English Comprehension PYQs

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

Key Points

• The question asks for the correct one-word substitute for "A person who works with gemstones."
• Among the options provided, "Gemologist" is the appropriate term as it refers to a person who studies, identifies, and evaluates gemstones.
• Other options:
• Jeweler: A person who designs, makes, or sells jewelry, which may or may not involve working directly with gemstones.
• Silversmith: A craftsman who works primarily with silver to create ornaments, jewelry, or utensils.
• Metallurgist: A specialist in the science and technology of metals, unrelated to gemstones.

Correct sentence: The person who works with gemstones is called a Gemologist.

Additional Information

• Gemologist:
• A gemologist requires specialized training to identify and evaluate gemstones based on various characteristics like color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
• Gemologists often work in laboratories or auction houses where they assess and certify gemstones.
• Jewelry vs. Gemstones:
• While jewelers may use gemstones in their designs, they do not necessarily have expertise in identifying or evaluating gemstones, which is the primary role of a gemologist.

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

Key Points

• The word chicanery means the use of trickery or deception to achieve a purpose, especially in legal, political, or financial matters.
• The antonym of chicanery would be a word that conveys the opposite meaning, i.e., truthfulness, transparency, or straightforwardness.
• Among the options:
• Deceit (Option 1): Synonym for chicanery, meaning deception or dishonest behavior.
• Honesty (Option 2): The opposite of chicanery, meaning truthfulness, fairness, or integrity.
• Trickery (Option 3): Another synonym for chicanery, meaning deceptive practices or cunning behavior.
• Subterfuge (Option 4): Also a synonym for chicanery, meaning deceit used to achieve a goal.

Correct word: Honesty is the most appropriate antonym of chicanery, as it represents the opposite idea of truth and integrity.

Additional Information

• Synonyms of Chicanery: Deception, Trickery, Subterfuge, Fraudulence.
• Antonyms of Chicanery: Honesty, Integrity, Sincerity, Truthfulness.

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

Key Points

• The question asks to identify the incorrectly spelled word among the given options.
• The correct spelling of the word "rancoros" is "rancorous".
• "Rancorous" means showing deep-seated resentment or bitterness.
• The other words:
• Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity.
• Penury: Extreme poverty or destitution.
• Zealot: A person who is fanatical in pursuit of their ideals.

Correct spelling: "Rancorous".

Additional Information

• Always double-check spellings of words that sound similar but have variations in letters like "ou" or "os".
• Use a dictionary or spell-check tool to verify uncommon or less frequently used words.

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

Key Points

• The word "Priviledge" is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is "Privilege."
• The error likely arises because of the incorrect placement of the letter "d" in place of "g."
• The word "Privilege" means a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a person or group.

Correct usage: The word should be spelled as "Privilege."

Additional Information

• Connoisseur: Correctly spelled. It means an expert judge in matters of taste, such as food, art, or wine.
• Surveillance: Correctly spelled. It refers to close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
• Endeavour: Correctly spelled. It means an attempt to achieve a goal, often used in British English.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. We are told stories by my grandmother .

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the present simple tense, as indicated by the verb "tells".
• When transforming an active sentence in the present simple tense into the passive voice, the structure is:
• Passive Voice Structure: Object + is/are + past participle + by + subject.
• In the given sentence:
• Subject: My grandmother
• Verb: tells
• Object: us stories
• When converted into the passive voice:
• Object (us stories): becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• Verb (tells): changes to "are told" (present simple passive form).
• The subject (my grandmother) is moved after the verb with the preposition "by."

Correct sentence: We are told stories by my grandmother.

Additional Information

• Passive Voice Rules:
• In the passive voice, the focus shifts from the subject performing the action to the object receiving the action.
• The tense of the verb remains the same as in the active voice, but the verb is changed to its passive form.
• Examples:
• Active: She writes a letter. → Passive: A letter is written by her.
• Active: They make cakes. → Passive: Cakes are made by them.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. A rare species of bird was claimed to have been seen by him during his expedition to the Amazon rainforest .

Key Points

• The given sentence requires transformation into the passive voice.
• When converting to the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• In this case, "a rare species of bird" becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence.
• The verb "claimed" requires the passive structure "was claimed to have been seen," which indicates a past event described in the passive voice.

Correct sentence: A rare species of bird was claimed to have been seen by him during his expedition to the Amazon rainforest.

Additional Information

• Active voice structure: Subject + verb + object.
• Example: He claimed to have seen a rare species of bird.
• Passive voice structure: Object + was/were + past participle + (by subject).
• Example: A rare species of bird was claimed to have been seen by him.
• The inclusion of "to have been seen" highlights that the event occurred prior to the claim being made.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. "Have you been to the new cafe that opened last week, and do you think it is better than the one we have been going to for months?" she asked him.

Key Points

• The given sentence is an example of converting indirect speech into direct speech.
• In direct speech, the actual words of the speaker are quoted within quotation marks.
• The tense and pronouns must be adjusted appropriately when converting indirect speech to direct speech, keeping the original meaning intact.
• The sentence in indirect speech mentions "had been to the new cafe that had opened the previous week," which needs to be converted to the present perfect tense "Have you been to the new cafe that opened last week" in direct speech.
• The second part of the indirect speech, "whether he thought it was better than the one they had been going to for months," is transformed to "do you think it is better than the one we have been going to for months" in direct speech.

Correct sentence: "Have you been to the new cafe that opened last week, and do you think it is better than the one we have been going to for months?" she asked him.

Additional Information

• Rules for Direct Speech:
• Enclose the exact words spoken by the speaker in quotation marks.
• Adjust pronouns, tenses, and time expressions as per the context.
• Example: Indirect: She said that she was happy. → Direct: She said, "I am happy."
• Rules for Indirect Speech:
• Modify the sentence to reflect the past tense when reporting speech.
• Example: Direct: She said, "I am happy." → Indirect: She said that she was happy.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. "You must tell me everything you saw this morning, as it could be the key to solving the case that has been haunting the city for a long time," the detective said to the witnesses .

Key Points

• The question is about converting an indirect speech into direct speech.
• The sentence in indirect speech states that "The detective told the witnesses that they must tell him everything they had seen that morning, as it could be the key to solving the case." The verb "must" in direct speech remains "must" as it indicates obligation in the present tense.
• The pronouns and verbs must be adjusted to match direct speech:
• “they” becomes “you” since the detective is addressing the witnesses directly.
• “had seen” becomes “saw” because in direct speech, the past perfect tense is often converted into the simple past tense to reflect the immediacy of the conversation.
• Options 2, 3, and 4 fail to accurately reflect the correct structure and verb usage for direct speech:
• Option 2 incorrectly uses "had to tell," which changes the meaning.
• Option 3 uses “had seen that morning,” which is unnecessary for direct speech.
• Option 4 incorrectly uses "tell him," which is inconsistent with the direct address in direct speech.

Correct sentence: "You must tell me everything you saw this morning, as it could be the key to solving the case that has been haunting the city for a long time," the detective said to the witnesses.

Additional Information

• Direct and Indirect Speech Rules:
• In direct speech, the exact words of the speaker are quoted and enclosed in quotation marks.
• In indirect speech, the speaker's words are reported without quotation marks, and pronouns, tenses, and adverbs of time/place are adjusted accordingly.
• Examples:
• Direct: He said, "I am going to the market now."
• Indirect: He said that he was going to the market then.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. principle, principal .

Key Points

• The sentence requires two homonyms that are spelled differently but sound similar and have different meanings.
• The word "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or guiding belief, which fits the context of "the core principle of fairness."
• The word "principal" refers to someone in a position of authority or importance, which aligns with the context of "the principal disagreed with her approach."

Correct sentence: The teacher's decision was guided by the core principle of fairness, even though the principal disagreed with her approach.

Additional Information

• Homonyms:
• Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings and, sometimes, different spellings.
• Example: "principle" (a rule or belief) and "principal" (a person in charge).
• Common Misunderstandings:
• These two words are often confused due to their similar pronunciation.
• Remember: "Principle" relates to a concept or belief, while "Principal" can refer to a person or something of primary importance.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. defuse, diffuse .

Key Points

• The sentence requires two homonyms, which are words that sound similar or the same but have different meanings.
• In the given sentence, the first blank refers to calming or neutralizing the tension in the room, which matches the meaning of "defuse".
• The second blank requires a word that fits the context of spreading into a larger conflict, which aligns with the meaning of "diffuse".
• Both words are correctly used in their respective contexts in the sentence.

Correct sentence: The negotiator managed to defuse the tension in the room before it could diffuse into a full-blown conflict.

Additional Information

• Defuse: Means to reduce danger, tension, or hostility. Often used in contexts like defusing a bomb or a tense situation.
• Diffuse: Means to spread out over a wide area or among a large number of people. Often used in physical or metaphorical contexts like light diffusion or spreading ideas.
• These homonyms are commonly confused because they sound similar but have distinct meanings.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the misuse of the word "affect" instead of "effect."
• In this context, we need a noun to follow the adjective "positive." "Effect" is a noun meaning a result or consequence, whereas "affect" is primarily a verb meaning to influence.
• The phrase should be "a positive effect on," which correctly identifies the impact the policy had on the company.
• Thus, the error is located in part A (Option 2) of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The new policy has had a positive effect on the company's bottom line, but it has also caused some negative publicity."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "The new policy has had" – This part uses the present perfect tense correctly to describe an action that began in the past and continues to have relevance.
• Option 3: "bottom line, but it has" – This part is correct; "bottom line" is a standard business term for net income, and the conjunction "but" properly introduces the contrast.
• Option 4: "also caused some negative publicity" – This part is grammatically sound and correctly completes the second half of the contrast.
• Affect vs. Effect: A common mnemonic is RAVEN: Remember Affect Verb Effect Noun.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The primary issue in the sentence is the use of the comparative modifier "most" with the word "unique."
• "Unique" is an absolute adjective, meaning it describes a state that cannot be intensified or compared. Something is either unique (the only one of its kind) or it is not.
• Using "most unique," "very unique," or "more unique" is considered a logical and grammatical error in formal English because you cannot be "more" of the only one.
• The correct phrase should simply be "is unique" or "is the most unusual" if a comparison is intended.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: "The painting is unique of all the pieces in the gallery." (Or: "The painting is the most remarkable...")

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "The painting" – This is the subject of the sentence and is grammatically correct.
• Option 3: "of all the pieces" – This prepositional phrase is used correctly to define the group being discussed.
• Option 4: "in the gallery" – This correctly identifies the location and contains no errors.
• Absolute Adjectives: Other examples include dead, square, essential, and infinite. You wouldn't typically say something is "very dead" or "more infinite."

The correct answer is: 2) Wholesome.

Key Points

• The word "Salubrious" means something that is health-giving, beneficial, or promoting well-being. (स्वास्थ्यकर)
• Example: The salubrious climate of the hill station attracted many tourists who wanted to escape the polluted city air.
• The correct word "Wholesome" also means conducive to health or well-being, and is often used to describe something beneficial or good for physical or mental health. (पौष्टिक/स्वास्थ्यप्रद)
• Example: The doctor recommended a wholesome diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables for better health.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Wholesome.

Additional Information

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

• Unhealthy (अस्वास्थ्यकर): Something that is harmful to health or not conducive to well-being.
• Example: Eating junk food regularly can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle.
• Harmful (हानिकारक): Something that causes damage or injury to someone or something.
• Example: Smoking is harmful to both the smoker and those around them.
• Detrimental (हानिकारक): Something that has a negative or damaging effect on something else.
• Example: The factory's emissions are detrimental to the environment.

The correct answer is: Conflicted.

Key Points

• The word "Aporetic" refers to a state of doubt or uncertainty, especially in philosophical discussions. (संदेहपूर्ण)
• Example: The philosopher's arguments left the audience in an aporetic state, uncertain about the truth.
• Conflicted means being in a state of emotional or mental struggle because of opposing needs, desires, or values. (संघर्षरत)
• Example: She felt conflicted about whether to stay in her current job or pursue her passion for painting.
• Hence, the synonym of 'Aporetic' is 'Conflicted'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Conflicted.

Additional Information

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

• Resolute (दृढ़): Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
• Example: He remained resolute in his decision to pursue his dreams despite the challenges.
• Certain (निश्चित): Known for sure; established beyond doubt.
• Example: I am certain that we will win the game tomorrow.
• Conclusive (निश्चायक): Serving to settle an issue or provide a final answer.
• Example: The DNA evidence provided conclusive proof of his innocence.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• The correctly spelled word is 'Neutral'.
• The word 'Neutral' is an adjective that refers to something that is impartial, unbiased, or not taking sides in a dispute.
• Other options are misspelled:
• Option 1: Newtrol - Incorrect spelling.
• Option 3: Neutrel - Incorrect spelling.
• Option 4: Newtrel - Incorrect spelling.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Neutral.'

Additional Information

• The word 'Neutral' is often used in various contexts:
• In conflicts: A country or person not supporting either side (e.g., "The country remained neutral during the war.").
• In science: A state of no charge, such as a neutral pH in chemistry.
• In design: Refers to colors or tones that are not strong or dominant, such as beige or gray.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• The correct spelling of the word is Assassination.
• The word Assassination refers to the act of killing someone, especially a prominent or important person, for political or ideological reasons.
• The misspelled options include:
• Option 2: Assasination - Missing one "s".
• Option 3: Assassinaition - Incorrect vowel placement ("ai" instead of "i").
• Option 4: Assasinashion - Incorrect spelling with "shion" instead of "tion".

Correct sentence: The assassination of the leader shocked the entire nation.

Additional Information

• Origin: The word "assassination" comes from "assassin," which has historical roots linked to a secretive group in the Middle Ages.
• Usage: It is commonly used in political, historical, or fictional contexts to describe the killing of a significant figure.

The correct answer is: 1) Achilles' heel.

Key Points

• The idiom "Achilles' heel" refers to a weakness or vulnerable point in an otherwise strong or powerful person or situation. (कमजोरी)
• Example: Despite being a skilled leader, his arrogance proved to be his Achilles' heel.
• In the given sentence, the manager's refusal to adapt is described as his downfall, which aligns with the meaning of "Achilles' heel." (कमजोरी)
• Example: The manager's refusal to adapt to modern methods proved to be his Achilles' heel.
• Therefore, the correct idiom that fits the sentence is "Achilles' heel."

Therefore, the correct answer is: 1) Achilles' heel.

Additional Information

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

• Baptism by fire (कठिन शुरुआत): Refers to a difficult or challenging introduction to a new experience, task, or job.
• Example: Her first day on the job was a baptism by fire as she had to deal with multiple crises.
• Swan song (अंतिम प्रदर्शन): Refers to a person's final performance, act, or accomplishment before retirement or death.
• Example: The actor's last movie was considered his swan song, a masterpiece to end his career.
• Stepping stone (सीढ़ी का पत्थर): Refers to a means of progress or advancement to achieve something greater.
• Example: This internship will be a stepping stone to her dream career in finance.

The correct answer is: 1) Psychology.

Key Points

• Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. (मनोविज्ञान)
• Example: She is studying psychology to better understand human behavior.
• The word Psychology focuses on understanding mental processes, emotions, and behavior.
• Example: A psychologist helps people deal with mental health issues by understanding their psychological state.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Psychology.

Additional Information

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

• Neurology (न्यूरोलॉजी): The branch of medicine or biology that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system.
• Example: The doctor specializes in neurology and treats disorders of the brain and spinal cord.
• Physiology (शरीर क्रिया विज्ञान): The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
• Example: Understanding human physiology is essential for medical students.
• Pathology (रोग विज्ञान): The scientific study of disease, its causes, and its effects on the body.
• Example: The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of cancer.

The correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Praised.

Key Points

• The word "Condemned" means to express strong disapproval of someone or something, often in a formal or public way. It can also mean to sentence someone to a punishment. (निंदा करना या दंडित करना)
• Example: The criminal was condemned to life imprisonment for his actions.
• The correct antonym is "Praised", which means to express admiration or approval for someone or something. (प्रशंसा करना)
• Example: The teacher praised the student for their excellent performance in the exam.
• Hence, the opposite of "Condemned" is "Praised."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1 i.e. Praised.

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Additional Information

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

• Blamed (दोष देना): To hold someone responsible for a fault or wrong.
• Example: She was unfairly blamed for the team's failure.
• Cursed (श्राप देना): To express a wish of misfortune or evil upon someone.
• Example: The villagers believed they were cursed because of their past deeds.
• Jinxed (अभिशप्त): To bring bad luck to someone or something.
• Example: They thought the project was jinxed as everything kept going wrong.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• Direct Speech: Sujit said, "Can you pass me the chilli sauce please?"
• Key Conversions:
• Reporting verb:
• The word "please" indicates a request. Therefore, the reporting verb "said" is converted to "requested".
• "Can" becomes "could":
• When the reporting verb is in the past tense ("said/requested"), the modal verb "can" must be changed to its past form "could" in indirect speech.
• Pronoun change:
• The first-person pronoun "me" refers to the speaker (Sujit), so it changes to the third-person "him".
• Removal of "Please":
• In indirect speech, the word "please" is omitted because the sense of requesting is already conveyed by the reporting verb "requested."
• Structure: Since the direct speech is a Yes/No question, we use the conjunction "if" or "whether" to join the reporting clause and the reported speech.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: "Sujit requested if he could pass him the chilli sauce."

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: "Sujit requested if he could pass him the chilli sauce please."
• Incorrect because it redundantly includes the word "please" at the end.
• Option 2: "Sujit requested if he can pass him the chilli sauce please."
• Incorrect because "can" is not changed to "could" and it retains "please."
• Option 3: "Sujit requested if he can pass him the chilli sauce."
• Incorrect because the modal verb "can" remains in the present tense, which does not match the past tense reporting verb.