English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: under another's authoritarian control; continually forced to submit to another's will.

Key Points

• The idiom 'under the thumb of someone' refers to a person who is completely controlled or dominated by someone else, often in a way that limits their freedom. (किसी के पूर्ण नियंत्रण में होना)
• Example: Even after moving out, he remained under the thumb of his overbearing parents.
• The phrase 'under another's authoritarian control; continually forced to submit to another's will' accurately describes the state of being dominated or dictated to by another person or entity. (किसी दूसरे के सत्तावादी नियंत्रण में होना; किसी दूसरे की इच्छा के आगे झुकने के लिए निरंतर मजबूर होना)
• Example: The workers felt they were under another's authoritarian control, having no say in the new company policies.
• Hence, we can infer that the meaning of the idiom 'under the thumb of someone' is being under someone's authoritarian control.

Therefore, the correct answer is- under another's authoritarian control; continually forced to submit to another's will.

Additional Information

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

• To be viewed with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval (संदेह, अविश्वास या नामंजूरी की दृष्टि से देखा जाना): This is often described by the idiom 'under a cloud'.
• Example: Since the accounting error was discovered, the manager has been under a cloud of suspicion.
• To come under the protection, tutelage, nurture, or care of someone (किसी के संरक्षण, शिक्षा या देखभाल के अंतर्गत आना): This is often described by the idiom 'under someone's wing'.
• Example: The experienced professor took the young researcher under her wing to help him publish his first paper.
• To be controlled or afflicted by a magical enchantment (जादुई मंत्र या प्रभाव के वश में होना): This is often described by the phrase 'under a spell'.
• Example: In the legend, the knight was under a spell that made him sleep for a hundred years.

The correct answer is: Behave badly or show contempt toward.

Key Points

• The idiom 'treat like dirt' means to behave towards someone in a very mean, disrespectful, or insulting way, often as if they are worthless. (बहुत बुरा व्यवहार करना या तिरस्कार करना)
• Example: Despite her years of loyal service to the company, her manager continued to treat her like dirt in front of her colleagues.
• 'Behave badly or show contempt toward' refers to acting in an improper, offensive, or disrespectful manner towards another person, showing that you consider them beneath consideration or deserving of scorn. (बुरा व्यवहार करना या अवमानना दिखाना)
• Example: It is never acceptable to behave badly or show contempt toward people just because they have a different opinion.
• Hence, we can infer that the meaning of the idiom 'treat like dirt' is to 'behave badly or show contempt toward'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Behave badly or show contempt toward.

Additional Information

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

• To discuss very private, personal matters, especially that which may be embarrassing, in public or with other people (सार्वजनिक रूप से निजी या शर्मनाक मामलों पर चर्चा करना): This describes the idiom 'wash one's dirty linen in public'.
• Example: The couple's argument escalated until they were washing all their dirty linen in public, much to the discomfort of their neighbors.
• To find negative information that has been concealed (छिपी हुई नकारात्मक जानकारी का पता लगाना): This describes the idiom 'dig up dirt'.
• Example: During the election, both parties hired private investigators to dig up dirt on their opponents' pasts.
• To discover or come upon something very, particularly, or abundantly valuable or useful, especially after a long or arduous search (कुछ बहुत मूल्यवान या उपयोगी खोजना): This is often associated with the phrase 'strike gold' or 'strike it rich'.
• Example: After years of unsuccessful attempts, the archaeologists finally struck gold when they found the hidden tomb.

The correct answer is: Nemesis.

Key Points

• The word 'Nemesis' refers to an inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall, or a long-standing rival or arch-enemy. (अपरिहार्य दंड)
• Example: In the final chapter of the novel, the protagonist finally confronts his nemesis.
• 'Nemesis' is correctly spelled in this context and represents the standard English orthography for the noun meaning a persistent source of harm or failure. (सही वर्तनी)
• Example: The high-speed corners of the track proved to be the racing driver's nemesis.
• Hence, we can infer that among the given options, the word 'Nemesis' is correctly spelled.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Nemesis.

Additional Information

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

• Nascent (incorrectly spelled as Nasient) (विकासोन्मुख): Something that is just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.
• Example: The nascent space tourism industry is attracting a lot of global interest.
• Niche (उपयुक्त स्थान): A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service, or a comfortable position in life.
• Example: After years of searching, she finally found her niche in environmental law.
• Nuance (incorrectly spelled as Nuence) (सूक्ष्म अंतर): A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
• Example: He was able to capture every nuance of the character's complex emotions in his performance.

The correct answer is: Discover.

Key Points

• The word 'find' means to locate or encounter something or someone by chance or through a deliberate search. (खोजना/पाना)
• Example: It took me several hours to find the specific reference in the library.
• 'Discover' means to find something unexpectedly or to be the first to learn about its existence, which makes it the closest synonym to 'find'. (पता लगाना/खोजना)
• Example: The researchers were excited to discover a new species of flora in the rainforest.
• Hence, we can conclude that the word closest in meaning to 'find' is 'Discover'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Discover.

Additional Information

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

• lose (खोना): To be deprived of or to be unable to find something you once had.
• Example: Please be careful not to lose your passport while traveling abroad.
• Hide (छिपाना): To put or keep something out of sight to prevent it from being found.
• Example: The child tried to hide the broken toy behind the sofa.
• Forget (भूलना): To fail to remember or recall something.
• Example: I often forget where I parked my car in large shopping malls.

The correct answer is Option (1) i.e. Zeastfu.

Key Points

• The word 'Zeastfu' is the misspelt word among the given options. There is no such word in the English language. (गलत वर्तनी)
• Example: The student realized that 'Zeastfu' was a typo and not a valid English word.
• 'Zestful' is the correct spelling of the intended word, which means to be full of energy, enthusiasm, or excitement. (उत्साहपूर्ण)
• Example: The children were zestful and eager to start their summer vacation.
• Hence, we can identify that 'Zeastfu' is incorrectly spelled.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Zeastfu.

Additional Information

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

• Zealously (उत्साहपूर्वक): Doing something with great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
• Example: The activist zealously campaigned for better healthcare facilities in rural areas.
• Zoologist (प्राणीविज्ञानी): An expert who studies the behavior, physiology, and classification of animals.
• Example: As a zoologist, she spent years researching the social structures of African elephants.
• Zodiac (राशि-चक्र): A belt of the heavens within which the sun, moon, and planets move, divided into twelve signs.
• Example: Many people believe that their zodiac sign can influence their personality traits.

The correct answer is: Energetic.

Key Points

• The word 'Exhausted' refers to a state of being completely drained of physical or mental resources; feeling extremely tired or spent. (थका हुआ)
• Example: After the marathon, the runners were completely exhausted and needed immediate rest.
• 'Energetic' describes someone or something that has or shows great vitality, enthusiasm, or physical power; it is the opposite of being tired or drained. (ऊर्जावान)
• Example: She felt energetic and ready to tackle her new project after a refreshing vacation.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Exhausted' is 'Energetic'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Energetic.

Additional Information

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

• Tired (थका हुआ): In need of sleep or rest; weary.
• Example: He was too tired to continue reading his book.
• Fatigued (थका हुआ / क्लांत): Feeling overtired, with low energy and a strong desire to sleep.
• Example: The long journey across the desert left the travelers deeply fatigued.
• Weary (थका हुआ): Feeling or showing extreme tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion.
• Example: The weary soldiers finally returned home after months of service.

The correct answer is: Cosmopolitan.

Key Points

• The phrase 'One who regards the entire world as their country' refers to an individual who has a global outlook and does not limit their sense of belonging to a single nation or region. (वह व्यक्ति जो पूरी दुनिया को अपना देश मानता है)
• Example: With his deep understanding of various cultures, he lives his life as someone who considers the entire world his home.
• 'Cosmopolitan' describes a person who is familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures, reflecting a universal rather than a local perspective. (सर्वदेशीय)
• Example: A cosmopolitan traveler feels equally comfortable in the bustling streets of Tokyo as they do in the cafes of Paris.
• Hence, we can infer that the one-word substitution for the given phrase is 'cosmopolitan'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Cosmopolitan.

Additional Information

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

• Convalescent (स्वास्थ्य-लाभ करनेवाला): A person who is recovering from an illness or medical operation.
• Example: The convalescent patient was moved to a quiet room to ensure a speedy recovery.
• Cynosure (आकर्षण का बिंदु): A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.
• Example: The magnificent diamond was the cynosure of the entire jewelry exhibition.
• Contemporary (समकालीन): A person or thing living or occurring at the same time as another.
• Example: Although they worked in different countries, the two scientists were contemporaries in the field of physics.

The correct answer is: stoic.

Key Points

• The phrase 'One who does not care about the pains and pleasures of life' refers to an individual who maintains a state of indifference or detachment towards emotional or physical distress as well as happiness. (दुख और सुख के प्रति उदासीन)
• Example: Ancient philosophers often practiced mindfulness to become individuals who do not care about the pains and pleasures of life.
• 'Stoic' describes a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining, remaining calm and indifferent to external circumstances. (वैरागी या सुख-दुख में समान रहने वाला)
• Example: Even after losing his business, he remained stoic and started working on a new plan immediately.
• Hence, we can infer that the one-word substitute for 'one who does not care about the pains and pleasures of life' is 'stoic'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: stoic.

Additional Information

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

• Epicure (चटोरा / स्वादलोलुप): A person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
• Example: My brother is a true epicure; he can identify every spice used in a dish just by tasting it.
• Fatalist (भाग्यवादी): A person who believes that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.
• Example: Being a fatalist, he believed that his failure in the exam was destined to happen regardless of his preparation.
• Coquette (नखरेबाज / मोहिनी): A woman who flirts with men to get their attention without having sincere feelings for them.
• Example: She was known as a coquette in the social circles for her playful and flirtatious behavior.

The correct answer is 'with'.

 

Key Points

• The verb comply means to act in accordance with a wish, command, rule, or law.
• In English grammar, comply is a prepositional verb that is followed by the fixed preposition with.
• The phrase comply with is used when referring to following the law, regulations, or orders.
• In the given sentence, the requirement is to follow the law of the land, so with is the appropriate choice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Citizens ought to comply with the law of the land; otherwise, they must get ready for the consequences."

 

Additional Information

• Abide by: We use the preposition by with the verb abide to mean the same thing (e.g., abide by the law).
• Adhere to: We use the preposition to with the verb adhere (e.g., adhere to the rules).
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they do not form the standard idiomatic expression with the verb comply.

The correct answer is The new strategic plan for the company has been approved by the board..

Key Points

• The original sentence 'The board has approved the new strategic plan for the company' is in the Active Voice and utilizes the Present Perfect Tense.
• In an active sentence, the subject ('The board') performs the action, while in a passive sentence, the focus shifts to the Object ('The new strategic plan for the company') receiving the action.
• The specific grammatical rule for converting Present Perfect Tense into Passive Voice is: Object + has/have + been + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Subject.
• In this transformation, the singular object 'The new strategic plan' necessitates the use of the auxiliary verb 'has' followed by 'been' and the past participle 'approved'.
• The preposition 'by' is introduced to connect the action back to the original agent, 'the board'.
• By following these linguistic rules, the sentence maintains its original meaning and tense while correctly shifting the voice.

 Additional Information

• Understanding Tense Mismatches in Passive Voice:
• Past Perfect Passive: The phrase 'had been approved' is used only if the active sentence is in the Past Perfect Tense (Subject + had + V3).
• Simple Past Passive: The phrase 'was approved' is appropriate only for Simple Past Tense active sentences (Subject + V2).
• Present Continuous Passive: The construction 'is being approved' is reserved for the Present Continuous Tense (Subject + is/am/are + V1 + ing).
• Subject-Verb Agreement: When converting to passive voice, the auxiliary verb (has/have) must always agree with the new subject (the former object).

The correct answer is The director was conducting the final rehearsal when the chief guest unexpectedly arrived..

Key Points

• The original sentence is written in the Passive Voice of the Past Continuous Tense, as indicated by the construction was being conducted.
• In English grammar, the Passive Voice structure for the Past Continuous Tense is: Object + was/were + being + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Subject.
• To convert this into the Active Voice, the agent of the action (the director) must become the grammatical subject of the sentence.
• The Active Voice formula for the Past Continuous Tense is: Subject + was/were + V1 + ing (Present Participle) + Object.
• Following this rule, the verb phrase was being conducted transforms into was conducting to maintain the progressive nature of the past action.
• The original subject, the final rehearsal, moves to the object position in the active sentence, receiving the action of the verb.
• The subordinate clause when the chief guest unexpectedly arrived is already in the active voice (Simple Past) and serves as a temporal marker; therefore, it remains unchanged during the transformation.

 Additional Information

• Grammatical Tense Analysis:
• Simple Past Tense: Option 1 uses conducted, which implies a completed fact rather than an ongoing action interrupted by the arrival of the guest.
• Past Continuous Tense: This tense is specifically used to describe actions that were in progress at a certain point in the past, often interrupted by another event (indicated by the Simple Past in the when-clause).
• Past Perfect Tense: Option 3 uses had conducted, suggesting that the rehearsal was entirely finished before the guest arrived, which changes the original meaning of the sentence.
• Future Tense: Option 4 uses will conduct, which is logically and grammatically incompatible with the past tense clause arrived.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Since the director is a singular noun, the auxiliary verb was is correctly utilized instead of were.

The correct answer is People are expecting that the meeting will finish by 5 p.m..

Key Points

• The given sentence is in the Passive Voice of the Present Continuous Tense, which is identified by the construction is being expected (is/am/are + being + V3).
• In English grammar, when a sentence is converted from passive to Active Voice, the tense must remain consistent. Therefore, the active form must also be in the Present Continuous Tense (is/am/are + V-ing).
• The original sentence uses a dummy subject It because the actual agent (the people doing the expecting) is not specified. When converting to active voice, we introduce a generic plural subject like People.
• Since People is a plural noun, it requires the plural auxiliary verb are followed by the present participle form of the main verb, which is expecting.
• The subordinate clause that the meeting will finish by 5 p.m. serves as the object of the verb and remains unchanged during the voice conversion process.

 Additional Information

• Analysis of Incorrect Options:
• Tense Mismatch: Option 2 uses the Simple Past Tense (expected), and Option 4 uses the Future Tense (will expect). Both options are incorrect because they change the original timeframe of the action.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Option 3 uses expects, which is a singular verb form. In standard English, the noun People is always treated as plural and must take the plural verb form (expect or are expecting).
• Impersonal Passive Construction: The structure It is being + V3 + that... is an impersonal passive. It is commonly used for reporting opinions, beliefs, or rumors. The active counterpart generally begins with People/They + active reporting verb.
• Active to Passive Rule: For continuous tenses, the word being is the essential indicator in the passive voice. Removing it and returning the verb to its -ing form is the standard procedure for restoring the active voice.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The error lies in the fourth part of the sentence: 'the train is going to come to the station within five min.'
• In the context of transportation and scheduled timings, the verb 'arrive' is much more appropriate and idiomatic than the verb 'come'.
• Additionally, the verb 'arrive' is typically followed by the preposition 'at' when referring to a specific location like a station (e.g., 'arrive at the station').
• Since the train schedule is a fixed future event, using the present simple or present continuous tense (e.g., 'is arriving' or 'arrives') is often preferred over 'is going to come'.
• Therefore, the phrase should be corrected to 'the train is arriving at the station' or 'the train will arrive at the station'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 4.

 

Correct Sentence: 'It is 14:25 hr now and the arrival time of the train is 14:30 hr, so we have to wait for five more min, and the train is arriving at the station within five min.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1 is grammatically correct as it sets the current time.
• Option 2 correctly defines the scheduled time and uses the conjunction 'so' to show result/consequence.
• Option 3 correctly uses the phrasal structure 'wait for' and the duration 'five more min'.

The correct answer is 'of'.

 

Key Points

• The verb acquitted is traditionally followed by the preposition of when referring to the specific charges or crimes someone was cleared from.
• To acquit of means to state officially in a court of law that a person is not guilty of a particular crime.
• In the given sentence, the millionaire was found not guilty of all charges, so the preposition of is the correct choice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "The millionaire was acquitted of all charges against him."

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: from is sometimes mistakenly used, but of is the standard idiomatic preposition for legal acquittal. One might be released from prison, but acquitted of a crime.
• Option 3: away and Option 4: out are grammatically incorrect in this context and do not form meaningful phrasal verbs with acquit.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• The sentence describes a general truth or a scientific fact, which is typically expressed using the Zero Conditional structure.
• In a Zero Conditional sentence, both the 'if' clause and the main clause use the Present Simple tense.
• The main clause in the sentence uses the verb degrades, which is in the Present Simple tense.
• To maintain tense consistency, the 'if' clause must also be in the Present Simple tense. Therefore, consistently failed (Past Simple) must be replaced with consistently fails (Present Simple).
• Thus, Option 2 is the grammatically correct choice to improve the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is consistently fails to synthesise.

 

Correct Sentence: 'If an organism consistently fails to synthesise adequate amino acids, its metabolism inevitably degrades.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'will consistently fail to synthesise' – This would be part of a First Conditional structure, which is used for real possibilities. However, the main clause would then need to be 'will inevitably degrade'.
• Option 3: 'would consistently fail to synthesise' – This would be part of a Second Conditional structure, used for hypothetical situations. The main clause would then need to be 'would inevitably degrade'.
• Option 4: 'No improvement required' – This is incorrect because the original sentence uses failed (Past tense), which creates a tense mismatch with the present tense verb degrades.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• The passage explicitly states that tribals may feel alienated if a specific model of development is imposed upon them without their consent.
• For centuries, tribal communities have lived in a natural coexistence with their habitat, which is the forest.
• When developmental activities such as mining, power projects, and industrialisation are introduced without involving them in the decision-making process, it disrupts their traditional way of life.
• This top-down imposition leads to a sense of deprivation and despair because their fundamental rights and livelihoods are impacted without their approval.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: The text does not suggest that tribals are unwilling to adapt to modern technology; rather, it highlights the lack of consent and infrastructure.
• Option 2: The passage states that tribals have a natural coexistence with forests, contradicting the idea that they prefer urban areas.
• Option 4: While the passage mentions that modern legislation (like the Forest Conservation Act, 1980) has curtailed their rights, it does not state that tribals reject all forms of governance.

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

• According to the passage, the relationship between tribal communities and forests is characterized by a natural coexistence that has lasted for centuries.
• The forest is described as their natural habitat, indicating that their life and culture were intrinsically linked to the environment.
• The text highlights that this age-old relationship remained consistent until modern legislation and governance began to alter it in the last century.
• Therefore, Option 2 is the most accurate description of the traditional bond as per the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is The tribals have had a natural coexistence with forests.

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: This is incorrect because the passage attributes large-scale exploitation and resource removal to developmental activities like mining and industrialisation, rather than the tribals themselves.
• Option 3: This is incorrect as the passage identifies the forest as their source of livelihood, suggesting they were dependent on it rather than avoiding it.
• Option 4: This is incorrect because the text mentions that tribals lack access to basic infrastructure and the economic development associated with urban/modern systems, resulting in a feeling of deprivation.

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

• According to the passage, while several factors have affected tribal communities, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 is explicitly identified as the most important legislation in this context.
• The text states that modern legislation and governance have altered the age-old relationship and natural coexistence between tribals and their forest habitats.
• The primary impact of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 was the curtailment of traditional rights, which prevented tribal communities from deriving their basic livelihood from the forests.
• This loss of access to resources, combined with a lack of infrastructure (like transport and electricity), has led to widespread despair and deprivation among these communities.

Therefore, the correct answer is The Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

 

**Correct

Statement:

** 'The most important being the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. As per the Act, their traditional rights have been curtailed, and they can no longer make a livelihood from their habitat.'

 

Additional Information

• The Forest Act, 1927: This is mentioned in the passage as one of the laws that altered the relationship between tribals and forests, but it is not singled out as the most significant one.
• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: This legislation is not mentioned in the provided text.
• The Environment Protection Act, 1986: This legislation is not mentioned in the provided text.
• Other developmental activities mentioned that impact tribal livelihoods include mining, power projects, and industrialisation.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The passage states that modern legislation and governance in the last century have considerably altered the traditional relationship between tribals and forests.
• Specific laws like the Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, have significantly impacted their lives.
• Under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, the traditional rights of tribal communities have been curtailed.
• This has led to a situation where they can no longer make a livelihood from their natural habitat, effectively restricting their access to forest resources.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Additional Information

• Option 2: This is incorrect because the passage mentions that sources of basic livelihood have been taken away, not that superior resources were provided.
• Option 3: This is incorrect as the passage explicitly mentions that traditional rights have been curtailed (reduced or restricted) rather than strengthened.
• Option 4: This is incorrect because the passage focuses on poverty, despair, and deprivation within their habitats, with no mention of encouragement to migrate abroad.
• The text also notes that developmental activities like mining, power projects, and industrialisation, coupled with a lack of basic infrastructure (transport, communication, electricity), have further marginalized these communities.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The passage identifies specific developmental activities that have negatively impacted the livelihoods of tribal communities by displacing them or removing access to their natural habitat.
• The text explicitly states that activities like mining, power projects, and industrialisation have taken away sources of their basic livelihood.
• Among the given options, Organic farming is not mentioned anywhere in the passage as a developmental activity that affects the tribal population.
• Therefore, Organic farming is the correct choice as the activity NOT mentioned in the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is Organic farming.

 

Additional Information

• Mining projects: Explicitly listed in the passage as a developmental activity impacting tribal livelihoods.
• Power projects: Mentioned as a factor that, along with legislation, has altered the traditional relationship between tribals and forests.
• Industrialisation: Included in the text as one of the modern processes causing a feeling of despair and deprivation among tribals.
• Legislation: The passage also highlights that the Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, have played a major role in curtailing tribal rights.