English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '2' i.e. guilty .

Key Points

• The sentence incorrectly uses the phrase "declared the prisoner as guilty."
• The verb "declare" does not require the preposition "as" when followed by a complement like "guilty."
• The correct form is simply "The judge declared the prisoner guilty."

Correct sentence: The judge declared the prisoner guilty.

Additional Information

• Common Errors:
• Using "as" unnecessarily after verbs like "declare," "consider," or "appoint."
• Example of Incorrect Usage: He was declared as the winner.
• Correct Usage: He was declared the winner.
• Rule: Verbs like "declare," "appoint," and "consider" directly take their complement without the preposition "as."

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Ravi said he liked that pen .

Key Points

• The original sentence is in direct speech: Ravi said, "I like this pen."
• When converting to indirect speech, the tense of the verb changes as the reporting verb "said" is in the past tense. Thus, "like" changes to "liked."
• The demonstrative pronoun "this" changes to "that" in indirect speech.
• Option 1 correctly reflects these changes: "Ravi said he liked that pen."

Correct sentence: Ravi said he liked that pen.

Additional Information

• Changes in tense while converting direct to indirect speech:
• Present Simple → Past Simple
• Present Continuous → Past Continuous
• Present Perfect → Past Perfect
• Changes in demonstrative pronouns:
• "This" → "That"
• "These" → "Those"

The correct answer is '2' i.e. "Justice must be served at any cost," the judge said. .

Key Points

• Direct speech repeats the exact words spoken, enclosed within quotation marks.
• Indirect speech converts the quoted words into a narrative form, often making changes to pronouns, tense, and structure.
• The given sentence in indirect speech is: "The judge said that justice must be served at any cost."
• Option 2 correctly converts this into direct speech, maintaining the exact words and structure as spoken by the judge.

Correct sentence: "Justice must be served at any cost," the judge said.

Additional Information

• Indirect Speech:
• Uses a reporting verb (e.g., said, told, etc.) followed by the reported speech.
• Changes pronouns, tense, and occasionally words to suit the context.
• Example: She said that she was going to the market.
• Direct Speech:
• Repeats the exact words spoken by the speaker.
• Uses quotation marks to enclose the words.
• Example: She said, "I am going to the market."

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

Key Points

• The paragraph begins with a general statement on the challenge posed by misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms (Sentence 1).
• It then elaborates on the consequences of this challenge, highlighting the erosion of public trust and informed decision-making (Sentence 3).
• The emergence of professional fact-checking organizations is introduced as a solution to this problem (Sentence 4).
• Finally, the systematic verification process employed by these organizations is described (Sentence 2).

Correct arrangement: 1, 3, 4, 2.

Additional Information

• Coherence in a paragraph:
• Sentences should flow logically from one idea to the next, maintaining a consistent theme or argument.
• Transitions and connections between sentences are critical for readability and comprehension.
• Tips for sentence arrangement:
• Identify the main idea or topic sentence that introduces the subject of the paragraph.
• Look for supporting details, examples, or elaborations that build on the main idea.
• Conclude with a sentence that wraps up the discussion or provides a final point.

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

Key Points

• The sentences in the paragraph are related to the concept of research, outlining its significance, process, and documentation.
• Option 1 (2, 1, 3, 4) forms a logical sequence:
• Sentence 2: Introduces the topic by stating the importance of research.
• Sentence 1: Defines research as a systematic and objective investigation.
• Sentence 3: Elaborates on the types of research (theoretical or applied).
• Sentence 4: Concludes by explaining how findings are documented and reviewed for credibility.

Correct arrangement: 2, 1, 3, 4.

Additional Information

• The sequence ensures the paragraph flows logically from introducing the topic (Sentence 2) to defining it (Sentence 1), explaining its types (Sentence 3), and finally concluding with how research is validated (Sentence 4).
• Other options (2, 4, 3, 1; 4, 3, 2, 1; 3, 4, 1, 2) disrupt the logical progression and do not form a coherent paragraph.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Harmful.

Key Points

• The word deleterious means causing harm or damage.
• The synonym of deleterious is harmful, which matches its meaning.
• Options such as useful, comforting, and helpful are antonyms and do not fit the meaning of the word.

Correct sentence: The synonym of deleterious is harmful.

Additional Information

• Deleterious is often used to describe things that have negative effects on health, environment, or well-being.
• Example sentence: Smoking is deleterious to your health.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Harmony .

Key Points

• The word Cacophony refers to a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds.
• The most appropriate antonym is Harmony, which means a pleasing arrangement or combination of sounds.
• Options like Noise, Dissonance, and Clamor are similar in meaning to cacophony rather than being its opposite.

Correct sentence: The antonym of cacophony is Harmony.

Additional Information

• Synonyms of Cacophony:
• Noise
• Clamor
• Dissonance
• Antonyms of Cacophony:
• Harmony
• Melody

The correct answer is '1' i.e. To act cowardly .

Key Points

• The idiom "Show the white feather" refers to an act of cowardice. Historically, the phrase originates from cockfighting, where a white feather in a bird’s tail was considered a sign of inferior breeding, symbolizing cowardice.
• It is used in everyday language to describe someone who acts in a cowardly manner.

Correct usage: The soldier was accused of showing the white feather when he refused to join the battle.

Additional Information

• Incorrect Options:
• Option 2: "To signal for help" does not align with the meaning of the idiom.
• Option 3: "To display courage" is the opposite of the intended meaning.
• Option 4: "To admit defeat gracefully" is unrelated to cowardice.
• Always consider the historical and contextual usage of idioms when determining their meanings.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Candor .

Key Points

• The word subterfuge refers to deceit or trickery used to achieve one's goal.
• The most appropriate antonym of subterfuge is candor, which means honesty, openness, and sincerity.
• The other options, such as chicanery, trickery, and deception, are synonyms of subterfuge, not antonyms.

Additional Information

• Synonyms of Subterfuge:
• Deception
• Trickery
• Chicanery
• Antonyms of Subterfuge:
• Candor
• Honesty
• Sincerity

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Phytoremediation .

Key Points

• The word Phytoremediation refers to the use of plants to clean up environmental pollutants.
• Among the options provided, Phytoremediation is spelled correctly.
• The other options contain spelling errors and do not represent the correct term.

Correct spelling: Phytoremediation, which is a technique used in environmental cleanup.

Additional Information

• Phytoremediation Techniques:
• Phytoextraction: Plants absorb contaminants from the soil into their tissues.
• Phytodegradation: Plants break down pollutants within their structure.
• Rhizofiltration: Plant roots absorb and filter pollutants from water.
• This method is cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to traditional cleanup techniques.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Cartographer.

Key Points

• The word "Cartographer" refers to a professional who is skilled in the art and science of creating maps. The term is derived from "carto," which relates to maps, and "grapher," which means one who writes or draws.
• Option 1, "Topographer," refers to someone who studies and maps the surface features of an area, which is related but not specific to the creation of maps.
• Option 3, "Geodesist," refers to a specialist in geodesy, which is the science of measuring and understanding Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field.
• Option 4, "Archivist," refers to someone responsible for preserving and organizing historical records and documents, which is unrelated to map-making.

Correct sentence: A professional who prepares maps is called a Cartographer.

Additional Information

• Cartography: The science or practice of drawing maps. It incorporates elements of art, science, and technology to represent the geography of an area visually.
• Applications: Cartographers play a crucial role in urban planning, resource management, navigation, and even disaster management.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. has .

Key Points

• The sentence reads: "Each of the datasets ___ been anonymized before release."
• The subject of the sentence is "each," which is singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular.
• Among the options, "has" is the singular verb that agrees with the subject "each."
• Thus, the correct sentence is "Each of the datasets has been anonymized before release."

Correct sentence: Each of the datasets has been anonymized before release.

Additional Information

• Singular Subjects:
• Words like "each, everyone, anybody, somebody" are singular and require singular verbs.
• Examples:
• Each of the students is responsible for their homework.
• Somebody has left their bag on the table.
• Plural Subjects:
• Words like "all, both, some, many" are plural and require plural verbs.
• Examples:
• All of the students are present.
• Many people have already arrived.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. against .

Key Points

• The phrase "opted against" is commonly used to indicate a decision not to proceed with or agree to something.
• In the given sentence, the curator decided not to display the artifact due to preservation concerns. Therefore, "against" is the correct choice.
• The other options do not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence:
• Option 2: for - "opted for" would imply choosing to display the artifact, which contradicts the intended meaning.
• Option 3: on - "opted on" is not a correct collocation in English.
• Option 4: with - "opted with" is also not a correct collocation in English.

Correct sentence: The curator opted against displaying the artifact due to preservation concerns.

Additional Information

• Collocations:
• "Opt for" is used to indicate choosing something.
• "Opt against" is used to indicate a decision not to choose or proceed with something.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. were .

Key Points

• The subject of the sentence, "Neither the editor nor the contributors," is compound, connected by "neither-nor."
• In compound subjects joined by "neither-nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
• Here, the subject closer to the verb is "contributors," which is plural.
• Hence, the verb must also be plural.

Correct sentence: Neither the editor nor the contributors were willing to accept the changes unconditionally.

Additional Information

• Subject-Verb Agreement Rule:
• If two subjects are joined by "neither-nor" or "either-or," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
• Example 1: Neither the teacher nor the students were present. (Here, "students" is plural, so "were" is used.)
• Example 2: Either the students or the teacher is coming. (Here, "teacher" is singular, so "is" is used.)

The correct answer is '4' i.e. "were briefed beforehand" .

Key Points

• The error lies in part '4' of the sentence: "were briefed beforehand."
• The subject "neither the chairperson nor the legal counsel" is singular because "neither...nor" refers to singular entities and connects them as a singular subject.
• The correct verb form should therefore be "was briefed beforehand" to align with the singular subject.

Correct sentence: That none of the representatives found the proposal viable is less surprising than the fact that neither the chairperson nor the legal counsel was briefed beforehand.

Additional Information

• Subject-Verb Agreement:
• When using "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. However, when both subjects are singular, the verb must be singular.
• For example: "Neither the teacher nor the student was present."
• Common Errors:
• Using a plural verb ("were") with a singular subject is a frequent mistake in sentences involving "neither...nor."

The correct answer is '2' i.e. appear to have accounted .

Key Points

• The error lies in part (2) of the sentence: appear to have accounted.
• The subject of the sentence, Neither the projection of growth nor the estimation of deficit trends, is singular.
• When two subjects are joined by "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the nearest subject, which in this case is singular (estimation of deficit trends).
• Therefore, the verb should be in singular form: "appears" instead of "appear."

Correct sentence: Neither the projection of growth nor the estimation of deficit trends appears to have accounted for the liquidity constraints that small-scale enterprises face during cyclical downturns in demand.

Additional Information

• Subject-Verb Agreement Rules:
• When two subjects are joined by "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
• For example: Neither the students nor the teacher was present.
• Common Errors in Subject-Verb Agreement:
• Confusion with collective nouns, compound subjects, or phrases that separate the subject from the verb.
• Ensure the verb corresponds to the actual subject, not a nearby noun or phrase.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Will the revised ordinance be enforced promptly by the authorities? .

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the active voice, where the subject (authorities) performs the action (enforce the revised ordinance).
• In the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the action is expressed with be + past participle.
• The verb tense in the active sentence is a question in the future tense using will. In the passive voice, the verb structure remains consistent with will + be + past participle.

Correct sentence: Will the revised ordinance be enforced promptly by the authorities?

Additional Information

• Active Voice: The subject performs the action. Example: The chef cooked the meal.
• Passive Voice: The subject receives the action. Example: The meal was cooked by the chef.
• Rules for Passive Voice Conversion:
• The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• Use the correct form of the verb to be followed by the past participle of the main verb.
• Maintain the same tense as the active sentence.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. The angler pulled a large pike from the icy lake .

Key Points

• The word "pike" is a homonym, meaning it has multiple meanings depending on the context of the sentence.
• In the given sentence, "The guards stood in pike formation along the causeway," the word "pike" refers to a type of weapon or infantry formation.
• In option 1, "The angler pulled a large pike from the icy lake," the word "pike" refers to a type of fish, which is unrelated to the weapon or formation mentioned in the original sentence.

Correct sentence: The angler pulled a large pike from the icy lake.

Additional Information

• Homonyms are words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings.
• Examples of homonyms include:
• Bark: The sound a dog makes (noun) or the outer covering of a tree (noun).
• Bat: A flying mammal (noun) or a piece of equipment used in sports like cricket or baseball (noun).

The correct answer is '4' i.e. The courier will have delivered the package before 5 PM. 

Key Points

• The original sentence is in the future perfect passive voice structure: "The package will have been delivered by the courier before 5 PM."
• To convert it into the active voice, the subject ("the courier") must perform the action ("deliver the package").
• The structure of the future perfect active voice is: Subject + will have + past participle + object.

Correct sentence: The courier will have delivered the package before 5 PM.

Additional Information

• Future Perfect Tense:
• Structure: Subject + will have + past participle.
• Example: I will have finished the project by tomorrow.
• Usage: Describes actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
• Active Voice:
• In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action (e.g., "The courier delivers the package").
• In contrast, the passive voice focuses on the action or the recipient of the action (e.g., "The package is delivered by the courier").

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage identifies the CoWIN platform as a significant innovation, but notes a major drawback: "it inadvertently marginalized large segments of the population unfamiliar with smartphones or digital literacy."
• This marginalization is described as an intersection of the "digital divide" with public health, which reinforced existing socioeconomic inequalities.
• While the platform was intended to streamline registration, its reliance on technology meant those without digital literacy or access to devices were left behind.
• Option 1, 2, and 4 are not mentioned in the text as consequences of the CoWIN platform.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "While the introduction of CoWIN... was a significant innovation, it inadvertently marginalized large segments of the population unfamiliar with smartphones or digital literacy."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text mentions a "digital divide," but does not claim the platform affected internet speeds.
• Option 2: Incorrect. The passage does not discuss data reporting accuracy; it focuses on access and exclusion.
• Option 4: Incorrect. While data security is a common real-world concern, it is not mentioned anywhere in this specific passage.