English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '2' i.e. has submitted their report .

Key Points

• The phrase "has submitted their report" contains a grammatical error.
• The subject of the sentence, "The committee," is a collective noun. Collective nouns are generally treated as singular in formal English unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.
• In this sentence, "their" is incorrect because it is a plural pronoun. The correct singular pronoun should be "its."

Correct sentence: The committee has submitted its report to the board for review.

Additional Information

• Collective Nouns:
• Collective nouns like "team," "committee," or "audience" are singular when they act as a single unit.
• Use singular verbs and pronouns with collective nouns unless the members of the group are acting individually.
• Example: The jury has given its verdict. (Singular)
• When to Use Plural Pronouns:
• When the members of the group are acting independently, a plural verb and pronoun can be used.
• Example: The jury have gone to their homes. (Plural)

The correct answer is '4' i.e. on merit .

Key Points

• The phrase "on merit" means that the decision was made based on an individual's ability or worth, rather than other factors like experience, connections, or external influences.
• The sentence suggests that the manager overlooked the candidate's lack of experience and hired him because of his merit.
• The other options do not fit well in the context of the sentence:
• Option 1: "on the edge" does not relate to hiring criteria.
• Option 2: "at all costs" implies urgency or desperation, which is irrelevant here.
• Option 3: "by the book" means strictly following rules, which is not implied in the sentence.

Correct sentence: The manager hired him purely on merit, despite his lack of experience.

Additional Information

• The term "merit" refers to the quality of being good or worthy, especially as a basis for being hired or rewarded.
• When decisions are made "on merit," they are based on the actual abilities or achievements of a person.
• This phrase is often used in professional or academic contexts to emphasize fairness and objectivity in decision-making.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Low point .

Key Points

• The word "Nadir" refers to the lowest point or the most depressed state.
• Among the options given, "Low point" is the synonym for "Nadir."
• Other options like "Apex," "Zenith," and "Peak" indicate the highest points, which are antonyms of "Nadir."

Correct answer: Low point.

Additional Information

• Definitions:
• Apex: The highest point of something.
• Zenith: The point directly above in the sky; the peak of power or success.
• Peak: The highest point, often used figuratively for achievements.
• Low point: The lowest or most depressed state.
• Usage Tips:
• "Nadir" is often used metaphorically to describe the lowest emotional or career point in someone's life.
• Be mindful of synonyms and antonyms to avoid confusion.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. off guard .

Key Points

• The idiom "caught off guard" means being surprised or unprepared for something. It is used when a situation is unexpected and catches someone by surprise.
• In the given sentence, the sudden resignation of the person was unexpected, which aligns with the meaning of the idiom "off guard."
• The other options do not fit the context:
• Red-handed: Refers to being caught in the act of doing something wrong, which is unrelated to the context.
• In limbo: Refers to a state of uncertainty or being unresolved, which does not convey the intended meaning.
• On thin ice: Refers to being in a risky or precarious situation, which does not match the context here.

Correct sentence: His sudden resignation caught everyone off guard.

Additional Information

• Commonly used idioms with similar meanings:
• Caught by surprise: To be taken aback or not expecting something.
• Thrown off balance: To be unsettled or surprised by an unexpected event.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The text explicitly states in the very first sentence that "Traditional classrooms are becoming dynamic learning spaces thanks to the crucial role that technology has played."
• It highlights that technology provides various ways to engage, such as virtual reality, interactive whiteboards, and instructional applications.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 contradict the passage, which claims technology helps teachers, provides instant access to a multitude of knowledge, and improves relevance.
• Therefore, the impact described is a shift toward more interactive and versatile learning environments.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Traditional classrooms are becoming dynamic learning spaces thanks to the crucial role that technology has played in modern education."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text says technology "helps teachers by streamlining administrative duties," not that it replaces them.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The text mentions technology gives students "instant access to a multitude of knowledge," which expands rather than limits resources.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The text concludes by stating technology's power is its capacity to "improve... relevance to 21^st-century learning needs."

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states that technology "gives pupils instant access to a multitude of knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and self-directed investigation."
• It mentions that technology provides a "variety of ways to engage and learn," which directly supports Option 2.
• The text highlights that technology enhances student learning by offering personalized experiences tailored to individual speeds and preferences through adaptive software.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are contradicted by the text, which describes technology as expanding access and encouraging inquiry rather than limiting or restricting it.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "It gives pupils instant access to a multitude of knowledge, encouraging critical thinking and self-directed investigation."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text says technology provides "instant access," which is the opposite of limiting it.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The passage mentions "virtual reality simulations," "interactive whiteboards," and "instructional applications," showing it goes beyond traditional textbooks.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The passage states that technology actually encourages "critical thinking and self-directed investigation."

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage specifically mentions that "Adaptive software and data analytics have made it easier to create personalised learning experiences."
• It further explains that these tools allow for education that is "catered to each learner's unique speed and learning preferences."
• While other tools like virtual reality (Option 1) and interactive whiteboards (Option 3) are mentioned as ways to engage students, they are not specifically linked to the personalization of the curriculum in this text.
• Group projects (Option 4) are mentioned as a collaborative effort enabled by technology, rather than a personalized one.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Adaptive software and data analytics have made it easier to create personalised learning experiences that are catered to each learner's unique speed and learning preferences."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text lists virtual reality as a way to "engage and learn" through simulations, but not as the primary driver for personalization.
• Option 3: Incorrect. Interactive whiteboards are categorized as tools that help turn traditional classrooms into "dynamic learning spaces."
• Option 4: Incorrect. The text states that technology "enables group projects" to assist teachers and collaboration, which is a collective activity rather than an individual personalized one.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly mentions how technology supports educators: "Technology helps teachers by streamlining administrative duties, enabling group projects, and creating new teaching opportunities."
• By automating or simplifying "administrative duties" (tasks), teachers can focus more on actual instruction and student interaction.
• The text also notes that technology enables group projects, which directly contradicts Option 1.
• The overall tone suggests that technology enhances the teacher's role rather than limiting it or reducing interactions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Technology helps teachers by streamlining administrative duties, enabling group projects, and creating new teaching opportunities."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text states technology enables group projects rather than eliminating them.
• Option 3: Incorrect. While technology helps with "personalised learning," it also supports "group projects," showing it does not focus only on individual experiences.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The passage implies technology provides "new teaching opportunities," which generally supports better engagement rather than limiting interaction.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Toward the end of the text, the author acknowledges specific challenges: "Despite ongoing worries about digital distractions and fair access..."
• This highlights that while technology is powerful, distractions and inequality in access (fair access) remain significant concerns for educators and parents.
• Option 1 is incorrect because the text suggests there is actually a "multitude of knowledge" and "variety of ways to engage" rather than a lack of resources.
• Option 2 (high cost) is not explicitly mentioned in the passage, even though it is a real-world issue.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the passage argues that technology has an "unquestionable strength" in improving learning outcomes and engagement.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence from Text: "Despite ongoing worries about digital distractions and fair access, technology's unquestionable strength is its capacity to improve accessibility..."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. The text emphasizes the "multitude of knowledge" accessible to pupils, suggesting resources are plentiful.
• Option 2: Incorrect. While "fair access" is mentioned, the text does not specifically name "high cost" as the primary reason or concern.
• Option 4: Incorrect. The passage states that technology improves "accessibility, engagement, and relevance," which are all positive learning outcomes.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. They enjoyed a picnic on the grassy bank of the stream .

Key Points

• The word "bank" in the sentence "The river overflowed its bank after the storm" refers to the land alongside a river or stream.
• Option 4, "They enjoyed a picnic on the grassy bank of the stream," uses the word "bank" with the same meaning, referring to the land beside a stream.
• The other options use "bank" with different meanings:
• Option 1 refers to a financial institution.
• Option 2 refers to piling up soil (verb usage).
• Option 3 refers to the tilting movement of an airplane.

Correct sentence: "They enjoyed a picnic on the grassy bank of the stream."

Additional Information

• Different meanings of the word "bank":
• Land beside a river or stream: As used in the given sentence and Option 4.
• Financial institution: As used in Option 1.
• To pile up soil: As used in Option 2.
• Tilt movement: As used in Option 3.

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

Key Points

• Option 1, Voluntary, is the correct spelling of the word.
• Option 2, Voluntry, is misspelled due to the omission of the letter "a."
• Option 3, Volontary, is incorrect as "o" replaces the "u" in the word.
• Option 4, Vouluntary, is misspelled because the "o" and "u" are swapped.

Correct word: The correct spelling is Voluntary, which means done willingly without being forced..

Additional Information

• Spelling Tips:
• Focus on the correct placement of vowels (a, e, i, o, u) within the word.
• Break the word into syllables: Vol-un-tary.
• Use a dictionary or spell-check tools to verify spelling if unsure.
• Usage Example:
• She made a voluntary donation to the charity.
• Participation in the program is entirely voluntary.

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

Key Points

• The word "Vacuum" is correctly spelt and refers to a space entirely devoid of matter or air.
• The other options are incorrect spellings of the word:
• Option 2: "Vacum" is missing a 'u' in the spelling.
• Option 3: "Vaccum" has an unnecessary repetition of the letter 'c'.
• Option 4: "Vaccuum" has an unnecessary repetition of both 'c' and 'u'.
• Thus, the correct spelling is "Vacuum".

Correct word: Vacuum.

Additional Information

• Meaning: A vacuum is a space devoid of matter. It can also refer to a household device (vacuum cleaner) used for cleaning.
• Usage in a sentence: The scientist studied the behavior of particles in a vacuum.
• Common mistake: Many people spell vacuum incorrectly due to the unusual placement of double 'u'.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. The best part of something .

Key Points

• The idiom "The icing on the cake" refers to something that makes a good situation even better or enhances an already positive experience.
• It is commonly used to describe an additional benefit or bonus that adds to the overall value or satisfaction.
• In this context, it does not relate to a difficult task, a sweet dessert, or a minor detail, but rather signifies the best part of something.

Correct Usage: Winning the championship was amazing, but getting the MVP award was the icing on the cake.

Additional Information

• Similar Idioms:
• "Cherry on top": Refers to an extra detail or feature that makes something already good even better.
• "Crowning glory": Refers to the most outstanding or beautiful part of something.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Seer .

Key Points

• The statement asks for a one-word substitute for "A person who can foresee future events."
• Let’s analyze the given options:
• Oxymoron: A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g., "deafening silence").
• Cinephile: A person who loves watching films.
• Seer: A person who is able to see or predict future events.
• Pitcher: A container for holding and pouring liquids or a player in baseball who throws the ball to the batter.
• The word that matches the definition of "A person who can foresee future events" is 'Seer.'

Correct sentence: The correct one-word substitute for "A person who can foresee future events" is 'Seer.'.

Additional Information

• A seer is often used in literature and philosophy to describe someone with prophetic abilities or deep insight.
• The term is commonly associated with mysticism or supernatural foresight.

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

Key Points

• The word noxious refers to something harmful, toxic, or unhealthy.
• Its antonym should mean something that is helpful or advantageous.
• Among the options, the word beneficial directly contrasts the meaning of noxious, as it means something that provides benefits or is good for health or well-being.

Correct answer: Beneficial.

Additional Information

• Other options:
• Option 2: Toxic - Similar to noxious, it indicates harmful or poisonous substances.
• Option 3: Poisonous - Synonymous with noxious, refers to substances causing harm or death when ingested or contacted.
• Option 4: Unhealthy - Aligns with noxious, indicating something harmful to health.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Beneficial .

Key Points

• The word pernicious means highly harmful, destructive, or injurious.
• Options 1 (Harmful), 2 (Detrimental), and 3 (Injurious) are synonyms of pernicious.
• Option 4, Beneficial, is the antonym of pernicious as it means causing a positive or advantageous effect.

Correct sentence: The most appropriate antonym of pernicious is beneficial.

Additional Information

• Synonyms of Pernicious: Harmful, Detrimental, Injurious.
• Antonyms of Pernicious: Beneficial, Advantageous, Helpful.

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

Key Points

• A Lepidopterist is a person who collects or studies butterflies and moths.
• Ornithologist: A person who studies birds.
• Entomologist: A person who studies insects.
• Biologist: A person who studies living organisms.

Correct sentence: A person who collects or studies butterflies is called a Lepidopterist.

Additional Information

• The word Lepidopterist comes from the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths.
• Lepidopterists contribute to biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Submit the documents to the head of the department by the end of the week. .

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the passive voice, which is evident from the use of "Let the documents be submitted."
• To convert a passive voice sentence into active voice, we need to identify the subject performing the action and rewrite the sentence in the active structure.
• In this case, the active form of the sentence will directly instruct the subject to perform the action, which is "Submit the documents."

Correct sentence: Submit the documents to the head of the department by the end of the week.

Additional Information

• Passive Voice Structure: Subject + be + past participle + (by agent).
• Active Voice Structure: Subject + verb + object.
• Example of conversion:
• Passive: The letter was written by John.
• Active: John wrote the letter.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. The student said that he had been practicing for the competition for months, but he was still nervous, as the other competitors were very skilled. .

Key Points

• The given sentence is in direct speech and must be converted into indirect speech.
• The present perfect tense "I have been practicing" changes to the past perfect tense "he had been practicing" in indirect speech.
• The present tense "I am still nervous" changes to the past tense "he was still nervous".
• The present tense "the other competitors are very skilled" changes to the past tense "the other competitors were very skilled".

Correct sentence: The student said that he had been practicing for the competition for months, but he was still nervous, as the other competitors were very skilled..

Additional Information

• Rules for changing direct speech to indirect speech:
• Tense changes: Present tense changes to past tense, and past tense changes to past perfect tense.
• Pronouns: Pronouns are adjusted according to the speaker and listener in the sentence.
• Time expressions: Words like "now" and "today" change to "then" and "that day," respectively.
• Examples:
• Direct: She said, "I am happy today."
• Indirect: She said that she was happy that day.
• Direct: He said, "I have finished my homework."
• Indirect: He said that he had finished his homework.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. earn a decent living .

Key Points

• The sentence uses the phrase "In order to earning decent living," which is grammatically incorrect.
• The correct form should be "In order to earn a decent living," where "earn" is the base verb form that follows "in order to."
• The phrase "a decent living" is commonly used to describe a good standard of living through sufficient income.

Correct sentence: In order to earn a decent living, we need to have a good job with a lucrative salary.

Additional Information

• Common Errors in Similar Sentences:
• Using gerund (e.g., earning) incorrectly: "In order to" must be followed by the base verb (e.g., "earn").
• Incorrect word usage: Phrases like "life of decency" or "decently life" are grammatically incorrect in this context.
• Correct Usage:
• "Earn a decent living" is the standard and widely accepted phrase for expressing the idea of having sufficient income for a comfortable lifestyle.