English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The central thesis of the passage is the interdependence of joy and sorrow, rather than their separation.
• The author argues that emotions are not "adversaries" but "co-authors," meaning that sorrow provides the necessary contrast to make joy distinct and meaningful.
• The text explicitly states that "without sorrow, joy would be indistinct" and that pain "chisels depth" into our emotional landscape, refining our capacity for positive sentiments like gratitude.
• Therefore, it is a direct inference that sorrow serves a functional role in deepening the resonance and meaning of joy.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Human existence unfolds... as a dynamic interplay where each emotion deepens the resonance of the other."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The author claims that "the beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow," suggesting pain is a necessary part of life.
• Option 2: Incorrect. The author explicitly warns against "bifurcating life into immutable dichotomies" (strict binaries) at the very start of the passage.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The passage treats joy as a real, "vivid" emotion, but emphasizes that it requires contrast to have value.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The author's primary goal is to shift the reader's perspective from seeing joy and sorrow as "adversaries" to seeing them as interdependent.
• Throughout the text, the author uses various metaphors (the chiaroscuro of consciousness, the memory of winter, the crucible of pain) to show that sorrow provides the necessary contrast to give joy depth and value.
• The conclusion explicitly states that "the beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy."
• While philosophy and growth are mentioned, they serve as supporting evidence for this central argument about the essential nature of emotional duality.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Summary from Text: "The beauty of being lies not in circumventing sorrow, but in embracing it as a necessary foil to joy."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. Philosophical traditions are used only as examples to support the author's main point about emotional interdependence.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The author doesn't "lament" (grieve) the fragility of happiness; instead, they celebrate how its transience makes it more "vivid" and "intricate."
• Option 4: Incorrect. The passage does not focus on modern "detachment," but rather on the internal experience of emotions and how they interact.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The author adopts a philosophical tone by exploring the fundamental nature of human existence, the meaning of emotions, and the duality of the human experience.
• The passage makes direct references to established philosophical traditions such as Stoicism and Buddhism to support its arguments about suffering and tranquility.
• The language used is contemplative and high-level, employing metaphors like "the chiaroscuro of consciousness" and "existential polarity" to discuss the intrinsic rhythm of life.
• The author is deeply engaged with the subject matter, seeking to provide a profound understanding of how joy and sorrow coexist, which is characteristic of a philosophical inquiry.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Summary from Text: "From antiquity to modernity, philosophical traditions have acknowledged this existential polarity... rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Whimsical – Incorrect. A whimsical tone is lighthearted, playful, or erratic; this passage deals with serious emotional and existential themes.
• Option 3: Satirical – Incorrect. Satire uses humor or irony to criticize or mock; there is no mockery or social critique intended for humor here.
• Option 4: Indifferent – Incorrect. The author shows a clear, deep interest in the subject, arguing passionately for the "beauty of being" and the "richness" of emotional texture.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Chiaroscuro is an artistic term (originating from Italian: chiaro meaning light, and oscuro meaning dark) that refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark.
• In the passage, the author uses this as a metaphor for the human mind, where joy represents "light" and sorrow represents "shadow."
• The author argues that these "twin sentiments coalesce" (come together) to make consciousness more "vivid" and "intricate," much like how a painter uses light and shadow to create depth in a portrait.
• The surrounding text mentions a "monochromatic life" (single color) as the opposite, reinforcing that the author is discussing a blend of contrasting elements.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Contextual Sentence from Text: "These twin sentiments coalesce to form the chiaroscuro of consciousness, rendering our lives more vivid, more intricate, more human."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Emotional paralysis – Incorrect. The author describes this state as "dynamic" and "vivid," which is the opposite of being paralyzed or stuck.
• Option 3: A musical variation – Incorrect. While "rhythm" and "resonance" are used earlier, "chiaroscuro" specifically belongs to the visual arts domain.
• Option 4: A specific type of sorrow – Incorrect. The term refers to the combination of joy and sorrow together, not just one side of the coin.

The correct answer is Option 2: does not know.

Key Points

• The subject “She” is third person singular, so it requires “does” in the negative form in the simple present tense.
• After “does not”, the base form of the verb is used, hence “know” (not “knows”).
• The original sentence contains two errors: incorrect auxiliary “do” and incorrect verb form “knows.”
• The grammatically correct sentence is: “She does not know the answer to this question.”

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• do not knew – Incorrect because “knew” is past tense and cannot follow “do not.”
• is not knowing – Incorrect because “know” is a stative verb and is generally not used in the continuous form.
• do not know – Incorrect subject-verb agreement with third person singular “She.”

The correct answer is Option 3: senior to me in age.

Key Points

• The adjective “senior” is followed by the preposition “to”, not “than.”
• The correct comparative structure is “senior to”, not “more senior than.”
• The phrase “in age” correctly specifies the context of comparison.
• The correct sentence is: “He is senior to me in age.”

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• more senior than me – Incorrect because “senior” is not used with “more” or “than.”
• senior to me by age – Awkward and not the standard expression.
• elder to me – Incorrect because “elder” is not followed by “to”; it is generally used before a noun (e.g., elder brother).

The correct answer is Option 3: I said that he would be there by noon.

Key Points

• When the reporting verb is in the past tense (“said”), the future tense “will” changes to “would” in indirect speech.
• The word “here” changes to “there” to reflect the shift in place reference.
• The conjunction “that” is correctly used to introduce the reported clause.
• The correct transformation is: I said that he would be there by noon.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• I said he will be there by noon. – Incorrect because “will” should change to “would.”
• I said that he would be here by noon. – Incorrect because “here” should change to “there.”
• I said he shall be there by noon. – Incorrect because “shall” is not appropriate and does not follow the correct tense change rule.

The correct answer is Option 1: "I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

Key Points

• The reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, so in indirect speech the verbs are backshifted (was, would).
• To convert back to direct speech, we restore the original tense: "was" becomes "am", and "would" becomes "will".
• The pronoun "she" changes to "I" because the assistant is speaking about herself.
• The correct direct speech must preserve both meaning and proper tense structure.

Correct sentence: "I am not feeling well and will leave early," the assistant said.

Additional Information

• Option 2: Incorrect because it keeps the backshifted tense (was, would) instead of restoring the original direct speech tense.
• Option 3: Incorrect because it changes the meaning and tense structure.
• Option 4: Incorrect because "I leave now" does not correctly represent the future intention expressed by "would leave."

The correct answer is Option 2: (3, 1, 2, 4)

Key Points

• Sentence 3 introduces the broad theme of carbon neutrality and the need to reduce emissions across sectors, making it the logical opening statement.
• Sentence 1 follows because the word "This" refers back to the challenge of reducing emissions mentioned in sentence 3.
• Sentence 2 logically comes next, as the phrase "As a result" shows a consequence of the challenge discussed in sentences 3 and 1.
• Sentence 4 explains "These technologies", referring back to CCS technologies mentioned in sentence 2, making it the concluding explanation.

Correct paragraph: Achieving carbon neutrality requires a significant reduction in emissions across all economic sectors. This is particularly challenging in industries such as steel and cement production, where emissions are an integral part of the manufacturing process. As a result, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies have emerged as a crucial component of strategies aimed at reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies capture carbon dioxide at the source, preventing its release into the atmosphere and either utilizing it or storing it permanently underground.

Additional Information

• Option 1 (1, 2, 3, 4) – Incorrect because it begins with a reference word "This" without a prior context.
• Option 3 (2, 1, 3, 4) – Incorrect because "As a result" cannot logically start the paragraph.
• Option 4 (4, 3, 1, 2) – Incorrect because "These technologies" lacks an antecedent at the beginning.

The correct answer is Option 1: (2, 3, 1, 4)

Key Points

• Sentence 2 introduces the topic by defining Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), making it the appropriate opening sentence.
• Sentence 3 logically follows because it explains a central tenet of OOP, namely the concept of a class.
• Sentence 1 continues the explanation, where the word "This" refers to the concept of a class mentioned in sentence 3.
• Sentence 4 concludes the paragraph by highlighting the key advantage of this approach, summarizing its benefit.

Correct paragraph: Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects," which can contain data and code. A central tenet of OOP is the concept of a "class," which acts as a blueprint for creating objects. This allows a programmer to specify the structure and behavior of an object-oriented program. The key advantage of this approach is that it models real-world entities, making complex systems easier to manage and debug.

Additional Information

• Option 2 (4, 3, 2, 1) – Incorrect because it begins with "this approach" without introducing the topic first.
• Option 3 (3, 1, 4, 2) – Incorrect because it starts with a detailed concept before defining OOP.
• Option 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) – Incorrect because it begins with "This" without a clear antecedent.

The correct answer is: Unyielding.

Key Points

• The word "implacable" means something that cannot be pacified, appeased, or changed; it refers to someone or something that is relentless or stubbornly unyielding. (असमझौता, कठोर)
• Example: The implacable enemy refused to negotiate, making peace talks impossible.
• Unyielding refers to someone or something that is firm, rigid, and not easily changed or influenced, often synonymous with implacable. (अडिग, दृढ़)
• Example: Her unyielding determination to succeed inspired everyone around her.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'implacable' is 'unyielding'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Unyielding.

Additional Information

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

• Soft (मुलायम): Something that is gentle, tender, or not hard in texture.
• Example: The blanket is made of soft fabric, perfect for cold winters.
• Flexible (लचीला): Capable of bending easily without breaking; adaptable.
• Example: She has a flexible schedule that allows her to work at different times.
• Gentle (नम्र): Kind, mild, or soft in behavior or attitude.
• Example: He spoke in a gentle tone to calm the nervous child.

The correct answer is: Assertive.

Key Points

• The word "Obsequious" means excessively obedient or attentive to an excessive degree, often to gain favor or approval. (चापलूस)
• Example: The employee's obsequious behavior annoyed his colleagues as he constantly flattered his boss.
• "Assertive" refers to having a confident and forceful personality, expressing opinions or desires in a firm and respectful way, without being submissive. (आत्मवि��्वासी)
• Example: She was assertive during the meeting and presented her ideas confidently.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Obsequious' is 'Assertive'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Assertive.

Additional Information

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

• Submissive (आज्ञाकारी): Willing to obey someone without arguing or questioning.
• Example: He has a submissive attitude towards his authority figures, rarely questioning their decisions.
• Flattering (चापलूसी): Complimenting someone excessively, often to gain their favor.
• Example: The salesperson's flattering comments convinced her to buy the product.
• Senile (वृद्ध या बूढ़ा): Showing a decline in mental faculties due to old age.
• Example: The senile man often forgot where he had kept his belongings.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e., Stimulating.

Key Points

• The word "Soporific" means something that tends to induce drowsiness or sleep. (नींद लाने वाला)
• Example: The professor's lecture was so soporific that many students struggled to stay awake.
• "Stimulating" refers to something that arouses excitement, interest, or activity, often having an invigorating effect. (उत्तेजक)
• Example: The stimulating conversation kept everyone engaged well past midnight.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'soporific' is 'stimulating'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 (Stimulating).

Additional Information

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

• Drowsy (नींद से भरा हुआ): Feeling sleepy or lethargic.
• Example: After a heavy meal, John felt drowsy and decided to take a nap.
• Sleep-inducing (नींद लाने वाला): Causing or promoting sleep, similar to soporific.
• Example: The sound of rain can have a sleep-inducing effect on some people.
• Sedative (शांत करने वाली दवा): A substance or drug that calms or reduces excitement and induces sleep.
• Example: The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help the patient relax before surgery.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. "With full force or vigour".

Key Points

• The idiom "Tooth and nail" means to fight or work with full force and determination, often in a very intense or vigorous manner. (पूरी ताकत और दृढ़ता से लड़ना या काम करना।)
• Example: The students fought tooth and nail to get their demands heard by the administration.
• Explanation: The phrase symbolizes the use of all available resources (teeth and nails) to achieve a goal or to defend oneself. (यह मुहावरा हर संभव संसाधन का उपयोग करने का प्रतीक है।)
• Example: She defended her position tooth and nail against her opponents.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.

Additional Information

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

• Option 2: Without planning (बिना योजना के)
• Explanation: This suggests doing something spontaneously or without prior preparation.
• Example: They went on a trip without planning and had to face many difficulties.
• Option 3: Secretly and quietly (गुप्त रूप से और चुपचाप)
• Explanation: This refers to doing something in a secretive and silent manner.
• Example: She left the room secretly and quietly, without anyone noticing.
• Option 4: Half-heartedly (आधे मन से)
• Explanation: This refers to doing something without much enthusiasm or effort.
• Example: He completed the assignment half-heartedly, and it showed in his work.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Gain an advantage by acting before others do.

Key Points

• The idiom "Steal a march on" means to gain an advantage over someone, especially by acting before them. (किसी पर बढ़त हासिल करना, विशेष रूप से उनसे पहले कार्य करके।)
• Example: By announcing the product early, the company managed to steal a march on its competitors.
• Correct Meaning: "Gain an advantage by acting before others do" (दूसरों से पहले कार्य करके लाभ प्राप्त करना।)
• Example: The candidate stole a march on her rivals by launching her election campaign well in advance.
• Hence, the correct meaning of the idiom is Option 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Surrender unexpectedly (अचानक आत्मसमर्पण करना): To give up or yield without warning.
• Example: The army was forced to surrender unexpectedly when they ran out of supplies.
• Option 3: Betray one's allies (अपने सहयोगियों के साथ विश्वासघात करना): To act disloyally or treacherously towards someone who trusts you.
• Example: Betraying one's allies during a crucial moment can lead to disastrous consequences.
• Option 4: Escape punishment (सजा से बचना): To avoid facing consequences for wrongdoing.
• Example: The criminal managed to escape punishment due to a lack of evidence.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

The word 'Myriad' means 'a very large number'.

• The correct spelling is 'Myriad'.
• The word 'Myriad' is a noun and sometimes also used as an adjective.
• Meaning - Countless or extremely great in number.
• For Example -
• The forest was filled with a myriad of colorful birds.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Myriad' (option 1).

Additional Information

Here is why the other options are incorrect - 

• Option 2 (Myriod) - Incorrect spelling.
• Option 3 (Miriad) - Incorrect spelling.
• Option 4 (Mirriad) - Incorrect spelling.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

The correct spelling is 'Echolalia'.

• Echolalia is a term used to describe the repetition of phrases, words, or sounds that an individual hears. It is often associated with autism or other developmental disorders.
• This behavior is common in language development among children but can also persist in certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Echolalia'.

Additional Information

Explanation of Other Options:

• Echolallia, Echollalia, and Echolaliah are incorrect spellings of the word.
• Always ensure correct spelling to avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding, especially in medical and technical terms.

The correct answer is: Dissident.

Key Points

• The word "Dissident" refers to a person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. (सरकारी नीति का विरोध करने वाला व्यक्ति)
• Example: The dissident was arrested for speaking out against the government’s policies.
• Explanation: A dissident is someone who challenges or disagrees with a prevailing set of beliefs, rules, or policies. (विरोध करने वाला व्यक्ति)
• Example: Dissidents often face significant persecution in authoritarian regimes for their opposing views.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Dissident.

Additional Information

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

• Activist (सक्रिय कार्यकर्ता): A person who campaigns to bring about political or social change.
• Example: The activist worked tirelessly to raise awareness about climate change.
• Agitator (उत्तेजक व्यक्ति): Someone who stirs up public feelings or protests, often for political reasons.
• Example: The agitator incited the crowd to demand better wages.
• Atheist (नास्तिक): A person who does not believe in the existence of God.
• Example: As an atheist, he does not participate in any religious ceremonies.

The correct answer is: Arrogance.

Key Points

• The word "Arrogance" refers to an attitude of excessive self-importance, over-confidence, or a sense of superiority. (अहंकार)
• Example: His arrogance made it difficult for others to work with him, as he always dismissed their ideas.
• "Excessive self-importance or over-confidence" is the definition of arrogance. People with arrogance often underestimate others' capabilities. (अहंकार)
• Example: The manager's arrogance led to a lack of communication in the team.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Arrogance.

Additional Information

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

• Prudence (सावधानी): The quality of being cautious and wise in practical affairs.
• Example: His prudence in financial matters saved the company from bankruptcy.
• Humility (विनम्रता): The quality of being humble and not considering oneself superior to others.
• Example: Despite his success, he always treated everyone with humility.
• Modesty (शालीनता): The quality of being unassuming or moderate in one's abilities or achievements.
• Example: Her modesty was evident in how she spoke about her achievements.

The correct answer is 'thoroughgoing'.

 

Key Points

• The word "thoroughgoing" is the correct adjective and is used to describe something that is done thoroughly or comprehensively.
• It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as academic or critical writing, to emphasize the depth or completeness of an analysis or critique.
• Option 2: "through-going" and Option 3: "thorough-go" are incorrect as they are not standard collocations in the English language.
• Option 4: "go-through" is incorrect as it is not appropriate in the given context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "The article offers a thoroughgoing critique of contemporary educational paradigms."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "through-going" is not a valid English expression.
• Option 3: "thorough-go" is not used in English as a collocation or phrase.
• Option 4: "go-through" refers to the act of reviewing or examining something, which is unrelated to the intended meaning in this context.