English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The verb phrase "has become" follows the structure of the Present Perfect Tense.
• The formula for the Present Perfect tense is: Subject + Has/Have + Past Participle (V3).
• Has: Used because the subject ("maintaining a nutritious diet") is singular.
• Become: This is the V3 (past participle) form of the verb (Become - Became - Become).
• This tense is used here to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues to be true or has relevance in the present.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 2 (Present Continuous): This would be "is becoming," indicating an action currently in progress.
• Option 3 (Simple Past): This would be "became," indicating a completed action in the past.
• Option 4 (Future Perfect): This would be "will have become," indicating an action that will be completed by a certain point in the future.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1.

 

Analytical Insight: *In competitive exams like, identifying the Present Perfect often hinges on recognizing the V3 form.

Some verbs, like "become" or "run," have the same form for V1 and V3, which can be a common point of confusion.*

 

Additional Information

• Pivotal: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
• Impulsively: Doing something without forethought; acting on a sudden urge.
• Nourishment: The food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
• Mindful: Conscious or aware of something.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• To change a sentence from Active to Passive Voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• The original sentence is in the Simple Present Tense ("play").
• The formula for Passive Voice in Simple Present is: New Subject + am/is/are + Past Participle (V3) + by + New Object.
• Active Subject: Parents and schools
• Active Verb: play
• Active Object: A pivotal role
• Passive Transformation: "A pivotal role" (New Subject) + "is" (Auxiliary) + "played" (V3) + "by parents and schools" (New Object).
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 2: The meaning is reversed, suggesting the parents are being played by the role.
• Option 3: This uses "was," which changes the tense to Simple Past. The tense must remain consistent.
• Option 4: This uses "play" (V1) instead of the required Past Participle "played" (V3).

Therefore, the correct answer is 1.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, voice change questions often try to trick you by changing the tense. Always identify the tense of the main verb first; if the active is present, the passive must use "is/am/are."

 

Additional Information

• Pivotal: Central and important to the situation.
• Lifestyle diseases: Diseases linked with the way people live (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, heart disease).
• Nourishment: The food or other substances necessary for growth and health.
• Adolescents: Young people in the process of developing from a child into an adult.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• In the context of the passage, "cultivating" refers to the process of fostering, growing, or developing healthy eating habits over time.
• The word is often used metaphorically in English to describe the act of nurturing a skill, habit, or relationship, much like a farmer nurtures a crop.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1 (Destroying): This is an antonym. The passage encourages building habits, not ending them.
• Option 2 (Ignoring): The text emphasizes the importance of paying attention to these habits for long-term well-being.
• Option 4 (Avoiding): The passage suggests that youngsters should embrace and adopt these habits, not stay away from them.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, vocabulary questions often use words with both literal and figurative meanings. While "cultivating" literally refers to farming, in this "health and lifestyle" context, it strictly means the gradual development of a behavior.

 

Additional Information

• Nourishment: The food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
• Mindful: Conscious or aware of something.
• Pivotal: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
• Adolescents: Young people in the process of developing from a child into an adult.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• In the passage, "impulsively" describes the act of eating without thinking, driven by sudden urges or convenience rather than health goals.
• Carefully (Option 1): This is the antonym. If someone eats "carefully," they are acting with thought, attention, and deliberation—the exact opposite of acting on a sudden, unthinking impulse. The text contrasts impulsive eating with "mindful eating" and "conscious choices."
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 2 (Rapidly): This refers to speed. While impulsive eating can be fast, "rapidly" is not a direct opposite in terms of the decision-making process.
• Option 3 (Silently): This refers to noise levels and has no relevance to the decision to eat healthily or impulsively.
• Option 4 (Angrily): This refers to an emotional state (anger) which is not the primary contrast intended in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, antonym questions often provide words that are "mindset" opposites. Since "impulsively" implies a lack of planning, the correct antonym must involve calculation or caution.

 

Additional Information

• Mindful: Taking care to be aware of something; the opposite of being on "autopilot."
• Pivotal: Crucially important to the outcome of something.
• Conscious: Having knowledge of and being aware of one's surroundings or actions.
• Adolescents: Young people developing from children into adults.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly outlines the responsibility of educational institutions in the third paragraph: "Therefore, parents and schools play a pivotal role in promoting a healthy lifestyle by providing access to nutritious meals and educating young people..."
• This highlights a two-pronged approach: Physical access (nutritious meals) and Knowledge (education about consequences).
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text mentions providing access to good food, but it does not specifically mention "banning" all snacks.
• Option 3: The passage suggests that schools should guide and educate students, which is the opposite of a "whatever they want" approach.
• Option 4: Physical activity is not discussed in this passage; the focus is entirely on dietary habits.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about the "role" of an entity require you to find the specific sentence where that entity (in this case, "schools") is the subject. The correct answer will almost always be a direct paraphrase of that sentence.

 

Additional Information

• Pivotal role: A role that is central and crucial to the success of a plan or activity.
• Nutritious: Efficient as food; providing those substances necessary for growth and health.
• Consequences: The results or effects of an action or condition.
• Mindful eating: The practice of maintaining a non-judgmental awareness of food and drink consumption.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. was you .

Key Points

• The sentence "If I was you, I wouldn't do this" is grammatically incorrect. This is because it uses the incorrect form of the verb "was" in the conditional clause.
• The sentence is an example of the second conditional, which is used to express hypothetical or unreal situations.
• In the second conditional, the correct structure is "If + subject + were, subject + would + base verb."
• The word "was" should be replaced with "were," as the phrase "If I were" is used to indicate hypothetical situations, regardless of the subject.

Correct sentence: If I were you, I wouldn't do this.

Additional Information

• 1^st Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Present Simple, will + base verb.
• Example: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
• Usage: Describes real or possible situations in the future with likely outcomes.
• 2^nd Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Past Simple, would + base verb.
• Example: If I were rich, I would buy a mansion.
• Usage: Describes hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future.
• 3^rd Conditional Sentence:
• Structure: If + Past Perfect, would have + past participle.
• Example: If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam.
• Usage: Refers to unreal past situations and their imagined outcomes.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. to attend .

Key Points

• The verb “deny” is not followed by the infinitive “to + base verb”. Instead, it is followed by a gerund (verb + ing).
• In this case, the correct form should be “denied attending”, not “denied to attend.”
• Therefore, the error lies in the phrase “to attend.”

Correct sentence: He denied attending the meeting citing personal reasons.

Additional Information

• Usage of “deny”:
• When using the verb “deny,” always follow it with a gerund (verb + ing).
• Example: She denied stealing the money.
• Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds:
• Enjoy, avoid, suggest, finish, deny, mind, etc.
• Example: He enjoys swimming. / She suggested going out for dinner.

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

Key Points

• The sentence is in the past tense, as indicated by the phrase "After months of silence."
• The context suggests that the author took an action regarding the controversy, which aligns with the meaning of "addressed."
• The word "addressed" means to deal with or focus on a specific issue, making it the most appropriate choice for the sentence.
• Other options are incorrect as they don’t fit the context:
• Suppressed: Means to hide or restrain, which doesn’t match the context of discussing the controversy.
• Diverted: Means to shift focus away from something, which is the opposite of what the sentence implies.
• Evaded: Means to avoid, which doesn’t align with the author finally confronting the issue.

Correct sentence: After months of silence, the author finally addressed the controversy in a detailed blog post.

Additional Information

• Meaning of the Options:
• Addressed: Dealt with or discussed a subject or issue.
• Suppressed: Stopped or restrained something from being expressed or known.
• Diverted: Shifted attention or focus elsewhere.
• Evaded: Avoided or escaped from something, often dishonestly or cleverly.
• Usage Tips: Always consider the context of the sentence (e.g., tone, tense, and intent) to select the most suitable option.

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

Key Points

• The word "Turgid" is used to describe something that is swollen, inflated, or pompous in style or language.
• Option 2, "Inflated," is the most appropriate synonym for the given word as it conveys the same meaning of being overly swollen or exaggerated.
• Options like Concise, Simple, and Plain are antonyms of the word "Turgid" and therefore do not match its meaning.

Correct Usage: The professor’s turgid lecture was difficult to follow because of its inflated language and excessive details.

Additional Information

• Synonyms for Turgid: Inflated, Overblown, Pompous.
• Antonyms for Turgid: Concise, Simple, Plain, Unadorned.
• Example Sentence: The river became turgid after the heavy rainfall, overflowing its banks.

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

Key Points

• The word "Palimpsestic" refers to something that has multiple layers or traces of earlier forms underneath. It is often used metaphorically to describe something that has been reused or altered but still retains traces of its earlier state.
• The most appropriate synonym for this word is "Layered", which captures the idea of having multiple layers or levels.
• Other options like "Simplistic," "Erased," and "Empty" do not align with the meaning of "Palimpsestic." Specifically:
• "Simplistic": Refers to oversimplified ideas, not layers.
• "Erased": Refers to something removed, whereas palimpsestic retains traces of the past.
• "Empty": Refers to something void or without content, which is the opposite of layered.

Correct sentence: The document had a palimpsestic quality, with its layered history visible beneath the new text.

Additional Information

• Use of the word "Palimpsest": Originally, it referred to a manuscript on which the original writing had been erased to make room for new text but still retained traces of the old text.
• In modern usage, it is often used metaphorically to describe anything that shows evidence of its history or layers.
• Example: The city’s architecture is palimpsestic, with modern buildings standing alongside ruins from ancient times.

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

Key Points

• The word Insouciant is correctly spelt and means showing a lack of concern or care; carefree or relaxed.
• It is derived from the French word "insouciant," which means "carefree" or "unconcerned."
• Each of the other options contains spelling errors and does not accurately represent the correct word:
• Option 1: "Innocient" – Incorrect spelling of "Innocent."
• Option 2: "Insocant" – Not a valid English word.
• Option 4: "linsociant" – Incorrect and not a valid English word.

Correct usage: The child’s insouciant attitude was evident as he played happily, unaware of the storm approaching.

Additional Information

• Synonyms: Nonchalant, carefree, indifferent.
• Antonyms: Anxious, concerned, worried.
• Example Sentence: Despite the chaos around her, she remained insouciant and calm.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Every small corner or hidden part .

Key Points

• The idiom "Every nook and cranny" refers to searching or exploring every small corner or hidden part of a space.
• It is commonly used to emphasize thoroughness or meticulousness in searching or investigating.
• Among the options provided, Option 1: "Every small corner or hidden part" is the most appropriate meaning of the idiom.

Correct usage: The detectives searched every nook and cranny of the house for evidence.

Additional Information

• Other Related Idioms:
• "Leave no stone unturned": Similar to "Every nook and cranny," it means to try every possible way or investigate thoroughly.
• "Dig deep": To put in significant effort to find something, especially information or resources.
• Usage Tips:
• Use this idiom in contexts where thoroughness or meticulous searching is highlighted.
• It can be applied to both physical searches (e.g., a house) or abstract searches (e.g., data or clues).

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Offend or annoy someone .

Key Points

• The idiom "Tread on your toes" means to offend or annoy someone, especially by interfering in their responsibilities or personal matters.
• It is often used in a figurative sense to describe situations where someone oversteps their boundaries or causes discomfort to another individual.
• The correct interpretation of this idiom aligns with option 3: "Offend or annoy someone."

Correct usage: Be careful not to tread on your boss's toes by taking decisions without consulting them first.

Additional Information

• Similar Idioms:
• Step on someone's toes: To offend or upset someone by encroaching on their authority or responsibilities.
• Rub someone the wrong way: To irritate or annoy someone, often unintentionally.
• Examples of Usage:
• She doesn't want to tread on anyone's toes, so she avoids discussing sensitive topics.
• He accidentally tread on his colleague's toes by taking over her project without informing her.

The correct answer is 'Worry'.

 

Key Points

• The passage describes the man as sitting alone, dressed in "frayed clothes," and his face was "creased" with a particular emotion.
• The description "gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers" suggests a state of deep concern, anxiety, or preoccupation with life's difficulties.
• "Worry" (चिंता) is the most appropriate word to describe a face "creased" by the burdens of life, especially in a context involving "setbacks" and "grief."
• "Happiness" (Option 1) contradicts the description of frayed clothes and a weak smile.
• "Anger" (Option 2) typically involves different facial expressions (like a scowl) and wouldn't lead to someone being "lost in thought" in a quiet, reflective way.
• "Confusion" (Option 4) implies a lack of understanding, but the phrase "creased with" is most idiomatically paired with "worry" or "age" to show the physical toll of a hard life.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage Segment: *I was strolling through the park one night when I saw a man sitting by himself on a bench. He was dressed in frayed clothes, and his face was creased with (1)*worry  He looked lost in thought, gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers. I paused for a moment before going over to talk to him. When I said hello, he looked up and smiled weakly. He began talking to me about his life, including his triumphs and setbacks, love and grief. His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective (2). He got to his feet as the sun began to set and thanked me for the chance to hear about his experiences. "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us," he stated. His words lingered in my mind, bringing to mind the (3) of human connection. That night, I left the park humbled and (4)____. Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)_____ us in ways that we  never thought possible.

 

Additional Information

• Frayed (घिसा हुआ): (Of fabric) unraveled or worn at the edge. It suggests the man may be going through a difficult financial or personal period.
• Creased: In this context, it refers to lines or wrinkles on the face caused by habitual expressions or stress.
• Contextual Reading: When solving Cloze Tests, look for the "mood" of the character. The mention of "setbacks" and "grief" later in the text confirms a somber mood.

The correct answer is 'Enlightened'.

 

Key Points

• The sentence structure is a parallel construction: "His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective enlightened."
• "Enlightened" (प्रबुद्ध/ज्ञानोदय) as a verb in this context suggests that the man's viewpoint was filled with wisdom and understanding. It perfectly matches the previous adjective "enlightening" to emphasize the profound nature of the conversation.
• While "Deepened" (Option 1) is a common collocation for perspectives, in specific exam contexts where "Enlightened" is provided as the key, it is chosen to maintain thematic consistency with the stories being "enlightening."
• "Shifted" (Option 2) suggests a change in direction, which isn't necessarily implied by the wisdom of the stories.
• "Worsened" (Option 4) is a negative term that contradicts the "humbled" and positive feeling the narrator describes at the end.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage Segment: I was strolling through the park one night when I saw a man sitting by himself on a bench. He was dressed in frayed clothes, and his face was creased with (1)worry  He looked lost in thought, gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers. I paused for a moment before going over to talk to him. When I said hello, he looked up and smiled weakly. He began talking to me about his life, including his triumphs and setbacks, love and grief. His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective (2)enlightened He got to his feet as the sun began to set and thanked me for the chance to hear about his experiences. "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us," he stated. His words lingered in my mind, bringing to mind the (3)________ of human connection. That night, I left the park humbled and (4)____. Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)_____ us in ways that we  never thought possible.

 

Additional Information

• Enlightening (शिक्षाप्रद): Providing spiritual or intellectual insight.
• Parallelism in Cloze Tests: Examiners often use the same root word (enlighten/enlightening) or words with very similar meanings in the same sentence to reinforce a specific theme.
• Perspective (परिप्रेक्ष्य): A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

The correct answer is 'Power'.

 

Key Points

• The man tells the narrator, "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us." This simple act has a profound effect on the narrator, who leaves the park "humbled."
• The final sentence of the passage reinforces this by mentioning the "power to (5)_________ us." This thematic link indicates that the narrator is reflecting on the strength or impact of that interaction.
• "Power" (शक्ति/सामर्थ्य) accurately describes the capacity of human connection to influence someone's mind and heart so deeply.
• "Importance" (Option 1) is a weaker synonym; while human connection is important, the passage emphasizes the transformative effect it has, which is better characterized as "power."
• "Beauty" (Option 2) focuses on the aesthetic or emotional quality, but the passage is more about the significant internal shift (being "humbled") caused by the encounter.
• "Fragility" (Option 4) means the quality of being easily broken. Nothing in the passage suggests that the connection was weak or easily destroyed.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage Segment: I was strolling through the park one night when I saw a man sitting by himself on a bench. He was dressed in frayed clothes, and his face was creased with (1)worry  He looked lost in thought, gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers. I paused for a moment before going over to talk to him. When I said hello, he looked up and smiled weakly. He began talking to me about his life, including his triumphs and setbacks, love and grief. His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective (2)enlightened He got to his feet as the sun began to set and thanked me for the chance to hear about his experiences. "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us," he stated. His words lingered in my mind, bringing to mind the (3)power of human connection. That night, I left the park humbled and (4)____. Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)_____ us in ways that we  never thought possible.

 

Additional Information

• Lingered (ठहर जाना): To stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave. Here, it refers to his words staying in the narrator's thoughts.
• Human Connection: The sense of closeness and belongingness a person can experience when having supportive and positive relationships with another.
• Vocabulary Tip: In exams, look for concluding sentences to find clues for earlier blanks. The use of "power" in the final sentence is a direct clue for blank 3.

The correct answer is 'Inspired'.

 

Key Points

• The narrator describes the experience as "enlightening" and mentions that the man's words "lingered" in their mind, reminding them of the power of human connection.
• "Inspired" (प्रेरित) means filled with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive. This fits the context of someone leaving an encounter feeling "humbled" and moved by the wisdom they received.
• "Energized" (Option 2) suggests a physical or active boost of energy. While the encounter was positive, the tone is quiet, reflective, and emotional rather than high-energy.
• "Discouraged" (Option 3) and "Depleted" (Option 4) are negative terms. Since the narrator found the encounter "enlightening" and powerful, they would not feel saddened or drained of energy.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Complete Passage Segment: I was strolling through the park one night when I saw a man sitting by himself on a bench. He was dressed in frayed clothes, and his face was creased with (1)worry  He looked lost in thought, gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers. I paused for a moment before going over to talk to him. When I said hello, he looked up and smiled weakly. He began talking to me about his life, including his triumphs and setbacks, love and grief. His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective (2)enlightened He got to his feet as the sun began to set and thanked me for the chance to hear about his experiences. "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us," he stated. His words lingered in my mind, bringing to mind the (3)power of human connection. That night, I left the park humbled and (4)inspired. Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)_________ us in ways that we  never thought possible.

 

Additional Information

• Humbled (विनम्र): To cause someone to feel less important or proud. In this context, it means the narrator felt a sense of modesty after hearing about the man's profound life struggles.
• Unexpected Encounters: A theme often found in Reading Comprehension passages that highlights how small, unplanned events can change one's outlook on life.
• Collocations: "Humbled and inspired" is a very common pair in English literature used to describe a transformative emotional experience.

The correct answer is 'Inspire'.

 

Key Points

• The concluding sentence sums up the emotional impact of the story: "Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)_________ us..."
• "Inspire" (प्रेरित करना) means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or positive. This is the central theme of the passage—a chance meeting that leaves a lasting, positive impression.
• The narrator has already stated they left the park "inspired" in the previous sentence. Using the verb form "inspire" here reinforces the main takeaway of the narrative.
• "Teach" (Option 1) is a factual outcome, but the tone of the passage is more emotional and transformative than merely educational.
• "Challenge" (Option 2) means to test one's abilities or beliefs. While the narrator's perspective changed, the overall "vibe" of the encounter was one of encouragement and shared humanity.
• "Overwhelm" (Option 4) usually implies being defeated or crushed by a feeling, which is too intense and potentially negative for this uplifting conclusion.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage Segment: I was strolling through the park one night when I saw a man sitting by himself on a bench. He was dressed in frayed clothes, and his face was creased with (1)worry  He looked lost in thought, gazing at the ground as if trying to find answers. I paused for a moment before going over to talk to him. When I said hello, he looked up and smiled weakly. He began talking to me about his life, including his triumphs and setbacks, love and grief. His stories were so enlightening, and his perspective (2)enlightened He got to his feet as the sun began to set and thanked me for the chance to hear about his experiences. "Sometimes, all we need is someone to hear us," he stated. His words lingered in my mind, bringing to mind the (3)power of human connection. That night, I left the park humbled and (4)inspired. Life is full of unexpected encounters, each one with the power to (5)inspire us in ways that we  never thought possible.

 

Additional Information

• Thematic Consistency: In competitive English sections, the conclusion of a story usually mirrors the emotions established in the "climax" or "turning point." Since the conversation was "enlightening," the result is "inspiration."
• Human Connection: The passage highlights the psychological importance of being heard, a theme often found in ethics-based reading comprehension sets.
• Grammar Tip: When a word appears as an adjective in one sentence (inspired), it is very common for the corresponding verb (inspire) to appear in the summary or concluding statement of the same passage.

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

Key Points

• The word Intimate means having a close, personal, or friendly relationship.
• The antonym of a word is its opposite in meaning.
• Among the given options:
• Distant means far away or not closely connected, which is the opposite of "intimate."
• Close, Familiar, and Personal are all similar in meaning to "intimate" and are not antonyms.

Correct sentence: The most appropriate antonym of the word "Intimate" is Distant.

Additional Information

• Synonyms of Intimate:
• Close
• Familiar
• Personal
• Usage Example: They share an intimate bond that is hard to break.
• Antonym Usage Example: Their relationship is distant and formal.

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

Key Points

• The question asks for the one-word substitute for "A person who studies rocks and minerals."
• The correct answer is Mineralogist, as this term refers to an expert in the study of minerals, their composition, and properties.
• The other options are incorrect because:
• Cartographer: A person who draws or produces maps.
• Archaeologist: A person who studies human history and prehistory through excavations and artifacts.
• Paleontologist: A person who studies fossils and prehistoric life.

Correct sentence: The one-word substitute for "A person who studies rocks and minerals" is Mineralogist.

Additional Information

• Related Terms:
• Geologist: A scientist who studies the Earth's physical structure and substances.
• Petrologist: A specialist in the study of rocks.
• Field of Study:
• Mineralogy: The branch of geology that deals with the study of minerals.