English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'scrutinize'.

 

Key Points

• The passage notes that when observational anomalies (unexpected results) appear, scientists must re-evaluate their existing core theories.
• The context demands a verb meaning to critically examine or inspect long-standing assumptions in light of new data.
• "Scrutinize" means to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly, fitting the scientific process of questioning prior beliefs when anomalies arise.
• Other options ("reify", "entrench", "canonize", "ratify") signify making concrete, solidifying, formally sanctioning, or confirming assumptions, which is the exact opposite of what scientists do when anomalies arise.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Complete Passage: The concept of cosmic inflation was proposed to resolve several (A) vexing paradoxes in Big Bang cosmology. During this ultra-rapid expansion phase in the early universe, tiny quantum fluctuations were stretched to macro-scales, laying the seeds for cosmic structure. Without this rapid expansion, the observed uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation would be fundamentally (B) inexplicable. Astrophysicists rely on precise telemetry from space observatories to (C) calibrate theoretical models against empirical data. When observational anomalies arise, scientists are forced to (D) scrutinize long-standing assumptions about the early universe. This constant interplay between mathematical theory and empirical discovery continues to (E) ________ our understanding of origin events. Ultimately, confirming the exact mechanism of inflation remains one of the most (F) ________ goals in modern astrophysics.

 

Additional Information

• Reify (ठोस रूप देना): "Reify" means to make something abstract more concrete or real.
• Entrench (पक्का करना / स्थापित करना): "Entrench" means to establish an attitude, habit, or belief so firmly that change is difficult.
• Canonize (प्रतिष्ठित करना / नियम मानना): "Canonize" means to regard or treat as sacred or authoritative.
• Ratify (पुष्टि करना / मंज़ूरी देना): "Ratify" means to sign or give formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.

The correct answer is 'refine'.

 

Key Points

• The passage emphasizes the productive process of scientific discovery through the interaction of mathematical theory and observational evidence.
• The context calls for a verb that describes improving, polishing, or making more precise our knowledge of universe origin events.
• "Refine" means to improve or clarify something by making small changes, which accurately reflects how scientific understanding develops over time.
• Other options ("impede", "ossify", "distort", "curtail") signify hindering, rigidifying, twisting, or cutting short, which contradict the progressive nature of theoretical refinement.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Complete Passage: The concept of cosmic inflation was proposed to resolve several (A) vexing paradoxes in Big Bang cosmology. During this ultra-rapid expansion phase in the early universe, tiny quantum fluctuations were stretched to macro-scales, laying the seeds for cosmic structure. Without this rapid expansion, the observed uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation would be fundamentally (B) inexplicable. Astrophysicists rely on precise telemetry from space observatories to (C) calibrate theoretical models against empirical data. When observational anomalies arise, scientists are forced to (D) scrutinize long-standing assumptions about the early universe. This constant interplay between mathematical theory and empirical discovery continues to (E) refine our understanding of origin events. Ultimately, confirming the exact mechanism of inflation remains one of the most (F) ________ goals in modern astrophysics.

 

Additional Information

• Impede (बाधा डालना): "Impede" means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them.
• Ossify (कठोर बनना / जड़ होना): "Ossify" means to cease developing and become rigid or fixed.
• Distort (विकृत करना / बिगाड़ना): "Distort" means to pull or twist out of shape, or give a misleading account of.
• Curtail (कटौती करना / घटाना): "Curtail" means to reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.

The correct answer is 'elusive'.

 

Key Points

• The passage concludes by highlighting the ongoing challenge in astrophysics to definitively prove or confirm the exact underlying mechanism of inflation.
• The context calls for an adjective that describes a goal that is difficult to capture, pin down, or achieve despite extensive efforts.
• "Elusive" means difficult to find, catch, or achieve, which perfectly describes one of the most sought-after yet difficult-to-confirm goals in modern science.
• Other options ("redundant", "peripheral", "pedestrian", "accessible") imply unimportance, secondary priority, ordinary nature, or ease of reach, which contradict the status of a major scientific milestone.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Passage: The concept of cosmic inflation was proposed to resolve several (A) vexing paradoxes in Big Bang cosmology. During this ultra-rapid expansion phase in the early universe, tiny quantum fluctuations were stretched to macro-scales, laying the seeds for cosmic structure. Without this rapid expansion, the observed uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation would be fundamentally (B) inexplicable. Astrophysicists rely on precise telemetry from space observatories to (C) calibrate theoretical models against empirical data. When observational anomalies arise, scientists are forced to (D) scrutinize long-standing assumptions about the early universe. This constant interplay between mathematical theory and empirical discovery continues to (E) refine our understanding of origin events. Ultimately, confirming the exact mechanism of inflation remains one of the most (F) elusive goals in modern astrophysics.

 

Additional Information

• Redundant (अनावश्य / फालतू): "Redundant" means no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
• Peripheral (गौण / अमान्य): "Peripheral" means relating to or situated on the edge or margin; secondary in importance.
• Pedestrian (साधारण / नीरस): "Pedestrian" means lacking inspiration or excitement; dull or ordinary.
• Accessible (सुलभ / पहुंच योग्य): "Accessible" means easily reached, entered, or obtained.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Out of the given segments -
• Part B is the opening segment because it doesn't connect with any other given segments and thus, it is the introductory segment.
• Part C is the second segment because it is in continuation with part B and it talks about Samsung being a pioneer in microLED technology.
• Part E is the third segment because it is in continuation with part C and it talks about Samsung explaining microLED technology in a video.
• Part A and Part D are the fourth and fifth segments respectively because they are in continuation with part E and they talk about Samsung describing microLED as small as cutting a centimeter of hair into 200 smaller pieces.
• Hence, the correct sequence is BCEAD.

 

The complete sentence after rearrangement would be - Samsung, the pioneer in microLED technology explained in a video that a microLED is as small as cutting a centimetre of hair into 200 smaller pieces.

Hint

• As + adjective + as (conjunction) is used to compare things that are similar in proportion.
• For Example -
• She is as tall as her brother.

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• Out of the given segments -
• Part B is the opening segment because it doesn't connect with any other given segments and thus, it is the introductory segment.
• Part E and Part D are the second and third segments respectively because they are in continuation with part B and they talk about the world being our stage and we are witnessing the constant interplay of roles and characters.
• Part A is the fourth segment because it is in continuation with part D and it talks about the world being a stage we are witnessing scripts metamorphosing and merging.
• Part C is the fifth segment because it is in continuation with part A and it talks about us witnessing scripts metamorphose and merge according to the context and situations.
• **Hence, the correct sequence is BEDAC.**​

​

The complete sentence after rearrangement would be - The world is our stage and we are witnessing the constant interplay of roles, characters and scripts that metamorphose and merge according to contexts and situations.

Hint

• How to solve sentence jumble?
• Firstly, look for the segment which is independent and doesn't connect with any other segments or the option with has the subject matter. This will be the opening segment of the sentence.
• Then, you need to look for connections between the given segments
• If there is a segment that is concluding the idea given in other segments that will be the ending segment.

The correct answer is 3) CABDE.

Key Points

• Segment C establishes the subject matter, i.e., 'regular exercise'. Hence, it will be the first part after rearrangement.
• Part A mentions that regular exercise promotes something, which follows C.
• Part B refers to mental and physical health, which connects to the promotion mentioned in A.
• Part D talks about contributing to something, which follows B.
• Part E concludes the sentence by stating that regular exercise contributes to overall well-being.
• Part B concludes the sentence by stating that regular exercise promotes mental and physical health.

Correct rearrangement of segments is: Regular exercise promotes mental and physical health and contributes to overall well-being.

The correct answer is: Option 3 (B-C).

Key Points

• The word "maximize" means to increase something as much as possible. (अधिकतम करना)
• Example: The company aims to maximize profits through efficient production methods.
• "Minimize" means to reduce something to the smallest possible amount. (न्यूनतम करना)
• Example: The new policy helps minimize waste in manufacturing.
• Correct interchange: Swap B (maximize) and C (minimize). The sentence becomes: The ambitious architect sought to integrate locally sourced sustainable materials into the new blueprint, aiming to minimize the structure's overall carbon footprint, maximize natural sunlight exposure within the main lobby, and elevate the building's modern aesthetic appeal. ✔ Grammatically correct and meaningful.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 (B-C).

Additional Information

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

• Option 1 (A-C and B-D): Swapping "integrate" with "minimize" and "maximize" with "elevate" would distort meaning — "minimize locally sourced materials" and "maximize aesthetic appeal" are illogical. (एकीकृत करना / न्यूनतम करना / अधिकतम करना / ऊँचा उठाना)
• Option 2 (C-D): Swapping "minimize" and "elevate" would result in "minimize aesthetic appeal," which is incorrect. (न्यूनतम करना / ऊँचा उठाना)
• Option 4 (A-B): Swapping "integrate" and "maximize" would lead to "maximize locally sourced materials," which is awkward and grammatically wrong. (एकीकृत करना / अधिकतम करना)
• Option 5 (No interchange required): The original sentence is grammatically incorrect and illogical, so this option is invalid. (कोई बदलाव आवश्यक नहीं)

The correct answer is: Option 5 (No interchange required).

Key Points

• "Lucid" means clear, easy to understand, and well-explained. (स्पष्ट)
• Example: The teacher gave a lucid explanation of the formula.
• "Complex" refers to something complicated or difficult to understand. (जटिल)
• Example: Quantum mechanics is a complex subject.
• "Baffling" means confusing or puzzling. (भ्रमित करने वाला)
• Example: The magician’s trick was baffling to the audience.
• "Class" refers to a group of students learning together. (कक्षा)
• Example: The entire class applauded the professor’s lecture.
• All words are already in their correct positions, making the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful without any interchange.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 5 (No interchange required).

Additional Information

• Option 1 (A-B): Incorrect. Interchanging A ("lucid") with B ("complex") distorts meaning, as explanations are lucid and theories are complex. (स्पष्ट / जटिल)
• Option 2 (B-C): Incorrect. Interchanging B ("complex") with C ("baffling") is illogical, as theory is complex and its perception is baffling. (जटिल / भ्रमित करने वाला)
• Option 3 (C-D): Incorrect. Interchanging C ("baffling") with D ("class") is grammatically wrong, as baffling describes difficulty, not a group of students. (भ्रमित करने वाला / कक्षा)
• Option 4 (A-D): Incorrect. Interchanging A ("lucid") with D ("class") is meaningless, as lucid describes explanation, not class. (स्पष्ट / कक्षा)

The correct answer is: Option 2 (B-C).

Key Points

• "Triumphant" means victorious, successful, or having achieved victory. (विजयी)
• Example: The triumphant team celebrated their championship win.
• "Optimistic" means hopeful and confident about the future. (आशावादी)
• Example: Despite setbacks, she remained optimistic about her chances.
• Hence, interchanging B ("triumphant") with C ("optimistic") makes the sentence logical: the team remained optimistic and eventually emerged triumphant, proving perseverance leads to success.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (B-C).

Additional Information

• Option 1 (A-D): Incorrect. Interchanging A ("insurmountable") with D ("success") is illogical, as challenges are insurmountable and perseverance leads to success. (अजेय / सफलता)
• Option 3 (A-B and C-D): Incorrect. While B-C is correct, swapping A ("insurmountable") with D ("success") distorts meaning. (अजेय / सफलता)
• Option 4 (B-D): Incorrect. Interchanging B ("triumphant") with D ("success") is awkward, as success is the result, not the state of being triumphant. (विजयी / सफलता)
• Option 5 (No interchange required): Incorrect. Without interchange, the sentence suggests the team remained triumphant and emerged optimistic, which is grammatically fine but less logical in progression. The natural order is optimism leading to triumph. (कोई अदला-बदली आवश्यक नहीं)

The correct answer is: Option 1 (A-B).

Key Points

• The word "stimulate" means to encourage or provoke a reaction or activity. (उत्तेजित करना / प्रेरित करना)
• Example: The new drug is designed to stimulate the body’s natural defenses.
• "Administer" means to give or apply a treatment, medicine, or vaccine. (प्रशासन करना / देना)
• Example: The nurse administered the vaccine to the children.
• Correct interchange: Swap A (stimulate) and B (administer). The sentence becomes: Researchers aim to administer a novel vaccine to stimulate a robust immune response, helping to neutralize the virus and prevent widespread infection. ✔ Grammatically correct and meaningful.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 (A-B).

Additional Information

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

• Option 2 (B-C): Swapping "administer" and "neutralize" would result in "administer the virus," which is incorrect. (प्रशासन करना / निष्क्रिय करना)
• Option 3 (A-B and C-D): Swapping both pairs would distort meaning — "stimulate a vaccine" and "prevent a robust infection" are illogical. (उत्तेजित करना / प्रशासन करना / रोकना)
• Option 4 (B-D): Swapping "administer" and "infection" would lead to "administer widespread infection," which is nonsensical. (संक्रमण)
• Option 5 (No interchange required): The original sentence is grammatically incorrect and illogical, so this option is invalid. (कोई बदलाव आवश्यक नहीं)

The correct answer is Option C.

 

Key Points

• The passage explains that the original legendary rail line went defunct due to financial mismanagement and low passenger numbers.
• The revival occurred when a hospitality enterprise stepped in. The specific motivation mentioned is: "Recognising the latent potential in nostalgic travel, a hospitality enterprise acquired the legacy brand..."
• This recognition led to the revitalization of the carriages and the restart of the venture under the new identity, Bellovita.
• Therefore, the catalyst for the revival was the identified value in the nostalgia associated with luxury rail travel.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

 

Correct Sentence from the Passage: "Recognising the latent potential in nostalgic travel, a hospitality enterprise acquired the legacy brand, revitalised its classic carriages, and restarted the venture under a new identity: Bellovita."

 

Additional Information

• A: High-speed aviation – This is mentioned as a reason why the golden age of sleeper trains originally faded, not a reason for the revival.
• B: Financial mismanagement – This was one of the reasons the original line went defunct, leading to its closure, not its revival.
• D: Dwindling passenger counts – Similar to financial mismanagement, this contributed to the failure of the original service.
• E: Global pandemic – The pandemic actually threatened the survival of the newly revived brand; it was not the cause of the initial revival.

The correct answer is Option D.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly mentions the specific destination for the resurrected luxury train service.
• According to the text: "Traversing scenic landscapes with its flagship destination set for Paris, the resurrected luxury train was tailored for affluent travellers..."
• This confirms that Paris is the primary destination mentioned in the context of Bellovita's operations.
• Other cities like London, Venice, Berlin, or Rome are not mentioned as the flagship destination in the provided passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

 

Correct Answer: Paris

 

Additional Information

• A, B, C, E: These options are incorrect because the passage does not identify London, Venice, Berlin, or Rome as the flagship destination for the Bellovita train.
• The passage focuses on the revival of a legacy brand that originally connected Europe's cultural capitals, but specifically names Paris as the target for the new venture.

The correct answer is Option 5.

 

Key Points

• The question asks to identify which factor was not cited as a challenge faced by Bellovita (the resurrected brand).
• Option 1 (Low occupancy rates): The passage explicitly states, "Early operational years proved challenging; the brand struggled with low occupancy rates..."
• Option 2 (High maintenance overheads): The passage mentions the brand struggled with "...high maintenance overheads, leaving industry analysts sceptical..."
• Option 3 (Financial mismanagement): The passage mentions this as the reason the original legendary line went defunct ("...defunct due to financial mismanagement..."), but it is also implied as a hurdle for the legacy brand before the Bellovita acquisition.
• Option 4 (Border closures and lockdowns): The passage states that during the pandemic, "Border closures and lockdowns brought international tourism to an unprecedented standstill, putting immense financial strain..."
• Option 5 (Lack of strategic investments): This is not cited as a challenge. In fact, the passage mentions that "strategic investments began stabilising the business" before the pandemic hit, and later "fresh capital investments allowed Bellovita to modernise."

Therefore, the correct answer is E.

 

Correct Option: "Lack of strategic investments"

 

Additional Information

• The passage highlights that Bellovita actually benefited from strategic and fresh capital investments at critical points in its timeline to stabilize and modernize.
• The challenges listed in the text were primarily operational (occupancy/overheads), external (pandemic/lockdowns), or historical (the mismanagement of the predecessor line).

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• A) The travel market favours quick itineraries and fast-paced experiences.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. Though high-speed aviation and modern transit systems dominated global travel, the rise of "slow travel" in experiential tourism indicates a shift away from fast-paced experiences.
• B) Experiential tourism has gained popularity as travellers prefer "slow travel."
• This can be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that after the pandemic, experiential tourism surged as travelers preferred "slow travel."
• C) The pandemic had a generally positive financial impact on the hospitality sector.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly states that the global pandemic delivered a catastrophic blow and put immense financial strain on the hospitality sector.
• D) Government bailouts were readily available for private niche ventures like Bellovita.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage states that mainstream airlines and domestic railways sought government support, but private niche ventures like Bellovita faced existential collapse.
• E) Luxury rail travel has always been highly profitable throughout history.
• This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage indicates that luxury rail travel had its golden age but also faced periods of financial mismanagement, dwindling passenger counts, and challenges.

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.
• All A, B, and C: Incorrect because only B can be inferred from the passage.
• Both A and C: Incorrect because neither A nor C can be inferred from the passage.

The correct answer is 'Bailouts'.

 

Key Points

• The word "bailouts" refers to an act of giving financial assistance to a failing business or economy to save it from collapse. (वित्तीय सहायता)
• In the context of the passage, mainstream airlines and railways were facing a "catastrophic blow" due to the pandemic and needed significant government intervention to survive.
• While "subsidies" or "loans" are types of financial aid, "bailout" is the most precise term used in economic contexts when large industries (like airlines) are rescued from existential failure by the government.

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

Complete Sentence: While mainstream airlines and domestic railways sought government bailouts to survive, private niche ventures like Bellovita faced existential collapse.

Additional Information

• Loans (ऋण): Money that is borrowed and is expected to be paid back with interest.
• Grants (अनुदान): A sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose.
• Subsidies (सब्सिडी): A sum of money granted by the state to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low.
• Tax reliefs (कर राहत): A reduction in the amount of tax that a person or organization has to pay.

The correct answer is Option B.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Bellovita's early operational years were financially prosperous and stable.
• This statement is incorrect. The passage explicitly states that "Early operational years proved challenging; the brand struggled with low occupancy rates and high maintenance overheads."
• Statement B: Nostalgic travel emerged as a significant trend post-pandemic.
• This statement is correct. The passage mentions that "post-pandemic travel trends witnessed a dramatic shift" where "experiential tourism surged" and travellers favoured "slow travel," which allowed the nostalgic Bellovita brand to modernise and capture a booming market.
• Statement C: High-speed aviation contributed to the resurgence of sleeper train travel.
• This statement is incorrect. According to the passage, high-speed aviation "dominated global travel" and caused the "golden age of sleeper trains" to "gradually fade." It was a cause of decline, not resurgence.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Only B.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Statement A: Financial mismanagement caused the original rail service to become defunct.
• This statement is correct. The passage explicitly states that the legendary line went "completely defunct due to financial mismanagement and dwindling passenger counts."
• Statement B: Bellovita's operator faced low maintenance overheads in its early years.
• This statement is incorrect. The passage states that during early operational years, the brand "struggled with low occupancy rates and high maintenance overheads."
• Statement C: Bellovita's infrastructure was modernised yet retained its 19^th-century charm.
• This statement is correct. The passage mentions that fresh capital allowed the brand to "modernise its infrastructure while preserving its 19^th-century charm."
• Hence, Statement B is the only incorrect statement based on the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only B’.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e., Endure.

Key Points

• The word "last" in the context of the sentence "...classical elegance has managed to endure as a viable business model to the very last" refers to the ability to remain in existence, persist, or survive over a long period of time. (टिकना/बने रहना)
• Example: The ancient traditions of the tribe continue to last despite the influence of modern technology.
• "Endure" means to remain in existence or to last for a long time, especially through difficulties or changes; it perfectly matches the contextual meaning of the passage where the business model survives despite disruptions. (कायम रहना/सहन करना)
• Example: The explorer's legacy will endure for generations because of his remarkable discoveries.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Endure.

Additional Information

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

• Previous (पिछला): Existing or occurring before in time or order.
• Example: She had no previous experience in marketing before joining this firm.
• Final (अंतिम): Coming at the end of a series; concluding.
• Example: The referee blew the whistle to signal the final whistle of the match.
• Continue (जारी रखना): To persist in an activity or process without interruption.
• Example: We must continue our efforts to protect the environment.
• Ultimate (सर्वश्रेष्ठ/चरम): Being or happening at the end of a process; final or best of its kind.
• Example: Winning the championship was the ultimate goal for the young athlete.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e., Ready.

Key Points

• The word "poised" in the context of the passage means being in a state of readiness or prepared to do something, especially when standing on the brink of a significant development. (तैयार)
• Example: The company is poised to launch its new product line in the international market next month.
• "Ready" refers to being in a suitable state for an activity or situation; fully prepared or available for immediate use. (तैयार)
• Example: After months of training, the athlete felt ready to compete in the championship.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'poised' in this context is 'ready'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Ready.

Additional Information

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

• Unprepared (तैयार न होना): Not ready or equipped to deal with something.
• Example: The city was completely unprepared for the sudden heavy snowfall.
• Balanced (संतुलित): Keeping or showing a steady condition; taking everything into account fairly.
• Example: A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and energy levels.
• Waiting (प्रतीक्षा करना): Staying in a place or delaying action until a particular time or event.
• Example: They spent three hours waiting at the airport for their delayed flight.
• Unsteady (अस्थिर): Liable to fall or shake; not firm or stable.
• Example: He took a few unsteady steps after being dizzy from the ride.

The correct answer is: Option 5 i.e., Perish.

Key Points

• The word "survive" means to continue to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation. (जीवित रहना/बचे रहना)
• Example: Many small businesses struggled to survive during the economic recession.
• "Perish" refers to the state of dying or being destroyed, especially in a violent or sudden way, or to cease to exist completely. (नष्ट होना/मर जाना)
• Example: Without adequate water and care, the crops will perish in the extreme heat.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'survive' is 'perish'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Perish.

Additional Information

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

• Thrive (फलना-फूलना): To grow, develop, or be successful.
• Example: The company continues to thrive even in a competitive market.
• Persist (दृढ़ रहना/बने रहना): To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
• Example: If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, you should see a doctor.
• Manage (प्रबंध करना/सफल होना): To succeed in surviving or attaining one's aims, often despite difficulties.
• Example: We managed to finish the project just before the deadline.
• Endure (सहन करना/टिकना): To suffer something painful or difficult patiently, or to remain in existence.
• Example: The ancient monument has managed to endure for centuries despite the harsh weather.