों' से पहले रिक्त स्थान का उपयोग करता है; इसलिए इसमें एक preposition होना चाहिए जो क्रिया को सार्थक बनाता है।
• 'Beset' का अर्थ है किसी चीज़ से बहुत अधिक परेशानी होना, या बहुत सी ऐसी चीज़ से निपटना जो समस्याएँ पैदा करती है।
• उदाहरण: With the amount of traffic nowadays, even a trip across town is beset with dangers.
• केवल preposition 'with' सही वाक्यांश 'beset with' बनाता ह���।
• 'Beset with' अक्सर जरूरत से ज्यादा परेशान करने के साधनों से घिरे।
• इस प्रयोग में, एक व्यक्ति या समूह को 'beset' और 'with' के बीच भी दर्शाया जा सकता है।
• उदाहरण: The students beset the teacher with a lot of complaints.
• अन्य कोई भी preposition वाक्य को अर्थपूर्ण नहीं बना सकता।
• अतः दिए गए रिक्त स्थान को भरने के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प 'beset with' है क्योंकि यह इंगित करता है कि प्रगति के मार्ग में अनेक कठिनाइयाँ हैं।
• अतः विकल्प 1 सही उत्तर है।
• आइए अन्य दिए गए विकल्पों का पता लगाएं:
• 'Through' का अर्थ है किसी चीज के एक छोर या किनारे से दूसरे छोर तक।
• 'Along' का अर्थ है किसी के अतिरिक्त या कुछ और।
• कभी-कभी आम बोलचाल में 'beset by' का प्रयोग होता है, लेकिन यह व्याकरण की दृष्टि से गलत है।

पूर्ण वाक्य: The path of progress is beset with difficulties.

The correct answer is Option 2, i.e., Contempt.

Explanation

The sentence uses the blank after the verb 'feel' and before the preposition 'for', suggesting that it must contain a noun.

The sentence talks about feeling something for people who are cruel to their children. So, the noun in the blank must mean negative feelings like anger, dislike etc.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Sympathy- feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
• Contempt- the act of despising; lack of respect or reverence for.
• Admiration- respect and warm approval.
• Craving- a powerful desire for something.

Out of these, only Contempt shows the intended meaning and fits perfectly with the meaning of the sentence. 

Thus, the complete sentence is: I feel contempt for those who are cruel to their children. Thus Option 2 i.e Contempt is the correct answer.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., Amicable.

Explanation 

The sentence uses the blank after the article 'an' and before the noun 'settlement', suggesting that it must contain an adjective that begins with a vowel. 

The sentence talks about settlement of a dispute, so the adjective in the blank must mean cordial, friendly, etc.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Enviable- arousing or likely to arouse a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions.
• Inimical- unfriendly; hostile.
• Worthy- having or showing the qualities that deserve the specified action or regard.
• Amicable- characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.

Out of these, only Amicable shows the intended meaning for the given sentence. 

Thus, the complete sentence is: Both the parties were keen to have an amicable settlement of the dispute. Hence Option 4 Amicable is the correct answer.

The correct answer is 'fallen out'.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the blank after the auxiliary verb 'have', suggesting that the blank must contain the main verb.
• The sentence talks about two brothers, so the verb in the blank must refer to something about the nature of their relationship.
• Fall out: a disagreement or something that causes two people to no longer be friends with one another.
• Example: He left home after falling out with his parents.
• Therefore from the explanation, it is clear that the most appropriate option to fill in the blank is 'fallen out'.
• Hence, option 2 is the correct answer.

Complete sentence: I have come to know that the two brothers have fallen out. 

Additional Information

• Fall through- to not be completed or come to fruition; to fail due to some outside circumstances.
• Fall for- be attracted or infatuated with someone.
• Fall short- to fail to attain a specified amount, level, or degree; to be inadequate.

​

Hinglish

• वाक्य auxiliary verb 'have' के बाद रिक्त स्थान का उपयोग करता है, यह सुझाव देता है कि रिक्त स्थान में main verb होनी चाहिए।
• वाक्य दो भाइयों के बारे में बात करता है, इसलिए रिक्त में क्रिया को उनके रिश्ते की प्रकृति के बारे में कुछ बताना चाहिए।
• Fall out- एक असहमति या ऐसा कुछ जिसके कारण दो लोग एक-दूसरे के दोस्त नहीं रह जाते।
• उदाहरण : He left home after falling out with his parents.
• अतः स्पष्टीकरण से यह स्पष्ट है कि रिक्त स्थान को भरने के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त विकल्प 'fallen out' है।
• अतः विकल्प 2 सही उत्तर है।
• Fall through- पूरा न होना या फलित न होना; कुछ बाहरी परिस्थितियों के कारण असफल होना।
• Fall for- किसी के प्रति आकर्षित या मुग्ध होना।
• Fall short- एक निर्दिष्ट राशि, स्तर या डिग्री प्राप्त करने में विफल होने के लिए; अपर्याप्त होना।

पुरा वाक्य: I have come to know that the two brothers have fallen out.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Tedious.

Explanation 

The sentence uses the blank to refer to the noun 'work'; so the blank must contain an adjective.

The sentence uses the conjunction 'whereas', showing a contrast. As one feels that others have 'delightful jobs'; it means one must find one's own job as contrasting to it, as being tiresome, dull etc. 

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Tedious- too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
• Fabulous- extraordinary, especially extraordinarily large.
• Unprofitable- not yielding profit or financial gain.
• Indecent- not appropriate or fitting.

Out of these, only Tedious shows the intended meaning.

Thus, the complete sentence is: Everybody finds his own work tedious whereas he feels that others have delightful jobs. Thus the correct answer is Option 1 i.e Tedious.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Negligence.

Explanation 

The sentence uses the blank after the adjective 'criminal'; so the blank must contain a noun.

The sentence also talks about accidents happening due to some error or lack of attention by the driver. So, the noun must show this meaning.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Performance- the action or process of performing a task or function.
• Disregard- the action or state of paying no attention to something.
• Negligence- breach of a duty of care which results in damage.
• Slackness- weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy.

Out of these, only Negligence is appropriate here, given that it resulted in damage or an accident.

Thus, the complete sentence is: The accident took place because of the criminal negligence of the driver. Thus the correct answer is Option 3 i.e Negligence.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Efficacy.

Explanation

The sentence uses the blank after the article 'the' and before the preposition 'of', suggesting that it should contain a noun.

The sentence also talks about belief in vaccination; so the noun in the blank should mean power, performance etc.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Immunity- the capability of multicellular organisms to resist harmful microorganisms from entering their cells.
• Prevalence- the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.
• Efficacy- the ability to produce a desired or intended result.
• Workability- capable of or suitable for being worked.

Here, Efficacy and Workability both seem probable.

But; as vaccination is more related to 'ability to produce results' than 'being worked'; Efficacy is more appropriate here.

Thus, the complete sentence is: The belief in the efficacy of vaccination is gaining ground. Thus the correct answer is Option 3 i.e Efficacy.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., Dynamic.

Explanation  

The sentence uses the blank after the article 'a' and before the adjective 'young', suggesting that it should contain an adjective, beginning with a consonant. 

The sentence says 'our new leader' 'will take us forward'; which means that the adjective in the blank must have a positive meaning.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Haughty- arrogantly superior and disdainful.
• Intoxicated- cause (someone) to lose control of their faculties or behaviour.
• Fanciful- over-imaginative and unrealistic.
• Dynamic- (of a person) positive in attitude and full of energy and new ideas.

Out of these, only Dynamic shows a positive meaning, which goes with the context.

Thus, the complete sentence is: Our new leader is a dynamic young man and will take us forward.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Difference.

Explanation

The sentence uses the blank after the preposition 'of', suggesting that the blank must contain a noun.

The sentence uses the phrase 'between what he said and what he did'. So, the noun in the blank must refer to this contrast.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Chaos- complete disorder and confusion.
• Bitterness- anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment.
• Difference- a point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.
• Hope- a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.

Out of these, only Difference shows the intended meaning.

Thus, the complete sentence is: They found a world of difference between what he said and what he did.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., SPRQ.

• Explanation:
• The first part 'the statement' gives the noun clause, which means, the next part must be either an adjective clause (which, that), giving more information about it or the main verb.
• Out of the given parts, only S begins with the verb 'will be made' and fits after the noun clause.
• So, S must be the first part of the correct sequence. S gives a complete sentence 'the statement will be made just once'.
• This means the next part must begin with a conjunction. This is only shown by P, beginning with 'therefore'.
• So, SP is the correct sequence.
• Options 1 and 4 both show this sequence; giving us R or Q as the next probable part.
• R begins with 'in order to understand', which gives an adverb clause, and fits after 'you must listen carefully' (as it gives the reason 'why' one must listen carefully).
• This makes SPR the correct sequence, with remaining Q being the last part.

Thus, the correct sequence is: SPRQ.

The statement 

S. will be made just once

P. therefore you must listen carefully

R. in order to understand

Q. what the speaker has said

The correct answer is option 2, i.e., SQRP.

• Explanation:
• While rearranging parts of a sentence, it is easier to find interconnections between them and then eliminate the options.
• Here, 'fell down' and 'broke his leg' are parts with similar meaning and an obvious sequence; whereas 'had climbed the wall' is opposite and should come before.
• So, 'fell down and broke his leg' make a meaningful sentence, giving us the sequence QRP.
• This sequence is only shown by option 2, which gives the full sequence as: SQRP.

Thus, the correct sequence is: SQRP.

The small boy who 

S. had climbed the wall

Q. fell down

R. and

P. broke his leg

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., QSRP.

• Explanation:
• The given part shows the phrase 'according to an engineer', which is an adverb phrase for something that will follow.
• This means that the next part must give a noun clause; or talk about something that is the main point of the sentence.
• This is only shown by Q, which gives the noun clause 'a newly developed air-cooler system'.
• So, Q must be the first part of the correct sequence.
• Only option 3 begins with Q, making it the correct option.

Thus, the complete sequence is: QSRP.

According to an engineer

Q. a newly developed air-cooler system

S. which is based on a principle radically difference from

R. that employed in conventional room coolers

P. might hit the market next year

The correct answer is option 2, i.e QPSR.

Key Points

• The given part shows the noun clause, 'the clerk', which means the next part must be either the verb or an adjective clause, giving more information about the noun.
• P and R give adjective clauses 'on the desk' and 'in the safe'; neither of which is appropriate to describe 'the clerk'.
• Q shows the verb, 'left the money'; which is the only appropriate part after the noun 'the clerk'.
• So, Q must be the first in the correct sequence.
• Only option 2 shows a sequence that begins with Q.
• Confusion Point:
• Part P, showing the adjective clause 'on the desk' may seem correct for 'the clerk'; but it is not. 'A clerk' could be 'behind' the desk but not 'on' it.

Thus, the correct sequence is: QPSR.

The clerk

Q. left the money

P. on the desk

S. which he should have locked up 

R. in the safe

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., PRQS.

• Explanation:
• The sentence begins with the conjunction phrase 'Hardly had...when'. So, the first part in the correct sequence must begin with 'when'.
• So, P must be the first part in the correct sequence.
• This is shown by options 1 and 4 both; giving R or Q as the probable next part.
• Q gives the main verb 'waved and cheered' while R gives the adjective clause 'who had come to receive him'.
• Both are grammatically appropriate after P; but since P ends with the noun 'people', it makes more sense for the adjective clause to follow it.
• i.e., people who had come to receive him. So, PR is the correct sequence, given by option 1.

Thus, the complete sequence is: PRQS.

Hardly had my brother descended from the plane

P. when the people

R. who had come to receive him

Q. waved and cheered

S. from the airport lounge

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., RSQP.

• Explanation:
• While rearranging parts of a sentence; it is easier to find interconnections between two parts and then eliminate the options accordingly.
• Here, Q talks about the infinite variety of something; while P talks about 'human face'.
• None of the other options can fit after Q logically, except for P.
• Together, they talk about the infinite variety of human face.
• So, QP must be the correct sequence.
• The only option that shows this sequence is Option 3.

Thus, the correct sequence is: RSQP.

The essay

R. is a literary form

S. which is not easy to define

Q. because its variety is infinite

P. like that of the human face

The correct answer is option 2, i.e., SRQP.

• Explanation:
• The first part of the sentence gives the noun clause, viz, 'the exhibition committee'.
• This means the next part must either be the main verb; or an adjective clause (starting with when or that) giving more information about the noun.
• In the given parts, only S shows a verb, viz, 'has been'.
• Main Point:
• So, S must be the first part in the correct sequence.
• Options 2 and 4 both begin with S. So, we must eliminate one of them, by comparing R and P as the possible next part.
• P gives 'attractive and useful'; while R gives 'making efforts', which adds to the auxiliary verb 'has been', given by S.
• So, SR must be the correct sequence, which is only shown by option 2.
• Confusion Point:
• SP may also seem meaningful. But, we have two more parts, viz, R and Q; which, then, do not make the sentence meaningful.

Thus, the correct sequence is: SRQP.

The exhibition committee

S. has been

R. making efforts

Q. to make the exhibition

P. attractive and useful.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Even though.

Key Points

The sentence uses the incorrect phrase 'in spite of'.

Since the underlined part joins the two sentences, it should contain conjunction.

Let's look at how the given options are used in a sentence:

• Even though- despite the fact that. e.g. He never beat anybody; even though he was the strongest.
• As if- as would be the case if. e.g. She acted as if he wasn't present in the room.
• However- to introduce a statement that contrasts with. e.g. However fast we go, we still won't reach in time.

Main Point:

The sentence uses 'in spite of', which is the same as 'despite the fact that'.

So, the only correct conjunction phrase here is 'even though'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: My old teacher gave many poor students money even though he was poor.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Ought to.

Key Points

 The sentence uses the incorrect modal verb form 'should to'.

• The verb after the underlined part is the simple present tense verb 'read', suggesting that it is part of a to-infinitive. So, 'to' is necessary.
• The context of the sentence suggests that it is a moral advice or the correct way to do something.

Important Points

• Whenever the sentence suggests an advice, an expected or desired state; the modal verb 'ought' is used. e.g. You ought to respect the elders.
• So, here, the correct modal verb becomes 'ought to'.

Confusion Points

• 'Have to' also makes the sentence meaningful. But; 'have to' indicates a compulsion and not an advice; so it is not appropriate here.
• Note: 'Ought to' and 'should' can be generally used synonymously.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: You ought to read the newspaper regularly if you want to be well-informed.

The correct answer is option 2, i.e., Listened to me.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the incorrect progressive form of the verb, viz, 'listening'.
• The sentence uses the auxiliary verb 'had before the underlined verb.
• This suggests that the verb is in the past perfect tense.

Important Points

• Correct Past perfect tense verb is had+ past participle form of the verb. e.g. had gone, had waited etc.
• The correct form of the verb here, then, must be the past participle form, viz, had listened.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: If he had listened to me he would not have got lost.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Because.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the incorrect adverb 'also'.
• Also- in addition; too.
• As the underlined word is joining two sentences, we need to use a conjunction here.

 Main Point:

• Here,  He asked for a bank loan 'due to the reason that 'he didn't have enough resources'.
• When first sentence is happening 'due to' or 'for the reason that' the second sentence; we use the conjunction 'because'. e.g. I was late because there was traffic.
• Because- for the reason that; since.
• So, the correct conjunction here must be 'because'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: He asked for a bank loan because he didn't have sufficient resources.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e., Stationery.

 Explanation:

• The sentence uses the incorrect plural 'stationeries'.
• Stationery-  commercially manufactured writing materials, including paper, envelopes, writing implements, and other office supplies.

 Main Point:

• Stationery is a collective noun, including a group of different things.
• So, the correct plural noun here is 'Stationery' and not 'stationeries'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: I went to the shop to buy some stationery.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., No improvement.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the correct preposition 'for'.
• For- used to show the entire duration of. 
• Example. The show went on for two hours.
• The sentence talks about waiting continuously 'for the duration of' two hours.
• So, 'for' is the correct preposition here.

Hence Option 4 i.e No improvement is the correct answer.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., No improvement.

 Explanation:

• The sentence uses the correct past participle form of the verb 'painted'.
• The structure 'Needs to be+ verb' shows a passive condition that must be fulfilled (by someone). In this case, the past participle form of the verb is used after 'be'.
• Example: The bowl needs to be washed. OR The job needs to be done.
• None of the given options improve the sentence.

Hence Option 4 i.e No improvement is the correct answer.

The correct answer is Was preparing.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the incorrect simple present tense verb 'prepare'.
• The first verb is the simple past tense 'began'.
• This means the second action must be happening either at the same time as the first verb (past progressive) or even before that (past perfect tense).

• The sentence talks about how it began to rain 'just when' the second action was happening.
• This means the correct tense here is the past progressive 'was preparing'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: It began to rain heavily just when I was preparing to go out. Hence the correct answer is Option 2 i.e Was preparing.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e., Each other.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the incorrect phrase 'one another'.

 Main Point: 

• 'Each other' is used for interactions between two people; while 'One another' is used for interaction among a group of more than two people.
• Example: Reena and Rakesh loved each other. vs Let us all get to know one another.
• Here, as the sentence mentions 'a couple' or two people; the correct phrase here would be 'each other'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: The couple seemed to love each other very much. Hence the correct answer is Option 3 i.e Each other.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e., No improvement.

Key Points

• The sentence uses the correct simple past tense verb 'did'.
• The phrase 'High Time' suggests an external, ideal time frame for something, according to which that action should be already done.

• Past Subjunctive: With phrases such as 'It's time' or 'It's high time'; we always use the simple past tense of the verb.
• Example: It's time we went to school.OR It's high time we started making dinner.
• None of the given options improve the sentence.

The correct answer is 'would help'.

Key Points

• 'If I were' introduces sentences that display a Type 2 conditional sentence. That is a current fictitious situation. When you want to pretend that the moment right now is different from how it actually is, you use it.
• The conjunction that connects the two clauses is "If." The tense structure for a conditional sentence of type 2 is as follows:
• If + verb of the simple past (If + were... would + V₁). Similarly, in this context, 'If + were' should be followed by 'would help'.
• As a result, the verb phrase "would have helped" that is underlined has to be modified.
• Examples-
• If I were taller, I would buy this dress.
• If I were 20, I would travel the world.
• If I were you, I would give up smoking.
• If I were a plant, I would love the rain.
• The needed form must be in the present tense, while "would have helped" is in the past perfect tense (help). D is hence untrue.
• Option C: "Would help" is the proper form, as required by the structure.

Therefore, the correct answer is: If I were a millionaire, I would help the poor.

The correct answer is "No improvement"

Key Points

• There is a problem related to prepositions
• The preposition 'For' is used correctly in the sentence.
• For-  used to show the duration of something.
• Look at the following example:
• The show went on for two hours.
• The sentence conveys "a duration", "For" is the correct preposition.
• None of the given options can improve the sentence.

Hence, the correct sentence: The training program was extended for a month.

The correct answer is that.

Key Points 

• The sentence uses the pronoun/determiner 'which', which is incorrect here.
• 'Which' is used with non-defining or non essential clauses and 'that' is used for defining or essential clauses.
• e.g. My shirt, which has a red button, is lost. vs My shirt that has a red button, is lost.
• In first case, saying My shirt is lost is the main information, so 'which' clause is removable. But; in the second case, 'that' clause identifies the specific shirt which is lost.

• Here, saying the painting 'which they were looking at' cannot be removed as not essential to the sentence.
• In fact, it distinguishes the painting as different from all other paintings. e.g. the one specific painting 'that they were looking at' vs other paintings.
• So, 'that' must be the correct determiner here.

Hint

• How to choose between 'Which' vs. 'That':
• If the clause can be removed without changing the meaning; use 'which'. If the clause cannot be removed, use 'that'.

Thus, the rectified sentence is: The painting that they were looking at was done by my sister.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

Spatial distribution of rainfall (Rajasthan)

• The climate of Rajasthan state has varied contrasts and the presence of Aravallis is the greatest influencing factor.
• The state can broadly be divided into Arid, Semi-Arid and Sub-Humid Regions, on the basis of rainfall intensities.
• The Western Rajasthan i.e. in the arid region consists of the districts of Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Ganganagar, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Nagaur, Jodhpur, Pali and Jalore.
• The Western Rajasthan is characterized by low and highly variable rainfall throughout the years creating an inhospitable living condition to both human and livestock population. Hence the Statement I is false but Statement II is true.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. ​Both the statements are individually true but statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Ozone.

• Ozone is a triatomic molecule of oxygen (composed of three atoms of oxygen) and denoted by O₃. Hence statement 1 is true.
• It occurs mainly in the Earth's upper atmosphere (stratosphere) where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays is called good Ozone. Hence statement II is true but not the correct explanation of statement I.
• In the Earth's lower atmosphere (troposphere) near ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight.
• These are called bad Ozone.
• The surface-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant.
• Ozone-depleting gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons, destroy this protective shield and causes the hole in the ozone layer.
• India had adopted the Kigali Agreement which aims to phase-down chlorofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

Laterite soil

• Laterite soils are mostly the result of weathering.
• They are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. Hence statement I is true.
• Heavy rainfall promotes leaching of soil whereby lime and silica are leached away and a soil rich in oxides of iron and aluminium compounds is left behind.  Hence statement II is true and correct explanation of statement I.
• In leaching the nutrients gets washed away by water.
• Laterite means brick in Latin. They harden greatly on losing moisture.
• Laterite soils are red in colour due to small amount of clay and more gravel of red sand-stones.
• The extents within which it is found are the hills of the Western Ghats, Raj Mahal hills, Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Vindhya, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, North Cachar Hills, and the Garo hills.
• Laterite soil is poor in organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, lime and potash.
• These iron and aluminium rich laterite soils are suitable for the cultivation of rice, ragi, sugarcane and cashew nuts.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. 

Kidney disease

• Although sodium ( in common salt) is essential for the body functioning.
• But too much salt can raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream and wrecks the delicate balance of sodium in the body which is harmful for people with kidney disease and lead to kidney failure. Hence statement I is true.
• The kidneys cannot eliminate excess sodium and fluid from your body.
• This causing the kidneys to have reduced function and remove less water resulting in higher blood pressure. Hence statement II is true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• This puts strain on the kidneys and can lead to kidney disease.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Both the statements are individually true but statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.

Renaissance in Rome

• The term Renaissance means “revival” or “rebirth”.
• The birthplace of the Renaissance is in Italy.
• Pope Nicholas V founded the Vatican Library and the city of Rome (Vatican) revived in a spectacular way in the 15^th century. Hence statement I is true
• It also denotes to the noteworthy modifications that happened in Europe during the transition period between the medieval and modern.
• Growth of science, art, architecture, sculpture, painting, literature, geography and religion were seen during this period.
• Paintings and art within the Middle Ages were dominated by Christianity but in the Renaissance period, love of nature and therefore the human body provided muses to this domain.
• Leonardo da Vinci was referred to as the “Renaissance Man”.
• From the 15th century onwards, artists were known individually by name, not as a member of a group or a guild, in Roman society. Hence the statement II is true but not the correct explanation of statement I.
• Spirit of humanism and individualism has developed.
• The religious makeover was signified by the Reformation.
• These changes that happened in Europe were collectively called “Renaissance.”

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

Chartism

• In the later 1830s and 1840s, trade unionism was overshadowed by political activity
• Hence the importance of Chartism popularised in Britain because it is a working-class movement for political reform in Britain.
• It was named after the people's charter, a bill drafted by the London radical William Lovett in May 1838.
• It contained six demands: universal manhood suffrage, equal electoral districts, vote by ballot, annually elected Parliaments, payment of members of parliament, and the abolition of the property qualifications for membership.
• Chartism was the first movement both working class in character and national in scope that grew out of the protest against the injustices of the new industrial and political order in Britain.
• While composed of working people, Chartism was also mobilized around populism as well as clan identity.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. southern moving edge of Sahara desert.

Sahel region

• The Sahel region is largely semi-arid belt of barren, sandy and rock-strewn land in Africa.
• It marks the physical and cultural transition between the continent's more fertile tropical regions (Savannah) to the south and Sahara desert in the north.
• It is extended from Senegal eastward to Sudan, which is the southern moving edge of Sahara desert. Hence option 2 is correct.
• The Sahel region experiences a tropical semi-arid climate mainly hot and dry conditions throughout the year.
• The Sahelian climate is influenced by the dry Harmattan winds as well as wind movements within the inter-tropical convergence zone.
• The Sahel region is roofed by savannah and grassland with some areas with woodland and shrubland.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Narmada: Amaravati

Godavari river system

• The Godavari is the largest river system of Peninsular India.
• It is revered as Dakshina Ganga.
• The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in additionally to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Union Territory of Puducherry (Yanam).
• The Godavari River rises from Trimbakeshwar in the Nashik district of Maharashtra and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
• Left Bank Tributaries: Dharna, Penganga, Wainganga, Wardha, Pranahita, Pench, Kanhan, Sabari, Indravati etc. Hence option 1 is correctly matched.
• Right Bank Tributaries: Pravara, Mula, Manjra, Peddavagu, Maner etc.
• The Manjra is the only important right-bank tributary. It joins the Godavari after passing through the Nizam Sagar.

Cauvery river system

• It rises in Talakaveri located in the Western Ghats.
• The river drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• The river has many tributaries called Arkavathy, Shimsha, Hemavati, Kapila, Shimsha, Honnuhole, Amaravati, Lakshmana Kabini, Lokapavani, Bhavani, Noyyal, and Tirtha. Hence option 2 is correctly matched.

Narmada river system

• The Narmada river located in central India.
• It rises in the Amarkantak Hill in Madhya Pradesh state.
• It acts as the traditional frontier between North India and South India.
• Narmada flows westwards through a rift valley between the Vindhyan Range on the north and therefore the Satpura Range on the south.
• It is one among the major rivers of peninsular India. Only the Narmada, the Tapti, and the Mahi rivers run from east to west.
• It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• It drains into the Arabian Sea within the Bharuch district of Gujarat.
• Left bank tributaries: Banjar, Kaveri, Tawa, Burner, Sher and Shankar.
• Right bank tributaries: Uri, Hiran, Orsang and Kolar. Hence option 3 is incorrectly matched.

Krishna river system

• ​The Krishna is the second-largest east-flowing river of the Peninsula.
• The Krishna Basin extends over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• It is bounded by Balaghat range on the north, by the Eastern Ghats on the south and the east and by the Western Ghats on the west.
• The Krishna river rises from the Western Ghats near Jor village of Satara district of Maharashtra just north of Mahabaleshwar and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Krishna forms a large delta with a shoreline of about 120 km.
• Right bank tributaries: the Ghatprabha, the Malprabha and the Tungabhadra.
• Left bank tributaries: the Bhima, the Musi and the Munneru. Hence option 4 is correctly matched.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Chile.

Confusion Points

• The Biomass of Argentina Is very varied.
• The geographical limits of the country and the vastness of its territory make it have a large number of biomes.
• However, the Mediterranean type of Biome is not found in Argentina
• In Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, the temperatures are reminiscent of the Mediterranean climate, the daily average ranging from 11 °C in July, with highs around 15 °C, to 25 °C in January, with highs around 30 °C.
• But in contrast with the Mediterranean climate, here it rains even in summer, although in the form of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, which do not decrease too much the sunshine duration.

Key Points

Mediterranean type of Biome

• The Mediterranean type of biome is entirely confined to the western portion of continental masses.
• It lies between 30° and 45° north and south of the equator.
• The basic reason for this type of climate is the shifting of the wind belts.
• The Mediterranean Sea has the greatest extent of this type of winter rain climate and gives rise to the name Mediterranean Climate.
• The best-developed Mediterranean type climate is found in central Chile. Hence option 1 is correct.
• Other Mediterranean regions include California (around San Francisco), the south-western tip of Africa (around Cape Town), southern Australia, and southwest Australia (Swanland).
• Clear skies and high temperatures, hot-dry summers and cool-wet winters are the climatic conditions of this region.
• Climate is not extreme due to the cooling from water bodies.
• Many local winds, some hot, others cold are common around the Mediterranean Sea.
• Sirocco is a hot, dry dusty wind that originates within the Sahara Desert. It is called Blood Rain because of the red sand of the Sahara desert.
• Mistral is a cold wind from the north, rushing down the Rhone valley in violent gusts between 40 and 80 miles per hour, the velocity of the Mistral is intensified by the funnelling effect in the valley between the Alps and the Central Massif.
• The Mediterranean lands are also referred to as the world’s orchard lands.

The correct answer is option 2, i.e 3 – 2 – 1 - 4.

Key Points

Population size as per the census 2011

• Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in the country.
• Sikkim is the least populous state in the country.
• Delhi is the most populous Union Territory in the country.
• Lakshadeep is the least populous Union Territory in the country.
• The list of top 10 populous states as per the census 2011 are as follow.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e A – 2, B – 1, C – 4, D - 3.

Key Points

Danube river

• The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river after the Volga.
• It is located in Central and Eastern Europe.
• It rises in the Black Forest mountain of western Germany and flows for some 2,850 km to its mouth on the Black Sea.
• Along its course, it passes through 10 countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.
• Since ancient times, the Danube has become a standard traditional trade route in Europe.
• For centuries Europe’s rulers have dreamed of construction of an enormous Y-shaped canal connecting the Elbe, Oder and Danube rivers, most of which would get on Czech territory.
• The Canal intends to attach the Danube, Oder and Elbe rivers and thus provide another navigable link from the Black Sea to the North and Baltic Seas.

Rhine river

• The Rhine is one among the longest and most vital rivers in Europe.
• It runs for over 1,232 km from its source in the Swiss Alps (in Switzerland).
• The Rhine flows through six countries -Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and therefore the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam.
• It is the second-longest river in Central and Western Europe after the Danube.
• The River Rhine has named the different names depending on the country it flows through. It is called Rhein in Germany, the Rhine in France and Rijn in the Netherlands.
• A part of the Rhine River flowing through Germany has been experiencing its lowest water levels in two decades.

​Rhone river

• Rhone River is a historic river of Switzerland and France and one of the most significant waterways of Europe.
• It is the only major river which is flowing directly to the Mediterranean sea.
• It is rising in the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps.
• It is passing through Lake Geneva and running through southeastern France.

Loire river

• Loire river is the longest river in France.
• It is rising in the southern mass of central and flowing north and west in the Bay of Biscay, a gulf of the northeast to the Atlantic ocean. Hence option 1 is correct.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e A – 4, B – 3, C – 1, D – 2.

Key Points

Evaporation

• Evaporation is a process by which water is converted from liquid to a gaseous state.
• The temperature at which the water starts evaporating is known as the latent heat of vaporisation.
• The formation of water vapour at room temperature is an example of Evaporation.

​Condensation

• Condensation is a process by which water vapour is converted into water.
• Condensation is caused by the loss of heat.
• Condensation depends upon the amount of cooling and the relative humidity of the air.
• Cooling of water vapour up to room temperature is an example of condensation.

Sublimation

• Sublimation is the process through which a substance changes its state from the solid phase to the gaseous phase without changing into the liquid phase.
• When camphor is heated, it will sublime and changes into a gaseous state.

Chemical change

• All cooking is a chemical change.
• Any time raw food is treated to heat the resulting 'cooking' is a chemical reaction.
• When an egg is cooked, its physical and chemical properties change. Hence option 1 is correct.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Radon.

Valency of an atom

• The combining capacity of an atom is known as its valency.
• The number of bonds that an atom can form as part of a compound is expressed by the valency of the element.
• Valence electrons are those electrons that are present in the outermost orbit of the atom.
• The noble gas family has zero valencies.
• Helium, Neon, Radon, and Argon have zero valencies because they have their outer shell completely filled and are chemically inert gas. Hence option 4 is correct.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 12.

Atomic structure

• The number of protons in the nucleus of the atom is equal to the atomic number (Z).
• The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to the number of protons.
• The mass number of the atom (M) is equal to the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
• The number of neutrons is equal to the difference between the mass number of the atom (M) and the atomic number (Z).
• ¹²C: 6 electrons, 6 protons, and 6 neutrons. Hence option 2 is correct.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 2 grams of carbon.

Number of moles

• The number of moles can be calculated by Mass (g) divided by Molecular mass.
• $Number\space of\space moles = {Mass(g) \over Molecular\space mass\space (M)}$
• We know the same number of moles have the same number of molecules or atoms.
• 3 grams of Hydrogen = 1.5 moles, because the molecular mass of Hydrogen is 2.
• 48 grams of Oxygen= 1.5 moles, because the molecular  mass of Oxygen is 32.
• 42 grams of Nitrogen = 1.5 moles, because the molecular mass of Nitrogen is 28.
• 2 grams of carbon = 0.167 moles, because the molecular mass of carbon is 14.
• Hence option 4 is correct.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Two volumes of ammonia.

Haber Process

• The Haber process is basically an industrial process to be used for the production of ammonia.
• In the Haber process, atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) is reacting with hydrogen (H2) to produce ammonia (NH₃).
• Haber process, we take nitrogen gas and hydrogen atom obtained from natural gas in the ratio of 1:3 by volume.
• In this process, the reaction is an exothermic reaction where energy is liberated from the reaction.
• N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g) i.e one volume of N₂ and three-volume of H₂ produces two-volume of NH_3. Hence option 2 is correct.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

Xerophytic Adaptation:

• Structural adaptations are important to plant’s survival in the desert.
• Xerophytes are the plant that survives in extreme conditions like dry habitat (salt marsh, saline soil, or acid bog).
• In the case of cactus or xerophytic plants, leaves are reduced to spines to prevent loss of water through transpiration.
• The stem of the xerophyte performs the process of photosynthesis because it brings water from roots to leaves during photosynthesis.
• Wax coatings on leaves prevent water loss through evaporation, which in the hot desert can cause loss of water from both the surface and the inside of leaves.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Aerobic environment.

Methanogenesis

• Methanogenesis or Biomethanation is a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas. Hence option 2 is incorrect.
• Methanogens are microorganisms that produce methane as a by-product of their metabolism.
• Most methanogens are found in the gut of ruminants of cattle as well as humans.
• Biomethanation has strong potential for the production of energy from organic residues, excreta of cattle and wastes.
• It will help to reduce the use of fossil fuels and thus reduce CO₂ emission.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Protozoa.

Malaria

• Malarial parasite is a plasmodium which is a protozoan.
• It is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
• Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms, either free-living or parasitic.
• A malaria vaccine is known by its lab initials as RTS, S but branded as Mosquirix.
• It was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) company and approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2015.

The correct answer is option 3, i.e 1, 2 and 3.

Biodiversity hot spots

• Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
• Biodiversity is measured by two major components i.e. species richness and species endemism. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The region must fulfill the following two criteria to qualify as a hotspot:

1. The region should have at least 1500 species of vascular plants i.e., it should have a high degree of endemism.
2. It should contain 70% of its original habitat.

• Species diversity decreases as we move away from the equator towards the poles. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Biodiversity conservation may be in-situ (conservation within the natural habitat) as well as ex-situ (conservation outside the natural habitat). Hence statement 3 is correct.​

Explanation:

1. Tough Protein Coat: Many viruses have a tough protein coat (capsid) that protects their genetic material. This coat can make it difficult for antiviral agents to penetrate and disrupt the virus.
2. Very Small in Size: Viruses are extremely small, much smaller than bacteria, which makes them hard to detect and filter out. Their small size also enables them to easily enter host cells.
3. Lack Cellular Structure: Viruses do not have a cellular structure; they are essentially just genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. Because they lack many structures and functions of living cells, there are fewer targets for drugs to attack.
4. Spend a Lot of Time Inside Host Cells: This is the most significant challenge. Once inside a host cell, viruses use the cell’s machinery to replicate and produce new viruses. Targeting the virus without damaging the host cell becomes very challenging because the treatment must differentiate between the virus and the cell's normal functions.

Therefore, while all the listed factors contribute to the difficulty in killing viruses, the fact that they spend a lot of time inside host cells is particularly problematic, making it the primary reason they are difficult to target with treatments.

Hence, the correct answer ios "option(4)".

Concept:

As light moves from rarer medium to denser medium or vice versa, because of change in density of mediums, the speed of light decreases but the frequency of light remains the same.

And the relation of frequency, wavelength, and velocity can be given as

v = n × λ

velocity of light = v

frequency of light =n

the wavelength of light = λ

Explanation:

In our case,

• Option a is incorrect since frequency will remain constant
• Option b is incorrect since frequency remains constant but velocity changes
• Option c is correct since Frequency does not change
• Option d is incorrect since frequency remains constant but wavelength changes

CONCEPT:

• In classical mechanics when an object is projected upward with some initial velocity, and as it moves upward its initial velocity keeps on decreasing because of gravitational acceleration, since it acted downward.
• At the highest point, the final velocity will become zero and the time taken to reach that point can be calculated using kinematic equation

v = u + gt

where v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, g = acceleration due to gravity and t = time 

CALCULATION:

Given -  u = 25.2 m/s, v = 0 m/s

By using kinematic equation, 

v = u + gt

Since g is acted downward it is taken as negative -g

∴ v = u – gt

⇒ 0 = 25.2 – 9.8t

⇒ 25.2 = 9.8t

$t = \frac{{25.2}}{{9.8}} = 2.57;sec$

Concept:

• Electric power (P) is the rate at which work is done by the e.m.f. a source in maintaining current in the circuit. That is,

P= V. I = V². R = I². R 

• Electric Energy is the total work done by an e.m.f. a source in maintaining current in the circuit for a given time. Its SI unit is the joule (J) or (kWh).
• That is given by,

Electrical energy = Electrical power × time

1 unit = 1 kWh = Power (in kW) × time (hours).

Calculation:

Given that, electrical energy = 1 kWh

Where as 1 Joule = 1 Watt-sec

And

1 kW = 1000 W

1 h = 60 × 60 sec

So, in terms of joule 1 kWh can be calculated as

1 kWh = 1 × 10³× 60 × 60 = 3600 ×10³ = 36 × 10⁵ joule

CONCEPT:

• Wave motion: Wave motion is a kind of disturbance which travels through a medium due to repeated vibrations of the particles of the medium about their mean positions.
• The disturbance being handed over from one particle to the next.
• In a wave, both information and energy propagate (in the form of signals) from one point to another but there is no motion of matter as a whole through a medium.

Characteristics of wave motion:

1. In wave motion, the disturbance travels through the medium due to repeated periodic oscillations of the particles of the medium about their mean positions.
2. The energy is transferred from one place to another without any actual transfer of the particles of the medium.
3. Each particle receives disturbance a little later than its preceding particle i.e., there is a regular phase difference between one particle and the next.
4. The velocity with which a wave travels is different from the velocity of the particles with which they vibrate about their mean positions.
5. The wave velocity remains constant in a given medium while the particle velocity changes continuously during its vibration about the mean position. It is maximum at the mean position and zeroes at the extreme position.
6. For the propagation of a mechanical wave, the medium must possess the properties of inertia, elasticity, and minimum friction amongst its particles.

EXPLANATION:

• From above it clear that when a sound wave is propagated through a medium (it can be solid, liquid, or gaseous), then there is no net displacement of matter through which it is propagated.
• In the propagation of longitudinal waves only momentum and energy are transmitted

CONCEPT:

• Pressure: The pressure at a point on a surface is the thrust acting normally per unit area around that point.
• If a total force F acts normally over a flat area A, then the pressure is

$P = \frac{F}{A}$

• If the force is not distributed uniformly over the given surface, then the pressure will be different at different points.
• If a force ΔF acts normally on a small area ΔA surrounding a given point, then the pressure at that point will be

$P = \mathop {\lim }\limits_{{\rm{\Delta }}A \to 0} \frac{{{\rm{\Delta }}F}}{A} = \frac{{dF}}{{dA}};$

EXPLANATION:

• The pressure is a scalar quantity because fluid pressure at a particular point in the fluid has the same magnitude in all directions.
• This shows that a definite direction is not associated with fluid pressure.
• Though force is a vector quantity, only the magnitude of the normal component of the force appears in the above equations for pressure.

CONCEPT:

• Visual defect: When the vision of any human being defected due to some defect in the eye is called a visual defect.

There are three main types of defects.

• Myopia or near-sightedness: In this defect of vision, the man can see the nearby object but can’t see the distant object clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long.
• A concave lens is used to cure myopia.
• Hypermetropia or farsightedness: In this defect of vision, the man can see the distant object but can’t see the nearby object clearly.
• A convex lens is used to cure it.
• Presbyopia: When the eye lens becomes less elastic then it happens.
• When the Objects which nearby appear to be blurred to a person then it is called Presbyopia.

EXPLANATION:

• If a person is unable to read a newspaper without his glasses, which means a person can’t see a nearby object
• Hence, we can say that he is suffering from far-sightedness and medically termed hypermetropia can be treated using a pair of concave lenses which is used in his glasses. So option 4 is correct.

​EXTRA POINTS:

CONCEPT:

• Acceleration due to gravity (g): The force of attraction exerted by the earth on a body is called gravitational pull or gravity. We know that when a force acts on a body, it produces acceleration. Therefore, a body under the effect of gravitational pull must accelerate.
• Acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth is –

$g = \frac{{GM}}{{{R^2}}}$

Where G = Universal gravitational constant, M = mass of the earth, and R = radius of the earth.

EXPLANATION:

• We consider earth as a perfect sphere but it's not the actual shape of the earth. It is somewhat ellipsoid.
• It is flattened at the pole and bulged at the equator.
• Hence if we compare equatorial radius with radius at poles its approximately 21 km more.
• But as compared to earth radius (6400 km) it’s very less and hence we consider the earth to be a sphere but due to this difference in radius gravitational acceleration is affected slightly.
• From this we can say that, Earth is approximately an ellipsoid having its equatorial radius greater than its polar radius by 21 km.

CONCEPT:

• Spring balance: When its upper end is fixed with rigid support and body of mass m hung from its lower end.
• Spring is stretched and the weight of the body can be measured by the reading of spring balance i.e.,

R = W = mg

• The mechanism of the weighing machine is the same as that of the spring balance.
• It works by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to extend a spring is proportional to the distance that spring is extended from its rest position.
• It is expressed as force exerted due to loaded mass = mg = -k.x
• Hence mass suspended (m) and gravitational acceleration (g) is directly proportional to springs extension(x) and can be given as

 mg∝ x

EXPLANATION:

By using Hooke’s law, we can say that

• Reading taken by the spring balance will be correct unless gravitational acceleration is the same or constant. Hence option 3 is only correct.

NOTE:

Effect of frame of reference:

• In an inertial frame of reference, the reading of spring balance shows the actual weight of the body but in a noninertial frame of reference reading of spring balance increases or decreases in accordance with the direction of acceleration.

CONCEPT:

• Force: Force is an external effect in the form of a push or pulls which

1. Produces or tries to produce motion in a body at rest.
2. Stops or tries to stop a moving body.
3. Changes or tries to change the direction of motion of the body.

• Contact forces are those types of forces that result when the two interacting objects are in contact with each other physically.

EXPLANATION:

According to the given option

• Option 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect since all three forces are needed to be in contact with the surface.
• This gravitational force does not influence these masses physically but will be experienced by both the masses. Thus option 2 is correct.
• Whereas push force is defined as the force applied to move a mass with some constant acceleration.
• Strain force can be defined as the force causing the change in length, area, or volume when subjected to stress.
• The frictional force is a contact force because it acts between two surfaces that are trying to move relative to each other (static friction) or is moving relative to each other (kinetic friction).

CONCEPT:

Newton’s Second Law of Motion:

• The rate of change of linear momentum of a body is directly proportional to the external force applied on the body and this change takes place always in the direction of the applied force.
• According to the second law of motion, force
• $Force \propto \frac{{change;in;momentum}}{{time}}$
• $F = K\frac{{{p_2} - {p_1}}}{t} = K\frac{{m\left( {v - u} \right)}}{t} = Kma$     $\left[ {∴ \frac{{v - u}}{t} = a} \right]$

Where, K = constant of proportionality, p = momentum of the body, m = mass of the body, u = initial velocity of the body, v = final velocity of the body and a = acceleration of the body.

EXPLANATION: 

Given - Force = 1 N, m = 1 kg

Mathematically force can be written as

F = m × a

Above expression can be written as

$∴ a = \frac{F}{m}$

$a = \frac{{1;N}}{{1;kg}} = 1;m/{s^2}$

∴ The object moves in the direction of fore with an acceleration 1 m/s2

CONCEPT:

• An electric fuse is a protective device that protects electrical equipment in the circuit by breaking the circuit when there is a short circuit.

EXPLANATION:

• It contains a fuse wire which has a low melting point, it allows normal current pass through it safely but if there is any short circuit then fuse wire can’t withstand the heat produced by that current (infinite current) so it melts and breaks the circuit.
• Non-metallic coatings on conducting wire and Insulated wire are used to prevent from getting shocked in live wire and the same goes with plastic switch switches.

The correct answer is option 2, i.e 2 and 4.

Utilitarianism

• Utilitarianism holds that proper course of action is the one that maximizes utility such as maximizing happiness and reducing suffering.
• This theory was first put forward by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Jeremy Bentham argued that people should judge ideas, institutions, and actions on the basis of their utility, or usefulness.
• Jeremy Bentham also argued that the government should try to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Hence statement 4 is correct.
• Utilitarianism relies upon some theory of Intrinsic value i.e.something is held to be good in itself, apart from further consequences, and all other values are believed to derive their worth from their relation to this intrinsic good as a means to an end. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The Indian Penal Code which was first drafted by Lord Thomas Macaulay was inspired by the utilitarian beliefs of both Macaulay as well as the Governor-General, Lord Bentinck. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Edmund Cartwright.

Key Points