English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '2' i.e. an MNC.

Key Points

• The article 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
• In the sentence "My brother works for a MNC," the highlighted part uses the article 'a', which is incorrect because the abbreviation 'MNC' begins with a vowel sound ('em').
• The correct article to use is 'an', resulting in 'an MNC.'

Correct sentence: My brother works for an MNC.

Additional Information

• Articles:
• 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, e.g., "a book."
• 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, e.g., "an apple."
• The choice of article depends on the sound of the word following it, not necessarily the spelling.
• Abbreviations:
• When abbreviations begin with a vowel sound, the article 'an' is used, e.g., "an MBA."
• When abbreviations begin with a consonant sound, the article 'a' is used, e.g., "a CEO."

The correct answer is '3' i.e. Rice is eaten in many countries.

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the active voice, where the subject "People" performs the action "eat rice."
• To convert it into the passive voice, the object "rice" becomes the subject of the sentence, and the verb is changed to its passive form.
• In the passive voice, the correct form is "Rice is eaten," as the sentence describes a general fact in the present tense.

Correct transformation: Rice is eaten in many countries.

Additional Information

• Passive Voice Rule:
• Structure: Object (of active voice) + appropriate form of the verb "to be" + past participle of the main verb.
• Example: Active: People write books. → Passive: Books are written by people.
• Usage: Passive voice is often used when the focus is on the action or the object of the action rather than the subject performing it.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. The CEO announced, "The company lost a significant amount of revenue last year, and we are making difficult decisions to stay afloat." .

Key Points

• The sentence provided is in indirect speech, where the speaker (the CEO) is recounting a situation.
• To convert it into direct speech, we need to replicate the exact words spoken by the CEO. This includes quoting the CEO’s statement directly within quotation marks.
• Option 1 correctly places the announcement in direct speech format, using the correct tense for the reported events:
• “The company lost a significant amount of revenue last year” (past simple for a completed event in the past).
• “We are making difficult decisions to stay afloat” (present continuous for an ongoing situation).

Correct sentence: The CEO announced, "The company lost a significant amount of revenue last year, and we are making difficult decisions to stay afloat.".

Additional Information

• Common Errors in Reporting Speech:
• Mixing up past perfect and past simple tenses unnecessarily.
• Incorrectly altering the present continuous tense to past continuous.
• Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
• Option 2: Uses “had lost” and “were making,” which do not accurately reflect the CEO’s direct words.
• Option 3: Uses “loses,” which is grammatically incorrect for a past event.
• Option 4: Uses “the previous year” instead of “last year,” which is a deviation from the direct speech format.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. P, Q, S, R .

Key Points

• To form a meaningful paragraph, the sequence of events must be logical and coherent.
• Sentence P introduces the initial action where the subject uses a trowel to loosen the soil.
• Sentence Q follows, as it describes making a hole and planting a seed, a natural progression after loosening the soil.
• Sentence S explains the next step, where water is added to saturate the soil, symbolizing the nurturing of life.
• Finally, sentence R concludes the paragraph, indicating the anticipation of the sprout's emergence.

Correct arrangement: P, Q, S, R.

Additional Information

• When solving rearrangement questions, look for:
• Logical flow of ideas or actions.
• Connectors or transition words that link sentences.
• The introductory sentence, which often sets the context.
• The concluding sentence, which provides closure.

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Q, P, R, S .

Key Points

• The correct arrangement of the sentences forms a coherent and meaningful paragraph explaining Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
• Q introduces Sigmund Freud and his impact on the understanding of the human mind, acting as the starting point of the paragraph.
• P elaborates on Freud’s belief about the id, ego, and superego, which are integral to his psychoanalytic theory.
• R explains the role of unconscious urges in influencing conscious behavior, connecting seamlessly with Freud’s concept.
• S concludes the paragraph by discussing how Freud's paradigm explains psychological distress, thus completing the logical flow.

Correct arrangement: Q, P, R, S.

Additional Information

• When arranging sentence fragments into a paragraph, it is essential to identify the introduction, supporting details, and conclusion.
• Pay attention to logical connections and transitions between the parts to ensure the paragraph flows smoothly.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. were going on .

Key Points

• The subject of the sentence is "The group of friends", which is a collective noun.
• Collective nouns are generally treated as singular unless the context clearly indicates plural usage.
• Therefore, the correct verb form here should be "was" instead of "were".

Correct sentence: The group of friends was going on a hiking trip next weekend.

Additional Information

• Collective Nouns:
• When referring to a group as a single entity, use singular verbs (e.g., "The team is winning").
• When emphasizing the individuals in the group, use plural verbs (e.g., "The team are arguing among themselves").
• Verb Agreement Rules:
• Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject in both number and tense.
• For subjects joined by "and," use plural verbs (e.g., "John and Mary are coming").

The correct answer is '4' i.e. with .

Key Points

• The given sentence emphasizes the conditions under which a treaty was signed, which involves mutual understanding and cooperation.
• The most appropriate preposition to indicate the conditions or basis of an agreement is "with".
• "With" is commonly used to describe agreements or partnerships based on shared principles or mutual understanding.

Correct sentence: The treaty was signed with mutual understanding and cooperation..

Additional Information

• Usage of Prepositions:
• "By" is used to indicate the agent or means of an action (e.g., "signed by the president").
• "Over" is used to indicate disputes or discussions (e.g., "debated over the issue").
• "Under" is used to indicate conditions or rules (e.g., "under the agreement").
• "With" is used to indicate collaboration, partnership, or mutual agreement.

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

Key Points

• The word "Dialectic" refers to the art or practice of logical discussion and reasoning, particularly for investigating the truth of opinions.
• Among the given options:
• Monologue: A speech by one person, often without interaction (incorrect).
• Argumentation: Logical reasoning or debate used to investigate the truth (correct).
• Impressionism: A style of art focusing on visual impressions, unrelated to logical reasoning (incorrect).
• Fantasy: Imagination-based ideas, unrelated to logical discussion (incorrect).

Correct answer: Argumentation, which aligns with the meaning of the word "Dialectic."

Additional Information

• Dialectic is often associated with debates or discussions where reasoning is used to explore contradictions and reach the truth.
• It is a key concept in philosophy, particularly in the works of thinkers like Plato and Hegel.

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

Key Points

• The word Gregarious means someone who is sociable, fond of company, or enjoys being in groups.
• Among the given options, option 3 is the correctly spelt word.
• Other options—Gragarous, Gragerious, and Gregareous—are incorrectly spelt and do not exist in the English vocabulary.

Correct Usage: He is a gregarious person who loves socializing and meeting new people.

Additional Information

• Etymology of Gregarious:
• The word Gregarious comes from the Latin word gregarius, meaning "belonging to a flock or herd."
• It is often used to describe animals or people who prefer living in groups.
• Similar Words: Sociable, outgoing, convivial.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. The kids ran to the park to play on the swings.

Key Points

• In the given sentence, the word "park" refers to a place (an open area with grass, trees, and recreational facilities) where people can relax or play.
• Among the options, Option 2 uses "park" with the same meaning: "The kids ran to the park to play on the swings." Here, "park" also refers to a recreational space.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 use the word "park" to refer to the act of stopping and placing a vehicle in a specific location, which is a different meaning.

Correct sentence: We decided to spend the afternoon playing in the park, and the kids ran to the park to play on the swings.

Additional Information

• The word "park" can have multiple meanings depending on the context:
• Place for recreation: An open area for public use, such as a playground or garden.
• Vehicle parking: The act of stopping and leaving a vehicle in a designated location.
• It is essential to analyze the context of the sentence to determine the correct meaning.

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

Key Points

• The word "Receive" is correctly spelt.
• The spelling rule for words like "Receive" is based on the famous mnemonic: "I before E except after C."
• Among the given options, only "Receive" follows the correct spelling rule and is an actual word used in English.

Correct spelling: Receive.

Additional Information

• Commonly Misspelled Words:
• Recieve: Incorrect because it violates the "I before E except after C" rule.
• Ricieve: Incorrect as "Ci" is not a valid combination in English spelling for this word.
• Receve: Incorrect as it omits the "i" in the correct spelling.
• Mnemonic for Spelling: Use "I before E except after C" to remember the correct spelling of words like "Receive" and "Deceive."

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly identifies the role of IOs in the very first sentence: "acting as key arenas for diplomacy, mediation, and humanitarian intervention."
• It further explains that these organisations provide "neutral environments" where states can communicate and resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text states IOs help states resolve conflicts "without resorting to violence," which is the opposite of escalating it.
• Option 3: The passage says IOs allow states to "make treaties," not prevent them.
• Option 4: The text highlights that IOs provide a platform where "states can communicate," thereby facilitating rather than limiting communication.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In exams, reading comprehension questions on international relations often focus on the "functional" purpose of institutions. The keyword here is "Neutral," which is the primary value proposition of an IO in a conflict scenario.

 

Additional Information

• Mediation: Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration.
• Multilateral: Agreed upon or participated in by three or more parties, especially the governments of different countries.
• Geopolitical: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
• Veto Power: The power or right vested in one branch of a government or a specific member (like the P5 in the UN) to cancel or postpone the decisions of another.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage specifically addresses post-conflict stability by stating: "In order to stabilise unstable areas, IOs regularly dispatch peacekeeping operations to monitor ceasefires, protect people, and aid in post-conflict reconstruction."
• This direct evidence confirms that the contribution involves active monitoring and rebuilding efforts rather than punitive or purely military measures.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The passage does not mention "harsh sanctions" or the concept of a "defeated state."
• Option 3: While IOs "dispatch peacekeeping operations," the passage emphasizes "peaceful coexistence norms" and resolving conflicts "without resorting to violence," which contrasts with promoting general "military intervention."
• Option 4: The text asserts that IOs provide environments where "States can communicate," meaning they encourage rather than discourage communication.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In exams, the distinction between "Peacekeeping" and "Military Intervention" is crucial. Peacekeeping is described here as a stabilizing force (monitoring and reconstruction) rather than a primary combatant force.

 

Additional Information

• Post-conflict reconstruction: The process of rebuilding the social, economic, and physical infrastructure of a region after a war.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce.
• Multilateral actions: Collaborative efforts involving three or more states or parties.
• Interdependent: Mutually reliant on each other; a key characteristic of the modern globalized world described in the text.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage identifies several factors that hinder the effectiveness of International Organisations (IOs).
• In the final sentence, it explicitly states: "Though their potential is undermined by geopolitical competition, veto powers, and resource constraints..."
• These three elements are presented as the primary hurdles that limit the capacity of IOs to fulfill their mandates.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: "Increased cooperation" would be a facilitator, not a challenge. The passage mentions "geopolitical competition" as the obstacle.
• Option 3: The text describes IOs as "indispensable for organising multilateral actions," suggesting they are the vehicle for such interest rather than suffering from a lack of it.
• Option 4: The passage cites "resource constraints" (limited funding/manpower), which is the exact opposite of "excessive funding."

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: Identifying "limiting factors" is a common comprehension task. In political passages, words like "undermined," "constrained," or "hindered" are your signposts to finding the challenges or weaknesses of a system.

 

Additional Information

• Veto Power: The legal power to unilaterally stop an official action. In the UN Security Council, this is held by the five permanent members.
• Geopolitical: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
• Indispensable: Absolutely necessary; something that cannot be replaced or done without.
• Multilateral: Involving more than two nations or parties (e.g., an agreement between multiple countries).

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage directly addresses the promotion of peace by stating that IOs "serve to enforce international law and human rights, making states accountable for their behaviour and encouraging peaceful coexistence norms."
• This highlights a dual approach: accountability (ensuring states follow laws) and norm-setting (encouraging standard behaviors for peace).
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text mentions "peacekeeping operations" rather than "military control," focusing on monitoring and protection rather than absolute military rule.
• Option 3: The passage asserts that IOs provide environments where "States can communicate," which is the opposite of restricting it.
• Option 4: While IOs may use sanctions in reality, this specific passage does not mention economic sanctions or "rogue states."

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, the concept of "Norms" is vital. Norms are shared expectations of behavior. By "encouraging peaceful coexistence norms," IOs help create a global culture where negotiation is preferred over conflict.

 

Additional Information

• Accountability: The obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities and accept responsibility for them.
• Coexistence: The state or condition of living in harmony despite different ideologies or interests.
• Interdependent: A situation where countries rely on each other for economic, political, or social stability.
• Multilateralism: The principle of participation by several nations in an action.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• In the passage, the word "indispensable" is used to describe International Organisations: "IOs are indispensable for organising multilateral actions..."
• The context emphasizes that despite challenges like veto powers and resource constraints, these organisations are essential or absolutely necessary for confronting complex emergencies and maintaining peace.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1 (Easily replaceable): This is an antonym. The passage calls their role "irreplaceable" in the very first sentence.
• Option 3 (Optional but useful): This diminishes the weight of the word; "indispensable" implies that without them, the system would fail.
• Option 4 (Unlikely to succeed): This refers to a lack of effectiveness, whereas "indispensable" refers to the necessity of their existence and function.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: The prefix 'in-' often acts as a negation. "Dispense" means to do without; "dispensable" means you can do without it. Therefore, "indispensable" means you cannot do without it.

 

Additional Information

• Multilateral: Involving more than two nations or parties.
• Avert: To prevent or ward off an undesirable occurrence.
• Interdependent: Mutually reliant on each other.
• Mediation: Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. a pregnancy .

Key Points

• The idiom "a bun in the oven" is a figurative expression used to describe pregnancy.
• It humorously refers to the idea of a baby growing inside the mother, akin to a bun baking in an oven.
• This idiom is commonly used in informal conversations.

Correct sentence: She announced she has a bun in the oven, which means she is expecting a baby..

Additional Information

• Origin of the Idiom:
• The phrase is believed to have originated in the mid-20^th century and gained popularity for its playful imagery.
• It likens the process of pregnancy to baking, where the "bun" symbolizes the baby and the "oven" represents the mother's womb.
• Usage in Pop Culture:
• The idiom has been featured in movies, TV shows, and literature as a lighthearted way to announce pregnancy.
• It is often used during casual conversations or celebrations related to expecting a child.

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

Key Points

• The question asks for a one-word substitute for "A place where you can buy medicines."
• The correct answer is Pharmacy, which refers to a store or facility where medicinal drugs are prepared, sold, or dispensed.
• The other options are incorrect:
• Supermarket: A large store selling groceries, household items, and other goods, not specifically medicines.
• Hospital: A healthcare institution providing treatment for patients, not a place for buying medicines.
• Clinic: A facility for outpatient medical care, not focused on dispensing medicines for sale.

Correct sentence: A place where you can buy medicines is called a Pharmacy.

Additional Information

• Pharmacy: Also known as a chemist or drugstore in some regions, it is a place where prescription and over-the-counter medicines are sold.
• Pharmacist: A professional who prepares, dispenses, and provides advice about medicines in a pharmacy.

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

Key Points

• The word vexatious means causing annoyance, frustration, or worry.
• An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning.
• Among the options provided:
• Option 1: Pleasant - This means enjoyable and satisfying, which is opposite to vexatious.
• Option 2: Annoying - Synonym for vexatious.
• Option 3: Troublesome - Synonym for vexatious.
• Option 4: Irritating - Synonym for vexatious.
• Hence, the most appropriate antonym is Option 1: Pleasant.

Correct sentence: The most appropriate antonym of the word vexatious is Pleasant.

Additional Information

• Synonyms: Annoying, troublesome, irritating.
• Antonyms: Pleasant, enjoyable, delightful.

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

Key Points

• The question asks for a one-word substitute for a technique used to create narrative rhythm.
• Among the given options, Repetition is the correct choice.
• Repetition is a literary device that involves repeating words, phrases, or sentences to establish rhythm and emphasize ideas in a narrative.

Correct sentence: The technique of creating narrative rhythm is known as Repetition.

Additional Information

• Personification: A figure of speech where human qualities are given to non-human entities.
• Joke: A humorous statement or story intended to entertain.
• Story: A structured narrative describing events, characters, and ideas.
• Repetition: A literary technique where elements are repeated to create rhythm or emphasize ideas.