English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is 'Option 2' 

Key Points

• The sentence follows an emphatic or cleft structure beginning with It was.
• In such constructions the correct conjunction used is that not where.
• The correct structure is It was + place or time + that + clause.
• Hence the error lies in part 2 where where should be replaced with that.

Correct sentence: It was at the summit in Vienna that the treaty was officially ratified thereby bringing to an end decades of political uncertainty in the region.

Additional Information

• Cleft Sentences
• Structure: It is or was + emphasized element + that + remaining clause.
• Example: It was the manager that approved the proposal.
• Use of where
• Where is used in relative clauses referring to place.
• Example: This is the city where the conference was held.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the Past Perfect Continuous Tense which follows the structure had been + verb ing.
• To convert it into passive voice we use the structure had been being + past participle.
• The object the deal becomes the subject in the passive form.
• Hence the correct passive form is The deal had been being negotiated for months.

Correct  voice change: The deal had been being negotiated for months.

Additional Information

• Option 1 is incorrect because negotiating is not in past participle form.
• Option 3 is incorrect because has been indicates present perfect not past perfect.
• Option 4 is incorrect because was being indicates past continuous not past perfect continuous.

The correct answer is 'Option 3' i.e. 'The engineer calibrated the hydraulic fief for flow control'.

Key Points

• The word fief means an estate of land granted by a feudal lord to a vassal. (जागीर)
• Example: The king granted him a fief as a reward for his loyalty.
• A homonym is a word that has the same pronunciation but a different meaning.
• The homonym of fief is fife which means a small high pitched musical instrument. (बांसुरी जैसा वाद्य)
• Option 3 represents a different contextual meaning compared to the feudal land sense used in the original sentence.

Therefore the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Option 1 uses fief in the same feudal land meaning.
• Option 2 also refers to the same land related concept.
• Option 4 again uses fief in the historical land transfer sense.

The correct answer is 'Option 3' 

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the passive voice because the subject The possibility receives the action.
• The verb phrase was not ruled out is in passive form.
• To convert into active voice we introduce a logical subject such as someone and use the verb did not rule out.
• Option 3 correctly maintains the original meaning and tense while converting it into active voice.

Correct sentence: Someone did not rule out the possibility that the files were leaked before release.

Additional Information

• Option 1 changes the meaning because it states the leak was ruled out.
• Option 2 remains in passive voice.
• Option 4 distorts the meaning and structure of the original sentence.

The correct answer is 'Option 3' i.e. is angry with .

Key Points

• The phrase angry on is grammatically incorrect.
• When referring to a person we use the preposition with after angry.
• The correct structure is angry with someone and angry at something.
• Hence the correct sentence is The manager is angry with the clerk.

Correct sentence: The manager is angry with the clerk.

Additional Information

• Option 1 is generally used for situations or actions not directly for a person in formal grammar.
• Option 2 changes the meaning slightly though grammatically correct.
• Option 4 is used when referring to a reason not a person.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' i.e. accused of stealing .

Key Points

• The verb accuse is always followed by the preposition of.
• The correct structure is accused of + verb ing.
• Hence the grammatically correct sentence is He was accused of stealing the documents.
• Option 1 follows the correct prepositional usage and verb form.

Correct sentence: He was accused of stealing the documents.

Additional Information

• Option 2 is incorrect because accuse is not followed by to infinitive.
• Option 3 is incorrect as with is not used with accuse.
• Option 4 is incorrect because charged takes with not for and steal should be stealing.

The correct answer is Option 3: Its transformative use lies across multiple sectors.

 

Key Points

• The author emphasizes that renewable energy should not be viewed merely as a source of electricity but as a transformative force across multiple sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and industry.
• The passage highlights applications including biofuels for aviation, solar powered irrigation, industrial thermal technologies, and geothermal heating and cooling.
• It further argues that renewable energy can decentralize power structures and promote energy sovereignty, reshaping geopolitical hierarchies.
• Thus, the primary argument is that renewable energy holds transformative potential across diverse domains rather than being confined to electricity generation alone.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Interpretation: The author argues that renewable energy derives its true transformative power from its application across sectors, geographies, and social structures.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 – Incorrect because the passage explicitly extends renewable energy beyond electricity generation.
• Option 2 – Incorrect as the discussion includes wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, not just solar energy.
• Option 4 – Incorrect since the passage does not describe renewable energy as a Western innovation but as a globally transformative resource.

The correct answer is Option 2: They derive from non-edible agricultural waste.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states that second-generation biofuels are derived from agricultural waste.
• These biofuels differ from earlier variants because they use non-edible biomass rather than food crops.
• Their purpose is to help decarbonize aviation and freight transport, sectors resistant to electrification.
• Thus, their distinguishing feature is that they originate from non-edible agricultural waste.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Interpretation: Second-generation biofuels are notable because they are produced from non-edible agricultural residues rather than primary food sources.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 – Incorrect because the passage does not mention animal fats.
• Option 3 – Incorrect as petroleum additives are not discussed.
• Option 4 – Incorrect since biofuels are presented as tools for decarbonization not higher emissions.

The correct answer is Option 3: To exemplify its industrial cooling and heating utility.

 

Key Points

• The passage mentions that geothermal energy is harnessed for space heating in colder regions.
• It is also used for cooling through absorption chillers.
• This demonstrates its ability to offset conventional HVAC loads.
• Thus geothermal energy is cited to exemplify its practical utility in industrial heating and cooling applications.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Interpretation: The author refers to geothermal energy to illustrate how renewable sources extend beyond electricity into functional heating and cooling systems.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 – Incorrect because geothermal energy is presented as practical not rare or impractical.
• Option 2 – Incorrect since the political discussion appears in a broader context not specifically tied to geothermal energy.
• Option 4 – Incorrect as the passage does not focus on geothermal cost criticism.

The correct answer is Option 3: By enabling energy independence in diverse regions.

 

Key Points

• The passage explains that renewable energy challenges geopolitical hierarchies created by fossil fuel dependency.
• Unlike oil which is concentrated in specific nations renewable resources are abundant and diffuse.
• This availability enables energy sovereignty for resource scarce regions.
• Thus renewable energy reshapes global influence by promoting energy independence across diverse regions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Interpretation: The author argues that renewable energy democratizes power by reducing reliance on oil rich nations and enabling broader regional autonomy.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 – Incorrect because the passage does not focus on reducing electricity usage.
• Option 2 – Incorrect since renewable energy promotes decentralization not centralization.
• Option 4 – Incorrect because increasing oil exports would reinforce fossil fuel dominance rather than challenge it.

The correct answer is Option 2: It may repeat existing patterns of injustice.

 

Key Points

• The author warns that a hasty transition without resilient infrastructure or community consent could create problems.
• The passage explicitly states that rapid adoption may replicate the very injustices renewables aim to correct.
• Challenges such as intermittency storage limitations land use conflicts and upfront costs are highlighted as barriers.
• Thus the caution centers on avoiding the repetition of existing social and structural inequalities.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Interpretation: The author cautions that without careful planning renewable energy adoption could reproduce systemic injustices rather than eliminate them.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 – Incorrect because the passage does not claim renewables are economically unsustainable.
• Option 3 – Incorrect as fossil fuel scarcity is discussed as a cause not a consequence.
• Option 4 – Incorrect since the passage mentions employment generation rather than reduction.

The correct answer is 'Option 1'

Key Points

• The reported speech uses would have remained which indicates a third conditional structure.
• The clause had the late maestro not bequeathed is an inverted form of if the late maestro had not bequeathed.
• In converting to direct speech the tense and conditional structure remain unchanged because they already express a past hypothetical situation.
• Option 1 correctly preserves the original tense structure and meaning without grammatical distortion.

Correct sentence**:** He said, "The violin concerto would have remained fragmentary had the late maestro not bequeathed his annotated sketches."

Additional Information

• Option 2 is incorrect because the conditional clause lacks the auxiliary had.
• Option 3 is incorrect due to wrong tense formation will be remaining.
• Option 4 changes both structure and meaning and shifts to passive construction.

The correct answer is 'Option 2' i.e. She said that she had not seen him at the station .

Key Points

• The reporting verb said is in the past tense so the verb in direct speech undergoes backshift.
• The simple past tense did not see changes to had not seen in indirect speech.
• The pronoun I changes to she according to the subject of the reporting verb.
• Option 2 correctly follows the rules of tense change and pronoun shift.

Correct sentence: She said that she had not seen him at the station.

Additional Information

• Option 1 is incorrect because present perfect hasn't seen does not follow backshift rules.
• Option 3 is incorrect because didn't saw is grammatically wrong.
• Option 4 is incorrect because past continuous was not seeing changes the meaning.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'-  3, 4, 1, 2 .

Key Points

• Sentence 3 introduces the broad idea of the digital economy and new business models so it logically begins the paragraph.
• Sentence 4 provides a specific example of the platform economy to support sentence 3.
• Sentence 1 explains the underlying concept called the network effect which relates directly to platform models.
• Sentence 2 begins with Consequently showing it is the concluding result of the previously explained phenomenon.

Coherent paragraph: The digital economy has given rise to new business models that rely on the accumulation of data and the scale of their user base. A prime example is the platform economy, where companies like social media networks and ride sharing apps create value by connecting users. This phenomenon is often referred to as a network effect, where the value of a service increases with the number of its users. Consequently, they tend to dominate their respective markets, leading to the creation of powerful monopolies or oligopolies.

Additional Information

• Option 1 is incorrect because it starts with a concluding sentence.
• Option 2 is incorrect because it places the example before introducing the main idea.
• Option 4 is incorrect because it begins with an explanatory sentence rather than the main topic.

The correct answer is 'Option 1' ( 2-3-1-4)

Key Points

• Sentence 2 introduces the topic Crop rotation so it logically begins the passage.
• Sentence 3 explains what crop rotation involves which naturally follows the introduction.
• Sentence 1 begins with This referring to the process described in sentence 3.
• Sentence 4 adds another benefit and the word also shows it should come at the end.

Coherent passage: Crop rotation is a sustainable agricultural practice. It involves planting different crops sequentially on the same land. This helps prevent nutrient depletion and soil erosion. It also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Additional Information

• Option 2 is incorrect because it begins with a reference word without context.
• Option 3 is incorrect due to improper logical sequencing of explanation and benefits.
• Option 4 is incorrect because it starts with an explanatory sentence without introducing the topic.

The correct answer is 'Option 4' i.e. 'Tirade'.

Key Points

• The word "Invective" means abusive, harsh, or insulting language used to criticize someone. (कटु आलोचना / अपमानजनक भाषा)
• Example: The debate quickly turned into a stream of invective between the two rivals.
• "Tirade" refers to a long, angry speech of criticism or abuse. (कटु भाषण / तीखी फटकार)
• Example: He launched into a tirade against the unfair policies.
• Both words convey the idea of strong verbal attack or abusive criticism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Eulogy (श्रद्धांजलि): A speech or writing in praise of someone.
• Example: She delivered a heartfelt eulogy at the memorial service.
• Compliment (प्रशंसा): A polite expression of praise or admiration.
• Example: He gave her a compliment on her presentation.
• Praise (प्रशंसा): To express approval or admiration.
• Example: The teacher praised the student for her hard work.

The correct answer is 'Option(3)' i.e. 'Enthusiastic'.

Key Point 

• The word "Ebullient" means cheerful, energetic, and full of excitement. (उत्साहपूर्ण)
• Example: She gave an ebullient speech after winning the competition.
• "Enthusiastic" means showing intense and eager enjoyment or interest. (उत्साही)
• Example: The students were enthusiastic about participating in the cultural fest.
• Both words describe a lively and energetic personality filled with excitement.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Depressed (उदास): Feeling sad or low in spirit; opposite in meaning to ebullient.
• Dull (नीरस): Lacking interest or excitement.
• Calm (शांत): Peaceful and free from excitement or agitation.

The correct answer is 'Option(3)' i.e. 'Foolish'.

Key Points

• The word "Sagacious" means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise. (बुद्धिमान)
• Example: The sagacious leader made decisions that benefited the entire community.
• "Foolish" means lacking good sense or judgment; unwise. (मूर्ख)
• Example: It was foolish of him to ignore the warning signs.
• Since “sagacious” refers to wisdom and sound judgment, its opposite is someone who lacks wisdom.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Insightful (सूझबूझ वाला): Showing deep understanding; similar in meaning to sagacious.
• Wise (बुद्धिमान): Having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Prudent (विवेकपूर्ण): Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

The correct answer is 'Option(4)' i.e. 'Deep frustration or resentment'.

Key Points

• The idiom "Gall and wormwood" refers to a feeling of extreme bitterness, resentment, or deep frustration. (तीव्र कटुता या रोष)
• Example: His defeat in the election filled him with gall and wormwood.
• "Deep frustration or resentment" means intense bitterness or anger caused by disappointment or injustice. (गहरी निराशा या द्वेष)
• Example: She spoke with deep frustration after being unfairly criticized.
• Both expressions convey a strong sense of bitterness and emotional pain.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4. 

Additional Information

• Lingering curiosity (लंबे समय तक बनी रहने वाली जिज्ञासा): Continuing interest or desire to know something.
• Harmless envy (निर्दोष ईर्ष्या): Mild jealousy without harmful intent.
• Sudden realization or enlightenment (अचानक समझ या ज्ञान प्राप्ति): A quick understanding or awareness of something.

The correct answer is 'Option(3)' i.e. 'Noble'.

Key Points

• The word "Noble" refers to a person belonging to a high social rank or aristocracy; a person of high title. (कुलीन / उच्च पद वाला)
• Example: The noble was respected for his generosity and leadership.
• "Noble" is the correct spelling that conveys the meaning of a person of high rank or title. (कुलीन)
• Example: In medieval times, nobles held important positions in the kingdom.
• The other options are incorrect spellings or different words with different meanings.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Nobble (धोखा देना / रिश्वत देना): Means to cheat or bribe someone.
• Noblie (गलत वर्तनी): Incorrect spelling; no valid meaning in English.
• Nobel (नोबेल (नाम)): Refers to Alfred Nobel or the Nobel Prize; not related to social rank.