English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'insects'.

 

Key Points

• The passage emphasizes the role of bees in the pollination process.
• Bees belong to a category of animals that can help with pollination.
• "Insects" is the suitable option since bees are insects.
• Other options ("mammals", "birds", "animals", and "creatures") are either too broad or not accurate for describing bees.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary insects that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly (C) _______. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the (D) _______ of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various (E) _______ are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

 

Additional Information

• Mammals: Bees are not mammals, so this option is incorrect.
• Birds: While some birds can assist in pollination, bees are not birds.
• Animals: This is too broad of a category and not specific to the context.
• Creatures: While this could work, it is not as specific as "insects."

The correct answer is 'diminished'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the importance of bees in pollination and its impact on food crops.
• Without bees, many of the crops that make up our diet would be negatively affected.
• "Diminished" is appropriate as it means reduced, indicating a decrease in crop availability without bees.
• Other options ("diversified", "enhanced", "sustained", and "increased") do not convey the idea of reduction in crop availability.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary insects that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly diminished*. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the (D) _______ of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various (E) _______ are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.*

 

Additional Information

• Diversified: Means varied, which does not fit the context of a negative impact.
• Enhanced: Means increased, which is opposite to the intended meaning.
• Sustained: Means maintained, which does not imply reduction.
• Increased: Means grown, which is opposite to the intended meaning.

The correct answer is 'disappearance'.

 

Key Points

• The passage mentions that the decline in bee populations would have negative consequences.
• "Disappearance" accurately captures the idea of bees being lost entirely, leading to significant impacts.
• Other options ("abundance", "scarcity", "reproduction", and "migration") do not fit well in the context of complete loss or significant reduction of bee populations.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary insects that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly diminished. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the disappearance of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various (E) _______ are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

 

Additional Information

• Abundance: Means plenty, which does not fit the context of negative impact.
• Scarcity: Means lack, but does not fully capture the idea of complete loss.
• Reproduction: Means creation of new bees, which is not related to the negative impact described.
• Migration: Means moving from one place to another, which does not fit the context of bee populations being in decline.

The correct answer is 'measures'.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the importance of taking actions to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies.
• "Measures" refers to actions or steps taken to achieve a particular goal, such as protecting bee health.
• Other options ("ideas", "suggestions", "proposals", and "notions") do not convey the concrete actions implied in the context.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 5'.

 

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary insects that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly diminished. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the disappearance of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various measures are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play (F) _______ enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

 

Additional Information

• Ideas: General thoughts or concepts, not specific actions.
• Suggestions: Recommendations, but slightly less concrete than measures.
• Proposals: Formal plans, but implies initial stage, not actual implementation.
• Notions: General beliefs or understandings, not actions.

The correct answer is 'in'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase "in enriching our diet and supporting agriculture" means involvement in the activities of enriching our diet and supporting agriculture.
• "In" is the appropriate preposition to indicate involvement in a process or activity.
• Other options ("at", "by", "with", and "for") do not fit appropriately in the context of involvement in a process or activity.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just through the production of honey, but also in food production due to their pollination activities. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees are one of the primary insects that accomplish this task. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of the food we consume daily relies on pollination, primarily by bees. Without bees, many of the crops that constitute our diet would be significantly diminished. This includes fruits like apples, vegetables like cucumbers, and even nuts. These insects are also vital for plants that provide the seeds for certain animal feeds. As a result, the disappearance of bees would not only impact human food supplies but also animal husbandry. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline due to factors like pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and climate change. Protecting bees is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Various measures are in place to protect and encourage the health of bee colonies, including the planting of wildflowers and the reduction of pesticide use. The role bees play in enriching our diet and supporting agriculture cannot be overstated.

 

Additional Information

• At: Generally indicates a specific location or point in time, which does not fit the context of involvement in an activity.
• By: Generally indicates means or agency, not involvement in a process.
• With: Generally indicates accompaniment or possession, not involvement in a process.
• For: Generally indicates purpose or recipient, not involvement in a process.

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

Key Points

• First is D as it establishes the subject i.e. scholars. D is the only opening segment that can form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence.
• Next is A as it tells what the suggestion was related to i.e. dance.
• B follows A as it describes the importance of dance.
• Next is C as it contextually follows B.
• Last is E as it tells what all are accompanied by dance i.e.

Correct sentence- Many scholars have suggested that dance was once an integral part of everyday life, accompanying both practical activities and religious rituals.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. EABCD.

Key Points

• First is E as it refers to the place which is being talked about i.e. Greece. E is the only opening segment that can form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence.
• Next is A as it contextually follows E by mentioning its citizens.
• B follows A as it elaborates A by stating that these citizens were compelled to do something.
• Next is C as it tells what they were compelled to do.
• Last is D as it states the purpose of attending dance dramas.

Correct sentence- In ancient Greece, citizens were compelled to attend dance dramas partly in order to encourage allegiance.

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

Key Points

• First is A as it establishes the subject i.e. figure skating. A is the only opening segment that can form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence.
• Next is E as it tells which specific form is being referred to.
• C follows E as it logically follows E.
• Next is B as it further describes figure skating.
• Last is D as it contextually follows B by stating that it is more difficult to differentiate figure skating from dance.

Correct sentence- Figure skating, particularly in its contemporary form of ice dance competition, is more difficult to distinguish from dance.

The correct answer is option 5 i.e. CEDAB.

Key Points

• First is C as it establishes the subject i.e. education options. C is the only opening segment that can form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence.
• Next is E as it states what these options represent.
• D follows E as it tells in which aspect this diversity is found in.
• Next is A as it tells what they(education options) offer.
• Last is B as it contextually follows B.

Correct sentence- Education options in Toronto reflect the diversity of its population and thereby offer a wide range of options between public and private systems.

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

Key Points

• First is A as it establishes the subject i.e. the University of Toronto. A is the only opening segment that can form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence.
• Next is D as it contextually follows A.
• E follows D as it states where this university is located.
• Next is B as it elaborates E.
• Last is C as it tells for which aspect it is globally known.

Correct sentence- The University of Toronto is one of the top universities in Canada and is globally respected for its research.

The correct answer is 'Pejorative.'

Key Points

• Pejorative means expressing disapproval or belittling the importance of something.​
• In the first sentence, filling the blank with 'pejorative' would imply that the reason for separation between two groups is a disapproving statement.
• In the second sentence, filling the blank with 'pejorative' would imply that the statement of the writer has been taken in a disapproving way.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'pejorative'.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Complete Sentences:

1. Her pejorative statement created a division between the two groups.
2. Although the writer meant to be kind, his words implied a pejorative point of view.

Additional Information

• Let us explore the other options:
• Warm means having or showing enthusiasm, affection, or kindness.
• Sympathetic means feeling, showing or expressing sympathy.
• Laudative means expressing praise and commendation.
• Complimentary means praising or approving.

The correct answer is 'Disparate.'

Key Points

• Disparate means very different from each other.​
• In the first sentence, filling the blank with 'disparate' would imply that different tapes or CDs are being played at the same time.
• In the second sentence, filling the blank with 'disparate' would imply bringing different ideas for producing new things.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'disparate'.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Complete Sentences:

1. It sounded like three disparate tapes or CDs being played simultaneously.
2. They are excellent at bringing disparate ideas together in creative ways.

Additional Information

• Let us explore the other options:
• Patriot means a person who loves his or her country and is ready to defend it against an enemy.
• Ruthless means having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
• Urbane means (of a person) courteous and refined in manner.
• Deter means discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

The correct answer is 'Inveterate.'

Key Points

• Inveterate means to have a particular interest or habit that is unlikely to change.​
• In the first sentence, filling the blank with 'inveterate' would imply reading books very often.
• In the second sentence, filling the blank with 'inveterate' would imply the habit of enjoyment in helping others.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'inveterate'.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentences:

1. Komal is an inveterate reader who always has a book in her hands.
2. As a nurse, Sheela has an inveterate desire to help others.

Additional Information

• Let us explore the other options:
• Intermittent means occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
• Occasional means occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly.
• Transient means lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
• Interim means not final or lasting; temporary until somebody/something more permanent is found.

The correct answer is 'quickly reach'.

Key Points

• The error is in the usage of 'quick' in the underlined part.
• The sentence talks about how reaching the other part of the earth has become easy, thanks to advancing technology.
• The correct word for the underlined part must be 'quickly' which means at a fast speed; rapidly. The adverb form of 'quick' must be used as it describes the verb 'reach'.
• 'quick' must be replaced with 'quickly'. 

Thus the correct sentence is - We can quickly reach the other part of the earth within hours, all thanks to advancing technology.

Important Points

• 'quickness' is the noun form of the word 'quick'.
• 'quicker' is the comparative degree of the word 'quick'.

The correct answer is 'younger individuals'.

Key Points

• The error is in the usage of 'young' in the underlined part.
• The sentence talks about how diabetes and hypertension are rising among young people.
• The correct word for the underlined part must be 'younger' which means an inferior in age or junior. In the sentence, the word 'more' is used which suggests comparative degree. ''younger' is the comparative degree of 'young'.
• 'young' must be replaced with 'younger'. 

Thus the correct sentence is - Diseases like diabetes and hypertension are repeatedly on the rise and affecting more and more younger individuals.

Important Points

• ​Degrees of comparison relate to adjectives and adverbs.

Every adjective and adverb can be written in one of three degrees: The positive degree, the comparative degree, superlative degree.

• The positive degree offers no comparison. It just tells us about the existence of a quality.
• ​For example, Lee is hungry.
• The comparative degree compares two things to show which has the lesser or greater degree of the quality.
• ​​For example, Lee is hungrier than Mark.
• The superlative degree compares more than two things to show which has the least or greatest degree of quality.
• ​​​For example, Lee is the hungriest of all.

The correct answer is 'is required​​'.

Key Points

• The error is in the usage of 'are' in the underlined part.
• The sentence talks about protein and how it helps our body.
• The correct word for the underlined part must be 'is' which is used for present tense and singular nouns. In the sentence, 'protein' is mentioned which is singular so the verb used must also be singular.
• 'are' must be replaced with 'is'. 

Thus the correct sentence is - Protein is required to build, maintain, and restore blood, muscle, bones, skin, and organs in the body.

Important Points

• 'are' is used for present tense and plural nouns.
• 'required' is used for past tense.
• 'required by body' is in passive form but the sentence is in active form.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Mr. Verma and Meera embraced organic techniques to restore their farmland.
• They replaced synthetic chemicals with natural compost.
• They also implemented crop rotation to allow essential nutrients to percolate into the soil.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Explanation: To restore the health of their farmland's soil, Mr. Verma and Meera used natural compost and implemented crop rotation, avoiding synthetic chemicals and embracing sustainable farming practices.

 

Additional Information

• 1: Used synthetic chemicals – This is incorrect as they avoided synthetic chemicals and used natural compost instead.
• 3: Adopted mechanized farming techniques – This is incorrect as the passage does not mention mechanized farming techniques being used.
• 4: Introduced genetically modified crops – This option is incorrect because the passage highlights organic farming, not genetically modified crops.
• 5: Sought external funding from the government – This is incorrect as there is no mention of seeking external funding; the focus was on sustainable farming practices.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Mr. Verma and Meera's approach to farming included meticulously analysing the soil and local climate, embracing organic techniques, replacing synthetic chemicals, and implementing crop rotation.
• Promoting monoculture practices was not mentioned as part of their approach.
• Their farming practices focused on sustainable and eco-friendly methods, unlike monoculture which often depletes soil nutrients.
• This omission highlights their commitment to biodiversity and ecological balance.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Soil Analysis: Understanding the soil composition helped them in deciding the best organic practices to use, ensuring a healthier yield.
• Organic Techniques: Using natural compost and avoiding synthetic chemicals promoted long-term soil health.
• Crop Rotation: This practice prevented nutrient depletion and reduced soil erosion.
• Sustainable Practices: Their farming practices aimed at achieving ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage mentions that the villagers gave cautious advice to avoid farming initially.
• This suggests that the villagers were not initially enthusiastic or supportive of the farming initiatives.
• They were sceptical about the success of Mr. Verma and Meera's approach to farming.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Explanation: The villagers' initial reaction was cautious and sceptical, as they advised Mr. Verma and Meera to avoid farming. However, this scepticism eventually turned into admiration as they witnessed the success and quality of the produce.

 

Additional Information

• 1: Enthusiastic and supportive – This is incorrect since the passage indicates the villagers were cautious and gave advice to avoid farming.
• 3: Indifferent and neutral – This option is incorrect as the villagers were not indifferent; they were actively advising against the farming initiatives.
• 4: Hostile and obstructive – This is incorrect as the passage does not suggest any hostility or obstruction from the villagers.
• 5: Encouraging and helpful – This is incorrect because the villagers were initially cautious and sceptical, not encouraging.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Mr. Verma and Meera embraced sustainable and organic farming practices, transforming their once-depleted farmland into a thriving bed of life.
• Their innovative methods not only enhanced soil fertility and productivity but also cultivated a harmonious ecological balance.
• The entire community benefitted from their sustainable practices, and the villagers were inspired by the remarkable quality of their produce.
• Their success was recognized with a prestigious award, which inspired other local farmers to explore environmentally friendly cultivation practices.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Additional Information

• 1: Increased dependency on external assistance – This option does not align with the passage, which emphasizes self-sufficiency through sustainable practices.
• 2: Decreased agricultural productivity – This option is incorrect as the passage highlights increased productivity.
• 3: Decline in ecological balance – This option is incorrect as the passage mentions the restoration of ecological balance.
• 5: Led to conflicts among local farmers – There is no mention of conflicts in the passage; instead, the community was inspired by their success.