Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is '4' i.e. an easily read .

Key Points

• The phrase "an easily read" contains a grammatical error.
• The word "read" in this context is used as an adjective, which is incorrect. It should be replaced with "readable", which is the correct adjective form.
• The correct phrase should be "an easily readable", as it properly modifies the noun "book".

Correct sentence: The book, which you recommended, was interesting and easily readable.

Additional Information

• Common error when using adjectives and adverbs:
• Adjectives modify nouns (e.g., readable book).
• Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., easily readable).
• Correcting misplaced modifiers:
• Ensure modifiers are placed next to the word they describe to avoid confusion.
• For example: Incorrect - "She almost drove her kids to school every day." Correct - "She drove her kids to school almost every day."

The correct answer is '3' i.e. nor .

Key Points

• The sentence begins with the word "neither," which is a correlative conjunction that works in pairs. It requires "nor" to complete the structure.
• The correct form is "neither...nor," which is used to connect two negative ideas in a sentence.
• Using "nor" after "neither" ensures proper grammatical structure and meaning.

Correct sentence: He neither attended the seminar nor submitted his report on time.

Additional Information

• Neither...nor: Used to connect two negative ideas.
• Example: She neither enjoys cooking nor cleaning.
• Usage: Indicates that both actions or ideas are not true or do not happen.
• Other conjunctions:
• But also: Used with "not only" to add emphasis to two ideas.
• Or: Indicates alternatives or choices.
• And: Used to connect similar ideas.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Peculiarity .

Key Points

• The word Idiosyncrasy refers to a distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or behavior that is unique to an individual.
• Among the given options:
• Option 1: Commonalty means shared features or common aspects, which is opposite in meaning to idiosyncrasy.
• Option 2: Normality refers to being normal or usual, which does not match the meaning of idiosyncrasy.
• Option 3: Peculiarity refers to a unique or unusual characteristic, which is a synonym of idiosyncrasy.
• Option 4: Conformity refers to compliance or aligning with standards or norms, which is opposite to idiosyncrasy.
• Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for Idiosyncrasy is Peculiarity.

Correct sentence: The word "idiosyncrasy" is best represented by the synonym peculiarity, which captures its meaning of uniqueness or distinctiveness..

Additional Information

• Synonyms: Other synonyms for idiosyncrasy include "quirk," "eccentricity," and "individuality."
• Antonyms: Words like "normality," "conformity," and "commonality" are antonyms of idiosyncrasy.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. smoke and mirrors .

Key Points

• The idiom "smoke and mirrors" is used to describe actions or statements intended to confuse or deceive, often to mislead people into believing something that isn't true.
• In the given sentence, the politician’s speech is described as being full of vague promises, which means it lacks substance and is intended to create a false impression. Thus, the phrase "smoke and mirrors" fits perfectly.
• The other options do not fit the context:
• Pulling strings: Refers to using influence or connections to achieve something.
• A red herring: Refers to a distraction or something intended to divert attention.
• The last straw: Refers to the final problem or difficulty that makes a situation unbearable.

Correct sentence: The politician’s speech was full of vague promises but ultimately it was just smoke and mirrors.

Additional Information

• Other Common Idioms:
• A blessing in disguise: Refers to something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
• Break the ice: Refers to initiating a conversation in a social setting.
• Bite the bullet: Refers to facing a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
• Using idioms effectively can add depth and color to both spoken and written communication.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by.

Key Points

• In the sentence, "She gave a friendly wave to her neighbor," the word "wave" refers to a hand movement used as a gesture of greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment.
• In Option 2, "The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by," the word "wave" is used with the same meaning, referring to a hand gesture made by the crowd to acknowledge the parade.
• In Options 1, 3, and 4, the word "wave" refers to the movement of water in the sea or ocean, which is a different meaning.

Correct sentence: The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by.

Additional Information

• The word "wave" can have multiple meanings depending on the context:
• Gesture: A movement of the hand to greet or signal.
• Water movement: The undulating movement of the sea or ocean.
• Physics: A disturbance or oscillation that travels through a medium, such as a sound wave or light wave.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states: "It promotes early intervention, which is necessary for better long-term outcomes and successful therapy."
• The author argues that awareness helps dismantle the "historical taboo" and "de-stigmatize conditions," which directly leads to more effective, timely care.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text says awareness helps people seek treatment "without feeling ashamed."
• Option 3: Increasing knowledge encourages people to seek treatment, not hide their issues.
• Option 4: Awareness encourages (rather than discourages) people to seek treatment by removing the fear of judgment.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

Analytical Insight: In exams, questions often test your ability to distinguish between "consequences of stigma" and "benefits of awareness." Option 2 is a positive outcome, which aligns with the overall supportive tone of the passage.

Additional Information

• De-stigmatize: To remove negative associations or social shame connected to a particular condition or behavior.
• On par with: Equal to or at the same level as something else.
• Early Intervention: Identifying and providing support for a condition at the earliest possible stage.
• Coping Mechanisms: Strategies people use to manage stress or difficult emotions.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states: "Increasing knowledge helps de-stigmatize conditions... by encouraging people to seek treatment without feeling ashamed or afraid of being judged."
• By replacing "historical taboo" and silence with knowledge and education, society shifts toward a culture that is "supportive and understanding."
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text notes that "historical taboo" silenced discussions, whereas awareness is the solution that ends that silence.
• Option 2: Awareness allows people to seek help "without feeling ashamed."
• Option 4: The goal of awareness is to make mental health an "essential part of contemporary society," which requires encouraging rather than discouraging open discussions.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about "How" usually require identifying the mechanism of change. In this passage, the mechanism is "Increasing knowledge," which leads to the result of "encouraging treatment."

Additional Information

• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social "mark" or shame associated with a condition.
• Taboo: A social custom forbidding or restricting a particular practice or association.
• Contemporary: Belonging to or occurring in the present.
• Intervention: Action taken to improve a medical or psychological situation.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The passage explicitly links early action to positive results: "It promotes early intervention, which is necessary for better long-term outcomes and successful therapy."
• The author suggests that addressing mental health issues sooner rather than later increases the effectiveness of the treatment received.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text states that awareness (and by extension, intervention) ends the "historical taboo" that silenced discussions.
• Option 3: The passage argues that intervention is necessary for better outcomes, not that it makes conditions worse.
• Option 4: The text mentions that intervention is necessary for "successful therapy," implying that therapy is still a vital part of the recovery process, not eliminated by it.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

Analytical Insight: Questions focusing on "Why" usually require you to find a cause-and-effect relationship. Here, the cause is "early intervention" and the effect is "better long-term outcomes."

Additional Information

• Intervention: Action taken to improve a situation, especially a medical or psychological one.
• Outcomes: The way a thing turns out; a consequence or result.
• Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative "label" or shame associated with a condition.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The passage specifically highlights the community's role: "increasing public awareness... gives power to the community to offer sympathy and support to individuals experiencing challenges."
• It explains that this is achieved by informing the community about symptoms, coping mechanisms, and available services.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text states that awareness encourages (not discourages) people to seek treatment by removing shame.
• Option 3: Awareness informs people about "services available," making it easier, not harder, to find help.
• Option 4: The purpose of awareness is to inform people about symptoms, which is the opposite of ignoring them.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about the "benefit" of a concept often focus on the social impact mentioned in the text. Here, the text moves from individual benefits (seeking treatment) to collective benefits (community support).

Additional Information

• Coping Mechanisms: The strategies people use to manage internal or external stress.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social "stigma" or shame from something.
• On par with: At the same level as; equal to.
• Welfare: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The passage concludes with the statement: "Ultimately, a society that gives a lot of emphasis to mental health awareness is one that cares about its people's overall welfare."
• By valuing mental health, a society demonstrates a holistic approach to the "well-being" of its citizens, moving beyond just "bodily health."
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text explicitly states that mental health should be "on par with bodily health," meaning it values both.
• Option 2: The text says awareness allows people to seek treatment "without feeling ashamed or afraid of being judged."
• Option 4: The passage describes mental health awareness as an "essential part of contemporary society," which is the opposite of ignoring it.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about what the text "suggests" or "concludes" often refer back to the final sentence. This is where authors typically summarize their primary thesis.

Additional Information

• Welfare: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
• Emphasis: Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
• On par with: At the same level as; equal to.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social perception associated with a condition.