English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the missing apostrophe in the noun phrase "The professors recommendation."
• The word "professors" is acting as a possessive noun, indicating that the recommendation belongs to the professor. The later use of the pronoun "she" confirms we are talking about a single, specific professor.
• To correctly show singular possession, an apostrophe followed by an 's' must be added, making it "professor's."
• Thus, the error is located in the segment The professors recommendation was.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "The professor's recommendation was that the student, whom she had worked with for years, be granted a full scholarship."

 

Additional Information

• that the student – This segment is grammatically correct. It properly introduces the dependent noun clause.
• whom she had worked with for years – This segment is grammatically correct. "Whom" is appropriately used as the object of the preposition "with."
• be granted a full scholarship. – This segment is grammatically correct. It uses the appropriate subjunctive mood ("be granted"), which is required after words expressing a command, suggestion, or recommendation.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The primary error in the sentence lies in the use of the preposition "about" immediately following the verb "discuss."
• The verb "discuss" is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object to receive the action. It inherently means "to talk about."
• Adding "about" creates a redundancy (essentially saying "talk about about"). The preposition should simply be removed.
• Thus, the error is located in the segment discuss about the.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "We need to discuss the new marketing strategy in the next meeting."

 

Additional Information

• We need to – This segment is grammatically correct. It correctly pairs the subject "We" with the verb "need" and the infinitive marker "to."
• new marketing strategy – This segment is correct. It properly functions as the direct object noun phrase for the verb "discuss."
• in the next meeting – This segment is correct. It uses the appropriate prepositional phrase to establish where and when the discussion will take place.

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. faltered.

Key Points

• The word "faltered" means to lose strength, confidence, or momentum, often hesitating or stumbling in speech or action. (डगमगाना, हिचकिचाना)
• Example: The speaker faltered briefly before continuing their speech.
• In the given sentence, "faltered" is appropriate because it describes how the witness hesitated or stumbled under cross-examination, revealing inconsistencies.
• Example: The witness faltered under cross-examination, revealing inconsistencies in the testimony.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. faltered.

Additional Information

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

• Collapsed (ढह जाना, गिर जाना): To fall down or give way suddenly, often due to pressure or loss of strength.
• Example: The bridge collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck.
• Admitted (स्वीकार करना): To confess or acknowledge something as true, often reluctantly.
• Example: She admitted to making a mistake during the project.
• Insisted (जोर देना): To demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.
• Example: He insisted on paying the bill, even though it was not necessary.

The correct answer is: 2 i.e. Awareness.

Key Points

• The word "Mindfulness" refers to the state of being conscious or aware of something, especially focusing one's awareness on the present moment. It often involves acceptance and paying attention to thoughts and feelings without judgment. (सचेतता)
• Example: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve focus.
• The synonym for "Mindfulness" is "Awareness", which means having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. (जागरूकता)
• Example: Increased awareness of environmental issues has led to more sustainable practices.
• Hence, the word "Awareness" best matches the meaning of "Mindfulness."

Therefore, the correct answer is: 2 i.e. Awareness.

Additional Information

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

• Distraction (विक्षेप): Something that diverts attention from the main focus.
• Example: Social media is often a major distraction for students during study time.
• Chaos (अराजकता): A state of complete disorder and confusion.
• Example: The sudden power outage caused chaos in the office.
• Negligence (लापरवाही): Failure to take proper care in doing something.
• Example: His negligence in handling the machine led to an accident.

The correct answer is: 2 i.e. Joyful.

Key Points

• The word "Ebullient" means cheerful, full of energy, and enthusiastic. (उत्साही, जोशपूर्ण)
• Example: She was ebullient after receiving the promotion she had worked so hard for.
• "Joyful" refers to feeling, expressing, or causing great happiness. (आनंदित, खुशहाल)
• Example: The team was joyful after winning the championship match.
• Hence, the word "Joyful" is the most appropriate synonym for "Ebullient."

Therefore, the correct answer is: 2 i.e. Joyful.

Additional Information

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

• Depressed (उदास): Feeling sad, dejected, or without hope.
• Example: He felt depressed after losing his job unexpectedly.
• Melancholy (विषाद): A feeling of pensive sadness, often with no obvious cause.
• Example: The melancholy music reflected her somber mood.
• Gloomy (अंधकारमय, उदास): Dark or poorly lit; feeling or showing sadness or pessimism.
• Example: The gloomy weather matched his somber mood perfectly.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• The given question asks for the correctly spelled word among the options provided.
• The word "Kindergarten" is the correct spelling, which refers to a school or class for young children, typically between the ages of four and six, to prepare them for primary education.
• The other options are incorrect spellings:
• Kindergerten: Misspelled due to the incorrect use of "e" instead of "a."
• Kindergeren: Misspelled due to an extra "e" and missing letters.
• Kindergarden: Misspelled due to the use of "d" instead of "t."

Correct word: Kindergarten.

Additional Information

• The word "Kindergarten" originates from the German language, where "Kinder" means children, and "Garten" means garden, symbolizing a place where children are nurtured and educated like plants in a garden.
• Correct spelling is crucial for effective communication and avoids misunderstandings, especially in educational or professional settings.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Cognitive and Emotional Reengineering:
• The passage explicitly questions whether these platforms are "reengineering the brains of adolescents, essentially changing the way they think and feel about the world." This highlights a fundamental shift in how teenagers process information and emotions.
• Impact on Attention and Rewards:
• The text mentions that "dopamine-reinforced cycles" habituate the brain for instant rewards, which lowers the ability for "focused, in-depth attention." This supports the idea that social media is fundamentally altering cognitive patterns.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: Incorrect because the passage focuses on the psychological burden and negative outcomes like anxiety and depression, rather than "stronger relationships."
• Option 2: Incorrect because the passage suggests social media may harm cognitive development by lowering the ability for delayed rewards and focus.
• Option 4: Incorrect because the text describes a culture of "constant social comparison" and "idealised digital selves," which are presented as unhealthy forms of interaction.

Therefore, the correct answer is Social media alters the way teens think and feel about the world.

 

Additional Information

• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Described in the passage as a source of anxiety that leads to a "constant state of social and emotional monitoring."
• Corporate Responsibility: A major secondary theme in the passage, arguing whether the platforms themselves are accountable for the mental health effects caused by their algorithms.

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Instant Reward Habituation:
• The passage states that "dopamine-reinforced cycles of likes, shares, and notifications habituate the teen brain for instant rewards." This means the brain becomes accustomed to getting quick satisfaction rather than working toward long-term goals.
• Impact on Cognitive Skills:
• The text explicitly mentions that this habituation results in "possibly lowering the ability for delayed reward and focused, in-depth attention." This indicates a weakening of the neurological "muscles" required for patience and concentration.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: Incorrect because the passage suggests social media lowers the ability for delayed gratification (reward), it does not promote it.
• Option 2: Incorrect because the cycle of instant rewards is described as detrimental to "focused, in-depth attention," which is necessary for long-term goals.
• Option 4: Incorrect because the passage highlights concerns like "anxiety," "depression," and "social comparison" rather than the development of deep connections.

Therefore, the correct answer is It weakens the ability for delayed reward and in-depth attention.

 

Additional Information

• Dopamine: A neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a major role in the "reward system." Social media is designed to trigger its release, creating a loop that can lead to compulsive usage.
• Delayed Reward: Also known as delayed gratification, this is the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in hope of obtaining a more valuable reward in the future.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points

• Ethical and Moral Accountability:
• The passage explicitly states that critics argue social media companies "have both moral and ethical responsibility to safeguard their youngest users." This stems from the belief that companies deliberately design addictive algorithms.
• Comparison to Other Industries:
• The text mentions that companies are responsible for the effects of their products "much like other industries," and that inaction regarding safety measures (like age verification) amounts to a "dereliction of responsibility."
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: Incorrect because critics argue the exact opposite—that companies are liable for the impact of their algorithms.
• Option 2: While content is mentioned, the passage focuses on the mental health effects and the psychological burden rather than just the content itself.
• Option 3: Incorrect because the passage suggests that critics want platforms to be held accountable for these issues, not exempt from them.

Therefore, the correct answer is Social media companies are morally and ethically responsible for the mental health effects on teens.

 

Additional Information

• Accountability: The state of being responsible and required to explain actions or decisions. In this context, it refers to legal and social consequences for the platforms.
• Addictive Algorithms: These are the mathematical rules used by platforms to determine what content a user sees, specifically designed to keep the user engaged for as long as possible.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Collective Paradigm of Responsibility:
• The passage concludes by suggesting a multi-faceted approach. One of the specific solutions mentioned is "enhanced digital literacy and critical thinking education among young people themselves." This aims to empower teens to navigate platforms more safely.
• Multi-Stakeholder Approach:
• The text argues that the solution is "not a matter of blaming one thing." Instead, it proposes a combination of government oversight, corporate value changes, and education.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: The passage does not suggest banning or limiting usage entirely; it focuses on responsible limits and better management.
• Option 3: The text actually mentions that platforms cite the importance of parental control as a defense, and nowhere does it suggest reducing it.
• Option 4: While corporate accountability is a major part of the discussion, the passage explicitly calls for a "collective paradigm" that includes government and education, not just companies alone.

Therefore, the correct answer is By increasing digital literacy and critical thinking education among young people.

 

Additional Information

• Digital Literacy: The ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information through various digital platforms. It includes understanding how algorithms work and recognizing idealized content.
• Government Oversight: Refers to the regulatory role of the government in ensuring that companies follow ethical standards and protect users.
• Systematic Appraisal: The passage suggests looking at the "system" as a whole (corporate, government, and educational) rather than focusing on isolated incidents.

The correct answer is: Option (2) i.e. Present everywhere.

Key Points

• The word "ubiquitous" means present, appearing, or found everywhere. (सर्वव्यापी)
• Example: Smartphones have become ubiquitous in today's society.
• The closest meaning for 'ubiquitous' is 'present everywhere', which indicates something that is commonly found or widespread. (हर जगह मौजूद)
• Example: The ubiquitous nature of the internet allows people to connect globally.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Present everywhere.

Additional Information

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

• Rare and isolated (दुर्लभ और पृथक):
• Example: While once common, these plants are now rare and isolated in the wild.
• Dependent on specific locations (विशिष्ट स्थानों पर निर्भर):
• Example: Some businesses are dependent on specific locations to thrive, such as coastal cities for fishing industries.
• Outdated and irrelevant (पुराना और अप्रासंगिक):
• Example: Many once-popular technologies have now become outdated and irrelevant.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. The party was an absolute swell affair.

Key Points

• The word "swell" has multiple meanings depending on the context. In this question, three of the options use it in one sense, while one uses it differently.
• Swell (verb): To increase in size or volume, especially as a result of injury, pressure, or natural expansion. (फूलना)
• Example: My ankle began to swell after I twisted it.
• Swell (noun/adjective - used in Option 4): Used informally to describe something excellent, fashionable, or impressive. (बेहतर/शानदार)
• Example: The party was an absolute swell affair, filled with glamorous people and lively music.
• In the given options, Option 4 uses the word "swell" in a different context as an adjective to describe something excellent, while the other options use it in the sense of physical expansion or increase in size.

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: My ankle began to swell after I twisted it. (फूलना/सूजना)
• Meaning: Swelling refers to the physical expansion or enlargement of a part of the body, usually due to injury or inflammation.
• Example: My finger swelled up after I accidentally hit it with a hammer.
• Option 2: His pride began to swell as he accepted the award. (फूलना/गर्व से भर जाना)
• Meaning: Swell is used metaphorically here to indicate an increase in emotions, such as pride or happiness.
• Example: Her heart swelled with joy when she saw her child win the competition.
• Option 3: The baker watched the dough swell as it proofed. (फूलना/फूलकर बड़ा होना)
• Meaning: Swell refers to the physical expansion of the dough as it rises during the baking process.
• Example: The bread dough swelled beautifully after being left to rise for a few hours.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. A state of privileged seclusion.

Key Points

• The idiom "An ivory tower" refers to a state of seclusion or separation from the real world, often with a connotation of being out of touch with practical realities. (विशेषाधिकार प्राप्त एकांत या अलगाव की स्थिति)
• Example: Academics are often accused of living in an ivory tower, disconnected from real-world problems.
• The correct meaning of the idiom is a situation where someone is detached from everyday life and practical concerns, often surrounded by intellectual or artistic pursuits. (अलग-थलग रहने और व्यावहारिक चिंताओं से दूर रहने की स्थिति)
• Example: She spent most of her life in an ivory tower, working on abstract theories without considering their real-world applications.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. A state of privileged seclusion.

Additional Information

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

• Option 2: An expensive building (महंगा भवन): This refers to a costly structure or construction, but it is not related to the meaning of "An ivory tower."
• Example: The billionaire built an expensive building in the heart of the city.
• Option 3: A place of hard work (कड़ी मेहनत का स्थान): This means a location where rigorous labor or effort is performed. It is unrelated to "An ivory tower."
• Example: The factory is a place of hard work for the employees.
• Option 4: A towering structure (एक ऊंची संरचना): This refers to a very tall building or construction, which is not the correct meaning of "An ivory tower."
• Example: The towering structure could be seen from miles away.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. The ability to turn anything into gold.

Key Points

• The idiom "The Midas touch" refers to the ability to succeed or make a profit in everything one undertakes. (हर काम में सफलता पाने की क्षमता)
• Example: Rohan has the Midas touch when it comes to investments; every stock he buys turns out to be a winner.
• In this idiom, the word "Midas" originates from Greek mythology, where King Midas was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold. (ग्रीक पौराणिक कथाओं से लिया गया है, जहाँ राजा मिडास को यह शक्ति मिली थी कि वह छूने से हर चीज़ को सोने में बदल सकता था।)

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. The ability to turn anything into gold.

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: Financial hardship (वित्तीय कठिनाई) - Refers to a situation of economic or monetary struggle.
• Example: Many people faced financial hardship during the pandemic.
• Option 3: A bad reputation (खराब प्रतिष्ठा) - Refers to having a negative or dishonorable image in society.
• Example: The company gained a bad reputation after multiple customer complaints.
• Option 4: A lucky streak (भाग्यशाली दौर) - Refers to a period of continuous success or good fortune.
• Example: She’s been on a lucky streak, winning three competitions in a row.

The correct answer is: Cobbler.

Key Points

• The word "Cobbler" refers to a person who repairs shoes. (जूते बनाने या मरम्मत करने वाला व्यक्ति)
• Example: The cobbler fixed the broken sole of my shoe within an hour.
• Cobbler is the correct term to describe a professional who works on repairing or making shoes.
• Example: I visited the cobbler to get my old boots repaired.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Cobbler.

Additional Information

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

• Tailor (दर्जी): A person who makes or alters clothing.
• Example: The tailor stitched a beautiful gown for the wedding.
• Plumber (प्लंबर): A person who installs or repairs pipes and fixtures for water or gas.
• Example: We called the plumber to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen.
• Mechanic (मिस्त्री): A person who repairs and maintains machinery, especially motor vehicles.
• Example: The mechanic repaired my car engine in just two hours.

The correct answer is: 2 i.e. Despise.

Key Points

• The word "Venerate" means to regard someone or something with great respect or reverence. (सम्मान करना)
• Example: Many cultures venerate their elders as a source of wisdom and guidance.
• "Despise" refers to feeling a strong dislike or lack of respect for someone or something. (घृणा करना)
• Example: She despises dishonesty and always expects people to be truthful.
• Since "Despise" is the opposite of "Venerate," it is the correct antonym.

Therefore, the correct answer is: 2 i.e. Despise.

Additional Information

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

• Honor (सम्मान): High respect or great esteem.
• Example: The soldier was honored for his bravery in battle.
• Respect (आदर): A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something.
• Example: Students should always show respect towards their teachers.
• Admire (प्रशंसा करना): To regard someone or something with respect and approval.
• Example: I truly admire her dedication to her work.

The correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Nostalgia.

Key Points

• The word "Nostalgia" refers to a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. (अतीत की याद या पुरानी चीजों की लालसा)
• Example: The smell of freshly baked cookies filled her with nostalgia for her childhood days.
• Here, the word "Nostalgia" correctly expresses a longing for past times.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 i.e. Nostalgia.

Additional Information

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

• Reminiscence (स्मरण): The act of remembering or recollecting past experiences or events.
• Example: During the reunion, they indulged in reminiscence about their college days.
• Melancholy (उदासी): A feeling of deep sadness, often without a specific cause.
• Example: There was a touch of melancholy in her voice as she spoke about her late grandfather.
• Sentimentality (भावुकता): Excessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
• Example: The old letters filled her with sentimentality for a time long gone.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the passive voice.
• To convert a sentence from passive to active voice, identify the subject, verb, and object.
• In the given passive voice sentence, "The students" is the subject, "are said" is the verb, and "to be struggling with the new curriculum" is the object.
• To form the active voice, replace the passive verb structure with an appropriate active verb structure.
• The active voice version of the sentence is: "They say that the students are struggling with the new curriculum."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "They say that the students are struggling with the new curriculum."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "The new curriculum is said to be struggling with the students." – This reverses the roles of the subject and object incorrectly.
• Option 3: "The students are struggling with the new curriculum, it is said." – This sentence is in passive voice and not active.
• Option 4: "Someone said that the students were struggling with the new curriculum." – This changes the tense of the sentence unnecessarily.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• Direct Speech: He says, "I am building a model ship in my spare time."
• Key Conversions:
• No Tense Change:
• When the reporting verb is in the present tense ("says") or future tense ("will say"), the tense inside the reported speech does not change. Therefore, the Present Continuous tense is maintained, changing only from "am building" to "is building" to match the new subject.
• "I" and "my" become "he" and "his":
• The first-person pronouns inside the quotation marks change to third-person pronouns to match the subject of the reporting verb ("He").
• Conjunction "that":
• The comma and quotation marks are removed, and the conjunction "that" connects the two clauses.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: He says that he is building a model ship in his spare time.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "He says that he was building a model ship in his spare time."
• Incorrect because it changes the tense to the past continuous ("was building"), which violates the rule for present tense reporting verbs.
• Option 3: "He said that he is building a model ship in his spare time."
• Incorrect because it alters the original reporting verb from the present ("says") to the past ("said").
• Option 4: "He says that a model ship is being built by him in his spare time."
• Incorrect because it converts the reported clause into the passive voice, which is a voice change, not a correct direct-to-indirect speech conversion.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Each and every one of the boys took his seat.

 

Key Points

• The sentence emphasizes individual members of the group with the phrase "each and every one."
• When referring to an individual in such contexts, the singular pronoun "his" is used, as it is grammatically correct to match the singular subject.
• The pronoun "their" (Options 1 and 4) is incorrect as it is plural, and the sentence requires a singular pronoun.
• Option 3 is incorrect because "each of the boy" is grammatically wrong; it should be "each of the boys."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Each and every one of the boys took his seat in the bus."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "took there seat" is incorrect because "there" is a homophone and refers to a place, not possession.
• Option 3: "Each of the boy" is incorrect because the noun "boy" should be plural ("boys") to align with the determiner "each."
• Option 4: "took their seat" is incorrect because "their" is plural, but the sentence refers to individual actions.