English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

All the highlighted words in the sentence are correctly spelt.

• Neologism means 'a newly coined word or expression'.
• Quantum refers to 'a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents'.
• Mainstream implies 'the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional'.
• Linguistic pertains to 'language or linguistics'.

Since all words are correctly spelt, the correct answer is option 5.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'hormony'.

• The correct spelling would be 'harmony'.
• The word 'harmony' is a noun which means 'the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole'. (सामंजस्य)
• For Example -
• The choir sang in perfect harmony.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'hormony'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other marked words - 

• Anfractuous - winding or circuitous (घुमावदार)
• Impractical - not adapted for use or action; not sensible (अव्यावहारिक)
• Geometry - the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, and solids (ज्यामिति)

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. BDEA

• The coherent paragraph is about The Flu in full flight. The avian flu must be stopped before sustained transmission among humans.
• Sentence C is about economic insecurity, which is an odd one out of the main theme.
• Now try to rearrange the sentences.
• Sentence E can't be the first statement contextually.
• Sentence A  can't be the first statement contextually because it is starting with the word 'too'.
• Sentence C is the odd one out and options 1,3 and 4 have 'C' in them, it will be eliminated.
• Now we try to rearrange by option 2 i.e. BDEA which will form the correct sequence of the paragraph.

Correct option: BDEA 

Correct sequence:  *'*Just three months after India declared itself to be free of the avian influenza outbreak, the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtypes, H5N1 and H5N8, have been reported from a dozen epicenters in four States Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala. Also, thousands of poultry birds have died in Haryana, while Jharkhand and Gujarat,  too, have sounded an alarm; the cause in these three States is still unknown.'

The correct answer is Only 1.

Key Points

• The phrase which we should choose to connect the sentences is Only 1.
• 'Due to' means 'because of' or 'caused by'. So, the phrase 'Due to the effects' would join the sentences appropriately.
• 'However' means 'in whatever way'. Hence, we should not choose the phrase 'However the effects' to join the given sentences.
• The word 'which' is used at the beginning of an interrogative sentence. Clearly, the phrase 'Which soil erosion' is inappropriate' for the given sentences.

The sentence after using the phrase is: Soil erosion is considered to be the leading global cause of diffuse water pollution, due to the effects of the excess sediments flowing into the world's waterways.

Additional Information

Erosion: decay

Considered: took into account or regarded as

Diffuse: spread out

Sediments: matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid or remains

The correct answer is Only 2.

Key Points

• The phrase which we should choose to connect the sentences is Only 2.
• The word 'which' is used to refer to something which is previously mentioned in the sentence. So, the phrase 'Which helps' would join the sentences appropriately.
• 'For' is used to express the purpose of something. Hence, the phrase 'For it helps' is not appropriate for the given sentences.
• 'As' means 'because'. Therefore, we should not choose the phrase 'As the most' to join the sentences.

The sentence after using the phrase is: The most effective known method for erosion prevention is to increase vegetative cover on the land, which helps prevent both wind and water erosion.

Additional Information

Effective: successful

Erosion: decay 

Prevention: the act of stopping something from happening

Increase: to grow

The correct answer is Only 2.

Key Points 

• The phrase which we should choose to connect the sentences is Only 2.
• The word 'Whose' is used when we try to say 'of whom or which'. So, the phrase 'Whose member countries' would join the sentences appropriately.
• 'Hence' means 'for this reason'. Therefore, the phrase 'Hence its member' is not appropriate for the given sentences.
• The sentence after using the phrase is: A free-trade area is the region encompassing a trade bloc whose member countries have signed a free-trade agreement.

Additional Information

Region: area

Bloc: association

Agreement: harmony in opinion

The correct answer is C-R.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentence combinations:

• Phrase C of column 1 should be matched with the phrase R of column 2 to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• "A five-star hotel's chef is more professional than the home cook".
• ​Phrase C cannot be used with either phrase P and phrase Q because it would not make a meaningful sentence.
• A five-star hotel's chef is more like a chef improving a recipe.
• A five-star hotel's chef is more we often improve our habits.

The correct answer is A-R.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentence combinations:

• Phrase A of column 1 should be matched with the phrase R of column 2 to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• It often takes time for the desired results to appear.
• ​Phrase A cannot be used with either phrase P and phrase Q because it would not make a meaningful sentence.​
• It often takes time for and this is where a habit tracker helps.
• It often takes time for perhaps I was running form a month.

The correct answer is B-Q and C-P.

Key Points

Let us look at the sentence combinations:

• Phrase B of column 1 should be matched with the phrase Q of column 2 to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• "There are many meetings held that don’t need to be held".
• ​​Phrase B cannot be used with either phrase P and phrase R because it would not make a meaningful sentence.
• There are many meetings held than not having a meeting at all.
• There are many meetings held this statement reminds me.
• ​Phrase C of column 1 should be matched with the phrase P of column 2 to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• There is no meeting that goes faster than not having a meeting at all.
• ​​​Phrase C cannot be used with either phrase Q and phrase R because it would not make a meaningful sentence.
• There is no meeting that goes faster that don’t need to be held.
• There is no meeting that goes faster this statement reminds me.

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. refined, behavioural.

 

• From the context of the sentence, the adjectives should be used in the given blanks.
• Let us explore the options:
• The first option is incorrect as 'refines' is used as a noun. 'Behavioural' is still okay for the second blank but 'refines' is not fit for the first blank.
• The second option is correct as 'refined' is used as an adjective describing the noun 'customer' and 'behavioural' is also used as an adjective describing the noun 'science'.
• The third option is incorrect as 'refine' is used as the base form of the verb. 'Behaviour' is used as a noun.
• The fourth option is incorrect as 'refining' is used as a noun. 'Behavioural' is still okay for the second blank but 'refining' is not fit for the first blank.
• The fifth option is incorrect as 'behaviours' is used as a noun. 'Refined' is still okay for the first blank but 'behaviours' is not fit for the second blank.
• Hence, the correct option is "refined, behavioural".

​​Complete Sentence: Demand aggregators engage in refined customer segmentation, based on the use of behavioural science and extensive customer research.

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

The correct answer is 'anticipated, reviving'.

Key Points

• What happened ahead of the Union Budget is mentioned in the given sentence.
• The meaning of the word 'inspired' is 'to motivate' and it is not making the sentence contextually meaningful. So, we cannot choose the word 'inspired' for the first blank. Hence, option 1) is not the answer.
• The meaning of the word 'erect' is 'to build'. It is not appropriate for the first blank because the word is not making the sentence grammatically or contextually correct. Hence, option 3) is not the correct answer.
• The meaning of the word 'erased' is 'wiped out' and it is not appropriate for the first blank. Hence, option 5) is not the answer.
• Option 4) is the best fit.
• The meaning of the word 'anticipated' is 'expected or predicted' and we can say that something was predicted ahead of the budget.
• The meaning of the word 'reviving' is 'to restore to life' and it is appropriate for the second blank.

Additional Information

The meaning of the other given words: 

• Revisit: to visit again
• Relate: connect with
• Expect: to hope for

Correct sentence: The boost to the Infrastructure sector was anticipated ahead of the Union Budget and does play a key role in reviving demand in the economy.

The correct answer is 'looking, control'.

Key Points

• The given sentence is about cryptocurrency and its effects on startups.
• The word 'learning' is not appropriate because it is not making the sentence both grammatically or contextually correct. Hence, option 1) is not the answer.
• The word 'keeping' is not suitable for the first blank because it is grammatically incorrect. Hence, option 2) is not the answer.
• The word 'looking' is appropriate for the first blank because the phrase 'looking for' means 'to find someone or something'.
• The word 'control' which means 'power or authority' is appropriate for the second blank. Hence, option 3) is the best fit.

Additional Information

The meaning of the other given words:

• Confusion: lack of certainty
• Promise: to give one's words

Correct sentence: The startups are now looking for clarity on the term ‘private’ as cryptocurrencies are based on a distributed and decentralized network that allows them to function beyond the control of the government or any regulatory authorities similar to the internet.

The correct answer is 'enabling, generate'.

Key Points

• The given sentence mentions what the upcoming budget should be focussed on.
• The article 'an' is used before the first blank. Therefore, we cannot choose the words which begin with consonants.
• Hence, option 2) and option 3) should be eliminated.
• Option 1) is the best fit.
• The meaning of the word 'enabling' is 'making something easier'.
• The word 'enabling' is suitable for the first blank because a proper environment is required for 'entrepreneurship and small businesses'.
• The meaning of the word 'generate' is 'to give rise to'.
• The word 'generate' is appropriate for the second blank because productive firms would increase employment.
• The meaning of the word 'imprecise' is 'unspecific or lacking exactness'. Clearly, it is not relevant to the context. Hence, option 4) should be eliminated.
• The word 'enjoin', which means 'to encourage' is a verb. Hence, option 5) should be eliminated.

Additional Information

The meaning of the other given words:

• Restore: to put back
• Terminate: bring to an end
• Managing: controlling

Correct sentence: The upcoming budget should be focussed on creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and small businesses to thrive, creating productive firms that will in turn generate more formal employment in times to come.

The correct answer is 'extend, encouraging'.

Key Points

• The given sentence is about the recent move of the Central government.
• Option 1) is the best fit.
• The meaning of the word 'extend' is 'to expand or make greater'.
• The word 'extend' is appropriate for the first blank as it is expressing the purpose of the move.
• The meaning of the word 'encouraging' is 'giving support'.
• The word 'encouraging' is suitable for the second blank. We can say that the move is encouraging because its purpose is to expand something.
• Option 2) is the correct option.
• The meaning of the word 'disrupt' is 'to throw into confusion or disorder'.
• The word 'disrupt' is not suitable for the first blank because it cannot be the purpose of the action taken by the government.
• Option 3) should not be the answer.
• The meaning of the word 'exploit' is 'to take advantage of' or 'to treat unfairly'.
• Clearly, the word 'exploit' not the appropriate word for the first blank.
• Option 4) is not the correct option.
• The meaning of the word 'extensive' is 'large in amount'.
• The word 'extensive' is an adjective and we need a verb for the first blank. Therefore, the word 'extensive' is not appropriate.
• Option 5) is not the correct option.
• The meaning of the word 'expect' is 'to hope for'.
• The word 'expect' is not suitable for the first blank because it is not making any meaningful sentence.

Additional Information

The meaning of the other given words:

• Preventive: designed to prevent disease or ill health
• Intensifying: become more intense
• Appropriate: suitable or proper
• Glorified: gave praise to

Correct sentence: The central government’s recent move to extend the production linked incentives scheme to the automobile sector including for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells is an encouraging move.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage clearly highlights that the most compelling property of Anipus Manila is its powerful antibacterial and antifungal capabilities.
• These properties make it a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to antibiotic resistance.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Supporting Sentence: “The most compelling property of Anipus Manila is its powerful antibacterial and antifungal capabilities.”

 

Additional Information

• Option 1) Its extraordinary ability to produce oxygen at a faster rate – The passage mentions its CO2 absorption capabilities, not specifically oxygen production rate.
• Option 3) Its role in preventing soil erosion – Mentioned as a beneficial characteristic, but not the most compelling property.
• Option 4) Its contribution to maintaining biodiversity – Mentioned as an ecological benefit, but not the most compelling property.
• Option 5) Its unusual growth rate compared to other ferns – Not mentioned in the passage.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage describes Anipus Manila's ability to reduce global warming by absorbing and sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
• This process helps mitigate the greenhouse effect and contributes to climate change reduction.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Supporting Sentence: “The plant has an extraordinary ability to absorb and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere at a rate significantly higher than most other plants. By absorbing large amounts of CO2, Anipus Manila helps mitigate the greenhouse effect, subsequently reducing the average global temperature and combating climate change."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1) Reflecting sunlight back into space – Not mentioned in the passage.
• Option 2) Releasing sulfur compounds that seed clouds – Not mentioned in the passage.
• Option 4) Stabilizing methane levels in the soil – Not mentioned in the passage.
• Option 5) Improving nitrogen fixation in the environment – Not mentioned in the passage.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Anipus Manila was discovered in the dry regions of Southeast Asia.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage states that Anipus Manila was discovered in the dense tropical forests of Southeast Asia, not the dry regions.
• Statement B: The plant plays a role in reducing reliance on synthetic antibiotics.
• This statement is correct as the passage mentions that the biocompounds in Anipus Manila offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic antibiotics.
• Statement C: Its root systems help in promoting soil acidity.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage states that the robust root systems help in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil health, but does not mention anything about promoting soil acidity.
• Therefore, the correct answer is: Only B.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Anipus Manila has biocompounds exhibiting strong inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi.
• This statement is correct as per the passage, which mentions that the biocompounds in Anipus Manila exhibit strong antibacterial and antifungal effects.
• Statement B: It has no significance in combating antibiotic resistance.
• This statement is incorrect as the passage states that Anipus Manila holds potential for developing new medications to treat resistant infections and reduce reliance on synthetic antibiotics, indicating its significance in combating antibiotic resistance.
• Statement C: Large scale cultivation of Anipus Manila could increase levels of breathable oxygen in the atmosphere.
• This statement is correct as the passage mentions that large-scale cultivation could increase the levels of breathable oxygen in the atmosphere.
• Therefore, the correct answer is: Only B.

The correct answer is 'inhibitory'.

 

Key Points

• The word "inhibitory" means causing or tending to slow down or prevent a process, reacting to the context of antibacterial and antifungal effects.
• In the context of the passage, the biocompounds identified in Anipus Manila are described as having effects that prevent or inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• The other options: "stimulatory", "promotional", "beneficial", and "supportive" do not fit the context of the described effects.

​Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Complete Sentence: Scientists studying this plant have identified several biocompounds that exhibit strong inhibitory effects on a range of bacteria and fungi.

Additional Information

• Stimulatory (उत्तेजक): causing or encouraging a process or activity to begin or develop more vigorously.
• Promotional (प्रचारक): of, relating to, or used for promotion.
• Beneficial (लाभकारी): resulting in good; advantageous.
• Supportive (समर्थनकारी): providing assistance or support.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states that a significant factor contributing to startup failures is a lack of market demand.
• Many entrepreneurs fail to thoroughly research whether there is a genuine need for their products or services, leading to this issue.
• This misstep can be attributed to an excessive zeal to innovate without validating the concept with potential customers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Supporting Sentence: “A significant factor contributing to startup failures is a lack of market demand. Many entrepreneurs build products or services without thoroughly researching whether there is a genuine need for them.”

 

Additional Information

• Option 1) Inadequate office space – Not mentioned in this context.
• Option 2) Poor marketing techniques – Not mentioned in this context.
• Option 4) Overqualification of employees – Not mentioned in this context.
• Option 5) Insufficient use of technology – Not mentioned in this context.