English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Our team won the championship game.

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the passive voice. Passive voice emphasizes the action or the object receiving the action rather than the subject performing it.
• To change a sentence from passive to active voice, identify the subject performing the action and place it at the beginning of the sentence.
• The structure of active voice is Subject + Verb + Object.
• In the sentence, "The championship game was won by our team," the subject performing the action is "our team," the verb is "won," and the object is "the championship game."

Correct sentence: Our team won the championship game.

Additional Information

• Passive Voice:
• Structure: Object + to be (correct tense) + past participle + by + subject.
• Example: The book was read by the teacher.
• Usage: Used when the focus is on the action or the object receiving the action.
• Active Voice:
• Structure: Subject + Verb + Object.
• Example: The teacher read the book.
• Usage: Used when the focus is on the subject performing the action.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. He will tell her that he has already finished his work .

Key Points

• In indirect speech, the tense of the verb generally changes depending on the tense of the reporting verb.
• Since the reporting verb in the sentence is in the future tense ("He will tell her"), the tense in the indirect speech remains unchanged for the present perfect tense.
• The direct speech sentence contains the present perfect tense: "I have already finished my work." In indirect speech, it remains "has already finished his work."
• Option 2 is correct because the tense and meaning align accurately with the rules of indirect speech.

Correct sentence: He will tell her that he has already finished his work.

Additional Information

• Rules for Tense Change in Indirect Speech:
• Present Perfect → Remains Present Perfect if the reporting verb is in the future tense.
• Example: "I have completed the task" → He will say that he has completed the task.
• Common Errors:
• Option 1: "Had already finished" changes the tense unnecessarily.
• Option 3: "Already finished" omits the auxiliary verb "has," making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
• Option 4: "Would have finished" incorrectly uses a conditional form not present in the original sentence.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. is starting a new business venture .

Key Points

• The subject of the sentence, "Shyamlal, the businessman and philanthropist," is singular. Therefore, the verb must agree in singular form.
• The verb "were" is incorrect because it is plural and doesn't match the singular subject.
• The correct verb form is "is starting", which agrees with the singular subject and fits the context.

Correct sentence: Shyamlal, the businessman and philanthropist, is starting a new business venture for farmers.

Additional Information

• Subject-Verb Agreement:
• Singular subjects require singular verbs, while plural subjects require plural verbs.
• Example: He is going (singular). They are going (plural).
• Verb Tense:
• The sentence is in present continuous tense, indicating an action that is happening currently.
• Structure: Subject + is/are + verb-ing.
• Example: She is reading a book.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. are similar to those of any viral fever.

Key Points

• The sentence highlights a comparison between the initial symptoms of malaria and the symptoms of a viral fever. To ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity, the comparison must be correctly structured.
• The phrase "those of" is used to refer back to the symptoms mentioned earlier in the sentence, avoiding redundancy.
• The correct option, "are similar to those of any viral fever," ensures proper comparison by matching the plural subject "symptoms" with the plural verb "are."

Correct sentence: It is difficult to diagnose malaria because its first symptoms are similar to those of any viral fever.

Additional Information

• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: "are similar to all fevers" - This is overly broad and incorrect, as the sentence specifically compares malaria symptoms to viral fevers, not all fevers.
• Option 3: "is similar to those of any other viral fever" - The use of "is" is incorrect as the subject "symptoms" is plural.
• Option 4: "is similar to those of any viral fevers" - The plural "fevers" is unnecessary and ungrammatical in this context.
• Key Grammar Rule: Ensure subject-verb agreement and maintain logical clarity when making comparisons.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. An elegant and efficient code has been written by the skilled programmer to solve the intricate problem. .

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the present perfect tense ("has written").
• To convert it to passive voice, the structure of the present perfect tense changes as follows:
• Active voice: Subject + has/have + past participle + object.
• Passive voice: Object + has/have + been + past participle + by + subject.
• The subject in the active voice ("The skilled programmer") becomes the agent in the passive voice ("by the skilled programmer").
• The object in the active voice ("an elegant and efficient code") becomes the subject in the passive voice.

Correct transformation: An elegant and efficient code has been written by the skilled programmer to solve the intricate problem.

Additional Information

• Incorrect options:
• Option 1: "An elegant and efficient code was written by the skilled programmer..." uses the past tense ("was written"), which is incorrect as the original sentence is in the present perfect tense.
• Option 3: "An elegant and efficient code has been being written..." is grammatically incorrect because "has been being" is rarely used and awkward in standard English.
• Option 4: "An elegant and efficient code is written by the skilled programmer..." uses the present simple tense ("is written"), which is incorrect as the original sentence is in the present perfect tense.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. What had been done by them to ensure the project's success before the official launch?

Key Points

• The original sentence is in the active voice: What had they done to ensure the project's success before the official launch?
• In passive voice transformation, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
• The correct form for the past perfect tense in passive voice is: had been + past participle.
• Thus, the correct transformation is: What had been done by them to ensure the project's success before the official launch?

Correct sentence: What had been done by them to ensure the project's success before the official launch?

Additional Information

• Active Voice: The subject performs the action. Example: They completed the project.
• Passive Voice: The subject receives the action. Example: The project was completed by them.
• Use the passive voice when the focus is on the action or the recipient of the action, rather than the doer.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. "The old man said, 'I have visited that small town many times in my youth.'"

Key Points

• The given sentence is in indirect speech, where the original statement has been reported rather than quoted directly.
• To convert it into direct speech, we must accurately reconstruct the speaker's original words, using appropriate pronouns and verb tenses.
• In direct speech, the verb "said" is followed by the quoted statement enclosed in quotation marks.
• The pronoun "he" in indirect speech changes to "I" in direct speech, as the old man is referring to himself.
• The verb "had visited" in indirect speech changes to "have visited" in direct speech because the reporting verb "said" is in the past tense.

Correct sentence: The old man said, "I have visited that small town many times in my youth."

Additional Information

• Direct speech: The exact words of the speaker are quoted, enclosed in quotation marks, and the tense is kept as it was originally spoken.
• Indirect speech: The speaker's words are paraphrased or reported, often involving changes in pronouns, verb tenses, and time expressions.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The given sentence is in indirect speech, and it needs to be converted into direct speech.
• In direct speech, the manager addresses the team directly. Therefore, "their" changes to "your", "they" changes to "you", and "he" changes to "I."
• The reported phrase "had been impressive" is restored to "has been impressive" in direct speech.
• The phrase "they had to now focus" is appropriately expressed as "you have to now focus" in the direct statement.
• Similarly, "he was confident that they would succeed" becomes "I am confident that you will succeed."

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Direct Speech: "Your recent performance has been impressive, but you have to now focus on the upcoming project which is a much bigger challenge, and I am confident that you will succeed in it," the manager said to the team.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect. "Had been impressive" is changed to "was impressive," which does not accurately restore the original tense.
• Option 2: Correct. It correctly changes the pronouns and restores the reported statement to direct speech while using "have to" for the obligation expressed by "had to."
• Option 3: Incorrect. Although "must" can express obligation, the expected direct form corresponding to "had to" in this question is "have to."
• Option 4: Incorrect. It retains the third-person pronouns and the indirect-speech structure instead of converting the statement into direct speech.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. P, Q, R, S .

Key Points

• The given sentence parts describe a sequential process of refurbishing an antique table.
• Option '3' i.e., P, Q, R, S is the correct order as it logically arranges the steps in the process:
• P: Removing the old, flaking paint is the first step.
• Q: Smoothing the wood with fine sandpaper is the next step to bring out the original grain.
• R: Adding varnish and a new stain follows as the final touch for protection and aesthetics.
• S: The concluding statement summarizes the result of the refurbishment process.

Correct arrangement: P, Q, R, S.

Additional Information

• This type of question tests your ability to logically sequence ideas or events.
• Pay attention to the context and keywords in each sentence part to determine the correct chronological or logical order.
• Practice with similar questions to improve your comprehension and sequencing skills.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Q, R, P, S .

Key Points

• The given question asks us to rearrange the sentence parts (Q, R, P, S) to form a meaningful and grammatically correct paragraph.
• Q introduces the idea of a consumer-driven society where people face an overwhelming array of options. This makes it the opening statement.
• R follows logically by introducing the term "the paradox of choice," which explains the outcome of the scenario introduced in Q.
• P elaborates on the paradox by explaining how more choices lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.
• S concludes the paragraph by providing a broader perspective, suggesting that excessive freedom can be psychologically harmful.

Correct sequence: Q, R, P, S.

Additional Information

• Step-by-Step Approach:
• Step 1: Identify the introductory sentence that sets the context. Q serves as the introduction as it talks about a consumer-driven society with numerous choices.
• Step 2: Find the sentence that defines or explains the phenomenon mentioned in Q. R introduces the term "the paradox of choice."
• Step 3: Look for the sentence that elaborates on the phenomenon. P explains the impact of excessive choices.
• Step 4: Conclude with a sentence that provides insight or a broader perspective. S ties the idea together by discussing the psychological effects of excess freedom.

The correct answer is '4' i.e. an easily read .

Key Points

• The phrase "an easily read" contains a grammatical error.
• The word "read" in this context is used as an adjective, which is incorrect. It should be replaced with "readable", which is the correct adjective form.
• The correct phrase should be "an easily readable", as it properly modifies the noun "book".

Correct sentence: The book, which you recommended, was interesting and easily readable.

Additional Information

• Common error when using adjectives and adverbs:
• Adjectives modify nouns (e.g., readable book).
• Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., easily readable).
• Correcting misplaced modifiers:
• Ensure modifiers are placed next to the word they describe to avoid confusion.
• For example: Incorrect - "She almost drove her kids to school every day." Correct - "She drove her kids to school almost every day."

The correct answer is '3' i.e. nor .

Key Points

• The sentence begins with the word "neither," which is a correlative conjunction that works in pairs. It requires "nor" to complete the structure.
• The correct form is "neither...nor," which is used to connect two negative ideas in a sentence.
• Using "nor" after "neither" ensures proper grammatical structure and meaning.

Correct sentence: He neither attended the seminar nor submitted his report on time.

Additional Information

• Neither...nor: Used to connect two negative ideas.
• Example: She neither enjoys cooking nor cleaning.
• Usage: Indicates that both actions or ideas are not true or do not happen.
• Other conjunctions:
• But also: Used with "not only" to add emphasis to two ideas.
• Or: Indicates alternatives or choices.
• And: Used to connect similar ideas.

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

Key Points

• The word Idiosyncrasy refers to a distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or behavior that is unique to an individual.
• Among the given options:
• Option 1: Commonalty means shared features or common aspects, which is opposite in meaning to idiosyncrasy.
• Option 2: Normality refers to being normal or usual, which does not match the meaning of idiosyncrasy.
• Option 3: Peculiarity refers to a unique or unusual characteristic, which is a synonym of idiosyncrasy.
• Option 4: Conformity refers to compliance or aligning with standards or norms, which is opposite to idiosyncrasy.
• Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for Idiosyncrasy is Peculiarity.

Correct sentence: The word "idiosyncrasy" is best represented by the synonym peculiarity, which captures its meaning of uniqueness or distinctiveness..

Additional Information

• Synonyms: Other synonyms for idiosyncrasy include "quirk," "eccentricity," and "individuality."
• Antonyms: Words like "normality," "conformity," and "commonality" are antonyms of idiosyncrasy.

The correct answer is '3' i.e. smoke and mirrors .

Key Points

• The idiom "smoke and mirrors" is used to describe actions or statements intended to confuse or deceive, often to mislead people into believing something that isn't true.
• In the given sentence, the politician’s speech is described as being full of vague promises, which means it lacks substance and is intended to create a false impression. Thus, the phrase "smoke and mirrors" fits perfectly.
• The other options do not fit the context:
• Pulling strings: Refers to using influence or connections to achieve something.
• A red herring: Refers to a distraction or something intended to divert attention.
• The last straw: Refers to the final problem or difficulty that makes a situation unbearable.

Correct sentence: The politician’s speech was full of vague promises but ultimately it was just smoke and mirrors.

Additional Information

• Other Common Idioms:
• A blessing in disguise: Refers to something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good.
• Break the ice: Refers to initiating a conversation in a social setting.
• Bite the bullet: Refers to facing a difficult or unpleasant situation bravely.
• Using idioms effectively can add depth and color to both spoken and written communication.

The correct answer is '2' i.e. The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by.

Key Points

• In the sentence, "She gave a friendly wave to her neighbor," the word "wave" refers to a hand movement used as a gesture of greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment.
• In Option 2, "The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by," the word "wave" is used with the same meaning, referring to a hand gesture made by the crowd to acknowledge the parade.
• In Options 1, 3, and 4, the word "wave" refers to the movement of water in the sea or ocean, which is a different meaning.

Correct sentence: The crowd gave a slow wave as the parade passed by.

Additional Information

• The word "wave" can have multiple meanings depending on the context:
• Gesture: A movement of the hand to greet or signal.
• Water movement: The undulating movement of the sea or ocean.
• Physics: A disturbance or oscillation that travels through a medium, such as a sound wave or light wave.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states: "It promotes early intervention, which is necessary for better long-term outcomes and successful therapy."
• The author argues that awareness helps dismantle the "historical taboo" and "de-stigmatize conditions," which directly leads to more effective, timely care.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text says awareness helps people seek treatment "without feeling ashamed."
• Option 3: Increasing knowledge encourages people to seek treatment, not hide their issues.
• Option 4: Awareness encourages (rather than discourages) people to seek treatment by removing the fear of judgment.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In exams, questions often test your ability to distinguish between "consequences of stigma" and "benefits of awareness." Option 2 is a positive outcome, which aligns with the overall supportive tone of the passage.

 

Additional Information

• De-stigmatize: To remove negative associations or social shame connected to a particular condition or behavior.
• On par with: Equal to or at the same level as something else.
• Early Intervention: Identifying and providing support for a condition at the earliest possible stage.
• Coping Mechanisms: Strategies people use to manage stress or difficult emotions.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states: "Increasing knowledge helps de-stigmatize conditions... by encouraging people to seek treatment without feeling ashamed or afraid of being judged."
• By replacing "historical taboo" and silence with knowledge and education, society shifts toward a culture that is "supportive and understanding."
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text notes that "historical taboo" silenced discussions, whereas awareness is the solution that ends that silence.
• Option 2: Awareness allows people to seek help "without feeling ashamed."
• Option 4: The goal of awareness is to make mental health an "essential part of contemporary society," which requires encouraging rather than discouraging open discussions.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about "How" usually require identifying the mechanism of change. In this passage, the mechanism is "Increasing knowledge," which leads to the result of "encouraging treatment."

 

Additional Information

• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social "mark" or shame associated with a condition.
• Taboo: A social custom forbidding or restricting a particular practice or association.
• Contemporary: Belonging to or occurring in the present.
• Intervention: Action taken to improve a medical or psychological situation.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly links early action to positive results: "It promotes early intervention, which is necessary for better long-term outcomes and successful therapy."
• The author suggests that addressing mental health issues sooner rather than later increases the effectiveness of the treatment received.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text states that awareness (and by extension, intervention) ends the "historical taboo" that silenced discussions.
• Option 3: The passage argues that intervention is necessary for better outcomes, not that it makes conditions worse.
• Option 4: The text mentions that intervention is necessary for "successful therapy," implying that therapy is still a vital part of the recovery process, not eliminated by it.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: Questions focusing on "Why" usually require you to find a cause-and-effect relationship. Here, the cause is "early intervention" and the effect is "better long-term outcomes."

 

Additional Information

• Intervention: Action taken to improve a situation, especially a medical or psychological one.
• Outcomes: The way a thing turns out; a consequence or result.
• Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative "label" or shame associated with a condition.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage specifically highlights the community's role: "increasing public awareness... gives power to the community to offer sympathy and support to individuals experiencing challenges."
• It explains that this is achieved by informing the community about symptoms, coping mechanisms, and available services.
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text states that awareness encourages (not discourages) people to seek treatment by removing shame.
• Option 3: Awareness informs people about "services available," making it easier, not harder, to find help.
• Option 4: The purpose of awareness is to inform people about symptoms, which is the opposite of ignoring them.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about the "benefit" of a concept often focus on the social impact mentioned in the text. Here, the text moves from individual benefits (seeking treatment) to collective benefits (community support).

 

Additional Information

• Coping Mechanisms: The strategies people use to manage internal or external stress.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social "stigma" or shame from something.
• On par with: At the same level as; equal to.
• Welfare: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage concludes with the statement: "Ultimately, a society that gives a lot of emphasis to mental health awareness is one that cares about its people's overall welfare."
• By valuing mental health, a society demonstrates a holistic approach to the "well-being" of its citizens, moving beyond just "bodily health."
• Why other options are incorrect:
• Option 1: The text explicitly states that mental health should be "on par with bodily health," meaning it values both.
• Option 2: The text says awareness allows people to seek treatment "without feeling ashamed or afraid of being judged."
• Option 4: The passage describes mental health awareness as an "essential part of contemporary society," which is the opposite of ignoring it.

Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

 

Analytical Insight: In competitive exams, questions about what the text "suggests" or "concludes" often refer back to the final sentence. This is where authors typically summarize their primary thesis.

 

Additional Information

• Welfare: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
• Emphasis: Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
• On par with: At the same level as; equal to.
• De-stigmatize: To remove the negative social perception associated with a condition.