English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: Random.

Key Points

• The word "haphazard" means something that is done in a disorderly, unplanned, or random manner. (बिना योजना के, अव्यवस्थित)
• Example: The books were thrown on the table in a haphazard manner.
• "Random" refers to something occurring without a specific pattern, order, or purpose. (बिना क्रम या उद्देश्य के)
• Example: The teacher picked a student at random to answer the question.
• Hence, we can infer that the synonym of 'haphazard' is 'random'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Random.

Additional Information

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

• Organized (संगठित): Something that is arranged or planned in a systematic and orderly way.
• Example: The files were neatly organized in alphabetical order.
• Intentional (जानबूझकर): Something that is done deliberately or on purpose.
• Example: His actions were intentional and aimed at solving the issue.
• Planned (योजना बनाई हुई): Something that is carefully thought out or prearranged.
• Example: The event was well-planned and executed flawlessly.

The correct answer is: Option 3 (Contempt).

Key Points

• The word "Reverence" means deep respect or admiration for someone or something. (गहरा सम्मान या आदर)
• Example: The students showed great reverence for their teacher by standing up when she entered the room.
• "Contempt" refers to a feeling of disdain or lack of respect for something or someone considered worthless or inferior. (अवमानना या तिरस्कार)
• Example: She looked at the poorly written essay with utter contempt.
• Hence, the antonym of 'Reverence' is 'Contempt'.

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

Additional Information

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

• Respect (सम्मान): A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
• Example: The young boy had immense respect for his father’s hard work.
• Devotion (भक्ति): Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.
• Example: Her devotion to her family was evident in everything she did.
• Worship (पूजा): The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.
• Example: They gathered at the temple for worship every Sunday.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. "Greatly inferior to".

Key Points

• The idiom "Not fit to hold a candle to" means to be greatly inferior to someone or something in terms of quality, ability, or value. (किसी के तुलना में बहुत ही हीन होना)
• Example: The new artist is talented, but he’s not fit to hold a candle to the legendary painter.
• "Greatly inferior to" refers to being significantly less capable, valuable, or impressive in comparison to another. (काफी कमतर होना)
• Example: His cooking skills are greatly inferior to those of a professional chef.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Excellent in comparison (तुलना में उत्कृष्ट): Refers to being significantly better than something or someone else.
• Example: His performance was excellent in comparison to his previous attempts.
• Option 2: Similar in ability (क्षमता में समान): Refers to two or more things or people having comparable levels of ability.
• Example: The two athletes are similar in ability and often compete against each other.
• Option 4: Superior to in some aspects (कुछ मामलों में श्रेष्ठ): Refers to being better in certain specific areas or qualities.
• Example: This smartphone is superior to its competitors in terms of battery life.

The correct answer is: Dusky.

Key Points

• The word "Incandescent" means emitting light as a result of being heated, or something that is glowing and extremely bright. It can also refer to someone being passionate or brilliant in their work or expression. (प्रज्वलित, चमकीला)
• Example: The incandescent light bulb illuminated the room beautifully.
• "Dusky" refers to something that is dim, shadowy, or lacking brightness. It describes a darker or muted tone. (अंधकारमय, धुंधला)
• Example: The dusky evening sky was a prelude to the approaching night.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Incandescent' is 'Dusky'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Dusky.

Additional Information

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

• Resplendent (दीप्तिमान): Shining brilliantly; characterized by a glowing splendor.
• Example: She looked resplendent in her golden wedding dress.
• Glistening (चमकता हुआ): Reflecting a sparkling or shimmering light.
• Example: The morning dew was glistening on the grass under the sunlight.
• Fulgent (चमकदार): Dazzlingly bright or radiant.
• Example: The fulgent sun at noon made it hard to look directly at the sky.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

The correct spelling of the lab toxicity assay term is 'Cytotoxicity'.

• 'Cytotoxicity' refers to the quality of being toxic to cells.
• It is a critical term used in laboratory settings to describe the adverse effects of substances on cellular health and viability.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Cytotoxicity'.

Additional Information

Explanation of incorrect options:

• Cytotoxisity: Incorrect spelling, the correct term is 'Cytotoxicity'.
• Cytotoxicety: Incorrect spelling, the correct term is 'Cytotoxicity'.
• Cytotoxcity: Incorrect spelling, the correct term is 'Cytotoxicity'.

The correct answer is: Stoic.

Key Points

• The word "Stoic" refers to a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. (दुःख या सुख में समान रहने वाला व्यक्ति)
• Example: Despite the harsh criticism, she remained stoic and continued to perform her duties with determination.
• The meaning of "indifferent to pain or pleasure" aligns perfectly with the word "Stoic." (दुःख और सुख के प्रति उदासीनता)
• Example: He faced the challenges of life with a stoic demeanor, never letting his emotions get in the way.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Stoic.

Additional Information

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

• Apathetic (उदासीन): Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Example: The student was apathetic towards extracurricular activities and focused solely on academics.
• Ascetic (साधु जैसा): A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
• Example: The monk lived an ascetic life in the mountains, far from the luxuries of the city.
• Hedonist (भोगवादी): A person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life.
• Example: He was known as a hedonist who spent all his time seeking enjoyment and indulgence.

The correct answer is: Charlatan.

Key Points

• The word "Charlatan" refers to a person who pretends to have knowledge or skills they do not actually possess, often to deceive others. (ढोंगी / ठग)
• Example: The so-called doctor turned out to be a charlatan, with no real medical training.
• "Pretends" signifies acting falsely to appear knowledgeable or skillful. (दिखावा करना / झूठा अभिनय करना)
• Example: He pretended to know everything about the subject but was quickly exposed as a fraud.
• Hence, we can conclude that "One who pretends to have knowledge or skills" is best described as a "Charlatan".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Charlatan.

Additional Information

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

• Savante (विद्वान): A learned person, especially one with specialized knowledge in a particular subject.
• Example: The savante shared his insights on quantum physics at the conference.
• Virtuoso (प्रवीण कलाकार): A person highly skilled in a particular art, especially music.
• Example: The pianist was a virtuoso, mesmerizing the audience with his performance.
• Connoisseur (पारखी): An expert judge in matters of taste, such as food, art, or wine.
• Example: He is a connoisseur of fine wines and can identify the region of origin by taste alone.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. clean out.

Key Points

• The word "clean out" means to remove everything from inside a space or container, typically to tidy it up or make room for something else. (अंदर से साफ करना)
• Example: I need to clean out my closet to make space for new clothes.
• In the given sentence, "We need to ____ the old files before moving the new ones," the correct word is "clean out" because it involves removing old files completely to make way for the new ones. (अंदर से साफ करना)
• Example: Before the new project begins, the team has to clean out the old documents.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 - clean out.

Additional Information

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

• Clear off (हटा देना): To leave a place quickly or to remove something from a surface.
• Example: The teacher told the students to clear off their desks before the exam.
• Wipe over (साफ़ करना): To clean a surface quickly and lightly, usually with a cloth.
• Example: She wiped over the kitchen counter after cooking dinner.
• Go over (जांच करना): To review or examine something carefully.
• Example: Let's go over the presentation one more time before the meeting.

The correct answer is 'scrutiny'.

 

Key Points

• The word "scrutiny" refers to close and critical examination.
• The sentence suggests that the theory has been examined and reinterpreted in light of recent discoveries, which aligns with the meaning of "scrutiny."
• Option 2 ("sanction") is incorrect because it refers to approval or authorization, which does not fit the context.
• Option 3 ("insinuation") is incorrect because it refers to an indirect suggestion, which does not fit the context.
• Option 4 ("subversion") is incorrect because it refers to the act of undermining something, which is not relevant here.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "In light of recent discoveries, the theory has been subject to rigorous scrutiny and reinterpretation."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "sanction" does not convey the idea of critical examination or reinterpretation.
• Option 3: "insinuation" is unrelated to the context of rigorous analysis.
• Option 4: "subversion" does not fit the context of the sentence, as it refers to undermining authority or structures.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the incorrect use of the word "efforts" with "Much."
• The word "Much" is used with uncountable nouns, whereas "efforts" is a plural countable noun.
• The correct word to use here is "Many" instead of "Much."
• Thus, the error is located in part 1 of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Many efforts have been made by the development team to reduce the application's loading time without compromising features."

 

Additional Information

• Part 2: "by the development team" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 3: "to reduce the application's loading time" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 4: "without compromising features" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Passive voice structure: The object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
• In the active voice, the sentence is: "The professor could have been explaining differential topology for hours."
• To convert to passive voice: Place the object "differential topology" at the beginning.
• Change the active verb form "could have been explaining" to "could have been being explained" (past modal passive).
• Add the preposition "by" followed by the original subject "the professor."
• Ensure the time phrase "for hours" remains at the end of the sentence for clarity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Differential topology could have been being explained for hours by the professor."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Differential topology could have be being explained for hours by the professor." – Incorrect form of "be" and "being."
• Option 2: "Differential topology could have explained for hours by the professor." – Missing "been" and "being" to form the passive structure.
• Option 4: "Differential topology could have had been been explained for hours by the professor." – Redundant use of "had been been."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The phrase "Rarely if ever have there been a time" contains an error in subject-verb agreement.
• The singular subject "a time" should be paired with the singular verb "has" instead of the plural verb "have."
• The correct phrase should be "Rarely if ever has there been a time."
• Thus, the error is located in part 1 of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Rarely if ever has there been a time when dissent was met with such institutional disregard as in the present administration."

 

Additional Information

• Part 2: "when dissent was met" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 3: "with such institutional disregard" – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 4: "as in the present administration." – This part of the sentence is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The word "sconce" in the context of the sentence refers to a bracket fixed to a wall for holding a candle or torch. (दीवार पर लगा हुआ मोमबत्ती या मशाल रखने का ब्रैकेट)
• Example: The antique sconce in the living room was a family heirloom.
• The homonym of "sconce" is also a term used to describe a penalty or fine imposed on a student for a breach of college rules or traditions. (छात्र को परंपरा या नियम तोड़ने पर लगाया गया जुर्माना)
• Example: The rowdy student was sconced for his disruptive behavior during the lecture.
• Hence, the sentence in Option 2, "The student was sconced for violating tradition," uses the homonym of the word "sconce" in a different context.

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: The thief smashed the wall sconce and fled.

This sentence refers to a "sconce" as a wall fixture for holding a light or torch. (दीवार पर लगा हुआ प्रकाश उपकरण)

• Example: The wall sconce gave the room a warm and inviting glow.
• Option 3: The bronze sconce was engraved with floral motifs.

This also uses "sconce" in the sense of a decorative wall bracket for lighting. (दीवार पर लगा सजावटी प्रकाश उपकरण)

• Example: The designer chose a bronze sconce to match the vintage decor.
• Option 4: The hallway featured a new LED sconce.

This sentence again refers to a "sconce" as a lighting fixture. (दीवार पर लगा हुआ एलईडी प्रकाश उपकरण)

• Example: The LED sconce illuminated the dark corner of the hallway perfectly.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Passive voice structure: The object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
• In the given passive voice sentence: "The documents had been submitted by the assistant before the deadline," the subject of the active voice sentence is the assistant.
• To convert this sentence into active voice, the structure changes to: "The assistant had submitted the documents before the deadline."
• The verb form "had been submitted" (past perfect passive) is converted to "had submitted" (past perfect active).
• The object "the documents" follows the verb, and the time phrase "before the deadline" remains unchanged.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The assistant had submitted the documents before the deadline."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "The assistant submits the documents before the deadline." – Incorrect tense (present simple active).
• Option 2: "The assistant had submitted the documents before the deadline." – Correct conversion (past perfect active).
• Option 3: "The assistant was submitting the documents before the deadline." – Incorrect tense (past continuous active).
• Option 4: "The assistant is submitting the documents before the deadline." – Incorrect tense (present continuous active).

The correct answer is 'senior to'.

 

Key Points

• The word senior is always followed by the preposition to when comparing two people or entities.
• The use of than is incorrect in this context as it is not the correct preposition for the word senior.
• Options 1, 2, and 3 are grammatically incorrect and do not follow standard usage of the word senior.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "She is senior to me in college."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "is more senior than" is incorrect because the word "senior" does not require the qualifier "more" and is not followed by "than."
• Option 2: "is senior from" is incorrect because "senior" is not followed by "from."
• Option 3: "is elder than" is incorrect because "elder" is used for familial relationships, not professional or academic rankings.

The correct answer is 'where the book was kept'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence is about the location of the book, and it requires proper word order for indirect speech or a question in reported form.
• The correct structure is "where the book was kept" as it follows the subject-verb-object order for indirect speech.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 are grammatically incorrect:
• Option 2: "where was the book" is incorrect because it's a direct question structure, not suitable for this context.
• Option 3: "where did the book kept" is incorrect as "did" cannot be followed by a past participle.
• Option 4: "where the book has kept" is incorrect because "has" requires the past participle form of the verb, which is missing.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "He did not know where the book was kept."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "where was the book" is incorrect because it uses direct question syntax, which is not suitable here.
• Option 3: "where did the book kept" is incorrect because the auxiliary "did" cannot be followed by a past participle.
• Option 4: "where the book has kept" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form would be "has been kept" if present perfect tense were intended.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Option 1: Lack of infrastructure
• This is mentioned as a challenge, but it is not the central paradox. The paradox lies in the gap between access and usage.
• Option 2: Overreliance on technology
• This is discussed in the passage (biometric/OTP reliance), but it is not framed as the main paradox of financial inclusion.
• Option 3: Access without actual usage
• This can be inferred. The passage highlights that although rural populations have accounts and access to schemes, many remain dormant users due to illiteracy, socio-cultural barriers, and lack of trust. Thus, access does not equal utility.
• Option 4: Excess of digital banking
• This cannot be inferred. The passage mentions digital expansion but does not describe it as excessive; rather, it critiques the lack of comprehension accompanying digital penetration.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect because infrastructure is a challenge but not the paradox.
• Option 2: Incorrect because reliance on technology is noted, but the paradox is broader.
• Option 3: Correct because the paradox is that access exists but actual usage and participation remain limited.
• Option 4: Incorrect because digital banking expansion is not described as excessive, but as incomplete without literacy.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Option 1: Due to strict documentation
• This is mentioned as a barrier for some beneficiaries, especially women, but it is not the main reason for the persistence of informal credit systems.
• Option 2: Trust and familiarity of local lenders
• This can be inferred. The passage explains that local moneylenders, despite being exploitative, persist because they offer immediacy and familiarity—qualities often missing in formal banking processes. This trust and accessibility make them more appealing to rural borrowers.
• Option 3: Higher interest rates attract borrowers
• This cannot be inferred. Higher interest rates are exploitative, not attractive, and the passage does not suggest they draw borrowers in.
• Option 4: Government incentives are unavailable
• This cannot be inferred. The passage does not mention government incentives as a factor in the persistence of informal credit systems.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect because documentation issues affect access but do not explain the persistence of informal credit.
• Option 2: Correct because trust, immediacy, and familiarity with local lenders make them more reliable in the eyes of rural borrowers.
• Option 3: Incorrect because higher interest rates are exploitative, not attractive.
• Option 4: Incorrect because government incentives are not discussed as a factor in the passage.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Option 1: Patriarchal social norms
• This does contribute to dormant accounts. The passage notes that patriarchal norms often discourage or control women’s interactions with banking services.
• Option 2: Digital illiteracy
• This does contribute. The passage highlights that many rural account holders remain dormant users due to lack of digital literacy.
• Option 3: Mobile network expansion
• This does not contribute. In fact, mobile banking and digital expansion are described as enablers of access, not as causes of dormancy. The issue lies in comprehension and usage, not expansion itself.
• Option 4: Lack of financial literacy
• This does contribute. The passage stresses that biometric or OTP access cannot substitute for financial literacy, which is essential for active usage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect because patriarchal norms are explicitly mentioned as barriers.
• Option 2: Incorrect because digital illiteracy is a major factor in dormant accounts.
• Option 3: Correct because mobile network expansion is not a cause of dormancy; it increases access, though usage depends on literacy and trust.
• Option 4: Incorrect because lack of financial literacy is clearly identified as a contributor to dormant accounts.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Option 1: Mobile payments are fast
• This cannot be inferred. The passage does not critique the speed of mobile payments; it focuses on deeper issues of literacy and usage.
• Option 2: Biometrics ensure security
• This cannot be inferred. The passage mentions biometrics but does not critique their security aspect; instead, it critiques their role as substitutes for literacy.
• Option 3: OTPs can replace financial education
• This can be inferred. The author explicitly criticizes the assumption that a biometric fingerprint or one-time password could substitute for financial literacy, calling it naïve.
• Option 4: Rural people distrust technology
• This cannot be inferred. The passage highlights trust deficits in formal institutions, not a blanket distrust of technology by rural populations.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect because speed of mobile payments is not critiqued.
• Option 2: Incorrect because biometrics are not criticized for security but for being seen as substitutes for literacy.
• Option 3: Correct because the passage directly calls the assumption that OTPs or biometrics can replace financial literacy “naïve.”
• Option 4: Incorrect because distrust of technology is not mentioned; the issue is inefficiency and lack of comprehension in formal systems.