English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: Option 2.

Key Points

• The word "tear" in the given sentence refers to a drop of liquid that comes from the eyes, usually due to emotions such as sadness or joy. (आंसू)
• Example: A tear escaped her eye when she heard the heartwarming story.
• The correct word "tear" (आंसू) is used in the same sense in option 2, as it refers to the liquid drop from the eye caused by emotion.
• Example: The little girl’s tear brought her mother running.

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: He carefully tried not to tear the delicate fabric. (फाड़ना): Here, "tear" means to rip or split something apart.
• Example: Be cautious when handling the old tapestry to avoid tearing it.
• Option 3: Be careful not to tear the pages of the old book. (फाड़ना): Again, "tear" means to rip or damage something by pulling it apart.
• Example: The fragile pages of the manuscript can easily tear if mishandled.
• Option 4: The sharp edge of the paper can easily tear when handled roughly. (फाड़ना): Similar to options 1 and 3, here "tear" refers to the act of ripping or splitting apart.
• Example: The sharp corners of the paper caused it to tear unexpectedly.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

The correctly spelt word is 'Precarious'.

• The word 'Precarious' is an adjective, which means 'not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse' (अनिश्चित या खतरनाक स्थिति में).
• For Example -
• The ladder was balanced in a precarious position against the wall.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Precarious' (Option 4).

Additional Information

Meanings of the other options -

• Precurious - Incorrect spelling, no meaning.
• Pricarious - Incorrect spelling, no meaning.
• Precarus - Incorrect spelling, no meaning.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Analyzing the ethical arguments in the passage:
• The second paragraph explicitly and directly answers this question. It states: "The most compelling argument is the transfer of the life-and-death decision-making from a human to a machine."
• The text explains that opponents believe this is the core issue because a computer or machine lacks the "moral calculus, compassion, or comprehension of human dignity" required to make ethical judgments about taking a human life.

Therefore, the correct answer is The transfer of life-and-death decision-making to machines.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (The potential for increased civilian casualties): Incorrect because the passage actually presents the opposite point as a supporting argument for the weapons: supporters contend AWS might "decrease civilian casualties" due to accuracy.
• Option 2 (The speed at which autonomous weapons operate): Incorrect because the speed (operating with "rapidity") is listed in the first paragraph as a strategic advantage and a reason supporters favor the technology, not an argument against it.
• Option 4 (The lack of accountability in AI decisions): Incorrect. While accountability and the "black box" of AI are major concerns discussed in the passage, the author specifically reserves the phrase "most compelling argument" for the transfer of the decision-making process itself.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Analyzing the primary concern in the passage:
• The passage emphasizes that the core ethical dilemma is the "transfer of the life-and-death decision-making from a human to a machine."
• It explicitly states that opponents believe a computer "could never have the moral calculus, compassion, or comprehension of human dignity to make such judgments."
• Therefore, the primary concern driving the ethical debate is that autonomous weapons inherently lack the moral responsibility and human judgment required to make life-and-death decisions in combat.

Therefore, the correct answer is Autonomous weapons may lack the moral responsibility to make life-and-death decisions.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (The technology will never be able to operate in war zones): Incorrect because the passage suggests the opposite. Supporters argue AWS might "operate with more accuracy and rapidity in an unpredictable environment."
• Option 3 (It would be illegal under international laws of armed conflict): Incorrect because while the passage notes that AWS "tests the very foundations of the international laws of armed conflict," it frames their use as a fiercely debated issue awaiting clear norms, not as an established illegality.
• Option 4 (AI could be hacked and used against states): Incorrect because the passage focuses entirely on the ethical dilemmas of the AI's autonomous decision-making (the "black box") and accountability, rather than the threat of hacking or cyber hijacking.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Analyzing the term "moral calculus":
• In the passage, the term "moral calculus" is grouped together with "compassion" and "comprehension of human dignity."
• It is used to describe the uniquely human capacity that opponents argue computers lack when tasked with making life-and-death judgments.
• While "calculus" usually implies math, in philosophical and ethical contexts, a "moral calculus" refers to the process of weighing right and wrong, evaluating ethical variables, and arriving at a humane, ethical decision.

Therefore, the correct answer is The ability to make ethical decisions.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (A complex mathematical process): Incorrect because the word "calculus" is being used metaphorically in an ethical sense, not literally to describe mathematics.
• Option 3 (The calculation of military strategies): Incorrect because the passage separates strategic advantage (which AI might have) from the ethical, human judgment required to take a life (which AI lacks).
• Option 4 (The efficiency of AI systems in combat): Incorrect because efficiency is precisely what supporters claim AI possesses, whereas "moral calculus" is specifically identified as something AI is missing.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Analyzing the "black box" concern:
• The passage states that the secrecy of AI's decision-making process is commonly known as a "black box."
• It explicitly links this "black box" nature to the "difficulty in assigning blame." Because we cannot transparently see how the machine arrived at its decision to kill, it becomes almost impossible to determine who is responsible (the programmer, the commander, or the state) if the weapon kills without authorization.
• Therefore, the primary ethical concern is that this opacity makes it profoundly difficult to establish moral and legal culpability.

Therefore, the correct answer is It makes it difficult to assign moral and legal culpability.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (It increases the speed of decision-making): Incorrect because increased speed is cited as a potential strategic advantage by supporters, not an ethical concern caused by the opacity of the "black box."
• Option 2 (It hinders military efficiency): Incorrect because the text suggests autonomous weapons might actually operate with more rapidity and accuracy, thereby potentially increasing efficiency, not hindering it.
• Option 4 (It reduces the potential for civilian casualties): Incorrect because this is an argument used by supporters of the technology, whereas the "black box" is presented as a major ethical dilemma regarding accountability.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points

• ***Analyzing the proponents'

Arguments:

---

• The passage explicitly outlines the arguments made by supporters of autonomous weapons in the first paragraph.
• It states: "They also might be able to operate with more accuracy and rapidity in an unpredictable environment, which could decrease civilian casualties."
• While reducing casualties is the ultimate goal, the foundational argument proponents use to support the deployment of these weapons is their inherent technical ability to act faster (rapidity) and with greater precision (accuracy) than human soldiers who suffer from fatigue, fear, and emotional stress.

Therefore, the correct answer is They act with more accuracy and rapidity.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (They help reduce civilian casualties): Incorrect because while it is a stated benefit, the passage frames it as a secondary outcome ("which could decrease...") resulting directly from the weapons' primary attribute of operating with accuracy and rapidity.
• Option 2 (They can create more humane warfare): Incorrect because the passage does not use this terminology. Opponents actually argue that machines lack the compassion or moral calculus to be humane.
• Option 3 (They ensure that no human is ever at risk in combat): Incorrect because this is an absolute statement ("no human is ever at risk") that is far too extreme and is not supported by the text.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. "Unfair or unjust behavior".

Key Points

• The idiom "Below the belt" refers to an action or remark that is unfair, unjust, or unethical, often targeting someone in a way that is considered inappropriate or hurtful. (अनुचित या अन्यायपूर्ण व्यवहार)
• Example: His comment about her family was definitely below the belt and completely uncalled for.
• The idiom originates from the sport of boxing, where hitting below the waistline is against the rules and considered unfair.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Hitting someone lightly (किसी को हल्के से मारना): This means to strike or touch someone gently.
• Example: He hit the ball lightly to avoid it going out of bounds.
• Option 2: Doing something with great care (किसी काम को बहुत सावधानीपूर्वक करना): This refers to performing an action with meticulous attention and precision.
• Example: She painted the picture with great care to capture every detail.
• Option 3: A punch in boxing (मुक्केबाजी में एक पंच): This refers to a physical blow delivered in the sport of boxing.
• Example: His powerful punch in boxing earned him the winning title.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Lovers whose relationship is doomed.

Key Points

• The idiom "Star-crossed lovers" refers to a pair of lovers whose relationship is often thwarted by outside forces or destined to end in tragedy. (दुर्भाग्यशाली प्रेमी)
• Example: Romeo and Juliet are considered classic examples of star-crossed lovers, as their love story ended in tragedy due to family rivalry.
• The phrase originates from astrology, where the position of stars was believed to influence a person's fate. "Star-crossed" suggests that the stars are aligned against the lovers. (सितारों से विपरीत प्रभावित)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.

Additional Information

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

• Option 2: Lovers facing many challenges (बहुत सारी चुनौतियों का सामना करने वाले प्रेमी): This suggests couples who face obstacles but does not necessarily imply a doomed relationship.
• Example: The couple faced many challenges, but their love for each other only grew stronger.
• Option 3: Very successful lovers (बहुत सफल प्रेमी): This refers to a couple who have a happy and fulfilling relationship, which is contrary to the meaning of "star-crossed lovers."
• Example: They are very successful lovers who built a wonderful life together.
• Option 4: Happy lovers (खुश प्रेमी): This refers to lovers who are content and joyful in their relationship, which is opposite to the tragic connotation of "star-crossed lovers."
• Example: Their story is of two happy lovers who overcame all odds to be together.

The correct answer is: Frequent.

Key Points

• The word "Sporadic" means something that occurs at irregular intervals or happens only occasionally. (अनियमित / कभी-कभी होने वाला)
• Example: The sporadic rain showers made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
• "Frequent" refers to something that occurs or happens often, regularly, or repeatedly. (बार-बार होने वाला)
• Example: She is a frequent visitor to the library because she loves reading.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'sporadic' is 'frequent'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Frequent.

Additional Information

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

• Infrequent (अकस्मात / कभी-कभार): Occurring rarely or not happening often.
• Example: His visits to the town are infrequent due to his busy schedule.
• Occasional (कभी-कभी / अवसरिक): Happening from time to time or at irregular intervals.
• Example: She enjoys an occasional cup of coffee during her work breaks.
• Intermittent (रुक-रुक कर / अनियमित): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
• Example: The intermittent noise from the construction site disturbed the residents.

The correct answer is: Morgue.

Key Points

• The word "Cemetery" refers to a large burial ground where dead bodies are buried. (कब्रिस्तान)
• Example: The family visited the cemetery to pay their respects to their ancestors.
• "Morgue" is a place where dead bodies are kept temporarily, especially for examination or identification. (मुर्दाघर)
• Example: The police took the victim's body to the morgue for a post-mortem examination.
• Hence, the correct word for a place where dead bodies are kept for examination is 'Morgue'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Morgue.

Additional Information

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

• Cemetery (कब्रिस्तान): A burial ground where dead bodies are buried.
• Example: There are many old tombstones in the cemetery that tell interesting stories.
• Hospital (अस्पताल): A place where sick or injured people are treated.
• Example: She was rushed to the hospital after the accident.
• Clinic (चिकित्सालय): A facility for outpatient medical services.
• Example: The doctor recommended visiting the clinic for regular check-ups.

The correct answer is: Option 2 (Sloppy).

Key Points

• The word "Fastidious" means excessively concerned with accuracy, cleanliness, or details; very attentive and meticulous. (अति सूक्ष्म और सावधान)
• Example: She was fastidious about keeping her room spotless and organized.
• "Sloppy" refers to a lack of care, organization, or attention to detail; the opposite of being fastidious. (लापरवाह या गंदा)
• Example: His sloppy handwriting made the document hard to read.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of "Fastidious" is "Sloppy."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (Sloppy).

Additional Information

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

• Meticulous (सावधानीपूर्वक): Showing great attention to detail; very precise and careful.
• Example: She meticulously planned every detail of the event to ensure its success.
• Fussy (चुनचुना या झगड़ालू): Hard to please and overly concerned with minor details.
• Example: The fussy child refused to eat anything but plain pasta.
• Perceptive (सजग या अनुभवी): Having a keen understanding or insight into something.
• Example: Her perceptive comments during the discussion impressed everyone in the room.

The correct answer is: Magician.

Key Points

• The word "Magician" refers to a person who performs magic tricks to entertain people, often using sleight of hand or illusions. (जादूगर)
• Example: The magician amazed the audience with his disappearing act.
• A magician uses tricks and illusions to create a sense of wonder and mystery for the audience. They often perform in events, theaters, or even street shows to showcase their talent. (जादू और चालाकी का उपयोग करके लोगों को चकित करता है।)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Magician.

Additional Information

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

• Sorcerer (जादूगर): A person who practices magic or sorcery, often depicted as someone who uses spells or supernatural powers.
• Example: The sorcerer cast a spell to protect the village from evil forces.
• Wizard (जादूगर): A person skilled in magic, often portrayed as wise and powerful, and associated with fantasy literature or movies.
• Example: Harry Potter is a famous wizard from J.K. Rowling's novels.
• Illusionist (मोहजाल पैदा करने वाला): A performer who creates illusions or tricks to deceive the senses, making things appear magical.
• Example: The illusionist made it seem like he was walking through a solid wall.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• Identify the Complex Passive: The original sentence "The city council's decision is thought to be influenced..." is a passive construction used for reporting opinions or beliefs.
• Determine the Agent of Belief: The sentence uses the passive reporting verb "is thought," but doesn't specify who thinks this. In active voice, we use a general subject like "People," "Many," or "They."
• Determine the Agent of Influence: The phrase "to be influenced by powerful lobbying groups" identifies "powerful lobbying groups" as the ones performing the action of influencing.
• Structure the Active Sentence: To make it fully active, we start with the general subject (People) + the active reporting verb (think) + the subordinate clause where the lobbying groups become the subject (powerful lobbying groups influence the city council's decision).

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Correct Sentence: "People think that powerful lobbying groups influence the city council's decision."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Powerful lobbying groups think..." – This changes the meaning; it suggests the groups are the ones holding the opinion, rather than being the ones exerting the influence.
• Option 2: "are thought to influence" – This is still a passive construction (Passive Reporting Verb).
• Option 4: "The city council thinks..." – This incorrectly identifies the city council as the agent of the "thinking" action.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Direct Speech: The guide said, "We will be exploring the ruins all morning."
• Key Conversions:
• Pronoun Change:
• The first-person plural pronoun "We" in direct speech refers to the guide and the group. When reported by someone else, it typically changes to the third-person plural "they."
• Modal Verb Change (Backshifting):
• Since the reporting verb "said" is in the past tense, the future modal "will" shifts to its past form, "would."
• Tense Maintenance:
• The continuous aspect "be exploring" remains unchanged after the shifted modal verb.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "The guide said that they would be exploring the ruins all morning."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: Corrects the pronoun but fails to shift the tense from "will" to "would."
• Option 3: Corrects the tense but fails to change the pronoun "we" to "they," which is standard in indirect reporting unless the reporter is part of the group.
• Option 4: Fails to change both the pronoun and the tense.

The correct answer is 'Except for you and me, no one knew Radha'.

 

Key Points

• The phrase "Except for you and me" is grammatically correct because "me" is the appropriate pronoun to follow a preposition like "for."
• Option 1 ("Except for you and I") is incorrect because the pronoun "I" is used incorrectly after the preposition "for."
• Option 3 ("Except you and I") is incorrect because the preposition "for" is missing, and "I" is used incorrectly.
• Option 4 ("Except for I and you") is incorrect because "I" is not the correct form to use after the preposition "for."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Except for you and me, no one knew Radha."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Except for you and I" is incorrect because "I" should not follow a preposition like "for."
• Option 3: "Except you and I" is incorrect because it omits the preposition "for" and incorrectly uses "I" instead of "me."
• Option 4: "Except for I and you" is incorrect because "I" is not the correct pronoun to use after "for."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Identify the Tense: The active sentence "Why did... solve" is an interrogative sentence in the Simple Past Tense.
• Interrogative Passive Structure (Simple Past): The formula is Wh-word + was/were + Object + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject?.
• Step 1: Keep the question word "Why" at the beginning.
• Step 2: Use the auxiliary verb "was" because the new subject, "the complex mystery," is singular.
• Step 3: Convert the main verb "solve" to its third form (V3), which is "solved."
• Step 4: Place the adverb "suddenly" before the main verb for proper flow, and add the agent "by the brilliant detective."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Why was the complex mystery suddenly solved by the brilliant detective?"

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "was... been solved" – This is grammatically incorrect; "been" is used with "have/has/had," not with "was" in the simple past passive.
• Option 3: "has... been suddenly solved" – This changes the tense to Present Perfect Passive, which does not match the original Simple Past "did."
• Option 4: "did... be solved" – This is an incorrect construction for passive voice questions. "Did" is replaced by "was/were" in the passive form.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Indirect Speech: The traveler explained that he was going to visit several historic sites on his trip.
• Key Conversions:
• Pronoun Change:
• When shifting to direct speech, the third-person pronouns "he" and "his" must change to the first-person "I" and "my" to represent the traveler speaking for himself.
• Tense Change (Forward-shifting):
• The past continuous form "was going to" in indirect speech is converted back to the present continuous form "am going to" in direct speech to reflect the speaker's original perspective.
• Reporting Clause:
• The conjunction "that" is removed, and the reporting verb (explained/said) is followed by a comma and the quoted speech in quotation marks.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "The traveler said, 'I am going to visit several historic sites on my trip.'"

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Retains the third-person pronoun "he" and the past tense "was," which is grammatically incorrect for direct speech in this context.
• Option 2: Changes the tense to "is" but fails to change the pronoun to "I," making it sound like the traveler is talking about someone else.
• Option 3: Correctly changes the pronouns to "I" and "my" but incorrectly keeps the past tense "was," which doesn't fit the direct speech format for a current plan.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph outlines a logical, chronological sequence of a mechanical repair process, moving from teardown to reassembly and testing.
• Sentence P is the first sentence as it identifies the starting point of the project—the careful disassembly of the machinery:
• "He disassembled the old engine with care, marking each component precisely."
• Sentence Q follows as the middle stage of the repair, focusing on the specific internal maintenance and replacement of parts:
• "He torqued the bolts to the precise specifications, put in new gaskets, and replaced old parts."
• Sentence R is the third sentence because it describes the completion of the reassembly and the physical reinstallation of the engine into its frame:
• "After reassembling the engine, he put it back in the vehicle and reattached all of the hoses."
• Sentence S is the fourth sentence as it provides the satisfying conclusion—the moment the work is tested and proven successful:
• "On the first turn of the key, the engine flickered to life and resumed its flawless operation."
• The correct sequence is PQRS.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"He disassembled the old engine with care, marking each component precisely. He torqued the bolts to the precise specifications, put in new gaskets, and replaced old parts. After reassembling the engine, he put it back in the vehicle and reattached all of the hoses. On the first turn of the key, the engine flickered to life and resumed its flawless operation."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The paragraph follows the lifecycle of a software project: from its initial inception and purpose to the labor involved and the final impact on the organization.
• Sentence S is the first sentence because it introduces the primary subject (the groundbreaking new software) and the overall goal of the project:
• "A groundbreaking new software was developed to streamline workflow and increase productivity."
• Sentence R follows as it uses the pronoun "It" to refer back to the software and elaborates on its specific design features:
• "It was designed to simplify daily tasks and provide real-time data analysis."
• Sentence Q is the third sentence as it describes the developmental effort and quality assurance phase required to make the software functional:
• "The team worked tirelessly, refining the code and testing each feature for compatibility."
• Sentence P is the fourth sentence because it uses the transition phrase "As a result" to conclude the narrative with the successful outcome of the implementation:
• "As a result, the software significantly improved operational efficiency across departments."
• The correct sequence is SRQP.

 

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

"A groundbreaking new software was developed to streamline workflow and increase productivity. It was designed to simplify daily tasks and provide real-time data analysis. The team worked tirelessly, refining the code and testing each feature for compatibility. As a result, the software significantly improved operational efficiency across departments."