Question 1

In Indian social issues literature, the Hindi book "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur" is written by which author and child rights activist?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question connects general knowledge of books and authors with awareness of social reformers. "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur" is a Hindi work focused on child rights and the dream of a childhood free from exploitation. It is directly linked to the Nobel Peace Prize winning activist who has devoted his life to the fight against child labour in India. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title of the book is "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur". - The book deals with childhood freedom and social justice themes. - Four options list public figures connected to law, activism, or public life. - Exactly one option names the known author of this book. Concept / Approach: The conceptual key is to associate the theme of free childhood and child rights with the correct personality. "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur" is a collection of essays and reflections by Kailash Satyarthi, who is recognised globally for his campaigns against child labour and for education. He is the most natural match out of the given options because his life work directly reflects the subject of the book. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Observe the meaning of the title, which translates roughly to "Towards a Free Childhood". This already hints at child rights activism. Step 2: Recall that Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has authored works documenting his struggles, movements, and vision for child friendly policies. Step 3: Compare this with the other names: Radhakant Bharti and Subhash Chandra do not have strong mainstream associations with this specific book, while Dipak Misra is known as a judge of the Supreme Court. Step 4: Match the title and theme to Kailash Satyarthi and select him as the author of "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur". Verification / Alternative check: As an additional check, one can remember news articles and exam preparation notes which clearly mention that "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur" is Satyarthi's first Hindi book compiling his articles on landmark movements and judgments linked to child rights. No such references credit the other options as the author of this title, so the identification is secure. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Radhakant Bharti is not widely recognised as the writer of this collection on child rights, so that option is misleading. Dipak Misra is a former Chief Justice of India who released the book at one event, which may confuse learners, but he did not write it. Subhash Chandra is associated with media and politics, not with authoring this child rights book. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to confuse the person who launches or unveils a book with the author, especially when a judge or senior official is present at the release. Another pitfall is focusing only on name familiarity and ignoring the theme of the title, which clearly hints at Kailash Satyarthi's work. Learners should always link the subject of the book to the life and contributions of the personalities in the options. Final Answer: Therefore, the Hindi book "Azad Bachpan Ki Aur" is authored by Nobel laureate and child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi.

Question 2

Vinod Mehta, an eminent Indian journalist and editor, published his autobiography under which of the following titles?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of autobiographies and who wrote them, a very common theme in competitive examinations. Vinod Mehta was a noted Indian journalist and founding editor of several publications, and candidates are often expected to know the title of his memoir among other high profile autobiographical works. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject is Vinod Mehta, an eminent Indian journalist and editor. - The question asks for the title of his autobiography. - All four options are genuine autobiography titles, but they are written by different people. - Only one title belongs to Vinod Mehta, and the others are distractors linked to other public figures. Concept / Approach: The concept here is simple recall. Autobiography questions work by presenting a set of famous titles and requiring the learner to correctly match them with their authors. "Lucknow Boy: A Memoir" captures both Mehta's personal background and career and is widely cited as his autobiography. The other titles refer to autobiographical or political works by different personalities, so the approach is to match each option mentally with the correct person and then identify which one aligns with Vinod Mehta. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Lucknow Boy: A Memoir" is associated with a journalist who grew up in Lucknow and later became a prominent editor, which fits Vinod Mehta. Step 2: Recall that "One Life Is Not Enough" is the autobiography of Congress leader Natwar Singh, not Vinod Mehta. Step 3: Remember that "The Accidental Prime Minister" is written by Sanjaya Baru about Manmohan Singh, again unrelated to Mehta's personal memoir. Step 4: Know that "The Substance and the Shadow" is an autobiography of actor Dilip Kumar, also not linked to Vinod Mehta, leaving "Lucknow Boy: A Memoir" as the only correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: An additional verification method is to think of the way newspapers and magazines reviewed Mehta's book. Many review headlines explicitly use the phrase "Lucknow Boy" while describing his journey from a middle class boy in Lucknow to a powerful editor. None of these reviews use the other titles, which firmly confirms that his autobiography is named "Lucknow Boy: A Memoir". Why Other Options Are Wrong: "One Life Is Not Enough" is linked to politician Natwar Singh and details foreign policy and political events rather than the life of a media editor. "The Accidental Prime Minister" is a political account focused on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, written by his media adviser, not an autobiography of Vinod Mehta. "The Substance and the Shadow" is associated with film legend Dilip Kumar and belongs to the world of cinema rather than journalism. Common Pitfalls: Students often mix up autobiography titles when several similar sounding political and biographical books are studied together. It is easy to choose a familiar title like "The Accidental Prime Minister" without checking whether it really refers to the person mentioned in the question. The best way to avoid this is to mentally pair each title with its correct personality during revision so that, in the exam, you only need to recall the correct mapping. Final Answer: Vinod Mehta's autobiography is titled "Lucknow Boy: A Memoir".

Question 3

The inspirational mountaineering autobiography "Born Again on the Mountain" was written by which Indian climber?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on autobiographical writing related to adventure and sports. "Born Again on the Mountain" is a powerful story about overcoming physical disability and achieving a historic mountaineering feat. Recognising which climber wrote this book helps learners connect motivational biographies with the real life heroes behind them. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title given is "Born Again on the Mountain". - The options list names of women associated with sport and mountaineering. - Only one of these women actually authored this autobiography. - The question requires recall of a specific pairing of mountaineer and book. Concept / Approach: The conceptual link is between the struggle described in the book and the real life journey of the author. Arunima Sinha is known as the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest after losing a leg in a train incident. Her book "Born Again on the Mountain" narrates this journey. Exam takers should match this widely reported achievement and title with her name rather than with other famous climbers or athletes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Arunima Sinha survived a serious accident, had a leg amputated, and later summited Everest, which made national and international headlines. Step 2: Remember that she documented this journey in an autobiography whose title symbolises a new life and rebirth through climbing, namely "Born Again on the Mountain". Step 3: Compare other options: Bachendri Pal is a legendary Indian mountaineer, but her well known biography uses a different title. Step 4: Pooja Rani and Urbashi Lal are not popularly linked with this specific book, so the only accurate match is Arunima Sinha. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of motivational talks and interviews where Arunima Sinha mentions writing about her experiences for readers who face physical or emotional challenges. Bookstores and exam guides list "Born Again on the Mountain" under her name. In contrast, Bachendri Pal is recognised for being the first Indian woman to climb Everest but not for authoring a book with this particular title, which confirms the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pooja Rani is primarily known as a boxer and does not have this mountaineering autobiography to her credit. Bachendri Pal is associated with Everest history but not with a book titled "Born Again on the Mountain". Urbashi Lal is not the recognised author of this work and appears as a distractor. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to simply link any well known woman mountaineer to any climbing related book title without checking whether the story of disability and rebirth fits. Another pitfall is confusing different inspirational biographies that mention Everest but belong to different climbers. Focusing on the unique detail that Arunima Sinha climbed Everest after her amputation makes it easier to remember the correct pairing with this title. Final Answer: Thus, the autobiography "Born Again on the Mountain" is written by mountaineer Arunima Sinha.

Question 4

Which South Korean author won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize for the novel "The Vegetarian"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks awareness of major international literary awards and the authors who receive them. The Man Booker International Prize highlights fiction from around the world, and "The Vegetarian" drew global attention to South Korean literature when it won the prize. Knowing the author of this novel is an important part of modern books and authors general knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: - The prize mentioned is the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. - The book specified is "The Vegetarian". - Four options list names of authors from different countries. - Only one of these authors is truly South Korean and wrote this particular novel. Concept / Approach: The foundation of the solution is to match the correct author, country, and award. "The Vegetarian" is a short novel that explores themes of bodily autonomy and social pressure and was written by Han Kang. It was translated into English and then won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. Recognising Han Kang as a South Korean author is the key, while the other names in the options are unrelated writers and journalists. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "The Vegetarian" is a South Korean novel which became famous after being translated to English. Step 2: Recall that the author of this novel is Han Kang, whose work was translated by Deborah Smith, leading to the 2016 award. Step 3: Check the options: Yiyun Li is a Chinese American writer, Tami Hoag is a crime novelist from the United States, and Taya Zinkin was a journalist and writer on Indian subjects. Step 4: Conclude that only Han Kang matches both the nationality and the authorship of "The Vegetarian". Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification is to remember newspaper headlines announcing that Han Kang and translator Deborah Smith shared the Man Booker International Prize for this work. Preparation books often include a table of Booker winning titles and authors which clearly pairs Han Kang with "The Vegetarian". None of the other names appear in those lists, so the identification is reliable. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Yiyun Li is known for collections like "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers" and other literary fiction, not for "The Vegetarian". Tami Hoag writes popular thrillers and crime novels and has no connection with this prize winning Korean work. Taya Zinkin reported on South Asia and wrote non fiction, not this modern novel. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes focus only on the prize name and ignore the nationality clue, which can lead to choosing any familiar sounding author. Another error is to confuse the Man Booker International Prize with the original Booker Prize and mix up different winning titles and authors. Systematic revision of award winners by year, along with their countries, prevents such confusion. Final Answer: The South Korean author who won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize for "The Vegetarian" is Han Kang.

Question 5

The famous Bengali short story "Kabuliwala" was written by which noted Indian author?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on classic Indian literature and the association between a famous short story and its author. "Kabuliwala" is a touching story about the bond between a little girl and an Afghan fruit seller in Kolkata. It regularly appears in school textbooks and general knowledge exams, so identifying its author is an essential part of literary awareness. Given Data / Assumptions: - The story title given is "Kabuliwala". - The options list several well known Indian personalities and writers. - Only one of them is the true author of this Bengali short story. - No additional calculations or context are required beyond matching the title to its writer. Concept / Approach: To answer this, a learner needs to know that "Kabuliwala" is a celebrated work by Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote extensively in Bengali and received the Nobel Prize for Literature. The story is part of his rich collection of short fiction. The other options are important figures but are associated with different works or political activities, not with this particular story. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Rabindranath Tagore authored many famous short stories and poems, including "Kabuliwala", "The Homecoming", and others. Step 2: Note that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is associated with novels like "Anandamath" and the song "Vande Mataram", not with "Kabuliwala". Step 3: Remember that Munshi Premchand is a Hindi and Urdu writer known for stories like "Kafan" and novels such as "Godan", which are different from Tagore's Bengali works. Step 4: Recognise that Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a freedom fighter and social reformer, not a fiction writer linked to this story, leaving Rabindranath Tagore as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: One way to verify is to think of school syllabi and exam guides, which often mention Tagore as the author whenever "Kabuliwala" is summarised or adapted. Film versions and television adaptations of the story also credit Rabindranath Tagore. Since he is consistently associated with this title across media and education, there is no doubt that he wrote it. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is crucial in Bengali literature but is known for different novels and for composing "Vande Mataram", so this option does not match. Munshi Premchand is a master of realist Hindi and Urdu fiction, but his characters and settings are distinct from those depicted in "Kabuliwala". Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was a political leader and advocate of non violence, not a literary author of this famous short story. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes mix Rabindranath Tagore and Munshi Premchand because both are prominent early modern writers from the Indian subcontinent. Another pitfall is assuming that any freedom fighter or historic figure might have written a well known story. To avoid these errors, it helps to group literary works by language and author during revision, for example, remembering that "Kabuliwala" belongs to Tagore's Bengali corpus. Final Answer: The beloved short story "Kabuliwala" was written by Rabindranath Tagore.

Question 6

Which of the following authors wrote the novel "The Black Hill"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question again tests book and author pairing, but it focuses on a contemporary Indian English novel set in the North East. "The Black Hill" is a literary work that won recognition for its evocative portrayal of landscape and history. Identifying its author, Mamang Dai, is important for students learning about newer voices in Indian literature. Given Data / Assumptions: - The given title is "The Black Hill". - The options include several well known Indian authors. - Only one author among the options actually wrote this novel. - The learner is expected to recall the correct match from reading lists and award announcements. Concept / Approach: The conceptual approach is to connect regions and themes with authors. "The Black Hill" is associated with Mamang Dai, a writer from Arunachal Pradesh whose work often reflects the culture and environment of the North East. While Jhumpa Lahiri and Amitav Ghosh are globally known authors, their famous works have different titles. Recognising Mamang Dai as the writer behind this novel allows the candidate to answer confidently. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "The Black Hill" is a novel that won critical acclaim and awards for its portrayal of the North East region of India. Step 2: Recall that Mamang Dai, a writer from Arunachal Pradesh, authored this novel. Step 3: Match this with the options and note that Jhumpa Lahiri is known for books like "Interpreter of Maladies" and "The Namesake". Step 4: Remember that Amitav Ghosh is known for novels such as "The Shadow Lines" and the Ibis trilogy, not "The Black Hill", and that Ramesh Kuntal is not associated with this title. Verification / Alternative check: Award lists and literary articles that discuss regional writing clearly credit Mamang Dai with "The Black Hill". If a student recalls that this novel received the Sahitya Akademi Award, that memory naturally connects it to her name. The absence of this title from the bibliographies of Lahiri and Ghosh confirms that they are not the correct answers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jhumpa Lahiri focuses on diaspora experiences and has a different set of known titles, none of which is "The Black Hill". Amitav Ghosh is a major Indian English novelist, but his famous works deal with different settings and storylines. Ramesh Kuntal is not widely recognised as the author of this particular book, so that option does not fit. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes pick the most famous name among the options rather than the correct but slightly less widely known author. This habit is especially risky when questions deliberately include literary celebrities as distractors. To avoid this, aspirants should update their reading lists to include award winning authors from all regions, not just the most popular ones. Final Answer: The novel "The Black Hill" is written by Mamang Dai.

Question 7

Who is the author of the Indian novel "The English Teacher"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks knowledge of classic Indian English fiction. "The English Teacher" is one of the well known novels by R. K. Narayan, set in his fictional town of Malgudi. Recognising Narayan as the author is fundamental for anyone studying Indian literature in English or preparing for competitive exams that emphasise canonical writers. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title given is "The English Teacher". - Four options list authors associated with Indian writing in English. - Only one of them actually wrote this novel. - The question involves direct recall rather than calculations or interpretation. Concept / Approach: The conceptual link is between R. K. Narayan and his semi autobiographical novels. "The English Teacher" continues the story line of his earlier works and portrays the life of a young lecturer and his personal tragedy. By memorising Narayan's main titles such as "Swami and Friends", "The Bachelor of Arts", and "The English Teacher", a learner can immediately associate this novel with him rather than with other female authors who write in different genres and periods. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that R. K. Narayan is one of the three pioneers of Indian English fiction along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao. Step 2: Remember that "The English Teacher" is part of Narayan's Malgudi stories and reflects his own experience as a teacher and husband. Step 3: Check the options: Aparna Sinha, Bapsi Sidhwa, and Indu Sundaresan are contemporary authors but are not credited with this title. Step 4: Conclude that R. K. Narayan is the only correct answer among the four. Verification / Alternative check: Verification can be done by recalling that school and college syllabi often include "The English Teacher" under Narayan's name. Reviews and literary histories also present the book as a key part of his body of work. None of the other authors in the options have "The English Teacher" in their list of novels, so there is no conflict or overlap. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Aparna Sinha is not widely known for a classic novel called "The English Teacher". Bapsi Sidhwa is a Pakistani novelist recognised for works like "Ice Candy Man" and "The Crow Eaters", not this title. Indu Sundaresan is a historical fiction writer best known for "The Twentieth Wife" and related novels, again unrelated to "The English Teacher". Common Pitfalls: The main pitfall is failing to connect specific titles to Narayan because his works often have simple, descriptive names. Students may also confuse "The English Teacher" with general books about education by other writers. Creating a small list pairing Narayan with his key titles helps prevent such confusion during exams. Final Answer: The novel "The English Teacher" is authored by R. K. Narayan.

Question 8

Who wrote the non fiction book on religion and politics titled "Why I Am a Hindu", published in 2017?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to contemporary political and religious non fiction. "Why I Am a Hindu" is a widely discussed book that presents a liberal and philosophical view of Hinduism. It is important in modern Indian discourse, so competitive exams frequently ask about its author as part of the books and authors section. Given Data / Assumptions: - The book title is "Why I Am a Hindu". - The question mentions that it was published in 2017. - The options list prominent Indian public figures. - Only one of these figures is the known author of this book. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to connect Shashi Tharoor with his non fiction writings about India and Hinduism. Tharoor is known for several books, including "Inglorious Empire" and "India: From Midnight to the Millennium". In "Why I Am a Hindu", he explores his personal understanding of the faith and its philosophical depth while critiquing narrow interpretations. Recognising his name in connection with this title allows a quick and correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Shashi Tharoor is a Member of Parliament and an accomplished author who has written extensively in English. Step 2: Associate "Why I Am a Hindu" with his series of works on India's history, culture, and politics. Step 3: Notice that Manmohan Singh is an economist and former Prime Minister but is not credited with authoring this particular religious commentary. Step 4: Recognise that Arnab Goswami and Venkaiah Naidu are known mainly for media and political roles respectively, not for writing this book, confirming Shashi Tharoor as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Verification is straightforward if one remembers media coverage and interviews where Tharoor discussed this book and its themes. Bookstores and reading lists also group "Why I Am a Hindu" together with his other works. There are no competing authors widely associated with the same title, so confusion is minimal once the reader recalls his role as both politician and writer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Manmohan Singh has written and edited academic and economic works but is not the author of this book. Arnab Goswami is a television journalist and anchor, and although he may write columns, he is not linked with "Why I Am a Hindu". Venkaiah Naidu has delivered speeches and held high office but has not authored this particular title. Common Pitfalls: One possible pitfall is confusing Tharoor's multiple books and assuming that a different author wrote one of them, especially because some titles mention India, Hinduism, or nationalism. Another issue is guessing based purely on political alignment rather than recalling actual authorship. Regular revision of a list of major contemporary non fiction books and their writers helps prevent such errors. Final Answer: The book "Why I Am a Hindu" is written by Shashi Tharoor.

Question 9

The book "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam" is authored by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks about a biography of one of India's most admired presidents, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Many books have been written either by him or about him, so exams often test whether candidates can distinguish between titles he authored and titles written by others about his life. "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam" belongs to the second category and has a specific author that must be remembered. Given Data / Assumptions: - The book title is "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam". - The options list four Indian public figures. - One of them is the biographer, not the subject of the biography. - The question is purely about correct matching of title and author. Concept / Approach: The conceptual step is to separate Dr Kalam's own works like "Wings of Fire" from books written about him. "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam" is written by S M Khan, who served in senior positions and had a close professional association with him. By remembering that this biography was authored by an officer and communication professional rather than a politician or speaker, the learner can choose correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that S M Khan worked as a senior official involved with the President's office and later wrote about Kalam's life and contributions. Step 2: Recognise that Tarun Vijay is a journalist and politician who has written on other topics, but is not usually credited as the author of this book. Step 3: Note that Sumitra Mahajan and K C Pant have served in public office but are not associated with this biography as authors. Step 4: Eliminate these distractors and identify S M Khan as the correct author of "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam". Verification / Alternative check: A secondary check is to recall cover images or news articles about the release of this book, which clearly name S M Khan as the author. Exam preparation books that list biographies of Kalam also mention this title under his name. Since none of the other options appear in those references, the matching of title to author is reliable. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tarun Vijay has written on national issues but is not credited with this biography. Sumitra Mahajan is a senior political leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker, not the writer of this book. K C Pant is known for his roles in government and policy, not for writing "The Peoples President". Common Pitfalls: A typical pitfall is to guess the name of a well known politician or media figure instead of the relatively less familiar S M Khan. Another error is mixing up multiple biographies of Kalam and assuming that a different writer authored this particular title. Building a small table that links each Kalam related book to its correct writer is a practical way to avoid confusion. Final Answer: "The Peoples President: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam" is authored by S M Khan.

Question 10

Who is the author of the book "A Million Mutinies Now"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines familiarity with major works on modern India by international authors. "A Million Mutinies Now" is a travel and observation based book that examines the changes in Indian society. It was written by Nobel laureate V S Naipaul and forms a part of his trilogy on India. Knowing this pairing is important for general knowledge about literature related to post independence India. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title provided is "A Million Mutinies Now". - The options list names of thinkers, writers, and public figures. - Only one of them is the actual author of this book. - No numerical or analytical work is required beyond recall of the correct author. Concept / Approach: The crucial concept is to remember that V S Naipaul wrote several books about India, including "An Area of Darkness", "India: A Wounded Civilization", and "India: A Million Mutinies Now". "A Million Mutinies Now" explores the many small revolts in Indian society against old structures. The other options represent important personalities but are not associated with this title. Matching the book to Naipaul is therefore the objective. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that V S Naipaul, of Indian origin but Trinidad born, wrote a trilogy on India. Step 2: Recognise that the third book in that informal series is "India: A Million Mutinies Now". Step 3: Look at the options and realise that Aurobindo Ghosh was a philosopher and freedom fighter with different writings. Step 4: Note that K P S Gill was a police officer and that Nirad Chaudhuri wrote other classics such as "The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian", not this book, confirming Naipaul as correct. Verification / Alternative check: Verification can be done by connecting the title's style and focus on "mutinies" with Naipaul's critical and observational approach to India. Literary histories and competitive exam manuals all attribute "A Million Mutinies Now" to him. Since it is part of his well known body of work on India, there is no credible alternative attribution among the other options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Aurobindo Ghosh wrote mainly philosophical texts and spiritual works, not this modern analysis of India. K P S Gill is known for his role in counter insurgency policing and does not have this book under his name. Nirad Chaudhuri is an important writer but wrote other autobiographical and historical texts, not "A Million Mutinies Now". Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse Naipaul and Nirad Chaudhuri because both are critics of aspects of Indian society and wrote in English. Another pitfall is to forget that "A Million Mutinies Now" is part of Naipaul's India themed series and instead to associate it vaguely with any intellectual figure. Building mental groupings of authors and their thematic series helps resolve such confusion quickly. Final Answer: The book "A Million Mutinies Now" is authored by V S Naipaul.

Question 11

Which book received the Golden Man Booker Prize in 2018 on the occasion of the prize’s fiftieth anniversary?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about a special literary award, the Golden Man Booker Prize, which was given in 2018 to mark fifty years of the Booker Prize. Instead of following the usual annual process, this award honoured the best winner from across all decades, as chosen through a mixture of expert judges and public voting. Knowing that "The English Patient" received this recognition is a key general knowledge fact about modern literature. Given Data / Assumptions: - The award mentioned is the Golden Man Booker Prize 2018. - The question asks for the title of the book that received this honour. - The options list modern novels that have appeared in prize discussions. - Only one of these titles was selected as the overall winner for the fiftieth anniversary celebration. Concept / Approach: The concept is to recall that to celebrate fifty years of the Booker Prize, one winning novel from each decade was shortlisted, and from these, "The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje was chosen as the ultimate winner. The other titles given in the options are associated with more recent prize lists but were not selected as the Golden Man Booker winner. The approach is therefore to connect the specific commemorative award with "The English Patient". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remember that "The English Patient" originally won the Booker Prize in the nineteen nineties. Step 2: Recall coverage of the fiftieth anniversary event where this novel was chosen as the best of all previous winners and was given the Golden Man Booker in 2018. Step 3: Compare this with the options: "Everything Under", "The Long Take", and "Washington Black" are all more recent novels linked with prize shortlists but not with this special celebration. Step 4: Conclude that "The English Patient" is the only title that fits the description and year given in the question. Verification / Alternative check: A further check is to remember that "The English Patient" had already achieved international fame through its film adaptation, and that the Golden Man Booker recognition revived public discussion of both the novel and the movie. Articles summarising the result clearly state that it received the Golden Man Booker prize, while the other three options are listed only as ordinary nominees or shortlists in different years, not as this special fiftieth anniversary winner. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Everything Under" was a contemporary novel that appeared on Booker lists but did not win this commemorative award. "The Long Take" likewise was a Booker related contender but did not become the Golden Man Booker winner. "Washington Black" is another acclaimed novel but it was not selected as the best of fifty years of Booker winners. Common Pitfalls: The main confusion arises when students mix up ordinary annual Booker winners and nominees with the special Golden Man Booker selection. Some may also think that a newer novel must have been picked in 2018, forgetting that the award looked back at older winners. Keeping a separate mental note for special anniversary prizes helps prevent this misunderstanding. Final Answer: The book that received the Golden Man Booker Prize in 2018 is "The English Patient".

Question 12

The political and historical commentary book "India: From Midnight to the Millennium" is authored by whom?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question sits at the intersection of political history and literature. "India: From Midnight to the Millennium" is a widely cited non fiction work that reflects on India's journey from independence onwards. Identifying Shashi Tharoor as the author is important for any learner building a list of influential books on modern India. Given Data / Assumptions: - The book title given is "India: From Midnight to the Millennium". - Four options list writers, mostly contemporary Indian authors. - Only one of them is a prominent political commentator and diplomat who wrote this book. - The question demands recognition and recall of the correct book author pair. Concept / Approach: The main idea is to connect Shashi Tharoor with his many non fiction works on India's history, politics, and international image. This book looks at issues like democracy, economic reforms, and national identity. The other options are mainly fiction writers who belong to a different category and are not known for this kind of political commentary. The approach is therefore to recognise the style and subject of the book and match it to Tharoor. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Shashi Tharoor served at the United Nations and later entered Indian politics, all while writing extensively on national issues. Step 2: Remember that "India: From Midnight to the Millennium" is one of his best known works, analysing developments from nineteen forty seven onwards. Step 3: Check that Anuj Tiwari and Mitali Meelan are fiction authors known mainly for novels aimed at younger readers. Step 4: Note that Jhumpa Lahiri writes literary fiction about the Indian diaspora, not this historical commentary, confirming Shashi Tharoor as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of the way this book is used in discussions about India's political economy and democratic evolution. Many articles and academic courses reference Tharoor's arguments from this text. There are no competing attributions linking this title to any of the other options, so once Tharoor is remembered for his series of Indian non fiction works, the match is clear. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Anuj Tiwari is known for contemporary romance and motivational novels, not for historical political analysis. Mitali Meelan writes fiction and is not associated with this major non fiction volume on India. Jhumpa Lahiri focuses on migrant experiences and family relationships in her fiction and is not the author of this work. Common Pitfalls: A possible pitfall is to confuse this book with other titles about India written by foreign historians or journalists. Some candidates also misattribute it to general Indian authors without political backgrounds. The easiest way to avoid such mistakes is to remember that "India: From Midnight to the Millennium" is part of Shashi Tharoor's cluster of books exploring India's past and present. Final Answer: The book "India: From Midnight to the Millennium" is authored by Shashi Tharoor.

Question 13

Who is the author of the speculative fiction novel "Half of What I Say"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here the question tests familiarity with newer Indian English fiction, especially speculative literature. "Half of What I Say" is a novel that combines political, social, and speculative elements and has been shortlisted for literary prizes. Recognising Anil Menon as its author is useful for aspirants who want to keep up with contemporary Indian writing beyond the most famous names. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title in question is "Half of What I Say". - The options list authors connected to Indian writing. - Only one author is actually known in association with this speculative novel. - The question needs a direct match between the book and its writer. Concept / Approach: The concept here is to recognise Anil Menon as a leading writer of speculative fiction from India. "Half of What I Say" examines politics, gender, and media through an imaginative narrative. The other options, such as KR Meera and Namitha Gokhale, are significant authors but are associated with different works, while Shashi Tharoor is mainly a non fiction and political writer. Knowing the genre and style helps narrow down the choice to Anil Menon. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Anil Menon is often mentioned in discussions of Indian speculative and science fiction. Step 2: Remember that "Half of What I Say" has been described as speculative fiction, focusing on social change and narrative play. Step 3: Compare with KR Meera, who writes powerful literary fiction, usually in Malayalam and translation, but not this title. Step 4: Note that Namitha Gokhale is known for works such as "Paro" and for organising literary festivals, and that Shashi Tharoor writes essays and political non fiction, not this novel, leaving Anil Menon as the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Verification can be done by recalling that book reviews of "Half of What I Say" consistently refer to Anil Menon by name and mention its shortlisting for literary prizes. Reference sites and catalogues list the title under his bibliography. Since none of the other authors are recorded as having written a novel with this exact title, there is no ambiguity once these details are remembered. Why Other Options Are Wrong: KR Meera is an acclaimed author but her major works have different titles, often translated from Malayalam. Shashi Tharoor focuses on political commentary and historical writing rather than speculative fiction novels like this one. Namitha Gokhale is a fiction and non fiction writer, yet she is not the author of "Half of What I Say". Common Pitfalls: A common error is assuming that any politically flavoured novel must be written by a well known political figure such as Tharoor. Another pitfall is simple unfamiliarity with newer names in Indian literature, leading to random guessing. Adding a small list of contemporary speculative and prize shortlisted novels and their authors to one's study notes helps reduce this risk. Final Answer: The speculative fiction book "Half of What I Say" is written by Anil Menon.

Question 14

Which author wrote the novel "The Association of Small Bombs", which has been shortlisted for international literary awards?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question covers contemporary fiction dealing with terrorism and its impact on ordinary lives. "The Association of Small Bombs" examines the aftermath of a bomb blast in Delhi and follows how different people are affected. It has received international recognition, so exams sometimes ask who wrote it. Knowing Karan Mahajan as the author helps build a well rounded list of modern Indian English novels. Given Data / Assumptions: - The given title is "The Association of Small Bombs". - The options list multiple Indian authors often mentioned in media. - Only one of them is actually the author of this novel. - The question focuses on a simple title to author mapping. Concept / Approach: The core concept is distinguishing Karan Mahajan from more widely known names. His novel looks at political violence through detailed character studies and was shortlisted for important international prizes. While Chetan Bhagat writes popular commercial fiction, and Arundhati Roy is known for "The God of Small Things" and "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness", this particular title belongs to Mahajan. Matching the theme and style to his name is the correct approach. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "The Association of Small Bombs" received praise and prize nominations for its exploration of terror attacks in India. Step 2: Remember that Karan Mahajan is credited as the author of this novel. Step 3: Compare with Chetan Bhagat, whose titles include "Five Point Someone" and "2 States", which belong to a very different genre. Step 4: Understand that Arundhati Roy and Namitha Gokhale, although important authors, are associated with other novels, not this one, confirming Karan Mahajan as the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Verification comes from prize lists and reviews, which always link "The Association of Small Bombs" to Karan Mahajan. Articles discussing Indian fiction about terrorism also quote him as the author. In contrast, there is no evidence of this title being connected to Bhagat, Roy, or Gokhale, which strengthens the identification. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Chetan Bhagat writes college and relationship themed novels rather than serious political fiction like this work. Namitha Gokhale is linked with other titles and is not the writer of this novel. Arundhati Roy writes powerful political fiction and non fiction but "The Association of Small Bombs" is not one of her books. Common Pitfalls: Students may wrongly select Arundhati Roy because the subject matter of terror and politics feels close to themes she often addresses. Others may choose Bhagat simply because his name is familiar. Careful reading of book lists, with a specific note that "The Association of Small Bombs" is by Karan Mahajan, helps avoid such confusion. Final Answer: The novel "The Association of Small Bombs" is authored by Karan Mahajan.

Question 15

Name the poet who composed "Prithviraj Raso", the legendary poem describing the life of Prithviraj Chauhan.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question shifts from modern books to early Hindi epic poetry. "Prithviraj Raso" is among the earliest and most famous heroic poems in Hindi literature, narrating the deeds of the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan. Recognising Chand Bardai as its traditional author is a standard part of Indian literary general knowledge. Given Data / Assumptions: - The poem mentioned is "Prithviraj Raso". - The options list names of poets or bard like figures. - Only one of these is historically associated with this work. - The question is purely literary recall with no calculation required. Concept / Approach: The key concept is to remember that Chand Bardai, a court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan according to tradition, is credited with composing "Prithviraj Raso". Even though historians debate the exact authorship and later additions, exam level questions treat Chand Bardai as the accepted poet. Learners should therefore link this heroic poem directly with his name and not confuse it with other medieval writers. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Prithviraj Raso" is a long narrative poem about the battles and life of Prithviraj Chauhan. Step 2: Recall that standard textbooks and guides attribute the poem to Chand Bardai. Step 3: Look at the options and note that the other names, such as Vir Siroja, Meerja Umed, and Nur Fateh, are not commonly associated with this particular epic. Step 4: Conclude that Chand Bardai is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Verification can be done by thinking of common exam questions and school materials which repeatedly pair "Prithviraj Raso" with Chand Bardai. Many multiple choice practice questions use exactly this pairing, so a student who has seen those before will recognise the answer quickly. There is no widely accepted alternative poet name for this work at the exam level, which makes the choice straightforward. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vir Siroja is not a standard name linked with "Prithviraj Raso" in mainstream literary history. Meerja Umed does not appear in canonical lists of authors for this epic poem. Nur Fateh is also not recognised as the composer of this work and is present only to distract. Common Pitfalls: Because some of the alternative names look unfamiliar, candidates may doubt their memory of Chand Bardai and overthink the question. Another pitfall is confusing "Prithviraj Raso" with other medieval texts about different rulers. The best strategy is to learn a clear mapping between major Hindi epics and their accepted authors, such as "Prithviraj Raso" with Chand Bardai and "Padmavat" with Malik Muhammad Jayasi. Final Answer: The poet traditionally credited with composing "Prithviraj Raso" is Chand Bardai.

Question 16

"An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny" is a biography of which Indian political figure?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about political biographies. The title "An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny" clearly suggests the story of a person whose personal journey is closely tied to India's political path. This biography focuses on Sonia Gandhi, who led the Indian National Congress for many years. Identifying her as the subject of the book is a common requirement in general knowledge exams. Given Data / Assumptions: - The given title is "An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny". - The options list four prominent Indian political figures. - Only one of them is the subject of this particular biography. - The exam expects recognition of which leader's life is described in the book. Concept / Approach: The conceptual step is to connect this title to Sonia Gandhi, whose journey from Italy to the centre of Indian politics is often described as both unusual and deeply tied to India's destiny. The biography by Rani Singh emphasises this transformation. Although Manmohan Singh and Indira Gandhi also have important biographies, this exact title belongs to Sonia Gandhi, and Shashi Tharoor is mostly an author rather than a subject in biographies of this type. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that detailed biographies of Sonia Gandhi often highlight how she came from abroad, married into the Nehru Gandhi family, and later led the Congress party. Step 2: Remember that one of the best known books about her is titled "Sonia Gandhi: An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny". Step 3: Compare with Manmohan Singh, who has autobiographical and biographical works but not under this title. Step 4: Note that Indira Gandhi has separate biographies, and Shashi Tharoor is known mainly as an author and politician, not as the subject of a book with this exact name, confirming that the correct answer is Sonia Gandhi. Verification / Alternative check: A quick check is to recall that in book catalogues the full title begins with "Sonia Gandhi" followed by the phrase "An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny". This makes it clear that she is the central subject. No similar pairing exists in the same form for the other names in the options, so there is no serious ambiguity once the learner remembers the structure of the title. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Manmohan Singh has biographies and political analyses written about him, but they use different titles focused on economics and policy. Shashi Tharoor appears mostly as an author and commentator; he is not the subject of this biography. Indira Gandhi has several biographies, but they do not carry the title "An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny". Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to see the phrase "Indian Destiny" and assume that it must relate to a Prime Minister rather than a party leader, leading students to choose Manmohan Singh or Indira Gandhi. Another pitfall is simply not remembering which member of the Nehru Gandhi family is associated with which biography. Grouping books by subject during revision helps prevent these mix ups. Final Answer: "An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny" is a biography of Sonia Gandhi.

Question 17

Who is the author of the novel "The Sellout", which won the Man Booker Prize?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question concerns a modern satirical novel that achieved a major international honour. "The Sellout" is a biting satire about race and politics in the United States, and it became widely known after winning the Man Booker Prize. Identifying Paul Beatty as its author adds an important piece to an exam candidate's knowledge of recent prize winning fiction. Given Data / Assumptions: - The novel mentioned is "The Sellout". - The options list four authors whose works are linked with the Booker Prize. - Only one of these authors actually wrote "The Sellout". - The question is simple title to author recognition with no extra context required. Concept / Approach: The core idea is to distinguish Paul Beatty from other Booker winners. He became the first American writer to win the prize for "The Sellout". Aravind Adiga won for "The White Tiger", Eleanor Catton for "The Luminaries", and Howard Jacobson for "The Finkler Question". By remembering each author's primary winning title, a candidate can easily match Beatty with "The Sellout". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "The Sellout" is a satirical novel set in the United States and is known for its bold treatment of race relations. Step 2: Remember that Paul Beatty wrote this novel and received the Man Booker Prize for it. Step 3: Check the other options and mentally pair them with their own Booker winning works. Step 4: See that none of the other three authors wrote "The Sellout", so Paul Beatty is the only option that fits. Verification / Alternative check: Verification is straightforward if one remembers the news coverage describing Beatty as the first American writer to win the Booker for "The Sellout". Lists of Booker winners organised by year consistently pair his name with this title. In contrast, Aravind Adiga, Eleanor Catton, and Howard Jacobson each appear beside different book titles, not this one. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Aravind Adiga won the Booker Prize for "The White Tiger", which deals with class and corruption in India. Eleanor Catton is known for "The Luminaries", a long nineteenth century set novel, not for "The Sellout". Howard Jacobson won for "The Finkler Question" and has no connection with this American satire. Common Pitfalls: Because all the names provided in the options are Booker associated authors, candidates sometimes randomly choose one rather than linking each author to the correct winning title. To avoid this, students should memorise at least one key work for each major prize winning author, which makes such questions easier to answer accurately. Final Answer: The novel "The Sellout" is written by Paul Beatty.

Question 18

Who is the author of the widely acclaimed Indian novel "A Suitable Boy"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This final question in the set refers to one of the most famous Indian English novels, "A Suitable Boy". Known for its length and detailed portrayal of post independence India, it is an important work in modern literature. Identifying Vikram Seth as its author is standard general knowledge for students preparing for competitive exams involving books and authors. Given Data / Assumptions: - The title given is "A Suitable Boy". - Four options include authors from different Indian literary traditions. - Only one author is actually responsible for this novel. - No additional data beyond the title is needed to answer correctly. Concept / Approach: The conceptual approach is simply to recall that Vikram Seth wrote "A Suitable Boy", a novel that follows several families and explores politics, love, and social changes. The other options are respected writers but belong to different genres and languages. Arun Shourie is mainly a journalist and political writer, while Amrita Pritam and Mahasweta Devi are iconic authors in Punjabi and Bengali literature respectively, not the authors of this English novel. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "A Suitable Boy" is known for being one of the longest single volume novels in English and is set in post partition India. Step 2: Remember that Vikram Seth is the Indian English author who wrote this work. Step 3: Examine the options and see that Arun Shourie has written political non fiction, not this family saga. Step 4: Recognise that Amrita Pritam and Mahasweta Devi are associated with other landmark works in Punjabi and Bengali respectively, leaving Vikram Seth as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Verification is easy if one remembers that whenever "A Suitable Boy" is discussed, Vikram Seth's name appears prominently and that a television adaptation also credits him as the original author. None of the other options are ever cited as having written this particular novel. Knowing this link removes any serious possibility of confusion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Arun Shourie is known for sharp political commentary but is not a novelist of this kind. Amrita Pritam wrote celebrated poetry and prose in Punjabi, including "Pinjar", not "A Suitable Boy". Mahasweta Devi wrote powerful stories about marginalised communities, but this specific novel does not belong to her bibliography. Common Pitfalls: The main pitfall is simple forgetfulness of the author's name when the novel's title is very familiar. Some candidates may also confuse Vikram Seth with other Indian English authors. To avoid this, it is helpful to create flashcards pairing major titles and authors, such as "A Suitable Boy" with Vikram Seth, for quick revision before exams. Final Answer: The acclaimed novel "A Suitable Boy" is written by Vikram Seth.

Question 19

In Indian political history, who is the author of the book "Keeping the Faith: Memoirs of a Parliamentarian"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Keeping the Faith: Memoirs of a Parliamentarian is a well known political autobiography by Somnath Chatterjee, a respected Indian parliamentarian and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Questions based on this book test awareness of contemporary Indian political history and authorship of important memoirs. Knowing who wrote major autobiographical works helps candidates link events in post independence politics with the personal experiences of key leaders and law makers. Given Data / Assumptions: The title mentioned is "Keeping the Faith: Memoirs of a Parliamentarian". The book is an autobiographical or memoir style account by an Indian public figure. The options list four different public personalities: David Omand, Raja Shehadeh, Raghav Bahl, and Somnath Chatterjee. We assume the exam expects recognition of the correct match between author and title. Concept / Approach: The approach in such general knowledge questions is simple factual recall. One must connect the specific title with the correct author based on background reading of Indian politics and important memoirs. A useful method is to remember that Somnath Chatterjee had a long parliamentary career and therefore a title that includes the phrase "Memoirs of a Parliamentarian" fits him very naturally, while the other names in the options are associated with different professional domains or books. Associating themes in the title with the public roles of the authors makes such questions easier. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the key words in the title: "Keeping the Faith" and "Memoirs of a Parliamentarian". The phrase clearly points toward the life of someone who spent decades in Parliament. Step 2: Recall that Somnath Chatterjee was a veteran Member of Parliament and also served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He was widely regarded as a principled parliamentarian who tried to uphold the dignity of the House. Step 3: Remember that he authored a memoir that reflected on his political journey and his efforts to maintain faith in parliamentary democracy, which aligns perfectly with the given title. Step 4: Compare the other names. David Omand is a British civil servant and security expert, Raja Shehadeh is a Palestinian author and lawyer, and Raghav Bahl is an Indian media entrepreneur and commentator. None of these is primarily remembered as a long serving Indian parliamentarian writing such a memoir. Step 5: Conclude that Somnath Chatterjee is the only logically consistent and factually correct match for the book "Keeping the Faith: Memoirs of a Parliamentarian". Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification strategy is to recall newspaper reviews and book discussions around the time of publication. Many features in Indian newspapers described Somnath Chatterjee reflecting on coalition politics, constitutional values and his tenure as Speaker, all under this book title. Another check is to remember typical subject areas of the other options. Raghav Bahl is associated with business and media themed books. Raja Shehadeh writes about Palestinian land, law and personal reflections. David Omand writes on intelligence and national security. None of these fields naturally matches the specific phrase "Memoirs of a Parliamentarian" in an Indian political context. Therefore, the identification of Somnath Chatterjee as the author is consistent and can be treated as verified knowledge rather than a guess. Why Other Options Are Wrong: David Omand is known as a British security and intelligence official and author on related topics, not as an Indian parliamentarian or the writer of this memoir, so option A is incorrect. Raja Shehadeh is a Palestinian writer and lawyer whose works focus on Palestinian experiences and legal struggles, and he has no connection to this specific Indian parliamentary memoir, so option B is wrong. Raghav Bahl is an Indian media founder and commentator who writes about business, economics and policy but not this autobiographical account of life in Parliament, so option C is also incorrect. Only Somnath Chatterjee matches both the content and the title of the book. Common Pitfalls: One common pitfall is to focus only on the phrase "Keeping the Faith" and think of religious or philosophical writers, ignoring the important subtitle "Memoirs of a Parliamentarian". Another mistake is to make a guess based solely on nationality and pick any Indian sounding name without checking whether the person actually wrote political memoirs. Candidates may also confuse this book with other memoirs by Indian leaders. The safest method is to link Somnath Chatterjee directly with the role of Speaker and Parliamentarian and remember that his memoir about preserving democratic faith carries this specific title. Final Answer: Somnath Chatterjee

Question 20

In world history writing, who was the author of the influential book "Plagues and Peoples" that examined the impact of disease on civilizations?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Plagues and Peoples" is a classic work in world history that explores how infectious diseases have shaped human societies, political events and demographic patterns. The question checks whether the learner can correctly associate this important title with its author, William H. McNeill. Awareness of such landmark interdisciplinary books is important for general knowledge exams because they connect biology, epidemiology and history, and they often appear in reading lists for civil services and competitive tests. Given Data / Assumptions: The title in question is "Plagues and Peoples". The theme is the role of disease in shaping civilizations. Four author names are given: W.L. Thomas, Rachel Carson, David Cannadine and William H. McNeill. We assume the book is a serious historical analysis rather than a novel or purely scientific text. Concept / Approach: To solve authorship questions, the best approach is to connect the book title with the known field and style of each author. William H. McNeill was a prominent historian who wrote widely on world history and global patterns, including the impact of disease. Rachel Carson is associated with environmental awakening through her book "Silent Spring". David Cannadine writes mainly on British history and historiography. W.L. Thomas is less widely recognized in this context. Matching the subject "plagues and peoples" with McNeill's world history perspective quickly points to the correct option. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the theme of the book. "Plagues" indicates diseases and epidemics, while "Peoples" indicates human societies. The book therefore lies at the intersection of epidemiology and history. Step 2: Recall that William H. McNeill is a world historian widely known for writing on broad civilizational patterns and long term processes, including the effect of disease on human history. Step 3: Remember specifically that McNeill authored "Plagues and Peoples", which became an influential text on how diseases transformed empires, trade routes and population structures. Step 4: Examine the other options. Rachel Carson is an environmentalist whose classic work "Silent Spring" deals with pesticides and ecology rather than historical plagues. David Cannadine specializes in British history and empire studies, not this particular theme. W.L. Thomas is not generally associated with this famous title. Step 5: Conclude that William H. McNeill is the only author whose work clearly matches the given title and its interdisciplinary historical approach. Verification / Alternative check: A quick way to verify is to recall standard reading lists in world history courses, where "Plagues and Peoples" appears with McNeill credited as the author. Another mental check is to associate Rachel Carson with environmentalism and "Silent Spring", and to remember that David Cannadine wrote works such as "Ornamentalism" and "The Rise and Fall of the British Aristocracy". None of these align with the specific focus of plagues across global history. Therefore linking the given title with William H. McNeill is consistent with widely taught associations and can be trusted as correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: W.L. Thomas does not match the widely known authorship of this work and is likely included only to distract, so option A is incorrect. Rachel Carson is famous for "Silent Spring" which sparked the modern environmental movement and does not concern broad global history of disease, therefore option B is wrong. David Cannadine is a respected historian but he did not write "Plagues and Peoples", so option C is incorrect. Only William H. McNeill matches the title and its prominence in history writing, making option D correct. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to select Rachel Carson simply because the word "plagues" may be loosely associated with environmental or health crises. Another pitfall is unfamiliarity with McNeill and random guessing based on partial recognition of names. Students sometimes also confuse various history authors if they have not clearly organized them by theme in memory. Creating small mental maps, such as associating McNeill with long term world history, Carson with environmental issues, and Cannadine with British history, helps reduce such confusion in future questions. Final Answer: William H.McNeill

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