Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is 'these'.

Key Points

• The sentence is talking about specific "claims" that have been made, implying that these claims are identifiable or present in the current context.
• We need a word that functions as a determiner to refer to these specific claims.
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) thus: This is an adverb meaning "therefore" or "in this way." It doesn't function as a determiner for "claims."
• 2) there: This is an adverb indicating a place or used as an introductory word (e.g., "There is"). It doesn't function as a determiner here.
• 3) supposed: This is an adjective meaning "generally assumed or believed to be the case, but not necessarily so." While grammatically possible as an adjective, it changes the meaning from identifying specific claims to describing their nature. The primary need is for a determiner.
• 4) these: This is a demonstrative determiner (plural form of "this") used to refer to specific people or things that are near or that have just been mentioned or are implied. It correctly refers to the "claims" being discussed.
• Therefore, "these" is the most appropriate determiner to refer to the specific claims in question.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Complete Sentence: "There is no truth in these claims even though they have been cleverly stated."

Additional Information

• Demonstrative determiners (this, that, these, those) are used to point out specific nouns. "These" is used for plural nouns that are implied to be close or present in the discourse.
• The sentence implies that the claims are known or have just been referred to, making "these" a fitting choice to refer back to them.

The correct answer is 'over'.

Key Points

• The sentence describes the function of a bridge, which is to allow passage from one side of a river to the other.
• The verb "cross" indicates movement from one side to another. We need a preposition or phrasal verb that accurately describes this movement in relation to the river and the bridge.
• Let's examine the options:                               
• 1) on: "Cross on" is not idiomatic for crossing a river. You might "walk on the bridge," but not "cross on to the other side of the river."
• 2) over: "Cross over" is a very common and appropriate phrasal verb meaning to move from one side to another, especially when traversing an obstacle or boundary, or going above something. A bridge inherently facilitates going over the river.
• 3) across: "Cross across" means to go from one side to the other of a space. While also very common and fitting, "over" often specifically implies going above something like a river, which is how a bridge functions.
• 4) down: "Cross down" implies a downward direction, which is incorrect for crossing a river to the other side.
• In the context of using a bridge to traverse a river, "cross over" is highly idiomatic and correctly conveys the movement of traversing the river's expanse to reach the opposite side.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Complete Sentence: "The bridge was intended to allow people to cross over to the other side of the river and get to work."

Additional Information      

• Both "across" and "over" are often used interchangeably when describing movement from one side to another. However, "over" has a strong connection to vertical displacement (going above), which is inherent in the function of a bridge built over a river.
• "Cross over" is a very natural and common phrasal verb for this exact scenario (e.g., "We crossed over the bridge," "Let's cross over to the other side of the road").

The correct answer is 'until'.

Key Points

• The sentence expresses a condition for the speaker to stop "not resting." The speaker will continue an action (not resting) up to a specific point in time or event.
• We need a word that connects the state of "not resting" with the completion of the task ("gone to the bottom of this matter and found the truth").
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) after: This would mean the speaker will not rest following the completion of the task, which is the opposite of the intended meaning (they will rest after finding the truth).
• 2) while: This indicates an action happening at the same time as another. "I shall not rest while I have gone..." doesn't logically connect the cessation of resting with the completion of the investigation.
• 3) for: This can indicate a duration of time or a reason. Neither fits the meaning of a condition or limit for the "not resting" state.
• 4) until: This means "up to the time that" or "up to the point that." It perfectly conveys that the "not resting" will continue up to the moment the truth is found, and then it will cease.
• Therefore, "until" is the most appropriate word to establish this temporal and conditional relationship.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Complete Sentence: "I shall not rest until I have gone to the bottom of this matter and found the truth."

Additional Information

• "Until" is commonly used to express a negative condition that must be met before something else can happen (e.g., "You can't leave until you finish your homework").
• The phrase "go to the bottom of the matter" is an idiom meaning to investigate thoroughly to find the truth.

The correct answer is 'for'.

Key Points

• The sentence is discussing the reasons behind choosing a location, and the blank needs to clarify the purpose or occasion for which that location is being chosen.
• We need a preposition that expresses this relationship.
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) to: "Choice of location to the family visit" is grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning of purpose. "To" usually indicates direction or recipient.
• 2) in: "Choice of location in the family visit" suggests the choice is contained within the visit, which doesn't make sense. "In" indicates position or inclusion.
• 3) for: "Choice of location for the family visit" clearly indicates that the location is being chosen for the purpose of or in preparation for the family visit. This perfectly fits the context.
• 4) from: "Choice of location from the family visit" implies origin or source, which is illogical in this sentence.
• Therefore, "for" is the most appropriate preposition to express the purpose of the location choice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Complete Sentence: "There are several reasons behind my choice of location for the family visit."

Additional Information

• The preposition "for" is frequently used to indicate purpose, intention, or the object of an action (e.g., "This tool is for cutting," "She prepared for the exam," "He bought a gift for his mother").

The correct answer is 'on'.

Key Points

• The sentence talks about having a "moral centre" to use for support during "times of crisis."
• We need a preposition that completes the phrasal verb "fall back _____" to mean "to rely on for support or help."
• Let's examine the options:
• 1) on: The phrasal verb "fall back on" means to rely on something or someone for support or help when in difficulty. This perfectly fits the context of relying on a moral centre during a crisis.
• 2) into: "Fall back into" means to return to a previous state or habit (e.g., "fall back into old habits"). This does not fit the meaning of seeking support.
• 3) over: "Fall over" means to trip or tumble. "Fall back over" does not form a coherent phrasal verb in this context.
• 4) from: "Fall back from" means to retreat or withdraw from something. This does not fit the meaning of seeking support from a moral centre.
• Therefore, "on" is the most appropriate preposition to complete the phrasal verb and convey the intended meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Complete Sentence: "All human beings ought to have a moral centre to fall back on in times of crisis."

Additional Information

• The idiom "fall back on [something]" is a common expression used to describe relying on a reserve or last resort when other options are exhausted. In this case, the "moral centre" serves as that ultimate source of guidance or strength.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the words given:
• Pare: (verb) To trim something by cutting away its outer edges; to reduce something in size or quantity.
• Pair: (noun) A set of two things used together or regarded as a unit; two people or animals coupled together.
• Pear: (noun) A sweet, edible fruit, typically rounded but narrowing towards the stalk; also, the tree that bears this fruit.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. It is important to pare the branches of a tree to prevent excessive growth.
• This sentence uses "pare" correctly, referring to the act of trimming or cutting back the branches of a tree.
• 2. The pair of trees looked identical from a distance.
• This sentence uses "pair" correctly, referring to two trees considered as a unit.
• 3. The pear tree was revered by the children of the locality for the bounty it offered each year.
• This sentence uses "pear" correctly, referring to the type of tree that bears the fruit.
• So, all three sentences correctly use the respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1, 2 and 3."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Séance: (noun) A meeting at which people attempt to make contact with the dead, especially through a medium or spiritual ritual.
• Sconce: (noun) A candle holder or light fixture that is attached to a wall.
• Scone: (noun) A small, plain cake of bread, typically made with flour, milk, and baking powder, and often eaten with butter, jam, and cream.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. Those who practise spiritualism are at times seen to participate in a séance.                               
• This sentence correctly uses the word "séance" to describe a meeting where spiritual contact is attempted, which aligns perfectly with the practice of spiritualism.
• 2. They enjoyed eating the sconce that were served to them in the exclusive club.                               
• This sentence uses "sconce" incorrectly. A sconce is a wall fixture and is not edible. The word that should have been used here is "scone" (a baked good).
• 3. The scone reading on the graph indicated the correct value output of the experiment.                               
• This sentence uses "scone" incorrectly. A scone is a food item and has no relevance to graph readings or experimental data. The word intended here is likely "score," "scale," or a similar term related to measurement.
• Based on the analysis, only sentence 1 correctly uses its underlined word.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1 only."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points 

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Truism: (noun) A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting; a platitude.
• Altruism: (noun) The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others; selflessness.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. That one has to reap what one sows is a truism.                               
• This sentence correctly uses the word "truism" because "reaping what one sows" is a widely accepted and obvious truth.
• 2. The altruism uttered by the seer covered the higher levels of spiritual knowledge.                               
• This sentence uses "altruism" incorrectly. Altruism is a quality or practice of selflessness, not a body of knowledge or something that can be "uttered" to cover spiritual knowledge. A seer might utter teachings, maxims, or precepts related to spiritual knowledge, but not "altruism" itself in this context.
• Based on the analysis, only sentence 1 correctly uses its underlined word.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1 only."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Consequent: (adjective) Following as a result or effect; resulting. Often used in the phrase "consequent to" or "consequent upon."
• Consequence: (noun) A result or effect of an action or condition. It can also refer to importance or significance.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. Consequent to the decisions taken by the committee a new set of procedures was brought into force.                               
• This sentence uses "consequent" correctly. The phrase "consequent to" means "as a result of" or "following from." The new procedures were a direct result of the committee's decisions.
• 2. The past is of little consequence when one is willing to bravely face the challenges of the future.                               
• This sentence uses "consequence" correctly. Here, "consequence" refers to importance or significance. The phrase "of little consequence" means of little importance.
• Based on the analysis, both sentences 1 and 2 correctly use their respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Both 1 and 2."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the similar-sounding words:
• Seize: (verb) To take hold of suddenly and forcibly; to take possession of something by legal authority, especially contraband.
• Cease: (verb) To bring or come to an end; stop.
• Crease: (noun) A line or ridge produced in fabric or paper by folding, pressing, or crushing it; (verb) to make such a line.
• Now, let's examine the given sentences:
• 1. The customs department decided to seize the consignment of contraband goods.                              
• This sentence correctly uses "seize" in the context of a legal authority confiscating illegal goods.
• 2. To improve relations the two parties decided that the hostilities between them should cease.                               
• This sentence correctly uses "cease" to mean that the hostilities should stop or come to an end.
• 3. Military personnel are required to be attired in trousers with a knife-edge-like crease.                               
• This sentence correctly uses "crease" to refer to the sharp, pressed line in trousers, commonly associated with formal attire like military uniforms.
• Based on the analysis, all three sentences correctly use their respective words.

Therefore, the correct answer is "1, 2 and 3."