English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The error in the sentence lies in part 2, where the verb "overlook" is incorrectly used.
• The subject of the sentence, "The report's emphasis," is singular and requires the verb to be conjugated in singular form.
• The correct verb should be "overlooks" instead of "overlook."
• Thus, the correct phrase should read: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable, overlooks the structural inequities..."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable, overlooks the structural inequities that persist in data accessibility and digital literacy across demographic and regional divides."

 

Additional Information

• Part 1: "The report's emphasis on techno-optimism, while commendable," – This part is grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 3: "that persist in data accessibility and digital literacy" – This part is also grammatically correct and does not require any changes.
• Part 4: "across demographic and regional divides." – This part of the sentence is also error-free.
• No error: This would be the correct option if there were no mistakes in the sentence, but there is an error in part 2.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

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: "Why did the editor overlook the substantial stylistic anomalies?"
• To convert to passive voice: Place the object "the substantial stylistic anomalies" at the beginning.
• Change the active verb form "did overlook" to "were overlooked" (past simple passive).
• Add the preposition "by" followed by the original subject "the editor."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "Why were the substantial stylistic anomalies overlooked by the editor?"

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Why have the substantial stylistic anomalies been overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect tense (present perfect passive).
• Option 2: "Why are the substantial stylistic anomalies being overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect tense (present continuous passive).
• Option 3: "Why did the substantial stylistic anomalies be overlooked by the editor?" – Incorrect grammar.

The correct answer is 'The farmer kept the sheep in a small pen.'.

Key Points

• Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.
• In the given sentence, "pen" means a writing instrument.
• In Option 1, "pen" means an enclosed area for keeping animals, which is a different meaning while retaining the same spelling and pronunciation.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 use "pen" in the same sense as the highlighted word (a writing instrument).

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Passive voice structure: The subject of the active voice sentence becomes the object in the passive voice sentence, and the object becomes the subject.
• In the given passive sentence, the subject "confidential data" is being acted upon, and the action is performed by "insiders."
• To convert to active voice: "Insiders" should become the subject of the sentence, and the verb should reflect the original meaning while maintaining grammatical correctness.
• The phrase "has been alleged" indicates that the action is alleged, which should be retained in the active voice sentence.
• Thus, the correct active voice transformation is: "Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Insiders were allegedly leaking confidential data within the firm."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Insiders were leaking confidential data within the firm." – This does not convey the alleged nature of the action.
• Option 2: "Confidential data had been leaked by insiders, it is alleged." – This is still in passive voice and does not meet the requirement.
• Option 4: "The firm was allegedly leaking insider data." – This is incorrect as it changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage defines groupthink as a situation where the desire for unanimity overrides critical evaluation of alternatives.
• It leads to suppression of dissent and discourages opposing viewpoints.
• This results in flawed decision-making due to lack of critical scrutiny.
• Thus, the core idea is valuing consensus over critique.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "Group thinking... is a psychological phenomenon wherein the desire for unanimity within a group overrides the motivation to appraise alternative viewpoints critically."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Collaborative brainstorming – This implies open idea-sharing, which is opposite of groupthink.
• Option 3: Trusting only experts – The passage does not restrict decision-making to experts.
• Option 4: Promoting decentralization – No such concept is discussed in relation to groupthink.
• Correct Option (2) – Directly reflects the passage’s explanation of prioritizing consensus over critical thinking.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage states that the roots of conformity lie in an evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging.
• Historically, deviation from the group was associated with survival risks.
• This led to the development of an instinct for tribal survival, encouraging individuals to conform.
• Thus, social conformity is driven by this deep-rooted evolutionary survival mechanism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Psychologically, the roots of group conformity lie in our evolutionary inclination toward tribal belonging, where deviation was historically associated with survival risk."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Hunger for dominance – The passage does not link conformity to dominance instincts.
• Option 2: Need for speed – No such evolutionary trait is discussed in the passage.
• Option 4: Desire for luxury – This is unrelated to evolutionary psychology or conformity in the passage.
• Correct Option (3) – Directly aligns with the passage’s explanation of tribal survival instinct.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly mentions the Challenger space shuttle disaster as a textbook example of groupthink.
• It highlights how flawed decision-making due to suppressed dissent can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
• Along with the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Challenger disaster is cited as a real-world consequence.
• Thus, the correct answer aligns directly with the example provided in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger space shuttle disaster are frequently cited as textbook examples of decisions marred by groupthink."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Cold War treaty signing – Not mentioned in the passage as an example of groupthink.
• Option 3: Brexit vote – Although a major event, it is not cited in the passage.
• Option 4: The Dot-com crash – This economic event is not linked to groupthink in the passage.
• Correct Option (2) – Directly stated in the passage as a consequence of groupthink.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states that algorithms reinforce conformity by creating information bubbles that validate existing beliefs.
• These echo chambers filter out divergent viewpoints, limiting exposure to alternative perspectives.
• This selective exposure strengthens existing biases, leading individuals to align more closely with dominant opinions.
• Hence, digital media reinforces conformity through curated echo chambers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Algorithms reinforce conformity by curating information bubbles that validate existing biases while filtering out divergent thought."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: By removing controversial content – The passage does not mention removal of content as a mechanism of conformity.
• Option 2: By presenting data in charts – No reference is made to data presentation formats influencing conformity.
• Option 4: By enabling anonymous posts – The passage does not discuss anonymity as a factor in reinforcing conformity.
• Correct Option (3) – Clearly aligns with the passage’s mention of curated echo chambers as the reinforcing mechanism.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage clearly suggests institutionalizing dissent as a remedy to groupthink.
• It emphasizes that constructive disagreement acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision.
• Encouraging counterarguments helps in achieving more balanced and resilient decision-making.
• Thus, promoting constructive dissent is identified as the key solution.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "Constructive disagreement, when encouraged within teams or communities, acts as an intellectual safeguard against tunnel vision."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Hiring more senior leaders – The passage does not suggest leadership expansion as a solution.
• Option 2: Mandating compliance – This would reinforce conformity, not reduce it.
• Option 4: Expanding digital networks – The passage links digital platforms with echo chambers, not solutions.
• Correct Option (3) – Directly aligns with the passage’s emphasis on encouraging dissent.

The correct answer is 'that I take the medicine'.

 

Key Points

• The verb "insisted" is generally followed by the structure "that + subject + base verb."
• In this case, the correct structure is "She insisted that I take the medicine."
• Options 2, 3, and 4 are grammatically incorrect because they do not follow the correct verb structure.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "She insisted that I take the medicine."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "me that I take medicine" is incorrect because the pronoun "me" is wrongly placed before the clause.
• Option 3: "me taking the medicine" is incorrect because it does not follow the correct structure after "insisted."
• Option 4: "to take medicine by me" is incorrect because it uses a passive construction that is unnatural in this context.

The correct answer is 'where he is hiding'.

 

Key Points

• The correct construction of the sentence is "where he is hiding" because the verb "is hiding" correctly follows the subject "he."
• The phrase "where is he hiding" is incorrect because it uses an unnecessary inversion, which is only used in questions, not in statements.
• Options 1, 2, and 4 are grammatically incorrect in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "No one knows where he is hiding."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "where is he hide" is incorrect because "hide" is not in the correct tense or form.
• Option 2: "where he is hiding at" is incorrect because "at" is redundant and unnecessary in this context.
• Option 4: "where he has hidden is" is incorrect because it creates an awkward and ungrammatical sentence structure.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Indirect Speech: He said that he was not feeling well.
• Key Conversions:
• "I am not feeling well" becomes "he was not feeling well"
• Pronoun "I" is converted to "he" to match the third-person perspective of indirect speech.
• Verb tense "am" is changed to "was" to reflect the past tense in reported speech.
• Punctuation and Format:
• Quotation marks are removed in indirect speech.
• The reporting clause "He said that" introduces the reported speech.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "He said that he was not feeling well."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "He said that he is not feeling well."
• Incorrect tense: "is" should be "was" to match the past reporting verb "said."
• Option 3: "He said that he didn't felt well."
• Incorrect grammar: "didn't felt" should be "didn't feel" to follow proper verb structure.
• Option 4: "He said he not feeling well."
• Missing auxiliary verb: "he not feeling well" should be "he was not feeling well."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Indirect Speech: The manager told the staff that deadlines must be followed strictly.
• Key Conversions:
• "Deadlines must be followed strictly" remains unchanged.
• The statement is in present tense and does not require modification in direct speech.
• Reporting verb:
• Indirect: "The manager told the staff"
• Converted to: "said the manager" to match direct speech format.
• Punctuation and Format:
• Direct speech is enclosed in quotation marks.
• Starts with a capital letter "Deadlines" and ends with a period "."
• Reporting clause follows the quoted speech, starting with a lowercase letter after the comma.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Deadlines must be followed strictly," said the manager.

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "You should follow deadlines strictly," said the manager.
• Changes "must" to "should," altering the level of obligation conveyed in the original sentence.
• Option 3: "Follow deadlines strictly," the manager said.
• Changes the tone from a statement to an imperative command.
• Option 4: "Deadlines are to be followed," said the manager.
• Alters the original sentence structure, losing the emphasis on "strictly."

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• The passage begins with collecting data through various channels.
• Sentence 4 is the first sentence as it introduces the process of data collection:
• "The data was collected through various channels."
• Sentence 1 follows as it describes the analysis of the collected data:
• "The team analyzed the survey data."
• Sentence 3 is the third sentence as it details the creation of a targeted marketing campaign:
• "A targeted marketing campaign was created."
• Sentence 2 is the fourth as it explains how insights were used to improve the customer experience:
• "Insights were used to improve the customer experience."
• The correct sequence is 4-1-3-2.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The data was collected through various channels. The team analyzed the survey data. A targeted marketing campaign was created. Insights were used to improve the customer experience."

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The paragraph begins by introducing the broader context of Earth’s climate and its influencing factors.
• Sentence 2 is the first sentence as it introduces the central topic:
• "The long-term variations in Earth's climate are influenced by a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors."
• Sentence 1 follows as it elaborates on the natural factors that influence the climate:
• "These factors include the amount of sunlight received, the composition of the atmosphere, and the Earth's orbit."
• Sentence 4 is next as it explains how these factors collectively affect the Earth’s energy balance:
• "Together, these elements determine the planet's overall energy balance and, consequently, its average temperature."
• Sentence 3 comes last as it introduces the significant role of anthropogenic factors:
• "The most significant anthropogenic factor is the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities."
• The correct sequence is 2, 1, 4, 3.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"The long-term variations in Earth's climate are influenced by a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. These factors include the amount of sunlight received, the composition of the atmosphere, and the Earth's orbit. Together, these elements determine the planet's overall energy balance and, consequently, its average temperature. The most significant anthropogenic factor is the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities."

The correct answer is: Sarcastic.

Key Points

• The word "Caustic" means sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way, or capable of burning, corroding, or destroying organic tissue by chemical action. (तीखा, कटु, या जलाने वाला)
• Example: Her caustic comments about his work left him feeling insulted.
• "Sarcastic" refers to using irony to mock or convey contempt. (व्यंग्यात्मक)
• Example: He made a sarcastic remark about her punctuality, knowing she was always late.
• Hence, the word "caustic" aligns closely with "sarcastic" in terms of its meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Sarcastic.

Additional Information

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

• Kind (दयालु): Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.
• Example: She is always kind to animals and takes care of stray dogs.
• Mild (हल्का): Not severe, serious, or harsh.
• Example: The weather today is mild, perfect for a picnic.
• Gentle (कोमल): Having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament.
• Example: He gave her a gentle push to signal that it was her turn to speak.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The idiom "Make no bones about it" means to be direct, clear, and honest about something without hesitation or ambiguity. (स्पष्ट और ईमानदार होना)
• Example: He made no bones about his dislike for the new policy and spoke openly against it.
• It is used when someone expresses their thoughts or opinions in a straightforward manner without sugar-coating their words. (बिना झिझक या संकोच के अपनी बात रखना)

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: To hesitate before speaking (बोलने से पहले झिझकना): Refers to being uncertain or pausing before expressing thoughts.
• Example: He hesitated before speaking in the meeting, unsure of how his ideas would be received.
• Option 2: To remain neutral (निष्पक्ष रहना): Refers to not taking sides in a conflict or argument.
• Example: The mediator remained neutral throughout the discussion to resolve the dispute.
• Option 4: To confuse the listener (श्रोता को भ्रमित करना): Refers to speaking in a way that creates misunderstanding or lack of clarity.
• Example: His vague explanation confused the listener and led to further questions.

The correct answer is: Enduring.

Key Points

• The word "Evanescent" means something that is fleeting, vanishing, or lasting only for a very short time. (क्षणिक/अस्थायी)
• Example: The evanescent beauty of a sunset leaves us in awe, even though it lasts only a few moments.
• "Enduring" refers to something that is lasting, permanent, or continuing over time despite challenges or changes. (स्थायी)
• Example: His love for music is enduring, having lasted throughout his entire life.
• Hence, we can conclude that the opposite of 'Evanescent' is 'Enduring'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Enduring.

Additional Information

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

• Ephemeral (क्षणभंगुर): Something that lasts for a very short period of time.
• Example: The joy of winning the lottery was ephemeral, as money brought its own challenges.
• Transient (क्षणिक): Something that is temporary or short-lived.
• Example: The transient nature of the spring bloom makes it even more precious.
• Fleeting (क्षणिक): Something that passes quickly or is momentary.
• Example: She caught a fleeting glimpse of the bird before it disappeared into the forest.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'Inadvertant'.

• The correct spelling would be 'Inadvertent'.
• The word 'Inadvertent' is an adjective which means 'not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning'. (असावधान)
• For Example -
• An inadvertent administrative error caused confusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Inadvertant'.

Additional Information

Let's understand the meanings of the other marked words - 

• Avaricious - having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain (लोभी)
• Temerarious - recklessly or presumptuously daring (अधीर)
• Penitent - feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong (पश्चातापी)

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

The misspelled word is 'Prophyroblastic'.

• The correct spelling would be 'Porphyroblastic'.
• The word 'Porphyroblastic' refers to a metamorphic texture characterized by large crystals (called porphyroblasts) within a finer-grained matrix.
• Porphyroblasts are formed during the metamorphism of rocks and can include minerals like garnet, staurolite, or kyanite.

Therefore, the correct answer would be 'Porphyroblastic'.

Additional Information

Other options and their details - 

• Option 1: Prophyroblastic - This is an incorrect spelling and does not refer to any known geological term.
• Option 3: Porfyrblastic - This is also an incorrect spelling.
• Option 4: Porphyroblastik - This is a misspelling and not a recognized term.