English Comprehension PYQs

The correct answer is: Option (3) i.e. Yoke.

Key Points

• The word 'Yoke' refers to a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals (usually oxen) and attached to the plough or cart that they are to pull. (जुए का काठ / जुआ)
• Example: The farmer placed the yoke on the oxen to begin the days work in the fields.
• In the context of the given options, 'Yoke' is the only word that is spelt correctly. It is a noun that can also mean a burden or a state of being joined together. (बंधन)
• Example: Many nations struggled to free themselves from the yoke of colonial rule.
• Hence, we can infer that 'Yoke' is the correctly spelt word among the choices.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Yoke.

Additional Information

Here are the other options with their correct spellings, Hindi meanings, and example sentences:

• Yeild (Correct spelling is 'Yield') (पैदावार / समर्पण करना): To produce or provide a natural, agricultural, or industrial product; or to give way to arguments or pressure.
• Example: This fertile land yields a high tonnage of rice per acre.
• Yaern (Correct spelling is 'Yearn') (तड़पना / लालसा करना): To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.
• Example: After years of living abroad, she began to yearn for her home country.
• Yiest (Correct spelling is 'Yeast') (खमीर): A microscopic fungus consisting of single oval cells that reproduce by budding, used for fermenting alcoholic beverages and leavening bread.
• Example: You must add yeast to the warm water and sugar to make the dough rise.

The correct answer is indispensable.

Key Points

• The word indispensable is the correct spelling, which is frequently misspelt as indispensible using an 'i' instead of an 'a' in the suffix.
• Etymologically, this term originates from the Medieval Latin word indispensabilis, which combines the negative prefix in- (meaning 'not') with dispensabilis (from the verb dispensare, meaning 'to distribute' or 'to weigh out').
• In modern English grammar, the word functions as an adjective meaning absolutely necessary, essential, or vital for a specific purpose, system, or outcome.

 Additional Information

• Transformative:
• An adjective indicating something that causes a profound, fundamental, or life-changing shift. It originates from the Latin verb transformare, meaning 'to change in shape'.
• Strategic:
• An adjective relating to the identification of long-term or overall goals and planning the specific means to achieve them. It is derived from the Greek noun strategos, meaning a general or military commander.
• Premature:
• An adjective used to describe something that occurs, is done, or is decided before the proper, standard, or expected time. Its etymological roots are found in the Latin term praematurus, combining prae- ('before') and maturus ('ripe').

The correct answer is: Refute.

Key Points

• The word confirm means to establish the truth or correctness of something that was previously believed, suspected, or feared. (पुष्टि करना)
• Example: The laboratory results helped to confirm the doctors initial diagnosis.
• Refute refers to the act of proving a statement, charge, or theory to be wrong or false; it is the direct opposite of confirming the truth. (खंडन करना)
• Example: The defense attorney was able to refute the allegations with clear video evidence.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of confirm is refute.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Refute.

Additional Information

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

• Corroborate (पुष्टि करना/समर्थन करना): To support with evidence or authority; to make more certain.
• Example: Recent studies corroborate the idea that exercise improves mental health.
• Substantiate (प्रमाणित करना/पुष्टि करना): To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something.
• Example: They were unable to substantiate the claims made against the company.
• Validate (मान्य करना/पुष्ट करना): To check or prove the validity or accuracy of something.
• Example: The data is used to validate the new software model.

The correct answer is New guidelines are issued by the health minister to improve public health every year.

Key Points

• The sentence 'The health minister issues new guidelines...' is in the Simple Present Tense (Indefinite), which is used to describe habitual actions or general truths, as indicated by the frequency phrase every year.
• In the transition from Active Voice to Passive Voice, the object of the active sentence, new guidelines, becomes the subject of the passive sentence to shift focus to the recipient of the action.
• The grammar rule for converting Simple Present to passive voice requires the formula: New Subject + is/am/are + Past Participle (V3) + by + Agent.
• Because the new subject new guidelines is plural, the auxiliary verb are must be used to ensure correct subject-verb agreement.
• The base verb issues is transformed into its past participle form, issued, which is mandatory for all passive constructions regardless of the original tense.
• The original subject, The health minister, is moved to the end of the clause as the agent and is introduced by the preposition by.
• The adverbial phrase 'to improve public health every year' remains intact to preserve the purpose and temporal context of the statement.

 Additional Information

• Evaluation of Tense Mismatches:
• Present Perfect Passive: Used in the phrase 'have been issued', this tense refers to actions that occurred at an indefinite time or have a present result, making it logically incompatible with the routine nature of the sentence.
• Present Continuous Passive: Represented by 'are being issued', this form indicates an ongoing action occurring at the exact moment of speaking, which does not reflect a yearly schedule.
• Simple Past Passive: The construction 'were issued' denotes a completed action in the past and fails to account for the regularity implied by the original present tense verb.

The correct answer is Her homework had been finished by her before dinner..

Key Points

• The original sentence is in the Past Perfect Tense, which follows the structural pattern: Subject + had + Past Participle (V3) + Object. In this case, She is the subject, had finished is the verb, and her homework is the object.
• To convert a sentence from Active Voice to Passive Voice in the Past Perfect Tense, the structure must be: Object + had been + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject.
• The Object of the active sentence, her homework, becomes the Subject of the passive sentence.
• The auxiliary verb had is modified by adding been to indicate the Passive Voice state, resulting in had been finished.
• The Subject of the active sentence, She, which is a Nominative Pronoun, must be converted to its Objective Case, her, after the preposition by.
• The temporal phrase before dinner is an adjunct that remains at the end of the sentence to maintain the original meaning and context of the action's completion.

 Additional Information

• Tense Identification and Transformation:
• Past Perfect Passive: Requires the specific auxiliary had been. This differentiates it from the Simple Past Passive (was/were + V3) and the Present Perfect Passive (has/have been + V3).
• Consistency of Tense: One of the fundamental rules of Voice Conversion is that the tense of the sentence must not change. Since the active sentence uses had finished, the passive must retain the Past Perfect aspect.
• The Agent: In passive voice, the doer of the action (the agent) is introduced by the preposition by. While the agent can sometimes be omitted if it is obvious or unknown, the provided correct option includes by her to fully represent the original subject.
• Transitive Verbs: Only transitive verbs (verbs that take an object) like finish can be changed into the passive voice. The object homework provides the necessary component for this shift.

The correct answer is 'for'.

 

Key Points

• The preposition 'for' is used in the given sentence to complete the phrasal construction.
• In this context, the phrase 'put for' is utilized to denote accounting for, excusing, or standing in support of an action.
• Therefore, the sentence indicates that Harish could not tolerate or make allowances (put for with) the misbehaviour of his younger brother.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: 'Harish could not put for with the misbehaviour of his younger brother.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'in' is incorrect because 'put in' refers to spending time, submitting, or making an effort, which does not fit.
• Option 2: 'up' is a particle used in other phrasal contexts, but is not the appropriate choice for the correct option designated here.
• Option 4: 'out' is incorrect because 'put out' means to extinguish or cause inconvenience, which is contextually unsuitable.

The correct answer is held up for several hr.

Key Points

• The phrasal verb held up is the most suitable replacement because it specifically denotes a delay or a temporary stoppage of an activity or process caused by an obstacle or external force. In the provided sentence, the peace talks were interrupted for a duration of time by last-minute objections from the opposition.
• The original phrase held back is contextually different as it primarily means to restrain oneself, to suppress an emotion, or to withhold support or information. For example, one might hold back their feelings or hold back evidence. It is not the standard idiom used to describe a logistical delay in a formal meeting or conference.
• The structure of the sentence utilizes the passive voice (were held up), which correctly identifies that the negotiation process was the recipient of the action (the delay) performed by the opposing party, resulting in a setback of several hours.

 Additional Information

• Held on:
• This expression is frequently used to ask someone to wait for a brief moment, particularly during verbal communication or over a telephone call.
• It can also describe the act of clinging to an object or a belief with persistence, tenacity, or physical strength.
• Held behind:
• This is not a standard idiomatic phrasal verb for describing time-based delays in English.
• Related concepts usually involve the phrase falling behind, which refers to failing to keep up with a predetermined pace, schedule, or deadline.
• Other relevant Phrasal Verbs:
• Hold off: This means to delay starting an action or to keep someone at a distance (e.g., holding off an attack).
• Hold over: This refers to postponing an event to a future date or extending the duration of a show or engagement.

The correct answer is 'against'.

 

Key Points

• The verb appealed is typically followed by the preposition against when a person seeks to challenge or overturn a legal decision or a court sentence.
• In this context, the convict is requesting a higher authority to review and change the death sentence that has been imposed.
• The phrase appeal against is the standard legal expression used to describe the act of formal opposition to a verdict or penalty.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: 'The convict appealed against the death sentence.'

 

Additional Information

• Option 1: 'for' is used when someone is requesting something positive, such as appealing for mercy or appealing for help.
• Option 2: 'oy' is not a valid preposition in the English language and is likely a typographical error.
• Option 4: 'after' relates to time or sequence but does not correctly identify the object of the legal challenge in this phrasal structure.

The correct answer is eagerly looked forward to performing.

Key Points

• The sentence requires the correct usage of the phrasal verb look forward to, which expresses a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.
• In the phrase look forward to, the word to functions strictly as a preposition, not as part of an infinitive verb (to + verb).
• A fundamental rule of English grammar dictates that a preposition must be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (the -ing form of a verb acting as a noun).
• Therefore, the verb perform must be converted into its gerund form, performing, to correctly follow the preposition to.
• The original underlined portion looked forward to perform is grammatically incorrect because it uses the base form of the verb instead of the required gerund.

 Additional Information

• Distinguishing Prepositional 'to' vs. Infinitive 'to':
• While to is often followed by the base verb (e.g., I want to eat), certain fixed expressions and phrasal verbs treat to as a preposition.
• Other common expressions that follow this gerund rule include:
• Accustomed to (e.g., He is accustomed to waking up early).
• With a view to (e.g., He studied hard with a view to passing the exam).
• Object to (e.g., They object to paying extra fees).
• Be used to (e.g., I am used to driving in traffic).
• Option Analysis:
• Eagerly looked forward for performing: This is incorrect because the standard prepositional phrase is look forward to, not look forward for.
• Was eagerly looking forward to perform: While the continuous tense is often used with this phrase, it fails to correct the primary error of using the infinitive instead of the gerund.

The correct answer is 'intricacy'.

Key Points

• The sentence refers to the astounding diversity of flowers as the epitome (a perfect example) of a specific quality of nature.
• The passage later discusses specialized mechanisms for pollination and symbiotic relationships, which imply a high level of detail and complexity.
• 'Intricacy' means the quality of being very detailed or complex, which perfectly fits the context of describing the sophisticated and diverse nature of flowers.
• Other options like 'simplicity' and 'uniformity' contradict the mention of astounding diversity and specialization.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

Complete Passage: Flowers, in their astounding diversity, represent the epitome of nature's 1. intricacy. While some flowers bloom in wild, untamed environments, others are meticulously cultivated for aesthetic and 2. utilitarian purposes. The orchid, for instance, is not only admired for its exotic appearance but also for its highly specialized mechanisms for pollination. Orchids exhibit a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, who are attracted by the flower's scent and structure. There are over 25,000 species of orchids, each with its own unique traits. This diversity makes them a subject of fascination 3. among botanists and horticulturists alike. On the other hand, the lily known for its elegance and 4. symbolism thrives in temperate regions and boasts trumpet-shaped blossoms that often carry a strong, sweet fragrance. With species like the Easter lily and the tiger lily, they have captured the cultural imagination and are frequently used in religious and celebratory contexts. The lotus, revered in many ancient cultures, grows in aquatic environments and is 5. renowned for its ability to bloom unscathed through muddy waters. Its ability to remain pristine despite its environment symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lastly, the carnation, once considered the flower of choice for corsages, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Known for its ruffled petals, the carnation is often seen as a symbol of love and admiration.

Additional Information

• Simplicity: The state of being uncomplicated or easy to understand; the opposite of the complexity described in the text.
• Uniformity: The quality of being the same in all cases and at all times; this is the opposite of diversity.
• Fragility: The quality of being easily broken or damaged; while flowers can be fragile, it does not represent the epitome of their diversity in this context.

The correct answer is 'utilitarian'.

Key Points

• The sentence discusses the two main reasons for the cultivation of flowers: aesthetic and practical reasons.
• The term 'aesthetic' refers to the beauty or visual appeal of the flowers.
• The word 'utilitarian' relates to being useful or practical rather than just attractive. In the context of flowers, this refers to their use in medicine, food, perfumes, or other functional applications.
• Therefore, the word 'utilitarian' perfectly complements 'aesthetic' to cover the range of reasons why flowers are meticulously cultivated.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Complete Passage: Flowers, in their astounding diversity, represent the epitome of nature's 1. intricacy. While some flowers bloom in wild, untamed environments, others are meticulously cultivated for aesthetic and 2. utilitarian purposes. The orchid, for instance, is not only admired for its exotic appearance but also for its highly specialized mechanisms for pollination. Orchids exhibit a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, who are attracted by the flower's scent and structure. There are over 25,000 species of orchids, each with its own unique traits. This diversity makes them a subject of fascination 3. among botanists and horticulturists alike. On the other hand, the lily known for its elegance and 4. symbolism thrives in temperate regions and boasts trumpet-shaped blossoms that often carry a strong, sweet fragrance. With species like the Easter lily and the tiger lily, they have captured the cultural imagination and are frequently used in religious and celebratory contexts. The lotus, revered in many ancient cultures, grows in aquatic environments and is 5. renowned for its ability to bloom unscathed through muddy waters. Its ability to remain pristine despite its environment symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lastly, the carnation, once considered the flower of choice for corsages, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Known for its ruffled petals, the carnation is often seen as a symbol of love and admiration.

Additional Information

• Decorative: This means serving to make something look more attractive. Since 'aesthetic' is already mentioned, 'decorative' would be redundant in this context.
• Addictive: This relates to something that causes a strong habit or dependency, which is not a standard purpose for cultivating most flowers.
• Therapeutic: This refers specifically to healing or curing. While some flowers have therapeutic properties, 'utilitarian' is a broader term that encompasses all practical uses, including therapy.

The correct answer is 'among'.

Key Points

• The sentence describes how the vast diversity of orchids creates a shared interest or attraction within a specific group of people.
• The preposition 'among' is used when referring to something that is shared, occurring, or common within a specific group, class, or community.
• In this context, the fascination exists within the collective group of botanists and horticulturists.
• Using 'among' highlights that the interest is distributed throughout these professional communities.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage: Flowers, in their astounding diversity, represent the epitome of nature's 1. intricacy. While some flowers bloom in wild, untamed environments, others are meticulously cultivated for aesthetic and 2. utilitarian purposes. The orchid, for instance, is not only admired for its exotic appearance but also for its highly specialized mechanisms for pollination. Orchids exhibit a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, who are attracted by the flower's scent and structure. There are over 25,000 species of orchids, each with its own unique traits. This diversity makes them a subject of fascination 3. among botanists and horticulturists alike. On the other hand, the lily known for its elegance and 4. symbolism thrives in temperate regions and boasts trumpet-shaped blossoms that often carry a strong, sweet fragrance. With species like the Easter lily and the tiger lily, they have captured the cultural imagination and are frequently used in religious and celebratory contexts. The lotus, revered in many ancient cultures, grows in aquatic environments and is 5. renowned for its ability to bloom unscathed through muddy waters. Its ability to remain pristine despite its environment symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lastly, the carnation, once considered the flower of choice for corsages, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Known for its ruffled petals, the carnation is often seen as a symbol of love and admiration.

Additional Information

• On: Usually refers to a position atop a surface or a specific day/date (e.g., on the table, on Monday).
• For: Often denotes a purpose, reason, or recipient (e.g., a gift for you), and while it can show attraction, 'among' is more appropriate for a collective group here.
• To: Typically indicates a direction, limit, or relationship (e.g., listening to music, travel to London).

The correct answer is 'Representation of ideas or qualities'.

Key Points

• The word symbolism refers to the practice of using symbols to represent ideas, qualities, or abstract concepts.
• In the context of the passage, the lily is described as being known for its elegance and the deeper meanings it carries in cultural, religious, and celebratory contexts.
• The text later clarifies this concept by stating that the lotus 'symbolizes purity and enlightenment,' which reinforces that the flowers represent specific values or qualities rather than just physical traits.
• Therefore, the most likely meaning of the word in parentheses is the representation of something beyond its literal or physical presence.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Complete Passage: Flowers, in their astounding diversity, represent the epitome of nature's 1. intricacy. While some flowers bloom in wild, untamed environments, others are meticulously cultivated for aesthetic and 2. utilitarian purposes. The orchid, for instance, is not only admired for its exotic appearance but also for its highly specialized mechanisms for pollination. Orchids exhibit a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, who are attracted by the flower's scent and structure. There are over 25,000 species of orchids, each with its own unique traits. This diversity makes them a subject of fascination 3. among botanists and horticulturists alike. On the other hand, the lily known for its elegance and 4. symbolism thrives in temperate regions and boasts trumpet-shaped blossoms that often carry a strong, sweet fragrance. With species like the Easter lily and the tiger lily, they have captured the cultural imagination and are frequently used in religious and celebratory contexts. The lotus, revered in many ancient cultures, grows in aquatic environments and is 5. renowned for its ability to bloom unscathed through muddy waters. Its ability to remain pristine despite its environment symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lastly, the carnation, once considered the flower of choice for corsages, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Known for its ruffled petals, the carnation is often seen as a symbol of love and admiration.

Additional Information

• Practical use: Refers to the functional or pragmatic application of an object (similar to utilitarianism).
• Physical appearance: Refers to the outward look, shape, or color of the flower.
• Scientific classification: Refers to the biological naming and categorization of organisms (Taxonomy).

The correct answer is 'Famous'.

Key Points

• The word 'renowned' is used in the passage to describe the lotus flower's reputation.
• 'Renowned' is an adjective that means widely known and celebrated; famous for a particular quality or achievement.
• In this context, the lotus is famous or renowned for its ability to bloom beautifully even in muddy waters, which makes it a symbol of purity.
• 'Famous' is the closest synonym among the given options.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Complete Passage: Flowers, in their astounding diversity, represent the epitome of nature's 1. intricacy. While some flowers bloom in wild, untamed environments, others are meticulously cultivated for aesthetic and 2. utilitarian purposes. The orchid, for instance, is not only admired for its exotic appearance but also for its highly specialized mechanisms for pollination. Orchids exhibit a symbiotic relationship with pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, who are attracted by the flower's scent and structure. There are over 25,000 species of orchids, each with its own unique traits. This diversity makes them a subject of fascination 3. among botanists and horticulturists alike. On the other hand, the lily known for its elegance and 4. symbolism thrives in temperate regions and boasts trumpet-shaped blossoms that often carry a strong, sweet fragrance. With species like the Easter lily and the tiger lily, they have captured the cultural imagination and are frequently used in religious and celebratory contexts. The lotus, revered in many ancient cultures, grows in aquatic environments and is 5. renowned for its ability to bloom unscathed through muddy waters. Its ability to remain pristine despite its environment symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lastly, the carnation, once considered the flower of choice for corsages, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Known for its ruffled petals, the carnation is often seen as a symbol of love and admiration.

Additional Information

• Ignored: Means to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; this is the opposite of being renowned.
• Disputed: Means something that is argued about or questioned; it does not fit the context of the lotus's established reputation.
• Neglected: Means suffering a lack of proper care or attention; this refers to the state of maintenance rather than fame.

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

• The primary error in the sentence is the incorrect use of the present perfect tense ('have visited') with a specific past time reference.
• In English grammar, the present perfect tense cannot be used with adverbs of definite past time such as 'yesterday', 'last week', or 'in 2010'.
• When a specific time in the past is mentioned, the simple past tense should be used instead.
• To correct the sentence, the auxiliary verb 'have' must be removed, changing the verb to the simple past form 'visited'.

Therefore, the correct answer is have.

 

Correct Sentence: 'I visited my friend yesterday.'

 

Additional Information

• Simple Past Tense: Used for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past. Example: 'He arrived last night.'
• Present Perfect Tense: Used for actions where the specific time is not important or the action has a connection to the present. Example: 'I have visited France many times.'
• yesterday: This word acts as a definite time marker, which makes the use of the present perfect tense grammatically incorrect in this context.

The correct answer is: Garrulous.

Key Points

• The phrase 'a person who continually repeats trivial things' refers to someone who talks excessively about unimportant or mundane matters. (तुच्छ बातें दोहराने वाला व्यक्ति)
• Example: The garrulous neighbor kept me at the gate for an hour discussing the color of her new curtains.
• 'Garrulous' describes someone who is excessively talkative, especially regarding trivial or unimportant details. (बातूनी)
• Example: The garrulous old man told the same stories about his school days to anyone who would listen.
• Hence, we can infer that the one-word substitute for the given phrase is 'garrulous'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Garrulous.

Additional Information

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

• Verbose (शब्दबहुल): Using or expressed in more words than are needed.
• Example: His verbose explanation of the simple process confused the entire team.
• Repetitive (पुनरावृत्ति वाला): Containing or characterized by repetition, especially when it is unnecessary or tiresome.
• Example: The factory work was very repetitive and lacked any creative stimulation.
• Loquacious (बातूनी): Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.
• Example: The loquacious host ensured that there was never a silent moment during the dinner party.

The correct answer is: opaque.

Key Points

• The word 'diaphanous' describes a material or substance, especially fabric, that is so light, delicate, and thin that it is almost transparent or translucent. (पारभासी या अत्यंत महीन)
• Example: The evening gown was made of diaphanous silk that flowed beautifully as she walked.
• 'Opaque' refers to something that is not able to be seen through because it does not allow any light to pass through it; it is the direct opposite of substances that are clear or diaphanous. (अपारदर्शी)
• Example: To keep the room dark during the day, we installed opaque curtains that block all sunlight.
• Hence, we can infer that the antonym of 'diaphanous' is 'opaque'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: opaque.

Additional Information

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

• Clear (साफ / स्पष्ट): Something that is transparent, easy to see through, or easy to perceive and understand.
• Example: The mountain air was so clear that we could see for miles.
• Transparent (पारदर्शी): A material that allows light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly and clearly seen.
• Example: The store used transparent glass for its display windows to attract customers.
• Translucent (अर्धपारदर्शी): A substance that allows light to pass through, but not enough to see detailed shapes or images on the other side.
• Example: Frosted glass is a translucent material commonly used for bathroom windows.

The correct answer is Option 4.

 

Key Points

• The error lies in the part 'an effective one'.
• The use of the phrase 'an effective one' is grammatically redundant and wordy in this context.
• Since the noun 'plan' is already clearly established as the subject of the clause, using the pronoun 'one' to refer back to it is unnecessary and repetitive.
• The sentence can be made grammatically concise and precise by simply using the adjective 'effective' instead.
• Thus, the error is located in the fourth part of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is an effective one.

 

Correct Sentence: 'The committee was unable to decide if the plan was effective.'

 

Additional Information

• 'the committee was' – This part is grammatically correct. The collective noun 'committee' is acting as a single cohesive unit here, so the singular verb 'was' is appropriate.
• 'unable to decide' – This infinitive phrase is correctly used to express the state of being unable to make a decision.
• 'if the plan was' – While 'whether' is more suitable in formal contexts for presenting alternatives, 'if' is grammatically acceptable and does not constitute a primary error here.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The paragraph tells a story about a boy named Raju and his determination to get an education despite being poor.
• Sentence 1 sets the scene by introducing Raju: 'Raju was a poor boy who lived in a small village.'
• Sentence P is the logical next step as it describes his daily routine of going to school: 'He walked many miles every day to reach his school.'
• Sentence Q follows P because it adds specific detail about his condition while traveling to school: 'He had no shoes, but he never missed a single class.' This reinforces his dedication.
• Sentence S continues the narrative by explaining his behavior once he reached the classroom: 'He studied hard and listened carefully to his teachers.'
• Sentence R acts as a summary of his character and the village's perception of him: 'His honesty and hard work made everyone proud of him.'
• Finally, Sentence 6 provides the conclusion and moral of the story: 'Raju proved that poverty cannot stop a person from learning.'
• The correct sequence is PQSR.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

'Raju was a poor boy who lived in a small village. He walked many miles every day to reach his school. He had no shoes, but he never missed a single class. He studied hard and listened carefully to his teachers. His honesty and hard work made everyone proud of him. Raju proved that poverty cannot stop a person from learning.'

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The paragraph follows a logical chronological progression of how health issues evolve from minor concerns to major illnesses.
• Sentence 1 introduces the initial stage: Health issues often begin with small symptoms like tiredness.
• Sentence P is the immediate follow-up because it refers to 'these symptoms' and explains that if ignored, they slowly become stronger.
• Sentence Q describes the next stage of physical decline, where the body begins losing energy and balance as a result of the symptoms intensifying.
• Sentence R highlights the practical impact on life, noting that daily activities become difficult due to constant discomfort.
• Sentence S marks the final stage of deterioration, stating that a serious illness develops when treatment is delayed.
• Sentence 6 concludes the sequence by providing a solution, emphasizing that proper care and early check-ups can stop these issues from growing.
• Therefore, the logical sequence is PQRS.

Coherent paragraph after rearrangement:

'Health issues often begin with small symptoms like tiredness. If ignored, these symptoms slowly become stronger. The body then starts losing energy and balance. Daily activities become difficult due to constant discomfort. Serious illness develops when treatment is delayed. Proper care and early check-ups can stop health issues from growing.'