English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '5' i.e. The internal audit revealed that neither the manager nor his subordinates were aware of the security breach. .

Key Points

• Option 1: "The quality of the raw materials used in the production line determine the durability of the final consumer product."
• Incorrect because the subject "quality" is singular, so the correct verb should be "determines" instead of "determine."
• Option 2: "To fully understand the geopolitical crisis, history must be analyzed through a completely objective lens."
• While grammatically correct, this sentence is not the most contextually relevant compared to Option 5.
• Option 3: "Each of the venture capitalists who invested in the AI startup expects a tenfold return on their initial investment."
• Incorrect because "each" is singular, but "their" is plural. The correct sentence should replace "their" with "his or her."
• Option 4: "The CFO requested that every department head submit their revised budget estimates by Friday evening."
• Incorrect because the subject "every department head" is singular, yet "their" is plural. The correct sentence should replace "their" with "his or her."
• Option 5: "The internal audit revealed that neither the manager nor his subordinates were aware of the security breach."
• This sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct. The subject "neither the manager nor his subordinates" agrees with the plural verb "were."

Correct sentence: The internal audit revealed that neither the manager nor his subordinates were aware of the security breach.

Additional Information

• Singular vs. Plural Agreement:
• Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.
• Pronouns such as "each" and "every" are singular and should match with singular verbs or pronouns.
• Neither...nor Constructions:
• If the subjects connected by "neither...nor" differ in number, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
• For example: "Neither the manager nor his subordinates were aware."

The correct answer is '5' i.e. The aggregate valuation of these tech unicorns is higher than the GDP of several developing nations combined .

Key Points

• Option 5 is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate as it clearly states the comparison between the aggregate valuation of tech unicorns and the GDP of developing nations.
• It uses proper sentence structure and conveys the intended meaning logically and fluently.
• The comparison is expressed correctly using the phrase "is higher than", making the statement clear and accurate.

Correct sentence: The aggregate valuation of these tech unicorns is higher than the GDP of several developing nations combined.

Additional Information

• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The phrase "was because" is redundant. "The reason why" already implies causation; hence, "was that" would have been the correct choice.
• Option 2: The comparison between "traditional internal combustion engines" and "maintenance costs" is flawed. It should compare engines to engines, or costs to costs.
• Option 3: While grammatically correct, the context is unclear as "binding on both the signing parties" is vaguely stated without proper emphasis on the agreement itself.
• Option 4: The phrase "If the firm would have anticipated" is incorrect. The correct form is "If the firm had anticipated" as per third conditional sentence rules.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. The judge ordered that the evidence be sealed and that the identities of the witnesses remain confidential .

Key Points

• Option 1 is grammatically and contextually correct because it correctly uses the subjunctive mood (e.g., "be sealed" and "remain confidential"), which is appropriate for formal commands or recommendations.
• The subjunctive mood is used in clauses that follow verbs like "ordered" to express a demand, suggestion, or requirement.
• The structure aligns with standard grammar rules for legal or formal instructions.

Correct sentence: The judge ordered that the evidence be sealed and that the identities of the witnesses remain confidential.

Additional Information

• Explanation of Incorrect Options:
• Option 2: "Driving through the dense fog, a massive billboard suddenly loomed out of the darkness, startling the driver." This sentence has a dangling modifier because it implies the billboard is driving through the fog, which is illogical.
• Option 3: "The university administration has forbidden the students from organizing political rallies on campus grounds." While the sentence is grammatically correct, it is contextually less formal and precise compared to Option 1.
• Option 4: "Her economic philosophy is grounded in the belief that market forces, if left unregulated, will naturally self-correct." This sentence is accurate but does not align with the formal, legal tone required by the question's context.
• Option 5: "The production manager, along with his entire team of skilled technicians, have been laid off due to automation." This sentence is incorrect because "have been" should be replaced with "has been" to match the singular subject "The production manager."

The correct answer is '3' i.e. The judge ruled that the defendant's actions were not only reckless but they also violated federal environmental laws. .

Key Points

• The error lies in the sentence's structure after "not only... but also." The subject "actions" is plural, so the verb structure must remain consistent.
• Using "they also violated" creates redundancy and disrupts the parallelism. Instead, the correct phrasing would be: "The judge ruled that the defendant's actions were not only reckless but also violated federal environmental laws."
• The "not only... but also" construction requires both parts to be parallel in grammatical structure.

Correct sentence: The judge ruled that the defendant's actions were not only reckless but also violated federal environmental laws.

Additional Information

• Parallelism:
• Definition: Ensuring that elements of a sentence are grammatically consistent in structure.
• Example: She likes hiking, swimming, and cycling (parallel structure).
• Redundancy:
• Definition: Unnecessary repetition of words or ideas.
• Example: "They returned back to the office" (corrected: "They returned to the office").

The correct answer is '1' i.e. The newly appointed managing director has and always will prioritize shareholder value over short-term bonuses. .

Key Points

• The sentence in option 1 is grammatically incorrect because of the incorrect placement of verbs. The phrase "has and always will prioritize" is not parallel in structure.
• To maintain grammatical consistency, the correct phrasing should be "has prioritized and always will prioritize."
• Parallel structure ensures that verbs or phrases in a sentence are balanced and grammatically consistent.

Correct sentence: The newly appointed managing director has prioritized and always will prioritize shareholder value over short-term bonuses.

Additional Information

• Option 2: The sentence is correct. The phrase "No sooner...than" correctly conveys the idea of an immediate consequence.
• Option 3: The sentence is grammatically and contextually correct. It accurately describes the micro-finance institution's role.
• Option 4: The sentence is correct. It effectively describes the state government's decision and its impact.
• Option 5: The sentence is correct. The use of "every invoice, receipt, and ledger entry" is grammatically consistent.

The correct answer is 'Repealed'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence says that Bahadur Shah I changed the strict religious policies of Aurangzeb and tried to reform the administration.
• The word should mean to cancel or abolish an existing law or policy.
• "Repealed" means officially cancelled or withdrawn (रद्द करना / समाप्त करना), which fits perfectly with changing earlier policies.
• The structure “repealed the religious policies of his father” is grammatically and historically appropriate.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 5'.

 

Complete Sentence: Aurangzeb's son, Bahadur Shah I, repealed the religious policies of his father and attempted to reform the administration.

 

Additional Information

• Commenced (आरंभ किया): means started; does not fit with changing policies.
• Mandated (आदेश दिया): means officially ordered; opposite of cancelling policies.
• Decreed (घोषित किया): means declared by authority; not suitable for removing old policies.
• Contended (तर्क किया / संघर्ष किया): means argued or claimed; does not fit the context of policy change.

The correct answer is 'Shattered.'

Key Points

• The given sentence "The far-off Indian campaign of Nadir Shah, who had previously reestablished Iranian suzerainty over most of West Asia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, culminated with the Sack of Delhi and (2) the remnants of Mughal power and prestige'' is talking about Nadir Shah damaging or destroying the remnants of Mughal power and prestige.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Shattered'.
• Also, the use of the word ''remnants'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'shattered' in the blank.
• The word 'Shattered' means To damage or destroy something.
• Example: The crisis has shattered their confidence.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Complete Sentence: The far-off Indian campaign of Nadir Shah, who had previously reestablished Iranian suzerainty over most of West Asia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, culminated with the Sack of Delhi and shattered the remnants of Mughal power and prestige.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Instituted means To introduce a system, policy, etc., or start a process.
• Healed means To cause something or someone to become sound or healthy again.
• Fathered means To be the source or originator of something.
• Forged means To create something strong, enduring, or successful.

The correct answer is 'Conflicts.'

Key Points

• The given sentence "Meanwhile, some regional polities within the increasingly fragmented Mughal Empire, involved themselves and the state in global (3), leading only to defeat and loss of territory during the Carnatic Wars and the Bengal War'' is saying that the state in global prolonged armed struggles, leading only to defeat and loss of territory during the Carnatic Wars and the Bengal War.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Conflicts'.
• Also, the use of the word ''War'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'conflicts' in the blank.
• The word 'Conflicts' means Prolonged armed struggles.
• Example: There have been conflicts such as this throughout history.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentence: Meanwhile, some regional polities within the increasingly fragmented Mughal Empire, involved themselves and the state in global conflicts, leading only to defeat and loss of territory during the Carnatic Wars and the Bengal War.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Concordances mean Agreements or consistency.
• Accords mean Agreements or harmony.
• Truces mean Agreements between enemies or opponents to stop fighting or arguing for a certain time.
• Concurrences mean Agreements or consistency.

The correct answer is 'Futile.'

Key Points

• The given sentence "The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II (1759–1806) made (4) attempts to reverse the Mughal decline but ultimately had to seek the protection of the Emir of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali, which led to the Third Battle of Panipat between the Maratha Empire and the Afghans (led by Abdali) in 1761'' is talking about the pointless or worthless attempts made by the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II to reverse the Mughal decline.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Futile'.
• Also, the use of the word ''attempts'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'futile' in the blank.
• The word 'Futile' means Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
• Example: Their efforts to revive him were futile.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Complete Sentence: The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II (1759–1806) made futile attempts to reverse the Mughal decline but ultimately had to seek the protection of the Emir of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali, which led to the Third Battle of Panipat between the Maratha Empire and the Afghans (led by Abdali) in 1761.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Efficacious means Successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.
• Virtuous means Having or showing high moral standards.
• Sedate means Calm, dignified, and unhurried.
• Melancholy means Causing or expressing sadness; depressing.

The correct answer is 'Abolished.'

Key Points

• The given sentence "The British East India Company took control of the former Mughal province of Bengal-Bihar in 1793 after it (5) local rule (Nizamat) that lasted until 1858, marking the beginning of the British colonial era over the Indian subcontinent'' is saying that the British East India Company formally put an end to the local rule of Mughal province.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Abolished'.
• Also, the use of the word ''rule'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'abolished' in the blank.
• The word 'Abolished' means To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
• Example: The Americans abolished slavery in 1863.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Complete Sentence: The British East India Company took control of the former Mughal province of Bengal-Bihar in 1793 after it abolished local rule (Nizamat) that lasted until 1858, marking the beginning of the British colonial era over the Indian subcontinent.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Legitimated means To make lawful or justify.
• Ratified means To sign or give formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.
• Endorsed means To say publicly that you give official support or agreement to a plan, statement, decision, etc.
• Warranted means To officially affirm or guarantee.

The correct answer is 'Deposed.'

Key Points

• The given sentence "After a crushing defeat in the war of 1857–1858 which he nominally led, the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was (6) by the British East India Company and exiled in 1858'' is saying that the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was overthrown by the British East India Company and exiled in 1858.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Deposed'.
• Also, the use of the word ''exiled'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'deposed' in the blank.
• The word 'Deposed' means To remove a ruler or leader from power.
• Example: The king was deposed by his people.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Complete Sentence: After a crushing defeat in the war of 1857–1858 which he nominally led, the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was deposed by the British East India Company and exiled in 1858.

Additional Information

• Let us explore  the other options:
• Instated means To set up in position; install or establish.
• Baptized means To administer baptism to someone; christen.
• Enthroned means To install a monarch or bishop on a throne, especially during a ceremony to mark the beginning of their rule.
• Superseded means To take the place of somebody or something which existed or was used before and which has become old-fashioned.

The correct answer is Option (5) i.e. ADCBE

Key Points

• The sentence begins with "mental health awareness", which is correctly indicated by part (A).
• Following this, "is growing" (AD) continues the logical sequence, making it clear that mental health awareness is increasing.
• The next part, "as more people" (ADC), adds a reason or context for the growth of awareness.
• Ending with "recognize the importance of emotional well-being" (BE) completes the sentence by explaining the significance of mental health awareness.

Therefore, the correct answer is ADCBE.

Additional Information

• Option 1 (ACDBE): This option does not maintain a logical flow, as "mental health awareness is growing" should come before "recognize the importance."
• Option 2 (ABCDE): This sequence does not form a coherent sentence as "recognize the importance" comes too early without context.
• Option 3 (ABDEC): This sequence is incorrect as it places "recognize the importance" before "as more people," disrupting the logical flow.
• Option 4 (ABEDC): This sequence is fragmented and does not form a coherent sentence.

The correct answer is Option (1) i.e. ABDCE

Key Points

• The sentence begins with "public transportation" (A), which serves as the subject.
• The next part, "helps reduce" (B), logically connects to the subject, indicating the benefit of public transportation.
• Following this, "traffic congestion" (D) is added as the first benefit being reduced.
• Next, "and air pollution" (C) is included as the second benefit.
• Finally, "in cities" (E) completes the sentence by specifying the location where these benefits apply.

Therefore, the correct sequence is ABDCE.

Additional Information

• Option 2 (ABCDE): This option places "and air pollution" (C) before "traffic congestion" (D), which disrupts the logical sequence.
• Option 3 (ABDEC): This option places "in cities" (E) before "and air pollution" (C), which creates a grammatically incorrect sentence.
• Option 4 (ACDBE): This option places "and air pollution" (C) directly after "public transportation" (A), which makes the sentence incomplete and illogical.
• Option 5 (BACDE): This option starts with "helps reduce" (B), which makes the sentence incomplete as it lacks a proper subject.

The correct answer is Option (4) i.e. ABCED

Key Points

• The sentence begins with the subject "adopting eco-friendly habits," which is correctly indicated by part (A).
• Following the subject, "such as recycling and conserving water" (B and C) continues the logical sequence, providing examples of eco-friendly habits.
• The next part, "can make" (E) transitions to the potential impact of these habits.
• Ending with "a significant difference" (D) completes the sentence by highlighting the positive outcome.

Therefore, the correct answer is ABCED.

Additional Information

• Option 1 (BACDE): This option starts with "such as recycling adopting eco-friendly habits," which disrupts the logical sequence and lacks a proper introduction to the subject.
• Option 2 (ABDEC): This option incorrectly places "and conserving water" after "a significant difference," breaking the logical flow.
• Option 3 (ABCDE): This option places "can make" too early, before completing the examples of eco-friendly habits.
• Option 5 (ACDBE): This option jumbles the order of the examples and disrupts the overall flow of the sentence.

The correct answer is B-P

Key Points

 Let us look at the sentence combinations.

• Phrase B of column 1 should be matched with the phrase P of column 2 to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• "With the nomination process for the presidential election set to begin the Rajya Sabha Secretariat set up a special cell for the poll on Tuesday."
• Phrase B cannot be used with phrase Q and R because it would not make a meaningful sentence.
• With the nomination process for the presidential election set to begin both assistant returning officers for the election- are also part of this cell.
• With the nomination process for the presidential election set to begin who will be part of the counting process.

​Hence, the correct option is option 2.

The correct answer is 'side effects of the'.

Key Points

• When 'of' is used after 'each, every, one' etc., the noun or pronoun that comes immediately after 'of'  will be plural in form.
• The verb, pronoun, adjectives, etc. that come in the latter part of the sentence will be singular in form.
• For eg.- One of our students was unable to propel her wheelchair up the ramp.
• Therefore, we will add 's' to 'effect' to make the sentence grammatically correct.
• Hence, option 4 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Susceptibility is the state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
• For eg.- Lack of exercise increases susceptibility to disease

The correct answer is 'was seldom or never'

Key Points

• 'Seldom or never' is the correct adverbial phrase.
• It is always used in a negative sense.
• We will replace 'seldom or ever' with 'seldom or never' to make the sentence grammatically correct.
• Hence, option 2 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Other such adverbial phrases include 'seldom, is never', 'little or nothing', 'little, if anything'.
• For eg.- I have seldom if ever been so embarrassed.

The correct answer is 'had some equipment'.

Key Points

• With uncountable nouns such as mischief, hair, equipment, scenery, etc, articles a/an, many, few, number of,  and plural forms are not used.
• For eg.- The mischief, however, was not ended.
• We use 'some' with uncountable nouns.
• Hence, in the given sentence, we will replace 'an' with 'some' to make the sentence grammatically correct.
• Thus, option 4 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Equipment is the necessary items for a particular purpose.
• For eg.- The electronic equipment had disappeared as well.

The correct answer is 'employment and recreation'.

Key Points

• A conjunction is a word, or a group of words that connects two or more than two words, phrases, clauses, sentences, etc.
• For eg.- He displayed determination as well as a powerful oratory.
• Conjunctions 'both' and 'and' are cumulative coordinating conjunctions.
• They connect two nouns, pronouns, etc., and are always used in the pair.
• Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Recreation is an activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
• For eg.-  The rest of the day was entirely at his disposal for reading and recreation.

The correct answer is 'form beside her'.

Key Points

• The words 'besides' and 'beside' both are prepositions.
• Prepositions are those words that are used before a noun or pronoun and denote the relation between the noun/pronoun and the other part of the sentence.
• ​For eg.-  There's a broom cupboard under the stairs.
• However, the meaning of both words is different.

1. Beside means at the side of or next to.Besides means in addition to or apart from.

• For eg.- He went and sat beside her.
• For eg.- I have no other family besides my parents.
• The given sentence is indicating that she looked at Timothy's recumbent form next to her.
• Hence, option 5 will be the most appropriate choice.

Additional Information

• Recumbent means lying down.
• For eg.-  He looked down at the recumbent figure.