English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '1', i.e., 'One should do one's duty'.

 

Key Points

• The word "one" is a singular pronoun and requires the possessive adjective "one's" to denote possession or ownership.
• The use of "ones" without an apostrophe is incorrect, as it does not indicate possession.
• The use of "once" is incorrect, as it refers to a point in time, not possession.
• The use of "their" is incorrect because it is a plural possessive pronoun and does not agree with the singular subject "One."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "One should do one's duty."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: "One should do ones duties" is incorrect because "ones" is missing an apostrophe and should be written as "one's" to indicate possession.
• Option 3: "One should do once duties" is incorrect because "once" refers to time and does not make sense in the sentence.
• Option 4: "One should do their duty" is incorrect because "their" is a plural possessive pronoun and does not agree with the singular subject "One."

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the active voice: "You must finish your homework."
• To convert it to passive voice, the object of the active sentence ("your homework") becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• The modal "must" remains the same, and the verb "finish" changes to its past participle form "finished."
• The correct structure is: "Your homework must be finished by you."
• Incorrect options:
• Option 2: "Your homework must being finished by you." – Incorrect because "must being" is grammatically incorrect.
• Option 3: "Your homework must have been finished by you." – Incorrect because it changes the meaning and tense of the sentence.
• Option 4: "Your homework is must be finished by you." – Incorrect because it includes an extra verb ("is") that makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "Your homework must be finished by you."

 

Additional Information

• Active voice: The subject performs the action (e.g., "You must finish your homework").
• Passive voice: The object becomes the subject, and the focus shifts to the action being done (e.g., "Your homework must be finished by you").
• Structure for passive voice with modals: Modal + be + past participle.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

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: "The new intern had forgotten to lock the laboratory door before leaving."
• To convert to passive voice: Place the object "the laboratory door" at the beginning.
• Change the active verb form "had forgotten" to "had been forgotten" (past perfect passive).
• Ensure the rest of the sentence remains grammatically correct and retains its original meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The laboratory door had been forgotten to be locked by the new intern before leaving."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "The laboratory door was forgotten to be locked by the new intern before leaving." – Incorrect because "was" is used instead of "had been," which is required for past perfect tense.
• Option 3: "The laboratory door has been forgotten to be locked by the new intern before leaving." – Incorrect tense (present perfect passive instead of past perfect passive).
• Option 4: "The laboratory door had forgotten to lock by the new intern before leaving." – Incorrect structure; "had forgotten" must apply to the subject (intern), not the object (door).

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• Indirect Speech: The student told his friend that he had to go home that day because he had been feeling unwell since the day before, and his parents were waiting for him.
• Key Conversions (Indirect to Direct):
• "told his friend" becomes "said to his friend"
• The reporting verb "told" followed by an object reverts to "said to" in direct speech.
• "had to go" becomes "have to go"
• The past obligation "had to" changes back to the present obligation "have to" (or "must").
• "that day" and "the day before" become "today" and "yesterday"
• Time indicators revert to their direct forms: "that day" becomes "today", and "the day before" becomes "yesterday."
• "had been feeling" becomes "was feeling"
• The Past Perfect Continuous ("had been feeling") shifts back to the Past Continuous ("was feeling") in the direct quote.
• "were waiting" becomes "are waiting"
• The Past Continuous ("were waiting") reverts to the Present Continuous ("are waiting").
• Pronoun Changes:
• "he" becomes "I", "his" becomes "my", and "him" becomes "me".

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Correct Sentence: "I have to go home today because I was feeling unwell since yesterday, and my parents are waiting for me," the student said to his friend.

 

Additional Information

• Option 2:
• Incorrect because it fails to reverse the backshifts. It keeps the indirect tense forms ("had to", "had been feeling", "were waiting") and indirect time markers ("that day", "the day before") inside the direct quotes.
• Option 3:
• Incorrect because it uses "were waiting" inside the quote. If the direct speech used "were waiting," it would have shifted to "had been waiting" in the indirect speech.
• Option 4:
• Incorrect because it uses "had been feeling" and "were waiting" inside the quote, failing to convert them back to their present/past counterparts ("was feeling" and "are waiting").

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

• Identification of the Phrase:
• The phrase begins with "enabling," which is the present participle form of the verb "enable." In this context, it describes or provides more information about the preceding noun/idea (Digital platforms).
• Function of a Participle Phrase:
• A participle phrase functions as an adjective. Here, "enabling young aspirants..." modifies the subject "Digital platforms," explaining what they do or the effect they have.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: A noun clause usually starts with words like "that," "what," or "who" and acts as a subject or object (e.g., "I know that he is coming"). This phrase does not function as a noun.
• Option 2: An adverbial phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb to show time, place, or manner. While this phrase shows the result, its grammatical structure (starting with a participle) specifically classifies it as a participle phrase.
• Option 4: An absolute phrase modifies a whole independent clause and usually consists of a noun followed by a participle (e.g., "Their hearts racing, the players began"). This phrase lacks its own subject.

Therefore, the correct answer is Participle phrase.

 

Additional Information

• Present Participle: Ends in "-ing" and acts as an adjective (e.g., the crying baby).
• Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed," "-en," "-d," "-t," "-n," or "-ne" and acts as an adjective (e.g., the broken window).
• Contextual Usage: In professional or academic writing, participle phrases are frequently used to combine sentences and create a more fluid narrative flow, as seen in the passage.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Identification of the Voice:
• The phrase uses the past participle "conceived." In the full context of the sentence, it implies that "Chaturanga was initially conceived..."
• In Passive Voice, the subject of the sentence (Chaturanga) is the receiver of the action, not the doer. The game did not "conceive" itself; it was conceived by people/creators.
• Structural Analysis:
• Active Voice equivalent: "Creators initially conceived Chaturanga as a strategic simulation..." (The subject performs the action).
• Passive Voice (this phrase): "Initially conceived..." (The focus is on the thing being created/conceived).
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: Incorrect because the subject is not performing the action of conceiving.
• Option 3: Middle Voice is a grammatical voice where the subject both performs and is affected by the action (e.g., "The door opened"). This does not apply here.
• Option 4: Causative Voice indicates that the subject causes someone else to do something (e.g., "I had my hair cut"). This is not present in the phrase.

Therefore, the correct answer is Passive voice.

 

Additional Information

• Passive Voice Utility: Authors often use passive voice when the actor (the person who conceived the game) is unknown, irrelevant, or less important than the object (the game itself).
• Past Participle as Adjective: In this specific phrase, "conceived" acts as a participle modifying "chaturanga," but its underlying grammatical relationship to the noun remains passive.

The correct answer is: Option (2) i.e. Rapid and spectacular.

Key Points

• The word "meteoric" means very rapid and having a brilliant or fast-moving quality. (अत्यंत तेज और शानदार)
• Example: She experienced a meteoric rise to fame after her first film.
• The closest meaning for 'meteoric' is 'rapid and spectacular', which indicates something that happens quickly and impressively. (तेज और शानदार)
• Example: The company's meteoric growth in just two years is impressive.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Rapid and spectacular.

Additional Information

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

• Gradual and steady (धीरे-धीरे और स्थिर):
• Example: His career progress has been gradual and steady over the years.
• Temporary and weak (अस्थायी और कमजोर):
• Example: The temporary and weak solution did not solve the problem effectively.
• Hidden and secretive (छिपा हुआ और गुप्त):
• Example: The organization’s hidden and secretive activities were eventually exposed.

The correct answer is: Option (1) i.e. Sharpness in understanding.

Key Points

• The word "acumen" means the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain; sharpness of mind and keen insight. (तीव्र बुद्धि और कुशाग्रता)
• Example: Her business acumen helped the company thrive in a competitive market.
• The closest meaning for 'acumen' is 'sharpness in understanding', which indicates having keen insight or perceptiveness. (समझने में तीव्रता)
• Example: He is known for his political acumen and strategic thinking.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Sharpness in understanding.

Additional Information

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

• Physical strength (शारीरिक शक्ति):
• Example: His physical strength allowed him to lift heavy weights easily.
• Luck (भाग्य):
• Example: She attributed her success to luck rather than hard work.
• Longevity (दीर्घायु):
• Example: The longevity of the ancient tree was remarkable.

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

• Digital Acceleration:
• The passage explicitly mentions: "Digital platforms have further accelerated talent development..." It explains that these platforms allow young aspirants to play against (spar with) grandmasters from all over the world.
• Strategic Growth:
• The text notes that this global interaction helps in "refining their strategic acumen from an early age," moving beyond just local tournaments or traditional coaching.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Option 1: The passage mentions academies and grassroots initiatives, but not "board game shops" as a primary factor.
• Option 3: While grassroots initiatives are mentioned, the passage does not state that chess programs are "mandatory" in schools.
• Option 4: Incorrect because the passage highlights an increased presence and success in international events like the Chess Olympiad.

Therefore, the correct answer is Digital platforms allowing global practice.

 

Additional Information

• Sparring: In this context, it refers to practicing or playing matches specifically for training purposes.
• Strategic Acumen: The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions in a complex environment (like a chess game).
• Cradle of Chess: A reference to India being the birthplace of the original game, "chaturanga."

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. compliment, complement.

Key Points

• The word "compliment" refers to a polite expression of praise or admiration. (प्रशंसा या तारीफ)
• Example: She received a compliment on her beautiful dress.
• The word "complement" refers to something that completes or goes well with something else. (पूरक)
• Example: The new curtains perfectly complement the color of the walls.
• In the given sentence, "compliment" and "complement" are the correct words because the designer received praise (compliment) for choosing furniture that perfectly matched or completed (complemented) the walls and floors.

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

Additional Information

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

• Option 1: counsel, council
• "Counsel" means advice or guidance, typically given formally. (सलाह)
• Example: She sought counsel from her mentor before making the decision.
• "Council" refers to an assembly or advisory group formed to discuss and decide on important matters. (परिषद)
• Example: The city council voted on the new zoning regulations.
• These words do not fit the context of the sentence, as the sentence refers to praise and matching, not advice or an assembly.
• Option 2: complement, compliment
• This option has the correct words but in the wrong order. The sentence requires "compliment" first and "complement" second to make sense in the given context.
• Option 4: council, counsel
• This option also uses "council" and "counsel," which refer to a group or advice, respectively. These do not suit the context of the sentence.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Either of the answers is acceptable .

Key Points

• Option 3, "Either of the answers is acceptable," is grammatically correct because the subject "either" is singular and requires a singular verb "is."
• Option 1, "Each of the players are given a trophy," is incorrect because "each" is singular and should be followed by a singular verb "is."
• Option 2, "Every boy and girl have their task," is incorrect because "every" is singular and should be followed by a singular verb "has."
• Option 4, "Neither she nor her friends is ready," is incorrect because when using "neither...nor", the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. In this case, "friends" is plural, so the correct verb would be "are."

Correct sentence: Either of the answers is acceptable.

Additional Information

• Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns:
• Singular indefinite pronouns (e.g., "each," "every," "either," "neither") take singular verbs.
• Example: Each of the students has completed their assignment.
• Neither...Nor and Either...Or:
• The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
• Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. have approved should be replaced with "has approved".

Key Points

• The subject of the sentence is "The principal", which is singular.
• The phrase "along with the teachers" is additional information and does not affect the verb agreement.
• In subject-verb agreement, the verb should agree with the main subject of the sentence.
• The correct verb form for a singular subject like "The principal" is "has", not "have".

Correct sentence: The principal, along with the teachers, has approved the new syllabus.

Additional Information

• Rules for Subject-Verb Agreement:
• When the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular.
• When the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.
• Parenthetical phrases like "along with," "as well as," "in addition to", etc., do not affect the verb agreement.
• Examples:
• The teacher, along with the students, is preparing for the event.
• The manager, as well as the staff, has agreed to the new policy.

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

Key Points

• The given sentence conveys a contrast between two ideas: his determination to win and the fact that the odds were against him.
• The conjunction "although" is used to show a contrast or contradiction between two clauses in a sentence.
• The other options do not fit the context:
• Because: Indicates cause and effect, which is not relevant here.
• Whether: Indicates uncertainty, which is not appropriate in this sentence.
• Since: Indicates cause or time, which does not create the contrast required in this context.

Correct sentence: He was determined to win, although the odds were clearly stacked against him.

Additional Information

• Although:
• Used to introduce a subordinate clause expressing a contrast.
• Example: Although he was tired, he continued working.
• Usage: Often used to connect two ideas that are contradictory or in opposition.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Persuasive .

Key Points

• The word Cogent is used to describe something that is clear, logical, and convincing.
• Out of the given options:
• Ineffective and Weak are antonyms of "Cogent" and do not align with its meaning.
• Unconvincing is also an antonym, as it means not persuasive or not convincing.
• Persuasive is the synonym of "Cogent" because both convey the idea of compelling or convincing someone effectively.

Correct sentence: The most appropriate synonym of "Cogent" is Persuasive.

Additional Information

• Synonyms: Words with similar meanings.
• Example: "Persuasive" is a synonym of "Cogent".
• Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings.
• Example: "Unconvincing" and "Weak" are antonyms of "Cogent".

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Historical writing .

Key Points

• The word "historiographical" is derived from the term historiography, which refers to the writing of history and the study of historical methods.
• The most appropriate synonym for "historiographical" is "historical writing", as it directly relates to the process and methods of recording and analyzing history.
• Other options like Fictional, Prophetic, and Verbal are unrelated to the concept of historiography and do not fit the meaning of the word.

Correct sentence: The term historiographical refers to the study and methods of historical writing.

Additional Information

• Historiography:
• Definition: The writing of history based on the critical examination of sources, the selection of details from authentic materials, and the synthesis of these details into a narrative.
• Example: The historiographical analysis of World War II looks at how historians have interpreted the causes and outcomes of the war.
• Other Options:
• Fictional: Related to stories or narratives created from imagination, not real or historical.
• Prophetic: Relating to predictions of future events, often based on divine inspiration.
• Verbal: Relating to spoken or written words, not specific to historical context.

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

Key Points

• The correct spelling of the word is "Millionaire", which refers to a person whose wealth is equal to or exceeds one million units of currency.
• Option 1 (Millionire), Option 3 (Millioner), and Option 4 (Millionair) are incorrect as they are misspelled and do not conform to standard English usage.
• To verify the spelling, one may refer to authoritative dictionaries such as the Oxford English Dictionary or Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Correct spelling: Millionaire

Additional Information

• Word Origin:
• The word Millionaire is derived from the French term millionaire, which is based on the word million.
• It was first used in the early 19^th century to describe individuals with substantial wealth.
• Example Usage:
• He became a millionaire after his company was acquired by a large corporation.
• Many people aspire to become millionaires by working hard and investing wisely.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. In chaos or confusion .

Key Points

• The idiom "At sixes and sevens" is used to describe a state of chaos or confusion.
• It is often used in situations where there is disorder, lack of organization, or uncertainty.
• For example: The office was at sixes and sevens after the sudden announcement of the CEO's resignation.

Correct sentence: The team was at sixes and sevens after the project deadline was unexpectedly moved up by a week.

Additional Information

• Origin: The phrase is believed to have originated from an old dice game where the numbers six and seven symbolized confusion or risk.
• Usage in Context: This idiom is commonly used in informal and formal settings to describe disorganized situations.
• Other Idioms with Similar Meaning: "In a shambles," "All over the place," "In disarray."

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Keep quiet .

Key Points

• The idiom "Mum's the word" is used to instruct someone to remain silent or to keep a secret.
• Mum in this phrase refers to silence, not speaking or revealing anything.
• It implies that the speaker is urging secrecy or discretion regarding a particular matter.

Correct usage: "I’ve heard some exciting news, but mum’s the word until it’s officially announced."

Additional Information

• Other idioms related to silence or secrecy:
• "Seal your lips": To keep quiet or not disclose information.
• "Bite your tongue": To stop yourself from saying something you might regret.
• Incorrect Options:
• Option 2: Speak loudly – This is opposite in meaning to the idiom.
• Option 3: Stay neutral – The idiom does not imply neutrality but rather secrecy.
• Option 4: Gossip secretly – This involves speaking, which is contrary to the meaning of the idiom.

The correct answer is 'Overwhelming'.

 

Key Points

• The passage describes the air as "thick" with the smell of paper and dust. When a sensation is described as thick or dense, it often suggests it is overwhelming (अभिभूत कर देने वाला).
• The phrase "at once soothing and overwhelming" establishes a sensory paradox. It means the scent is comforting (soothing) but also so intense and powerful (overwhelming) that it completely occupies the narrator's senses.
• While "Invigorating" (Option 3) means energizing, it doesn't align as well with the description of a "thick" and "earthy" atmosphere as the concept of intensity does.
• "Refreshing" (Option 1) usually describes light, clean scents, which contrasts with the "dusty" and "earthy" description.
• "Disconcerting" (Option 4) implies a negative or upsetting feeling, which contradicts the bookstore being called a "refuge."

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Complete Passage Segment: The used bookstore was not merely a location where one might purchase books; it was a refuge. The air was thick with the earthy, rich smell of paper and dust, an odd fragrance which was at once soothing and (1) overwhelming*. I would spend hours there, running my fingers over the spines of ancient, forgotten books that stood on the shelves.

Each novel was another world to discover, and I finally removed a leather-bound book with an odd, yellowed title. Its pages were dry and (2)________. to the touch, as if one careless turn would make them disintegrate. As I picked up to read the opening lines, the words didn't merely speak a tale-they whisked me off to a whole different world, a place of magical creatures, gallant heroes, and secret spells. The vocabulary was old-fashioned, but impossibly (3)_____, describing gaudy pictures in my head that were more real than the creaky aisles surrounding me. I was amazed by the imagination of the writer, a well that was presumably truly (4)_______.  I felt a rush of awe, an appreciation that these tales, as ancient as they were, remained supremely (5) _________  and capable of igniting the imagination of a new generation.*

 

Additional Information

• Fragrance (सुगंध): A pleasant, sweet smell. The author uses this word to show that the narrator finds beauty even in the old, dusty air of the shop.
• Tone and Context: In competitive exam "Cloze Tests," the adjectives often work in pairs. "Soothing" and "Overwhelming" describe the duality of a deep, nostalgic experience.
• Refuge: A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

The correct answer is 'Fragile'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence provides a strong contextual clue: "as if one careless turn would make them disintegrate."
• "Fragile" (नाज़ुक/भंगुर) means easily broken or damaged. This perfectly matches the description of dry, ancient pages that are on the verge of falling apart.
• "Rough" (Option 1) describes texture (uneven or coarse) but does not necessarily imply that the object will break or disintegrate.
• "Stiff" (Option 3) means rigid or difficult to bend. While old pages can be stiff, the focus here is on their vulnerability to being destroyed, which "fragile" captures best.
• "Soft" (Option 4) is the opposite of what is expected of "dry" and "ancient" pages that are about to crumble.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Complete Passage Segment: *The used bookstore was not merely a location where one might purchase books; it was a refuge. The air was thick with the earthy, rich smell of paper and dust, an odd fragrance which was at once soothing and (1) overwhelming. I would spend hours there, running my fingers over the spines of ancient, forgotten books that stood on the shelves.

Each novel was another world to discover, and I finally removed a leather-bound book with an odd, yellowed title. Its pages were dry and (2)fragile . to the touch, as if one careless turn would make them disintegrate. As I picked up to read the opening lines, the words didn't merely speak a tale-they whisked me off to a whole different world, a place of magical creatures, gallant heroes, and secret spells. The vocabulary was old-fashioned, but impossibly (3), describing gaudy pictures in my head that were more real than the creaky aisles surrounding me. I was amazed by the imagination of the writer, a well that was presumably truly (4).  I felt a rush of awe, an appreciation that these tales, as ancient as they were, remained supremely (5) _________  and capable of igniting the imagination of a new generation.*

 

Additional Information

• Disintegrate (बिखर जाना): To break up into small parts as a result of decay or impact.
• Brittle: A synonym often used in competitive exams to describe old paper; it means hard but liable to shatter easily.
• Contextual Vocabulary: In "Cloze Test" questions, always look for the result described in the sentence (like "disintegrate") to determine the required characteristic of the blank.