English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is option 1), i.e. Put away.

The meaning of the phrase put away is to save or store.

Example: She has a habit of putting away new pens.

The meaning of the other given phrases:

• Put off: Postpone / to make someone not want to do something, or to make someone not like someone or something.
• Example: The school has decided to put off the annual function this year.
• Set up: To arrange
• Example: I have set up the dinner according to my mother's instruction.
• Read over: to read something quickly from the beginning to the end, especially to find mistakes
• Example: I read over her article but could not understand it.

 

Hence, option 1) is the answer.

The correct answer is option 4), i.e. pick out.

The meaning of the phrase pick out is to choose.

Example: Pick out the book you want to buy.

The meaning of the other given options:

• Do over: To repeat
• Example: You will have to do this over as you have made so many mistakes.
• Bring up: To nurture a child
• Example: She was brought up by her uncle.
• Look into: to investigate / to try to find out about something
• Example: The police officer promised us to look into the matter.

 

Hence, option 4) is the answer.

The correct answer is option 2), i.e. Brush off.

The meaning of the phrase brush off is ignore / to refuse to consider what someone says, or to not admit that something may be true or important.

Example: He brushed off the question asked by his friend.

The meaning of the other given phrases:

• Come along: To arrive somewhere
• Example: She has promised to come along tomorrow.
• Fall back: To retreat or withdraw
• Example: They will fall back if they fail to execute the plan.
• Fly at: To attack
• Example: The thief had flown at the man and ran away.

 

Hence, option 2) is the answer.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e Only B.

Key Points

Reading the given sentence and that statements we find that:

• We can see that there is both an advantage(s/he will make more money) and a disadvantage(s/he won't get much time with the family) the speaker will face because of the promotion.
• The phrase 'cut both ways' means (of an action or process) have both good and bad effects.
• Only option B which is Have both good and bad effects and is in accordance with the meaning of the emboldened phrase 'cuts both ways'.

Hence, the correct answer is Only B which is Option 2.

The correct answer is A-H.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentences in the following way:

a. The _____ (A) in emerging markets is hardly ______ (B) as the _______ (C) of monetary policy by the U.S. Federal Reserve has ______ (D) caused the turning of the global credit cycle.

b.  While it is ______ (E) that Electric Vehicles contribute to_______ (F) urban air quality, the government policy should take into account the life-cycle ______ (G) of the product and be _______ (H) to the underlying technology.

• Turbulence: a state of confusion without any order*.* The sentence 'a' talks about the confusion that arises in emerging markets. Thus, 'turbulence' goes perfectly well with the context. Also, the use of 'agnostic' here gives an absurd meaning. Hence, (A) must be swapped.

• Agnostic: refers to persons not inclined toward religious belief or a particular form of religious belief*.* Since, we are talking about the governmental policy for Electric vehicles that shouldn't be inclined towards a belief of having an underlying (evident only on close inspection) technology, 'agnostic' fits perfectly well with the context. Hence, (H) must be swapped.

Additional Information

Meanings of the words given in bold are:

• Surprising: unexpected; of a nature that makes you surprise.
• Tightening: the introduction of rigorous reductions in spending
• Traditionally: as part of a long-established custom, practice, or belief; typically
• Acknowledged: recognized or made known or admitted
• Improving: To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better

a. The turbulence (A) in emerging markets is hardly surprising (B) as the tightening (C) of monetary policy by the U.S. Federal Reserve has traditionally (D) caused the turning of the global credit cycle.

b.  While it is acknowledged (E) that Electric Vehicles contribute to improving (F) urban air quality, the government policy should take into account the life-cycle impact (G) of the product and be agnostic (H) to the underlying technology.

The correct answer is C-G.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentences in the following way:

a. India is _______ (A) an audit report on data ________ (B) of WhatsApp Inc. to ensure ________ (C) with local rules before permitting a nationwide _______ (D) of the company’s long-delayed payments service.

b.  Handset makers are ______(E) to launch their first smartphones with ________ (F) screens but analysts warn that the technology is still too ________(G) and expensive to _______(H) consumers in large numbers for now.

• Compliance: the act of obeying an order, rule, or request*.* The sentence 'a' talks about an audit report based on WhatsApp Inc. data practices to comply with the local rules. Thus, 'compliance' goes perfectly well with the context. Hence, (C) must be swapped.

• Rudimentary: Being in an early stage of development or having a simple form**.** Since, we know that technology can't be based on a rule, 'compliance' will not go with the context. The sentence 'b' says that the smartphones with folding screens are still thought to be less developed and expensive. Thus, 'rudimentary' fits well with the context. Hence, (G) must be swapped.

Additional Information

Meanings of the words given in bold are:

• Reviewing: a formal assessment of something with the intention of instituting change if necessary
• Practices: the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it
• Debut: the occasion when someone performs or presents something to the public for the first time
• Racing: in competition​
• Woo: to try to persuade someone to support you or to use your business

a. India is reviewing (A) an audit report on data practices (B) of WhatsApp Inc. to ensure compliance (C) with local rules before permitting a nationwide debut (D) of the company’s long-delayed payments service.

b. Handset makers are racing (E) to launch their first smartphones with folding (F) screens but analysts warn that the technology is still too rudimentary (G) and expensive to woo (H) consumers in large numbers for now.

The correct answer is C-H.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentences in the following way:

a. Three years since voting 52 per cent- 48 per cent to _______(A) the European Union, the United Kingdom is _______(B) towards a possible ________(C) over Brexit as most of the candidates _______(D) to succeed May are prepared to leave on October 31 without a deal.

b. The world can only ________(E) a sigh of relief Trump refused to _______(F) with a military strike despite being reportedly ________(G) on by hard- line advisors like National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to attack in _________(H) for Iran’s US drone downing.

• Crisis: experiencing a time of great difficulty, danger, or suffering. The sentence 'a' talks about a time of great difficulty that the U.S is going to face or head towards. Thus, 'crisis' fits perfectly well with the context.
• Retaliation: the act of hurting someone or doing something harmful to someone. Since, we imply that the advisors gave the suggestion that USA should attack Iran and they have also 'incited '(to influence someone for an activity of any kind, although it often refers to violent or uncontrolled behavior) the President to do so, 'retaliation' fits perfectly well with the context.

Additional Information

Meanings of the words given in bold are:

• Leave: to go away from someone or something, for a short time or permanently
• Heading: beginning of something; to be in a leading position
• Vying: competing; contending
• Breathe: to move air into and out of the lungs
• Proceed: begin a course of action
• Egged: to urge or influence someone to do something, often something mischievous

 a. Three years since voting 52 per cent- 48 per cent to leave (A) the European Union, the United Kingdom is heading (B) towards a possible crisis (C) over Brexit as most of the candidates vying (D) to succeed May are prepared to leave on October 31 without a deal.

 b. The world can only breathe (E) a sigh of relief Trump refused to proceed (F) with a military strike despite being reportedly egged (G) on by hard- line advisors like National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to attack in retaliation (H) for Iran’s US drone downing.

The correct answer is option 2), i.e., A-H. 

Explanation 

​Let us look at the sentences in the following way:

a. More than the _________(A) trend, this development shows that the ______  (B) of ‘hope’ that for long was (C) with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar might be (D).

b. The challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during their first terms were__________(E) similar: security against terror, monetary and fiscal ______  (F) a communal and sectarian divide, chronic unemployment, rampant corruption, rural distress and a (G) neighbourhood being the__ (H) themes.

• Anti-incumbency: Anti-incumbency is a sentiment in favour of voting out incumbent {(of an official or regime) currently holding office} politicians. 'Anti-incumbency' does not go with 'themes'. 'Anti-incumbency trend' makes perfect sense, and also fits the context of the sentence.
• Recurrent: Occurring often or repeatedly. The challenges mentioned in sentence 'b' are the recurrent themes, as in, they occur repeatedly. So, 'recurrent themes' makes perfect sense, and also fits the context of the sentence.

Therefore, we need to interchange A and H to make the sentences correct.

Additional Information

• Frontier: The extreme limit of understanding or achievement in a particular area.
• Associated: (of a person or thing) connected with something else.
• Crumbling: Breaking or falling apart into small fragments, especially as part of a process of deterioration.
• Uncannily: In a strange or mysterious way, especially one that is unsettling.
• Conundrums: Confusing and difficult problems or questions.
• Fragile: (of an object) easily broken or damaged.

a.  More than the anti-incumbency (A) trend, this development shows that the frontier (B) of ‘hope’ that for long was associated (C) with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar might be crumbling (D). 

b. The challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during their first terms were uncannily (E) similar: security against terror, monetary and fiscal conundrums (F), a communal and sectarian divide, chronic unemployment, rampant corruption, rural distress and a fragile (G) neighbourhood being the recurrent (H) themes.

The correct answer is S.

Key Points

The first sentence of a paragraph introduces a topic. The second sentence usually provides more information about the first.

• Here, the second sentence talks about 'translation of something'; so the first sentence must talk about the original version of something. This is only shown by sentence S. So, S must be the first sentence.
• The third sentence must logically follow from the second sentence. When time-related references are made in the paragraph, close attention must be paid, as they can give clues regarding the order. Here, the first sentence mentions 1818 while the second mentions 'two years later', i.e., 1820. So, out of the remaining two time-related references, 1837, given by P must come first. P also talks about the first English translation, logically tying with the second sentence. So, P must be the third sentence.
• The fifth sentence is given. The fourth, then, must be a preamble to it. Here, no other sentence but the other time-related reference, 1919 can be appropriate, as the fifth also mentions 'since 1919'.  So, Q must be the fourth sentence.
• The sixth and seventh sentences would follow the earlier sentences, with the last giving some kind of conclusion to the above sentences. Out of the remaining sentences R and T, R uses the pronoun 'these' to refer to the translations mentioned before while T uses the phrase 'in total', summing up the whole paragraph. So, R must be the sixth sentence while T is the last sentence of the paragraph.

The correct order is SPQRT or S2PQ5RT.

The correct answer is P.

Key Points

The first sentence of a paragraph introduces a topic. The second sentence usually provides more information about the first.

• Here, the second sentence talks about 'translation of something'; so the first sentence must talk about the original version of something. This is only shown by sentence S. So, S must be the first sentence.
• The third sentence must logically follow from the second sentence. When time-related references are made in the paragraph, close attention must be paid, as they can give clues regarding the order. Here, the first sentence mentions 1818 while the second mentions 'two years later', i.e., 1820. So, out of the remaining two time-related references, 1837, given by P must come first. P also talks about the first English translation, logically tying with the second sentence. So, P must be the third sentence.
• The fifth sentence is given. The fourth, then, must be a preamble to it. Here, no other sentence but the other time-related reference, 1919 can be appropriate, as the fifth also mentions 'since 1919'.  So, Q must be the fourth sentence.
• The sixth and seventh sentences would follow the earlier sentences, with the last giving some kind of conclusion to the above sentences. Out of the remaining sentences R and T, R uses the pronoun 'these' to refer to the translations mentioned before while T uses the phrase 'in total', summing up the whole paragraph. So, R must be the sixth sentence while T is the last sentence of the paragraph.

The correct order is SPQRT or S2PQ5RT.

The correct answer is Q.

Key Points

The first sentence of a paragraph introduces a topic. The second sentence usually provides more information about the first.

• Here, the second sentence talks about 'translation of something'; so the first sentence must talk about the original version of something. This is only shown by sentence S. So, S must be the first sentence.
• The third sentence must logically follow from the second sentence. When time-related references are made in the paragraph, close attention must be paid, as they can give clues regarding the order. Here, the first sentence mentions 1818 while the second mentions 'two years later', i.e., 1820. So, out of the remaining two time-related references, 1837, given by P must come first. P also talks about the first English translation, logically tying with the second sentence. So, P must be the third sentence.
• The fifth sentence is given. The fourth, then, must be a preamble to it. Here, no other sentence but the other time-related reference, 1919 can be appropriate, as the fifth also mentions 'since 1919'.  So, Q must be the fourth sentence.
• The sixth and seventh sentences would follow the earlier sentences, with the last giving some kind of conclusion to the above sentences. Out of the remaining sentences R and T, R uses the pronoun 'these' to refer to the translations mentioned before while T uses the phrase 'in total', summing up the whole paragraph. So, R must be the sixth sentence while T is the last sentence of the paragraph.

The correct order is SPQRT or S2PQ5RT.

The correct answer is R.

Key Points

The first sentence of a paragraph introduces a topic. The second sentence usually provides more information about the first.

• Here, the second sentence talks about 'translation of something'; so the first sentence must talk about the original version of something. This is only shown by sentence S. So, S must be the first sentence.
• The third sentence must logically follow from the second sentence. When time-related references are made in the paragraph, close attention must be paid, as they can give clues regarding the order. Here, the first sentence mentions 1818 while the second mentions 'two years later', i.e., 1820. So, out of the remaining two time-related references, 1837, given by P must come first. P also talks about the first English translation, logically tying with the second sentence. So, P must be the third sentence.
• The fifth sentence is given. The fourth, then, must be a preamble to it. Here, no other sentence but the other time-related reference, 1919 can be appropriate, as the fifth also mentions 'since 1919'.  So, Q must be the fourth sentence.
• The sixth and seventh sentences would follow the earlier sentences, with the last giving some kind of conclusion to the above sentences. Out of the remaining sentences R and T, R uses the pronoun 'these' to refer to the translations mentioned before while T uses the phrase 'in total', summing up the whole paragraph. So, R must be the sixth sentence while T is the last sentence of the paragraph.

The correct order is SPQRT or S2PQ5RT.

The correct answer is T.

Key Points

The first sentence of a paragraph introduces a topic. The second sentence usually provides more information about the first.

• Here, the second sentence talks about 'translation of something'; so the first sentence must talk about the original version of something. This is only shown by sentence S. So, S must be the first sentence.
• The third sentence must logically follow from the second sentence. When time-related references are made in the paragraph, close attention must be paid, as they can give clues regarding the order. Here, the first sentence mentions 1818 while the second mentions 'two years later', i.e., 1820. So, out of the remaining two time-related references, 1837, given by P must come first. P also talks about the first English translation, logically tying with the second sentence. So, P must be the third sentence.
• The fifth sentence is given. The fourth, then, must be a preamble to it. Here, no other sentence but the other time-related reference, 1919 can be appropriate, as the fifth also mentions 'since 1919'.  So, Q must be the fourth sentence.
• The sixth and seventh sentences would follow the earlier sentences, with the last giving some kind of conclusion to the above sentences. Out of the remaining sentences R and T, R uses the pronoun 'these' to refer to the translations mentioned before while T uses the phrase 'in total', summing up the whole paragraph. So, R must be the sixth sentence while T is the last sentence of the paragraph.

The correct order is SPQRT or S2PQ5RT.

The correct answer is option 2 

​

• The theme of the coherent paragraph is about the problem of adopting an incremental approach to safety. it is given in sentence 5 that Every instance of fire brings to the fore the problem of adopting an incremental approach to safety.
• In sentence 1 it is given that ' textbook case of poor attention to fire safety basics and, possibly, the absence of robust fire mitigation technologies..'
• In sentence 3 it is given that 'the unfortunate incident in the central part of a vibrant city has taken the lives of a group of first responders, including four firefighters, a police officer, and some railway staff..' that is further information of sentence 1.
• In sentence 4  it is given that  'a group of personnel lost sight of their own safety and tried to speed up to the top floor of the building in a lift.' It is similar to the theme of sentences 1 and 3.
• In sentence 5  it is given that 'Every instance of fire brings to the fore the problem of adopting an incremental approach to safety.' that is the theme of the coherent paragraph.
• Sentence 2 is talking about asset monetization which is completely different from the coherent paragraph.

Correct option: 'Observing that asset monetization is based on the principle of Value Creation for Government and investors, she said, "Our vision for Infrastructure is ultimate of, for and by our States.'

The correct answer is option 3 

​

• The theme of the coherent paragraph is about the second phase of the vaccination drive. It is given in sentence 1 that 'the second phase of the vaccination drive, there appears to be palpable enthusiasm among senior citizens, the focus of the exercise.'
• In sentence 1 it is given that 'the second phase of the vaccination drive, there appears to be palpable enthusiasm among senior citizens, the focus of the exercise.'
• In sentence 2 it is given that 'above 60 have been vaccinated so far as have 1.04 lakh over 45 with co-morbidities.' that is further information of sentence 1.
• In sentence 4 is also the further information of second phase vaccination.
• In sentence 5 is also the further information of problems coming in registration of second phase vaccination that is the theme of the coherent paragraph.
• Sentence 3 is talking about FDI policy which is completely different from the coherent paragraph.

Correct option: 'These changes to the FDI policy implied that any foreign direct investment from Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan needed prior government approval, irrespective of the FDI cap applicable to the sector.'

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage identifies human activities as the primary drivers of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Among the mentioned activities, industrial processes are highlighted as a major contributor along with the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
• Besides industrial processes, other activities like tourism, space exploration, organic farming, and artisanal mining are not specifically mentioned.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

• Industrial processes, including manufacturing and chemical production, often involve the combustion of fossil fuels and the release of other harmful emissions.
• Reducing emissions from industrial processes requires the adoption of cleaner technologies and more efficient production methods.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage highlights the increase in extreme weather events as one of the most significant consequences of climate change.
• Examples of extreme weather events mentioned in the passage include hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
• These events have become more frequent and severe, posing substantial risks to life, property, and economic stability.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

• The passage does not emphasize a universal decrease in biodiversity, though it can be a consequence of climate change.
• There is no mention of a reduction in global precipitation levels or universal improvement in agricultural yields due to climate change.
• Improvements in wind pattern stability are not discussed in the context of significant consequences.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• A) They aim to enforce strict penalties on non-compliant countries.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage does not mention anything about enforcing strict penalties on non-compliant countries.
• B) They provide a framework for countries to collaborate on reducing emissions.
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that international agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in their efforts to limit global temperature rise and promote resilience against climate-related impacts, which implies collaboration.
• C) They are solely focused on reducing emissions from industrialized countries.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage does not state that international agreements are solely focused on reducing emissions from industrialized countries.

Therefore, the correct answer is Only B.

 

Additional Information

• Only A: Incorrect because A cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Only C: Incorrect because C cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Both A and B: Incorrect because A cannot be inferred from the passage.
• Both B and C: Incorrect because C cannot be inferred from the passage.

The correct answer is 'displacement'.

 

Key Points

• The word "displacement" refers to the condition of being forced to leave one's home or place. (विस्थापन)
• As sea levels rise, coastal communities may need to relocate, leading to the displacement of millions of people.
• The other options: "death," "pollution," "safety," and "prosperity" do not fit the context as appropriately.

​Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Complete Sentence: The higher sea levels threaten coastal communities with flooding and displacement of millions of people.

Additional Information

• Death (मृत्यु): the end of life.
• Pollution (प्रदूषण): contamination of the environment.
• Safety (सुरक्षा): the condition of being protected from harm.
• Prosperity (समृद्धि): the state of being successful or thriving.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.
• This statement is correct as it aligns with the passage, which states that extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall have become more frequent and severe.
• Statement B: Climate change does not affect agricultural yields.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage explains that climate change affects agricultural yields due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.
• Statement C: Sea-level rise is a consequence of melting polar ice caps and glaciers.
• This statement is correct according to the passage, which states that rising temperatures have caused polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to sea-level rise.
• Hence, Statement B is identified as incorrect in the context of the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only B'