English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '1' i.e. told me .

Key Points

• The verb “tell” is typically followed directly by the object (the person being told) without a preposition. Hence, "told to me" is incorrect.
• The correct phrasing would be “told me”, as it directly addresses the person being told.
• Other options like "told for me", "said to me", or "has told to me" are either grammatically incorrect or do not fit the context.

Correct sentence: She told me the news.

Additional Information

• Difference between "tell" and "say":
• Tell: Always requires an object (the person being told). Example: She told me the news.
• Say: Does not require an object (but can use "to" before the object). Example: She said the news to me.
• Common Usage:
• Use "tell" for giving information directly to someone.
• Use "say" for expressing words or speech.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. is suitable for this task.

Key Points

• The sentence begins with Neither of the options, which refers to two options collectively and takes a singular verb. Hence, the verb "is" is correct.
• The preposition "for" is appropriate when describing suitability for a task or purpose.
• Option 2, "is suitable for this task", is grammatically correct and fits the context of the sentence.

Correct sentence: Neither of the options is suitable for this task.

Additional Information

• When using neither, the verb agreement depends on the context. If referring to two singular nouns collectively, a singular verb is required.
• For example:
• Correct: Neither of the students is participating in the event.
• Incorrect: Neither of the students are participating in the event.
• The preposition "for" is commonly used to indicate suitability or purpose.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The passage emphasizes that without the "reciprocal pillar of responsibility," freedoms can "degenerate into chaos, polarization, or authoritarian backlashes."
• It specifically mentions that unbridled freedom can "undermine democratic resilience" and lead to the "viral spread of unverified news" or the "weaponization" of expression for hate speech.
• The author argues that when freedom is divorced from responsibility, institutions become vulnerable to erosion and can become a "vehicle of division."
• This clearly points to Option 3, as the result is misuse of rights and harm to the social fabric.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

Relevant Quote: "In the absence of responsibility, freedom risks transforming from a catalyst of justice into a vehicle of division."

Additional Information

• Option 1: The passage suggests that responsibility requires more than just legal compliance; it doesn't say irresponsible freedom enhances the system.
• Option 2: Irresponsible freedom is described as leading to "polarization" and "division," which is the opposite of strengthening unity.
• Option 4: The passage notes that demagogues rise and institutions erode when freedom is used irresponsibly, which actively harms governance.

The correct answer is: Option 2. The author mentions protests and voting to illustrate examples where the coexistence of freedom and responsibility is crucial for effective public participation in a democratic society.

The correct answer is: Citizens play an active role in sustaining democracy.

This is correct because democratic institutions rely on active citizen participation to uphold democratic values, ensuring accountability, representation, and the preservation of rights.

The correct answer is: Crises reveal the dangers of unregulated freedom.

This option aligns with the passage's description that crises highlight the need for balancing freedom with regulation to prevent societal harm.

The correct answer is: Balanced and cautionary. The author’s tone emphasizes a thoughtful approach to freedom in democracy, reflecting awareness of its complexities and challenges rather than dismissing or overly endorsing it.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. He said, "Had market liquidity vanished entirely, the exchange would have suspended trading.".

Key Points

• The sentence provided is in reported speech and refers to a hypothetical situation in the past.
• It uses the conditional structure "Had + past participle, would have + past participle", which is typical of the third conditional.
• Option 2 retains the correct meaning and tense of the original sentence while converting it into direct speech.

Correct sentence: He said, "Had market liquidity vanished entirely, the exchange would have suspended trading.".

Additional Information

• 1^st Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Present Simple, will + base verb.
• Example: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
• Usage: Describes real or possible situations in the future with likely outcomes.
• 2^nd Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Past Simple, would + base verb.
• Example: If I were rich, I would travel the world.
• Usage: Refers to unreal or hypothetical situations in the present or future.
• 3^rd Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Past Perfect, would have + past participle.
• Example: If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
• Usage: Refers to unreal past situations and their imagined outcomes.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. He said that he was reading a book .

Key Points

• The given sentence in direct speech is: "I am reading a book."
• When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the tense of the verb changes depending on the reporting verb.
• In this case, the reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, so the present continuous tense "am reading" changes to past continuous tense "was reading".
• Option 2 correctly converts the sentence into indirect speech.

Correct sentence: He said that he was reading a book.

Additional Information

• Rules for converting Direct Speech to Indirect Speech:
• If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the verb in direct speech changes accordingly (e.g., present tense becomes past tense).
• Words indicating time and place may also change (e.g., "now" becomes "then", "today" becomes "that day").
• The structure of the sentence changes to remove quotation marks and introduce "that" (optional in some cases).
• Examples:
• Direct: She said, "I am cooking." Indirect: She said that she was cooking.
• Direct: He said, "I will call you." Indirect: He said that he would call me.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. 1-2-4-3 .

Key Points

• The question requires rearranging the given sentences to form a meaningful and coherent passage.
• The first sentence in the correct sequence is "Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources" (1), which introduces the topic.
• The second sentence is "It has a minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels" (2), which elaborates on the environmental benefits.
• The third sentence is "However, energy storage remains a significant challenge for solar energy systems" (4), which points out a challenge associated with the topic.
• The final sentence is "Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity" (3), which adds a concluding fact about the functioning of solar energy systems.

Correct sequence: 1-2-4-3.

Additional Information

• When rearranging sentences, it is crucial to identify the introductory sentence, supporting details, and the concluding statement for logical flow.
• Understanding the theme of the passage helps in determining the correct order of sentences.

The correct answer is: Stubborn (Option 3).

Key Points

• The word "Intransigent" means unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something. (अडिग/हठी)
• Example: The intransigent manager refused to negotiate with the striking employees.
• "Stubborn" refers to a person's determination not to change their mind or attitude, no matter the situation or external pressure. (ज़िद्दी)
• Example: The stubborn child refused to eat anything other than pizza for dinner.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'Intransigent' is 'Stubborn'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Stubborn (Option 3).

Additional Information

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

• Willing (इच्छुक): Ready, eager, or prepared to do something.
• Example: She was willing to help her friend with the project despite her busy schedule.
• Compliant (अनुकूल): Inclined to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree.
• Example: The compliant employee followed every company policy without question.
• Submissive (आज्ञाकारी): Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive.
• Example: The dog was submissive to its owner's commands during training sessions.

The correct answer is: Option 2 (Ugliness).

Key Points

• The word "Pulchritude" means physical beauty, especially that of a woman. (सौंदर्य)
• Example: The actress was admired for her pulchritude and grace, which made her a favorite among directors.
• "Ugliness" is the opposite of pulchritude and refers to the quality of being unpleasant or unattractive in appearance. (कुरूपता)
• Example: The old building's ugliness was evident in its peeling paint and broken windows.
• Hence, the most appropriate antonym of "Pulchritude" is "Ugliness."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (Ugliness).

Additional Information

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

• Grace (अनुग्रह): Elegance or beauty of movement, form, or expression.
• Example: She danced with such grace that the audience was mesmerized.
• Charm (आकर्षण): The power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.
• Example: His sense of humor added to his natural charm.
• Beauty (सुंदरता): A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses.
• Example: The beauty of the mountain landscape left everyone in awe.

The correct answer is: Option 2, i.e., "In a state of depression or inactivity".

Key Points

• The phrase "In the doldrums" means being in a state of depression or inactivity, where things seem stagnant and unprogressive. (निराशा या निष्क्रियता की स्थिति में होना)
• Example: After the company lost its biggest client, it has been in the doldrums for months, struggling to recover.
• Explanation of the phrase: The term "doldrums" originates from maritime terminology, referring to parts of the ocean near the equator known for calm winds, where ships would often get stuck. Figuratively, it describes a state of stagnation or low energy. (समुद्र की स्थिति को दर्शाने वाले शब्द से लिया गया है, जहां जहाज रुक जाते थे, और इसे अब स्थिरता या कम ऊर्जा की स्थिति के लिए इस्तेमाल किया जाता है।)
• Example: John felt in the doldrums after failing his exams, but his friends motivated him to try again.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2, i.e., "In a state of depression or inactivity".

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Sailing in high winds (तेज हवाओं में नौकायन): Refers to navigating a boat in strong winds, often requiring skill and effort.
• Example: The sailors were sailing in high winds to reach the shore before the storm hit.
• Option 3: On the verge of success (सफलता के कगार पर): Close to achieving success or accomplishing a goal.
• Example: After years of hard work, she was finally on the verge of success in her career.
• Option 4: Working with great energy (बहुत ऊर्जा के साथ काम करना): Describes someone putting in a lot of effort and enthusiasm into their tasks.
• Example: The team was working with great energy to meet the project deadline.

The correct answer is: Option 4 (Reclaimable).

Key Points

• The word "Incorrigible" refers to someone or something that is incapable of being corrected, improved, or reformed, often due to deeply ingrained habits. (असुधारनीय)
• Example: Despite numerous attempts to change his behavior, he remains an incorrigible liar.
• "Reclaimable" refers to something that can be recovered, restored, or rehabilitated. It is the opposite of incorrigible, as it implies the potential for improvement or change. (पुनः प्राप्त करने योग्य)
• Example: The damaged land was considered reclaimable after extensive environmental efforts.
• Hence, the most appropriate antonym of ‘Incorrigible’ is ‘Reclaimable’.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 (Reclaimable).

Additional Information

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

• Chronic (दीर्घकालिक): Refers to something that persists for a long time or constantly recurs.
• Example: She suffers from chronic back pain that requires regular treatment.
• Deep-rooted (गहराई से जुड़ा हुआ): Indicates something firmly established or ingrained over time.
• Example: The community's deep-rooted traditions are passed down through generations.
• Habitual (आदतन): Refers to something done regularly or as a habit.
• Example: He is a habitual latecomer to meetings.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The correct spelling of the drug-related word is 'hallucinogenic'.

• Option 3 'Hallucinogenic' is the correct spelling.
• The word 'hallucinogenic' is an adjective that refers to something capable of causing hallucinations.
• For Example - Certain mushrooms have hallucinogenic properties.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Hallucinogenic'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the incorrect options - 

• Option 1 'Hallucinagenic' - Incorrect spelling, as it uses 'a' instead of 'o' in the middle.
• Option 2 'Hallucinognic' - Incorrect spelling, as it omits the 'e' after 'g'.
• Option 4 'Halluscinogenic' - Incorrect spelling, as it adds an unnecessary 's' after 'u'.

The correct answer is: Option 4 (Apostate).

Key Points

• The word "Apostate" refers to a person who renounces or abandons their religious faith, principles, or allegiance. (धर्मत्यागी)
• Example: He was labeled an apostate after he publicly declared that he no longer followed the teachings of his religion.
• "Renegade" is often used to describe someone who betrays or deserts a cause, organization, or set of principles, but it does not specifically imply abandoning religious faith. (देशद्रोही)
• Example: The renegade soldier refused to follow orders and joined the opposition forces.
• Hence, the correct one-word substitution for "One who abandons his religious faith" is "Apostate."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 (Apostate).

Additional Information

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

• Renegade (देशद्रोही): Someone who deserts or betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.
• Example: The renegade politician turned against his own party to support the opposition.
• Atheist (नास्तिक): A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.
• Example: She identifies as an atheist and does not follow any religious practices.
• Heretic (विधर्मी): Someone who holds beliefs or opinions that go against the established doctrines of a religion, especially Christianity.
• Example: In the medieval period, heretics were often punished for their beliefs.

The correct answer is: Schism.

Key Points

• The word "Schism" refers to a formal division or split within a religious organization, typically due to differences in opinion or belief. (मतभेद के कारण धार्मिक संगठन में औपचारिक विभाजन)
• Example: The Great Schism of 1054 divided the Christian Church into the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches.
• "Schism" is the correct term for a separation or division within a group, especially a religious one, due to conflicting views. (विभाजन)
• Example: A schism occurred within the congregation when they could not agree on the new policies.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Schism.

Additional Information

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

• Sedition (राजद्रोह): Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.
• Example: The activists were arrested on charges of sedition for their anti-government speeches.
• Heresy (कुशिक्षा): A belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrines.
• Example: During the Middle Ages, individuals accused of heresy were often severely punished.
• Apostasy (धर्मत्याग): The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
• Example: His apostasy shocked the community when he publicly declared his rejection of the faith.

The correct answer is 'has there been'.

Key Points

• The sentence is structured as an example of inversion, which is used for emphasis, especially with negative adverbs such as "Rarely," "Never," or "Seldom."
• In such cases, the auxiliary verb comes before the subject.
• Option 1: "has there been" correctly follows this inversion rule and is grammatically accurate.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 do not follow the correct structure or tense required in the sentence, making them incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Complete Sentence: "Rarely has there been such an overwhelming consensus among critics."

Additional Information

• Option 2: "there has been" is incorrect because it does not follow the inversion rule required after "Rarely."
• Option 3: "was there" is incorrect as it changes the tense unnecessarily and does not align with the context.
• Option 4: "had been" is incorrect as it uses the past perfect tense, which is not required here.

The correct answer is 'reconcile'.

Key Points

• The verb "reconcile" means to bring together or make consistent conflicting ideas, accounts, or facts.
• In this sentence, the historian had to resolve or harmonize the contradictory accounts of the regime's collapse, which aligns with the meaning of "reconcile."
• Options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect because they do not convey the meaning of resolving or harmonizing contradictions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Complete Sentence: "Only after years of archival research did the historian manage to reconcile the contradictory accounts of the regime's collapse."

Additional Information

• Option 1: "retract" is incorrect because it means to withdraw or take back something, which does not fit the context.
• Option 2: "revise" is incorrect because it means to change or modify something, but it does not convey the idea of harmonizing contradictions.
• Option 4: "reverberate" is incorrect because it means to echo or resound, which is unrelated to the context.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The error lies in part 1 of the sentence: "Little did the committee knew."
• The phrase "Little did" is followed by the base form of the verb, not the past tense. Therefore, "knew" is incorrect.
• The correct phrase should be "Little did the committee know."
• Thus, the error is located in part 1 of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Correct Sentence: "Little did the committee know about the hidden liabilities when it approved the merger late last quarter."

Additional Information

• Part 2: "about the hidden liabilities" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 3: "when it approved the merger" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 4: "late last quarter" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• No error: – This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part 1.