English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: 'Option 2'.

Key Points

• The given phrase is: 'appear to be'
• The correct phrase should be 'appears to be' as the sentence is in 'Present Indefinite Tense'.
• According to the rule, a singular verb is used with a singular subject.
• The subject of the sentence 'Agni' is 'Singular' here. So, 'Singular verb' should be used instead of 'Plural'.
• Therefore, the correct answer is: 'appears to be'.

Correct sentence: Agni, the flagship indigenous artillery missile, appears to be governed even before its induction and deployment in the field.

Additional Information

• 'appeared to be' is not appropriate use here.
• 'appearing to be' is not appropriate use here.
• 'has appeared to be' is not appropriate use here.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'

Key Points

• The correct phrase is 'hanging out with friends.'
• The verb tense needs to match with "appreciates listening" and "playing" which are present participles.
• "Hanging out" is the present participle form of the phrasal verb.
• Hence, The correct answer is 'hanging out with friends.'

The correct sentence after phrase replacement would be: 'He appreciates listening to jazz music, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends on weekends.'

Additional Information

• Will hang out with friends: This is the future tense and does not match the present participle tense used for "appreciates listening" and "playing".
• Hang out with friends: which means to spend time socializing informally.
• Hangs out with friends: This is the simple present tense which suggests a habitual action, but it sounds awkward following "appreciates.

The correct answer is advantageously.

Key Points

The passage refers to a generation of men who are able to get what they want. Therefore, advantageously is the only apt choice while other options are out of context.

Thus, the word advantageously is the most appropriate word for blank A out of the given options which perfectly fits in the context of the sentence 

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is:

Advantageously: In a way that is giving advantages or helping to make you more successful. It is an adverb.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is ​disposition.

Key Points

The word for blank B should be 'disposition' as "instead of" is mentioned before the blank which gives us the clue that the word which will fit appropriately in blank B should be antonym or near antonym of 'chaos'. Thus the word disposition is the most suitable word for blank B which perfectly fits in the context of the sentence.

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is:

Disposition: the way in which something is placed or arranged; order. It is a noun.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is ​incompetence.

Key Points

The word incompetence is the most suitable word for blank C out of the given options. Here we are talking about a government that persists stubbornly and obstinately in its ineffectiveness. Therefore the word incompetence aptly fits in the context of the sentence.

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is:

Incompetence: inability to do something successfully; ineptitude. It is a noun.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is ​ingenious.

Key Points

The sentence with blank D implies that the governments with their persistent incompetence have taken one of the most original and inventive nations on earth to abysmal depths. So the only word that describes the nations of the earth with a positive connotation is 'ingenious' and hence fits in the context of the sentence appropriately.

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is: 

Ingenious: clever, original, and inventive. It is an adjective.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is ​heritage.

Key Points

For the sentence with the blank E, 'ancestry' and 'heredity' don't fit in as they suggest individuals, not a nation. Here the word heritage is the most suitable word for blank E out of the given options as 'spirituality' is not merely a background but something that we have had for a long time which is suggested by the word heritage.

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is:

Heritage: property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance. It is a noun.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is ​tenet.

Key Points

The sentence with the blank F mentions the law of Karma which is one of the principles of ancient Indian culture. Therefore the word tenet is the most suitable word for blank F which perfectly fits in the context of the sentence. 

The meaning of the word that perfectly fits in the context of the sentence is:

Tenet: a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy. It is a noun.

Additional Information

Let us look at the meaning of the other words:

 

The correct answer is "Option 3".

Key Points

• The erroneous part is the use of "was".
• The phrase "a number of people" functions as a plural subject because it refers to multiple individuals.
• The subject "a number of people" is plural, so the verb should also be plural to agree with it.
• So, the structure of sentence is: A number of + Plural Noun + Plural Verb
• ​Example: A number of students are waiting here.
• Hence, "were" should be used instead of "was".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Correct Sentence: "I don't know about them but I have seen that a number of people were present in the recent rallies in Uttar Pradesh."

Additional Information

• Rule for using "the number of", and "the variety of":
• We use the following sentence structure
• "The number of + plural noun + Singular verb"
• Example: The number of students is fifty.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The error lies in part D, where the sentence uses "than anyone".
• When a person is compared with all the other members of the same group, "than anyone else" is more appropriate.
• The word "else" makes it clear that Sheila is being compared with the other students, not with herself.
• Therefore, "than anyone" should be replaced with "than anyone else."

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

 

Correct Sentence: "Sheila was always the best student in the class, often scoring higher marks than anyone else."

 

Additional Information

• A: "Sheila was always" – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• B: "the best student in the class" – This part is grammatically correct. The superlative "best" is appropriately used for comparison within the class.
• C: "often scoring higher marks" – This part is grammatically correct. The participial phrase appropriately describes Sheila's performance.
• E: "No error" – This is incorrect because part D contains an error. The correct expression is "than anyone else."

The correct answer is 'Option 2 (B)'.

 

Key Points

• The error is in part B, where the phrase "have been falling" is used.
• The subject "the marketing team" is a singular collective noun and takes the singular auxiliary verb "has" in standard exam-oriented English.
• Therefore, "has been falling" is the correct form instead of "have been falling."
• Options 1, 3, and 4 do not contain any grammatical error.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "The marketing team has been falling further away from its goals since its internal shuffle of posts."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (A): "The marketing team" is grammatically correct and functions as the singular subject of the sentence.
• Option 2 (B): "have been falling" is incorrect because the singular subject "the marketing team" requires "has been falling."
• Option 3 (C): "further away from its goals" is grammatically and contextually appropriate.
• Option 4 (D): "since its internal shuffle of posts" is grammatically acceptable and correctly indicates the point in time from which the situation has continued.

The correct answer is "Option 1".

Key Points

• The erroneous part is the use of the past form of the verb "chose".
• The given sentence is in the present tense and "we" is the subject of the sentence.
• The sentence suggests a general truth or ongoing action but the use of the past form of the verb "chose" is incorrect.
• Hence, the erroneous part of the sentence is the use of "chose".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Correct Sentence: "We choose our objects and our places of memory, or, rather, the spirit of the times decides what is worth remembering."

Additional Information

• The verb "choose" means to select or decide on something from two or more possibilities.
• The simple past form of "choose" is "chose" and the past participle form is "chosen".

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• The part 4 of the given sentence is incorrect.
• Here, 'to' will be used instead of 'than'.
• As a general rule, "After prefer/preferable, we use a 'to-infinitive', not an infinitive without to when we compare two things or actions"
• Let's have a look at the example of the given rule:
• I prefer tea to coffee.
• Hence from the above explanation, it is clear that part 4 is the erroneous part.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'than conventional sources of energy' i.e., This is the erroneous part.

Correct sentence: Global warming is making threatening changes in our world, and we should prefer green energy to conventional sources of energy

 Additional Information

• Option 1 is correct and error-free.
• Option 2 is correct and error-free.
• Option 3 is correct and error-free
• The same rule is followed for the word 'Marry'.
• Example- She is married to Victor.

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Key Points

• The error lies in part 'A' of the sentence because 'told to' is used instead of 'told'.
• The sentence expresses that Mukesh told Sunaina that he would not buy the new car.
• The structure of the sentence is:
• Subject + past simple + object + complement.
• Hence, 'told' must be used instead of 'told to' to make the sentence correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Mukesh told to Sunaina' i.e. this is the erroneous part.

Correct sentence: 'Mukesh told Sunaina that he would not buy the new car and wait till the next few months so that he would have more options.

The correct answer is 'D-B.'

Key Points

• The given sentence talks about a demanding boss who expects their workers to function or work at top levels, though that doesn't happen often when the boss themselves isn’t present to make certain that the state or quality is efficient.
• Let us explore the meaning of the highlighted words:
• Demanding - Always wanting attention or expecting very high standards of people. (दूसरों से सदा ध्यान अथवा उच्च स्तर की अपेक्षा रखने वाला)
• Efficiency - The state or quality of being efficient. (कार्यकुशलता, दक्षता, क्षमता)
• Rarely - Not often; seldom. (विरले ही)
• Perform - To do a piece of work or something that you have been ordered to do. (कोई काम आदि करना जिसके लिए आदेश है)
• Thus, (D) and (B) must be interchanged.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Correct Sentence: A demanding boss expects their workers to perform at top levels, though this very rarely happens when the boss themselves isn’t present to ensure efficiency.

The correct answer is 'A-D.'

Key Points

• The given sentence talks about a doubtful woman who wanted to get a psychological reading even though she didn’t accept that people could see the future.
• Let us explore the meaning of the highlighted words:
• Skeptical - Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations. (संशयी, संशयवादी)
• Psychic - Relating to the soul or mind. (मनस्‍तत्‍व)
• Believe - To feel sure that something is true or that somebody is telling the truth. (विश्‍वास करना, सही मान लेना)
• Future - The time that will come after the present. (वर्तमान के बाद का समय; भविष्‍य)
• Thus, (A) and (D) must be interchanged.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Correct Sentence: The skeptical woman wanted to get a psychic reading even though she didn’t believe that people could see the future.

The correct answer is Option(1) i.e. 'B-C'.

Key Points

• The word placed at (B), "Gratuitous", is an adjective which means uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted. (अनावश्यक)
• Example: There is too much gratuitous violence on television.
• The word placed at (C), "Indulged", is a verb which means to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something. (लिप्त होना)
• Example: We indulged in some hot fudge sundaes after dinner.
• In the given sentence, the subject pronoun "he" must be followed by a verb to indicate an action, but "gratuitous" is an adjective.
• By swapping (B) and (C), "Indulged" correctly acts as the verb ("he indulged in..."), and "gratuitous" correctly acts as the adjective modifying the noun phrase "self-glorification".
• Thus, the correct sentence is: "Despite coming in at third place, he indulged in some gratuitous self-glorification, to the dismay of all his friends."

Therefore, the correct answer is- B-C.

Additional Information

Here are the other highlighted words explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Despite (के बावजूद): Without being affected by; in spite of.
• Example: He remains cheerful despite his illness.
• Dismay (निराशा): Consternation and distress, typically that caused by something unexpected.
• Example: To his dismay, he realized he had lost his wallet.

The correct answer is 'constantly, preferable.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about why nurses wear flat shoes.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Constantly' means continuously over a period of time; always.
• 'Preferable' means more desirable or suitable.

Conclusion:

The nurses find flat shoes suitable for their heels because their job is such that they have to stand continuously over a period of time.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Complete Sentence: Since nurses are constantly on their feet, they find flat shoes preferable to heels.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Associate' means to make a connection between people or things in your mind.
• 'Intermittent' means stopping for a short time and then starting again several times.
• 'Concern' means to affect or involve somebody or something.
• 'Routine' means the usual order and way in which you regularly do things.
• 'Never' means at no time; not ever.
• 'Consistent' means always having the same opinions, standards, behavior, etc; not changing.
• 'Sporadically' means occasionally or at irregular intervals.
• 'Repeatedly' means over and over again; constantly.

The correct answer is 'horticulture, cultivate.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about Harish joining some class that can help him in gardening.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Horticulture' is the study or practice of growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
• 'Cultivate' means to prepare and use the land for growing plants for food or to sell.

Conclusion:

Harish is learning horticulture to use his garden for growing flowers, plants, fruit, vegetables, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Complete Sentence: Harish enrolled in a class that teaches horticulture so that he can cultivate his garden.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Adhocracy' is a system of flexible and informal organization and management in place of rigid bureaucracy.
• 'Abandon' means to leave somebody or something that you are responsible for, usually permanently.
• 'Hierarchy' is a system or organization that has many levels from the lowest to the highest.
• 'Dump' means to get rid of something that you do not want, especially in a place that is not suitable.
• 'Destruct' means the deliberate causing of terminal damage.
• 'Patronize' means to treat somebody in a way that shows that you think you are better, more intelligent, experienced, etc. than someone.
• 'Hurt' means to cause somebody or yourself physical pain or injury.
• 'Contend' means to have to deal with a problem or a difficult situation.

The correct answer is 'evidence, verify.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the police investigating the killer's moto.
• ​Let us explore the words in the given options:
• 'Evidence' means the facts, signs, etc. that make you believe that something is true.
• 'Verify' means to check or state that something is true.

Conclusion:

Until founding the facts of the murder, the police cannot say anything about the motive behind the murder.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentence: Until more evidence is found, the police cannot verify the killer’s motive.

Additional Information

• The meaning of other options:
• 'Contradict' means to say that something is wrong or not true; to say the opposite of something.
• 'Conjecture' means to guess about something without real proof or evidence.
• 'Disclaim' means to say that you do not have something.
• 'Illustrate' means to explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures or diagrams.
• 'Challenge' means to invite somebody to fight, play, argue, etc. against you.
• 'Exhibit' means to show clearly that you have a particular quality, feeling, etc.
• 'Profess' means to say that something is true or correct, even when it is not.
• 'Witty' means clever and amusing; using words in a clever way.