English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: To start crying profusely, either genuinely or in order to get attention!.

Key Points

• The idiom 'turn on the waterworks' refers to a situation where someone suddenly starts crying, often in a dramatic way or to gain sympathy and attention from others. (रोने लगना, विशेष रूप से सहानुभूति या ध्यान आकर्षित करने के लिए)
• Example: As soon as her mother said no to the expensive dress, the teenager turned on the waterworks to get her way.
• 'To start crying profusely, either genuinely or in order to get attention!' means to begin weeping heavily or shedding many tears, which may be a sincere reaction or a tactical move to influence someone's emotions. (गंभीर रूप से रोना शुरू करना, या तो वास्तविक रूप से या ध्यान आकर्षित करने के लिए)
• Example: The actor could start crying profusely on command, making every emotional scene in the movie feel incredibly real.
• Hence, we can infer that the meaning of the idiom 'turn on the waterworks' is to start crying profusely.

Therefore, the correct answer is: To start crying profusely, either genuinely or in order to get attention!.

Additional Information

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

• To provide comfort to another during a difficult time (कठिन समय में किसी को सांत्वना देना): Offering emotional support or relief to someone who is suffering.
• Example: It is important to provide comfort to those who have lost their loved ones in the disaster.
• To listen sympathetically to another person's problems (सहानुभूतिपूर्वक दूसरे की समस्याओं को सुनना): To hear someone's concerns with an understanding and caring attitude.
• Example: A good leader should always be willing to listen sympathetically to the challenges faced by their team.
• To change in one's opinion or feelings on a matter (किसी मामले में अपनी राय या भावनाओं को बदलना): Altering one's perspective or emotional stance regarding a specific topic.
• Example: After seeing the successful results of the trial, several board members began to change their opinion about the new policy.

pThe correct answer is 'Option (4)' i.e. 'A highly unexpected or coincidental event, especially one that has an important or far-reaching influence on the future'.

Key Points

• The idiom 'twist of fate' refers to an unplanned or unexpected turn of events that happens by chance, often leading to a significant change in circumstances. (भाग्य का खेल या अनपेक्षित मोड़)
• Example: By a twist of fate, they met again years later in a foreign country after having lost touch.
• 'A highly unexpected or coincidental event, especially one that has an important or far-reaching influence on the future' describes a situation where chance or coincidence plays a major role in shaping one's destiny or future outcomes. (एक अत्यधिक अप्रत्याशित या संयोगवश होने वाली घटना जिसका भविष्य पर गहरा प्रभाव पड़ता है)
• Example: Winning the scholarship was a twist of fate that allowed him to pursue his studies abroad and eventually lead a global organization.
• Hence, we can infer that the meaning of the idiom 'twist of fate' is accurately captured by this description.

Therefore, the correct answer is- A highly unexpected or coincidental event, especially one that has an important or far-reaching influence on the future.

Additional Information

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

• Decide what will become of one (किसी के भविष्य का फैसला करना): This refers to determining or influencing the final outcome or destiny of a person.
• Example: The jury's final verdict will decide what will become of him in the eyes of the law.
• Risk or something dangerous (जोखिम या कुछ खतरनाक): This refers to a situation involving exposure to danger, harm, or the possibility of loss.
• Example: Walking alone in that dark, isolated alley involves a high risk of being mugged.
• A highly undesirable occurrence, a misfortune (एक अत्यधिक अवांछनीय घटना, एक दुर्भाग्य): This refers to an unlucky or unpleasant event that causes distress or trouble.
• Example: Losing all his hard-earned savings in a single day was a great misfortune for the old man.

The correct answer is: Maudlin.

Key Points

• The word 'Maudlin' refers to someone who is tearfully sentimental or self-pitying, often in a way that seems foolish or exaggerated, especially when under the influence of alcohol. (अति-भावुक)
• Example: After a few drinks, he became maudlin and started talking about his childhood pets.
• 'Maudlin' is the only word in the given list that is correctly spelled according to standard English dictionaries. It describes an emotional state of being overly sentimental. (अति-भावुक)
• Example: The play was criticized for its maudlin and unrealistic portrayal of grief.
• Hence, we can identify that 'Maudlin' is the correctly spelled option.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Maudlin.

Additional Information

Here are the other options with their correct spellings and meanings explained:

• Macabre (भयंकर): The spelling 'Macaber' is incorrect; the standard spelling is 'Macabre'. It refers to something disturbing and horrifying because it is concerned with death.
• Example: The horror movie featured many macabre scenes that left the audience terrified.
• Maelstrom (भारी खलबली): The spelling 'Mealstorm' is incorrect; the correct spelling is 'Maelstrom'. It refers to a powerful whirlpool or a situation of violent turmoil and confusion.
• Example: The politician was caught in a maelstrom of scandals and accusations.
• Malaise (अस्वस्थता): The spelling 'Maliase' is incorrect; the correct spelling is 'Malaise'. It refers to a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify.
• Example: The country was suffering from a deep economic malaise that lasted for years.

The correct answer is: Attractive.

Key Points

• The word 'appealing' refers to something that is attractive, interesting, or inviting to the senses or mind. (आकर्षक)
• Example: The idea of working from home is very appealing to many professionals today.
• 'Attractive' describes something that is pleasing to the eye or mind, or something that draws interest or admiration; it is the closest synonym for appealing. (आकर्षक)
• Example: The company offered an attractive salary package to the new candidates.
• Hence, we can infer that the word closest in meaning to 'appealing' is 'attractive'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Attractive.

Additional Information

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

• Boring (उबाऊ): Something that is not interesting or lacks excitement.
• Example: I found the long documentary quite boring and struggled to stay awake.
• Confusing (भ्रमित करने वाला): Something that is difficult to understand or makes one feel uncertain.
• Example: The instructions for assembling the cabinet were very confusing.
• Annoying (परेशान करने वाला): Something that causes irritation or slight anger.
• Example: The annoying sound of the dripping faucet kept me up all night.

The correct answer is: Option(1) i.e. supercede.

Key Points

• The misspelt word 'supercede' is a common spelling error of the word 'supersede', which means to take the place of a person or thing previously in authority or use. (स्थान लेना)
• Example: The word supercede is often incorrectly used in writing when the author intends to mean replacing something old.
• 'Supersede' is the correctly spelt word that refers to replacing something that is old-fashioned, less useful, or no longer valid. (अधिक्रमण करना)
• Example: The latest version of the application will supersede the older one starting next month.
• Hence, we can infer that the misspelt word among the given options is 'supercede'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: supercede.

Additional Information

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

• Consensus (आम सहमति): A general agreement reached by a group of people.
• Example: There is a growing consensus among scientists that climate change is accelerating.
• Guarantee (गारंटी / आश्वासन): A formal assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled, especially regarding product quality.
• Example: The manufacturer provides a one-year guarantee for all parts and labor.
• Threshold (दहलीज / ��ीमा): The point of entering or beginning; or the level at which a specific effect or reaction occurs.
• Example: The company is on the threshold of a major breakthrough in renewable energy.

The correct answer is: Conceal.

Key Points

• The word 'Exhibit' means to publicly display or show something, such as an object or a collection, in an art gallery or museum, or to manifest a quality or feeling. (प्रदर्शित करना/दिखाना)
• Example: The museum will exhibit the ancient artifacts for the public starting next week.
• 'Conceal' refers to the act of hiding something or keeping it from being seen or known; it is the direct opposite of showing or displaying something. (छिपाना)
• Example: He tried to conceal his true feelings, but his eyes gave him away.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Exhibit' is 'Conceal'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Conceal.

Additional Information

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

• Display (प्रदर्शन): To put something in a prominent place so that it may readily be seen.
• Example: The shop had a magnificent display of silk scarves in the window.
• Present (प्रस्तुत करना): To formally give or show something to someone.
• Example: The researchers will present their findings at the international conference.
• Show (दिखाना): To allow something to be visible or to demonstrate a process.
• Example: Please show me the way to the nearest railway station.

The correct answer is 'to'.

 

Key Points

• The verb 'attend' is frequently followed by the preposition 'to' when it means to pay attention, listen carefully, or deal with something or someone.
• In the context of the sentence, the children are focusing their attention on the teacher's words, making 'attending to' the grammatically correct phrasal verb.
• The other options (through, out, by) do not form standard idiomatic expressions with 'attend' that fit the meaning of listening or paying attention.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: 'The children were attending to what the teacher was saying.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 (through): This preposition suggests movement from one side to another or the duration of an event, which is incorrect here.
• Option 2 (out): While 'attend' can sometimes be used in other contexts, 'attend out' is not a recognized phrase for listening.
• Option 3 (by): This indicates agency or proximity and does not convey the intended meaning of paying attention.

The correct answer is Option(3) i.e. Mercenary.

Key Points

• The phrase 'One who is only concerned with making money' refers to an individual whose actions and motivations are entirely driven by the desire for financial gain, often at the expense of ethics or personal relationships. (केवल धन कमाने से संबंधित/स्वार्थी व्यक्ति)
• Example: It was hard to tell if his interest in the business was genuine or purely mercenary.
• 'Mercenary' is a term used to describe a person who is primarily motivated by money; it can also refer to a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. (लोभी/किराये का)
• Example: The mercenary soldiers were willing to fight for whichever side paid them the most.
• Hence, we can infer that the most suitable one-word substitution for the given phrase is 'mercenary'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Mercenary.

Additional Information

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

• Highbrow (बौद्धिक): A person who has, or affects to have, superior intellectual or cultural tastes.
• Example: He preferred highbrow films that explored complex philosophical themes rather than simple action movies.
• Iconoclast (मूर्तिभंजक/रिवाजों को तोड़ने वाला): A person who attacks settled beliefs, cherished institutions, or traditional ideas.
• Example: The scientist was an iconoclast who challenged the long-held theories of his predecessors.
• Fastidious (नकचढ़ा/अति-सावधान): A person who is very attentive to and concerned about accuracy, detail, or cleanliness.
• Example: She is so fastidious about her work that she spends hours checking every single comma in her reports.

The correct answer is Option (3) i.e. clique.

Key Points

• The phrase 'a small group of people with a common interest who exclude others' refers to a close-knit circle of individuals who share similar tastes or goals and are often perceived as being socially exclusive. (लोगों का एक छोटा समूह जिनका साझा हित होता है और जो दूसरों को बाहर रखते हैं)
• Example: It can be difficult for new employees to feel welcome if there is a tight clique already established in the department.
• 'Clique' is the most suitable one-word substitution for a small, exclusive group of people who do not readily allow others to join them. (गुट)
• Example: The clique of popular students always sat together in the cafeteria and never spoke to anyone else.
• Hence, we can infer that the correct word for the given description is 'clique'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- clique

Additional Information

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

• Caucus (दल की बैठक): A meeting of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement to decide on policies or candidates.
• Example: The party members held a caucus to discuss their strategy for the upcoming local elections.
• Claque (प्रशंसा करने वालों का समूह): A group of people hired to applaud or heckle a performer or speaker, often to create a false impression of their popularity.
• Example: The singer was so worried about the audience's reaction that he hired a claque to cheer loudly after every song.
• Cortege (शवयात्रा): A formal or solemn procession, most commonly associated with a funeral.
• Example: A long cortege followed the hearse as it made its way to the cemetery.

The correct answer is Is a new science fiction film being produced by them this year?.

Key Points

• The given sentence is an Interrogative Sentence in the Present Continuous Tense, following the active voice structure: Is/Am/Are + Subject + Verb(ing) + Object + ?.
• To convert a Present Continuous Interrogative sentence into Passive Voice, the following rule is applied: Is/Am/Are + New Subject (Original Object) + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + New Object (Original Subject) + ?.
• In this sentence, the Object is 'a new science fiction film', which is singular. Therefore, the auxiliary verb 'Is' must be used to begin the passive construction.
• The word 'being' is a critical component in the passive voice of any Continuous Tense to retain the ongoing nature of the action.
• The Main Verb 'producing' must be converted into its Past Participle form, which is 'produced'.
• The Subject 'they' in the active voice changes to the Objective Case 'them' in the passive voice, typically preceded by the preposition 'by'.
• The Adverbial Phrase 'this year' remains at the end of the sentence to maintain the original Time Context.

 Additional Information

• Understanding Auxiliary Verbs and Participles in Passive Voice:
• 'Has' is an auxiliary used for the Present Perfect Tense (e.g., Has a film been produced?); its use here would change the tense of the original question.
• 'Been' is the Past Participle of the verb 'to be' and is used in the passive voice of Perfect Tenses, not continuous tenses.
• The Present Participle (Verb+ing) like 'producing' cannot be used as the main verb in a standard passive voice construction because passive voice requires the V3 form.
• In the Passive Voice, the focus shifts from the Doer (they) to the Receiver (a new science fiction film) of the action.

The correct answer is Did the reviewers give constructive feedback on the revised version of the research paper?.

Key Points

• The original sentence is in the Passive Voice using the Simple Past Tense interrogative structure: Was/Were + Object + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject?
• To convert a Simple Past passive question into Active Voice, the auxiliary verb Did must be placed at the beginning of the sentence.
• The Passive Object (the reviewers) shifts to the Subject position, and the Passive Subject (constructive feedback) shifts to the Object position.
• In active voice interrogative sentences starting with Did, the main verb must always be in its Base Form (V1), which is give, regardless of the plurality of the subject.
• The preposition by is removed during the conversion as the agent now occupies the primary subject position in the sentence.
• The remaining components, such as the prepositional phrase on the revised version of the research paper, remain in their relative positions to maintain the original meaning.

 Additional Information

• Analysis of Incorrect Tenses:
• Present Perfect: Formed using Have/Has + Subject + V3. This is incorrect here because the original sentence is in the past tense, not a completed action with present relevance.
• Present Continuous: Formed using Is/Am/Are + Subject + V-ing. This represents an ongoing action, which contradicts the completed past action indicated by Was.
• Simple Present: Formed using Do/Does + Subject + V1. This is used for habits or general facts and does not match the specific past event described.
• Core Principles of Voice Conversion:
• The Tense of the sentence must remain constant; a Simple Past passive sentence must always be converted into a Simple Past active sentence.
• The Auxiliary Verb used in the active voice (Did) identifies the past timeframe while the main verb reverts from its V3 form (given) to its V1 form (give).

The correct answer is Post the letter without fail.

Key Points

• The given sentence is an Imperative Sentence in the Passive Voice. An imperative sentence expresses a command, request, or advice.
• The standard structure for a Passive Voice imperative sentence is: Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3). In this case, 'the letter' is the object and 'posted' is the V3 form of the verb.
• To convert such a sentence into the Active Voice, the structure follows: Base Form of the Verb (V1) + Object.
• During conversion, the word Let and the auxiliary verb be are removed. The Past Participle 'posted' is changed back to its Base Form (V1), which is Post.
• The Direct Object 'the letter' is placed immediately after the verb. The adverbial phrase without fail remains at the end of the sentence to maintain the original meaning.
• Therefore, the active transformation of 'Let the letter be posted without fail' becomes Post the letter without fail.

 Additional Information

• Voice Transformation Rules:
• Subject-Verb Relationship: In active voice, the subject (often an implied You in imperatives) performs the action. In passive voice, the focus shifts to the recipient of the action.
• Negative Imperatives: If the active sentence is negative (e.g., 'Do not post'), the passive form becomes Let + object + not + be + V3.
• Modals in Imperatives: Some transformations involve modals like should or must to indicate obligation, but they change the formal structure of a simple imperative command.
• Verb Aspects: Using continuous forms like be posting changes the Aspect of the verb from simple to progressive, which is not required for standard voice conversion of commands.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The error lies in the second part of the sentence: published on the newspaper, but unfortunately,.
• The primary mistake is the incorrect use of the preposition. When referring to content, articles, or stories printed within a publication, the correct preposition to use is in, not on.
• We say something is in the newspaper or in a book because the information is contained within the pages.
• The phrase should be corrected to published in the newspaper to ensure grammatical accuracy.
• Thus, Option 2 contains the error.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Correct Sentence: 'I read a great story that was published in the newspaper, but unfortunately, I do not remember the complete plot of the story.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'I read a great story which was' – This part is grammatically correct. Both 'that' and 'which' can be used as relative pronouns for objects/stories.
• Option 3: 'I do not remember' – This is the correct use of the simple present tense to indicate a current state of mind.
• Option 4: 'the complete plot of the story' – This is a correctly structured noun phrase serving as the object of the verb 'remember'.
• Preposition usage: Use on for surfaces (on the table) or electronic media (on the internet, on TV), and in for print media (in a magazine, in a journal).

The correct answer is 'of'.

 

Key Points

• The preposition 'of' is used to indicate a person's origin, background, or lineage.
• The phrase 'of humble origin' is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to describe someone who comes from a family with low social status or limited financial means.
• In this sentence, the preposition connects the subject 'Baji Rout' to his family background, making 'of' the grammatically correct choice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: 'Baji Rout was a boy of humble origin.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: 'from' is generally used to indicate a geographical location or a starting point (e.g., 'He comes from Odisha'), but in the specific phrase 'humble origin', the preposition 'of' is the established convention.
• Option 3: 'Off' is a preposition or adverb that indicates separation or disconnection from a place or position and does not fit the context of the sentence.
• Baji Rout (1926–1938) was a young freedom fighter from Odisha, known as the youngest martyr of the Indian independence movement.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The sentence provided is a perfect example of a Third Conditional sentence, which is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past that did not happen.
• The standard grammatical structure for a Third Conditional is: If + Past Perfect (had + past participle), ... would have + Past Participle.
• In the conditional clause (the 'if' clause), the phrase 'had taken' is the Past Perfect form of the verb 'take', which correctly sets up the past hypothetical condition.
• The result clause correctly uses 'would have been' (would have + past participle of 'be'), indicating the hypothetical outcome in the past.
• Because the underlined portion 'had taken stronger action earlier' follows the required grammatical rules for this structure, no changes are necessary.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Correct Sentence: 'If the government had taken stronger action earlier, the economy would have been in a much better position to recover from the crisis.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'took stronger action earlier' – This uses the Simple Past tense. This would only be used in a Second Conditional (hypothetical present/future), which would require the main clause to be 'the economy would be...' instead of 'would have been'.
• Option 2: 'would have taken stronger action earlier' – In English grammar, 'would have' is almost never used in the 'if' clause; it is reserved for the result clause.
• Option 3: 'was taking stronger action earlier' – This is the Past Continuous tense, which describes an ongoing action in the past rather than the completed hypothetical condition required for the Third Conditional.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The passage presents a fundamental conflict between two distinct educational philosophies.
• The first group believes that students should concentrate exclusively on career-specific subjects to maximize their professional contribution to society.
• The second group advocates for a broad curriculum that combines specialized expertise with comprehensive general knowledge.
• The central point of contention is whether education should be restricted to career-focused learning or expanded to include a wider range of knowledge.
• Therefore, the primary disagreement is whether education should focus only on career-specific subjects.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Additional Information

• **Specialization

Argument:

** It posits that highly skilled individuals are the primary drivers of civilizational progress.

• **Broad education

Argument:

** It emphasizes that a narrow perspective can lead to a lack of empathy and a failure to understand the world in a holistic manner.

• The passage explores the educational strategy required to balance individual expertise with societal awareness.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The passage discusses the tension between two educational philosophies: narrow specialization and a broad curriculum.
• According to the text, advocates of specialization argue that students should focus on specific subjects that prepare them for their future careers.
• The core argument provided by these supporters is that highly skilled people in their specific fields make the greatest contributions to civilization.
• The term civilization in the passage is synonymous with society, directly supporting the statement in Option 2.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Relevant Quote: 'Advocates of specialization claim that highly skilled people in their fields make the greatest contributions to civilization.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'Broad education ensures empathy and cultural awareness' – This is the argument used by proponents of a broad education, not those favoring specialization.
• Option 3: 'General knowledge is more important than technical expertise' – This represents the opposing view to specialization, which values technical expertise for career success.
• Option 4: 'Specialization limits progress and innovation in all fields' – The passage suggests that a narrow perspective is a potential criticism or risk of specialization, rather than an argument made by its supporters.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explores the conflict between two educational philosophies: narrow specialization and a broad curriculum.
• Supporters of a broad curriculum believe that focusing exclusively on subjects related to future careers is insufficient for a complete education.
• The primary criticism they level against narrow specialization is that it can result in experts who have a limited perspective.
• Furthermore, the text explicitly mentions that without a well-rounded academic background, such individuals may suffer from a lack of empathy and a failure to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the world.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: The text does not claim that specialization guarantees success; it discusses the potential social and cognitive drawbacks of that approach.
• Option 2: Narrow specialization is actually designed to provide practical skills in a specific area, so claiming it prevents them is logically inconsistent with the text.
• Option 4: While cultural and social awareness are related to a broad education, the passage specifically uses the terms limited perspective and lack of empathy to describe the risks of specialization.

The correct answer is Should students balance career skills and knowledge?.

 

Key Points

• The passage explores a conflict between two major educational philosophies: narrow specialization and broad curriculum.
• Advocates of specialization believe that focusing on career-specific subjects leads to higher professional contributions to civilization.
• On the other hand, proponents of a broad education argue that students should acquire both specialized expertise and comprehensive general knowledge.
• The core dilemma presented is whether education should be purely functional for a career or if it should provide a well-rounded perspective.
• Therefore, the question raised is whether students should find a balance between career skills and general knowledge.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: The passage does not suggest removing cultural education; instead, one group argues for its inclusion.
• Option 2: The text mentions that a narrow perspective can lead to a lack of empathy, suggesting that excluding social values is a negative outcome, not a recommended strategy.
• Option 3: While the passage mentions focusing on career subjects, it presents this as one side of a debate rather than the definitive purpose of universities.
• The passage concludes by highlighting that a broad curriculum helps experts avoid a narrow perspective and fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The passage presents a debate between two educational philosophies: narrow specialization and a broad curriculum.
• Both viewpoints base their arguments on the eventual impact the student will have on civilization or society.
• Advocates of specialization believe that focusing on specific career-specific subjects allows individuals to provide the greatest contributions to society through their expertise.
• Proponents of a broad education argue that without comprehensive general knowledge, experts lack empathy and a holistic understanding, which affects how they perceive and contribute to the world.
• The fundamental link between these perspectives is the concern over how education ultimately shapes an individual's societal contributions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Summary: The text explores how different educational strategies—whether focusing on technical expertise or well-rounded academic backgrounds—aim to define the quality and nature of an individual's contribution to civilization.

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: The passage does not discuss traditional learning versus modern or alternative forms of schooling.
• Option 3: There is no mention of technology or the replacement of classroom teachers in the text.
• Option 4: While the passage mentions career-specific vs. broad subjects, the act of students avoiding courses is not the fundamental issue linking the two philosophical arguments; it is merely a result of one specific strategy.