Question 1

Which of the following statements about the books "A Foreign Policy for India", "Wings of Fire" and "Open" are correct? 1. The author of "A Foreign Policy for India" is L.K. Advani. 2. "Wings of Fire" is a book written by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. 3. "Ope…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question again tests your ability to correctly associate important non fiction books and autobiographies with their true authors. It focuses on Indian political and inspirational literature as well as an international sports autobiography. Such mixed lists are common in general knowledge exams, and they require you to carefully separate correct statements from incorrect ones. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement 1 links "A Foreign Policy for India" with L.K. Advani. Statement 2 links "Wings of Fire" with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Statement 3 states that "Open" is an autobiography of Andre Agassi. We must choose which combination of statements is correct. Concept / Approach: The method is to recall well known book author pairs and then check each statement. "Wings of Fire" is a celebrated autobiography and motivational book by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. "Open" is a famous sports autobiography by tennis champion Andre Agassi. "A Foreign Policy for India" is actually linked with I.K. Gujral, not L.K. Advani. Once these associations are remembered, evaluating the truth of each statement is straightforward. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine Statement 2. "Wings of Fire" is indeed a book written by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (with Arun Tiwari). So Statement 2 is correct. Step 2: Examine Statement 3. "Open" is the autobiographical work of tennis legend Andre Agassi. So Statement 3 is also correct. Step 3: Examine Statement 1. "A Foreign Policy for India" is associated with I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister and foreign minister of India. So the statement that credits L.K. Advani is incorrect. Step 4: Because Statements 2 and 3 are correct and Statement 1 is not, the right option must reflect the pair "2 and 3". Step 5: Therefore, we select the option that lists "2 and 3" as correct. Verification / Alternative check: These author book relationships appear repeatedly in exam oriented guides and standard references. "Wings of Fire" is widely sold and promoted as the story of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. "Open" created a strong impact in the sports and literary world as Andre Agassi's candid autobiography. "A Foreign Policy for India" is consistently credited to I.K. Gujral rather than L.K. Advani. Quick cross checking with reliable references confirms that exactly Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "1 and 2" is wrong because Statement 1 is incorrect; it gives the wrong author for "A Foreign Policy for India". Option "1 and 3" is wrong for the same reason: it includes Statement 1, which is false. Option "1, 2 and 3" is wrong because it treats all three statements as true, but Statement 1 is definitely incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often confuse L.K. Advani and I.K. Gujral because both are prominent figures of Indian politics and have written books. Another pitfall is forgetting that "Open" is not a generic motivational title but specifically the autobiography of Andre Agassi. Staying calm and recalling each title's context political, inspirational, or sports related helps reduce confusion. Final Answer: The correct set of statements is 2 and 3, because "Wings of Fire" is by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and "Open" is the autobiography of Andre Agassi, while "A Foreign Policy for India" is not written by L.K. Advani.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about the novels "Gilead", "Wolf Hall" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" are correct? 1. The author of the novel "Gilead" is Don Winslow. 2. The author of the novel "Wolf Hall" is Hilary Mantel. 3. The author of the novel…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question deals with important modern novels from American and British literature. It checks whether you can correctly identify the authors of "Gilead", "Wolf Hall" and "To Kill a Mockingbird". Such author title matching questions are standard in many competitive exams, especially those that expect awareness of major prize winning or widely discussed books. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement 1 links "Gilead" with Don Winslow. Statement 2 links "Wolf Hall" with Hilary Mantel. Statement 3 links "To Kill a Mockingbird" with Harper Lee. We must determine which combination of these statements is correct. Concept / Approach: The key is to recall the correct author for each novel. "Gilead" is a novel by Marilynne Robinson, not Don Winslow. "Wolf Hall" is the historical novel by Hilary Mantel about Thomas Cromwell and the court of Henry VIII. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is the classic American novel by Harper Lee about race and justice in the American South. Once you remember these matches, you can test each statement easily. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check Statement 2. "Wolf Hall" is indeed written by Hilary Mantel, so Statement 2 is correct. Step 2: Check Statement 3. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is written by Harper Lee, so Statement 3 is also correct. Step 3: Check Statement 1. "Gilead" is actually a novel by Marilynne Robinson. Therefore the statement that credits Don Winslow is incorrect. Step 4: From this analysis, Statements 2 and 3 are true while Statement 1 is false. Step 5: The option that correctly lists the true statements is "2 and 3". Verification / Alternative check: All three novels regularly appear in reading lists and prize discussions. "Wolf Hall" won the Booker Prize for Hilary Mantel, and "To Kill a Mockingbird" is permanently associated with Harper Lee and the character Atticus Finch. "Gilead" is very clearly tied to Marilynne Robinson, whose work focuses on faith, family and Midwestern life. Any reliable literary reference shows these pairings and confirms that only Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "1 and 2" is wrong because Statement 1 is false; Don Winslow did not write "Gilead". Option "1 and 3" is wrong for the same reason; it still includes Statement 1, which is incorrect. Option "1, 2 and 3" is wrong because it treats all three statements as correct, but Statement 1 clearly misidentifies the author. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may simply recognise the names and guess without remembering the exact matches. It is easy to confuse American crime writer Don Winslow with authors of other contemporary novels if you are not careful. Another pitfall is to assume that all the statements in such questions must be correct, which is not true. Always evaluate each statement independently before choosing a combination. Final Answer: The correct combination is 2 and 3, because Hilary Mantel wrote "Wolf Hall", Harper Lee wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird", and "Gilead" was written by Marilynne Robinson, not Don Winslow.

Question 3

Consider the following statements about the novels "Darkness at Noon", "The Great Gatsby" and "The Sound and the Fury": 1. The author of the novel "Darkness at Noon" is Victor LaValle. 2. The author of the novel "The Great Gatsby" is F. Scott Fitzge…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This multiple statement question checks knowledge of classic twentieth century novels and their authors. The twist is that it asks which statements are not correct, so you must identify the wrong author novel pairings. The novels listed "Darkness at Noon", "The Great Gatsby" and "The Sound and the Fury" are widely studied in world literature and often appear in competitive exam questions. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement 1 credits "Darkness at Noon" to Victor LaValle. Statement 2 credits "The Great Gatsby" to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Statement 3 credits "The Sound and the Fury" to L. Ron Hubbard. We need to decide which statements are not correct. Concept / Approach: The correct author of "Darkness at Noon" is Arthur Koestler, not Victor LaValle. "The Great Gatsby" is indeed by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which makes that pairing correct. "The Sound and the Fury" is by William Faulkner, not L. Ron Hubbard. Using this information, we can classify each statement as correct or incorrect and then choose the option that lists all the incorrect ones. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Evaluate Statement 1. Since "Darkness at Noon" is by Arthur Koestler, the claim that Victor LaValle wrote it is incorrect, so Statement 1 is not correct. Step 2: Evaluate Statement 2. "The Great Gatsby" is a famous novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, so Statement 2 is correct. Step 3: Evaluate Statement 3. "The Sound and the Fury" is actually by William Faulkner, so naming L. Ron Hubbard as the author is incorrect. Step 4: From these checks, Statements 1 and 3 are not correct, while Statement 2 is correct. Step 5: The option that lists exactly the incorrect statements is "1 and 3". Verification / Alternative check: Standard literary histories and reading lists confirm this information. Arthur Koestler's "Darkness at Noon" deals with political purges in a totalitarian state. "The Great Gatsby" is the signature work of F. Scott Fitzgerald about wealth and the American Dream in the 1920s. "The Sound and the Fury" is one of William Faulkner's most studied novels, known for its complex narrative structure. None of these sources connect Victor LaValle or L. Ron Hubbard with the novels mentioned in Statements 1 and 3. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "1 and 2" is wrong because it labels Statement 2 as not correct, even though Fitzgerald really did write "The Great Gatsby". Option "2 and 3" is wrong because Statement 2 is correct, so it should not be in the list of incorrect statements. Option "1, 2 and 3" is wrong because it claims that all three statements are not correct, which is false due to Statement 2 being right. Common Pitfalls: Candidates might mix up authors when there are many names to remember. The presence of contemporary writers such as Victor LaValle and L. Ron Hubbard can distract from the fact that the novels listed are classics by earlier authors. Another pitfall is to forget that the question asks for statements that are not correct, which reverses the usual pattern and can cause careless errors if you do not read carefully. Final Answer: The statements that are not correct are 1 and 3, because "Darkness at Noon" was written by Arthur Koestler and "The Sound and the Fury" was written by William Faulkner, while "The Great Gatsby" really is by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the novels "Half of a Yellow Sun", "Middlesex" and "Missile Gap" are correct? 1. The author of the novel "Half of a Yellow Sun" is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 2. The author of the novel "Middlesex" is Jeffrey Eu…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your familiarity with contemporary international fiction. It specifically presents three novels "Half of a Yellow Sun", "Middlesex" and "Missile Gap" and asks which author novel pairings are correct. Such questions reward candidates who read widely or at least follow lists of award winning books and prominent science fiction works. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement 1 associates "Half of a Yellow Sun" with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Statement 2 associates "Middlesex" with Jeffrey Eugenides. Statement 3 associates "Missile Gap" with China Mieville. We need to identify which statements are correct. Concept / Approach: "Half of a Yellow Sun" is a well known novel about the Nigerian Civil War by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. "Middlesex" is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides focused on identity and family history. "Missile Gap", however, is a science fiction novella by Charles Stross, not by China Mieville. The solution is to verify each pairing against these facts and then choose the combination containing only the true statements. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check Statement 1. "Half of a Yellow Sun" is indeed written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, so this statement is correct. Step 2: Check Statement 2. "Middlesex" is written by Jeffrey Eugenides, which makes this statement correct as well. Step 3: Check Statement 3. "Missile Gap" is written by Charles Stross, not by China Mieville, so Statement 3 is incorrect. Step 4: From these checks, Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is not. Step 5: Therefore, the correct option is the one that lists "1 and 2". Verification / Alternative check: If you look at prize lists and science fiction bibliographies, these pairings are easy to confirm. "Half of a Yellow Sun" is frequently mentioned along with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's other works like "Purple Hibiscus" and "Americanah". Jeffrey Eugenides is best known for "The Virgin Suicides" and "Middlesex", with the latter often appearing in discussions of major contemporary novels. Charles Stross, not China Mieville, wrote "Missile Gap" as part of his science fiction output. This independent confirmation reinforces that only Statements 1 and 2 are accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "2 and 3" is wrong because it includes Statement 3, which incorrectly names China Mieville as the author of "Missile Gap". Option "1 and 3" is wrong for the same reason; it still includes the false Statement 3. Option "1, 2 and 3" is wrong because it assumes all three statements are correct, but Statement 3 is clearly incorrect. Common Pitfalls: China Mieville and Charles Stross are both important names in modern speculative fiction, so some candidates may mix them up. Another pitfall is to assume that all three given statements in a question like this are meant to be true, which is not the case. Always test each author title pair individually. That careful approach helps avoid losing marks on what is essentially a recall based question. Final Answer: The correct set of statements is 1 and 2, because Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote "Half of a Yellow Sun" and Jeffrey Eugenides wrote "Middlesex", while "Missile Gap" was written by Charles Stross, not China Mieville.

Question 5

Consider the following statements about the novels "The Corrections", "A Visit from the Goon Squad" and "Forty Thieves": A] The author of the novel "The Corrections" is Jonathan Franzen. B] The author of the novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is Ed…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on matching three contemporary novels with their authors and again uses labelled statements instead of simple options. It tests your awareness of modern literary fiction, particularly books that are often discussed in prize circles or serious reading lists. Being able to correctly pair titles and authors is a common requirement in general knowledge and English literature related exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Statement A claims that "The Corrections" is written by Jonathan Franzen. Statement B claims that "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is written by Edward P. Jones. Statement C claims that "Forty Thieves" is written by Thomas Perry. We must find which combination of A, B and C is correct. Concept / Approach: "The Corrections" is a well known novel by American writer Jonathan Franzen, dealing with a midwestern family. "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is by Jennifer Egan, not Edward P. Jones. "Forty Thieves" is a thriller by Thomas Perry. The approach is to recall or verify each of these matches and then pick the option that includes only true statements. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Evaluate Statement A. "The Corrections" is indeed by Jonathan Franzen, so Statement A is correct. Step 2: Evaluate Statement B. The novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is written by Jennifer Egan, so attributing it to Edward P. Jones is incorrect. Statement B is therefore wrong. Step 3: Evaluate Statement C. "Forty Thieves" is a thriller novel by Thomas Perry, so Statement C is correct. Step 4: From this, Statements A and C are correct while Statement B is incorrect. Step 5: The option that lists A and C together as correct is "A and C". Verification / Alternative check: Examining any reliable book list confirms these attributions. Jonathan Franzen and "The Corrections" are often mentioned together in discussions of major American novels. Jennifer Egan is always named as the author of "A Visit from the Goon Squad", which has its own distinct critical reputation. Thomas Perry is a recognised crime writer who wrote "Forty Thieves". Since Edward P. Jones is not connected to "A Visit from the Goon Squad", Statement B is clearly wrong and the combination of A and C is validated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "A and B" is wrong because it contains Statement B, which incorrectly names the author of "A Visit from the Goon Squad". Option "B and C" is wrong for the same reason; Statement B is false even though Statement C is true. Option "A, B and C" is wrong because it treats all three statements as correct when Statement B is definitely incorrect. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to confuse names when several authors are learned at once. Some candidates may quickly assume that all three matches are correct or may not notice that "A Visit from the Goon Squad" actually belongs to Jennifer Egan, not Edward P. Jones. Carefully evaluating each statement one by one, instead of guessing based on familiarity, helps avoid such errors. Final Answer: The correct combination is A and C, because Jonathan Franzen wrote "The Corrections" and Thomas Perry wrote "Forty Thieves", while "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is not by Edward P. Jones.

Question 6

In the context of popular Indian English fiction, who is the author of the bestselling novel "Half Girlfriend"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests basic knowledge of popular Indian English fiction. "Half Girlfriend" is a widely known commercial novel that has been adapted into a film and frequently appears in discussions of modern Indian bestsellers. Many general knowledge exams include such questions to see if candidates are aware of contemporary popular culture as well as classic literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "Half Girlfriend" is given as a bestselling Indian English novel. Four possible authors are listed: Chetan Bhagat, Amish Tripathi, Ravinder Singh and Salman Rushdie. We assume that only one of these is the correct author of the book. Concept / Approach: The approach is simple recall. Chetan Bhagat is known for campus and relationship based novels aimed at a mass audience. His works include "Five Point Someone", "2 States", "Revolution 2020" and "Half Girlfriend". Amish Tripathi is associated with mythological fiction such as the Shiva trilogy. Ravinder Singh is known for romantic novels like "I Too Had a Love Story". Salman Rushdie is a Booker Prize winning literary novelist, not a mass market romance writer. Recognising the genre and style helps identify the correct author. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall which author is most strongly connected with the title "Half Girlfriend". This novel tells the story of a boy from Bihar and his complicated relationship with a girl he calls his half girlfriend. Step 2: Chetan Bhagat is widely publicised as the author of "Half Girlfriend" and appears on the book cover and in all promotions for the book and its film adaptation. Step 3: Amish Tripathi writes mythological and historical fantasy novels, not this type of contemporary college romance. Step 4: Ravinder Singh also writes romantic fiction, but his well known titles are different and do not include "Half Girlfriend". Step 5: Salman Rushdie focuses on complex literary fiction and has no connection with this commercial romance novel. Step 6: Therefore, the only correct choice for the author of "Half Girlfriend" is Chetan Bhagat. Verification / Alternative check: Checking any bookstore listing or publisher description confirms that "Half Girlfriend" is by Chetan Bhagat. The movie adaptation credits the story to him as well. Online catalogues, library records and media interviews all consistently identify him as the author. None of these sources link the book with Amish Tripathi, Ravinder Singh or Salman Rushdie. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amish Tripathi is wrong because he is known for mythological series like "The Immortals of Meluha" rather than contemporary campus romances. Ravinder Singh is wrong because his famous works include "I Too Had a Love Story" and "Can Love Happen Twice?", not "Half Girlfriend". Salman Rushdie is wrong because his major works such as "Midnight's Children" and "The Satanic Verses" belong to a completely different literary category. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse Indian popular fiction authors because many of them write about relationships and college life. Another mistake is to guess based only on name recognition without considering the genre of the book. Remembering a few key titles associated with each major author helps avoid these errors. Final Answer: The novel "Half Girlfriend" is written by Chetan Bhagat.

Question 7

In Indian English literature, who is the author of the acclaimed novel "The Hungry Tide"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your awareness of serious Indian English fiction. "The Hungry Tide" is a widely respected novel that explores ecology, human life and social issues in the Sundarbans region. It is considered part of modern literary fiction rather than light popular reading, so remembering its author is important for competitive exams that test deeper reading culture. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "The Hungry Tide" is given. Possible authors listed are Amitav Ghosh, Mitali Meelan, Ravinder Singh and Sudha Murty. Exactly one of these authors wrote the novel. Concept / Approach: Amitav Ghosh is a well known Indian novelist whose works often focus on history, migration and the environment, such as "The Shadow Lines" and the Ibis trilogy. "The Hungry Tide" is one of his key novels set in the Sundarbans. Mitali Meelan and Ravinder Singh write mainly young adult and romance fiction, while Sudha Murty is known for simple, moral stories and non fiction. Understanding an author's usual themes and style helps to match them with the correct title. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "The Hungry Tide" deals with the lives of people and wildlife in the tidal lands of the Sundarbans, mixing environmental and human concerns. Step 2: Amitav Ghosh is famous for novels that blend detailed research with storytelling, and "The Hungry Tide" is one of his well known works. Step 3: Mitali Meelan is a more recent author and is not associated with this widely studied novel. Step 4: Ravinder Singh writes romantic fiction and has not written "The Hungry Tide". Step 5: Sudha Murty's works are usually simple narratives and inspirational stories; she is not the author of this particular novel. Step 6: Hence the only correct answer is Amitav Ghosh. Verification / Alternative check: A quick search in any library catalogue or publisher site shows "The Hungry Tide" under Amitav Ghosh's name. Academic articles and book reviews also consistently credit him as the author. You will not find credible references linking this title to the other names given in the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mitali Meelan is wrong because her bibliography does not include "The Hungry Tide". Ravinder Singh is wrong because his focus is romance, not environmental literary fiction. Sudha Murty is wrong because while she is a prominent author, she has written other kinds of stories and not this novel. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to pick a familiar name without remembering specific titles. Another pitfall is confusing serious literary fiction with light popular fiction. Linking "The Hungry Tide" with Amitav Ghosh in your memory, especially along with its Sundarbans setting, will help in many similar questions. Final Answer: The novel "The Hungry Tide" is written by Amitav Ghosh.

Question 8

Who is the author of the popular historical thriller novel "Chanakya's Chant"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to Indian historical thriller fiction. "Chanakya's Chant" is a popular novel that mixes ancient Indian political intrigue with a modern storyline. It is often mentioned along with other Indian bestsellers, so recognising its author is useful for exams that test current reading trends as well as classical literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel "Chanakya's Chant" is mentioned by name. The authors listed are Amish Tripathi, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Ruskin Bond and Ashwin Sanghi. Only one of these is the true author of this book. Concept / Approach: Ashwin Sanghi is known for conspiracy themed and historically inspired thrillers such as "The Rozabal Line", "Chanakya's Chant" and "Krishna Key". Amish Tripathi writes mythological retellings based on gods like Shiva. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is known for literary novels often focused on women and diaspora experiences. Ruskin Bond is famous for short stories and children's fiction, especially set in the hills. Matching each author to their main style makes the answer clear. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the basic theme of "Chanakya's Chant" an interplay between ancient strategist Chanakya and a modern political setting. Step 2: This combination of politics, history and thriller elements is characteristic of Ashwin Sanghi's writing. Step 3: Amish Tripathi, while also dealing with Indian myth and history, focuses mainly on mythological figures and not on a novel titled "Chanakya's Chant". Step 4: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni writes more literary and character driven fiction, not this specific thriller. Step 5: Ruskin Bond specialises in gentle stories and children's literature, not in political thrillers like "Chanakya's Chant". Step 6: Therefore, the correct author is Ashwin Sanghi. Verification / Alternative check: Bookstores, publishers and online catalogues list "Chanakya's Chant" under Ashwin Sanghi's bibliography. Many interviews and book reviews explicitly discuss his approach to blending history and thriller elements in this novel. No reliable source attributes the book to the other three authors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amish Tripathi is incorrect because although he writes about mythological and historical themes, he did not write "Chanakya's Chant". Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is incorrect because her works, like "The Palace of Illusions", are different in tone and title. Ruskin Bond is incorrect because his writing is mostly short fiction and children's stories set in the Indian hills. Common Pitfalls: Because several Indian authors work with mythological or historical material, candidates often confuse who wrote which title. Another common error is to pick the most familiar name without checking whether the genre and style match. Remembering that Ashwin Sanghi is especially known for titles like "Chanakya's Chant" can prevent this confusion. Final Answer: The author of the novel "Chanakya's Chant" is Ashwin Sanghi.

Question 9

In English literature, who wrote the classic novel "A Passage to India"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on classic English literature dealing with colonial India. "A Passage to India" is an important twentieth century novel that examines the complexities of British rule and social relations between Indians and the British. General knowledge and literature sections in many exams often include this title, so knowing its author is essential. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel "A Passage to India" is named. Four possible authors are given: Anita Desai, Khushwant Singh, Mark Twain and E. M. Forster. Exactly one of these wrote the novel. Concept / Approach: "A Passage to India" is a well known work by British author E. M. Forster. Anita Desai and Khushwant Singh are Indian authors who wrote different novels about India. Mark Twain is a famous American writer known mainly for humorous and satirical works set in the United States. Recognising the historical background and typical works of each author allows you to select the right one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "A Passage to India" deals with British colonial rule and the possibility of friendship between an Englishman and an Indian. Step 2: This novel is widely attributed to E. M. Forster, one of the major British novelists of the early twentieth century. Step 3: Anita Desai has written novels like "Clear Light of Day" and "In Custody", not "A Passage to India". Step 4: Khushwant Singh wrote "Train to Pakistan" about Partition, which is a different book. Step 5: Mark Twain wrote works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and is not linked to this title. Step 6: Therefore E. M. Forster is the only correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Almost all literature guides and histories of English fiction list "A Passage to India" under E. M. Forster. It is studied in university syllabi worldwide as one of his major works. None of the other three authors are ever cited as its creator in credible sources, confirming the correctness of this attribution. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Anita Desai is wrong because she wrote different novels about Indian life, but not this particular book. Khushwant Singh is wrong because his famous Partition novel is "Train to Pakistan", not "A Passage to India". Mark Twain is wrong because he focused on American society and not on British India in the way this novel does. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may confuse any book about India with Indian authors, overlooking the fact that several British writers also wrote about the country during the colonial period. Another mistake is to guess based solely on name recognition. Remember that E. M. Forster is the author of "A Passage to India", while Khushwant Singh is associated with "Train to Pakistan". Final Answer: The classic novel "A Passage to India" was written by E. M. Forster.

Question 10

Who is the author of the Pulitzer Prize winning short story collection "Interpreter of Maladies"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of award winning Indian diaspora literature. "Interpreter of Maladies" is a collection of short stories that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and brought its author international recognition. Many exams refer to such major prizes, so knowing which author created this work is a common requirement. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "Interpreter of Maladies" is provided. Options include Jhumpa Lahiri, Amish Tripathi, Ravinder Singh and Salman Rushdie. Only one of these authors wrote the collection. Concept / Approach: Jhumpa Lahiri is an Indian American writer whose debut collection "Interpreter of Maladies" focuses on immigrants and relationships. Amish Tripathi is a mythological novelist, Ravinder Singh writes romantic fiction, and Salman Rushdie writes complex literary novels. Recognising that a Pulitzer Prize winning collection about the Indian diaspora belongs to Jhumpa Lahiri makes the choice clear. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Interpreter of Maladies" is a short story collection focusing on Indian and Indian American characters and their emotional lives. Step 2: Jhumpa Lahiri won the Pulitzer Prize for this collection, making her name closely associated with it. Step 3: Amish Tripathi writes long mythological novels and has not produced a Pulitzer Prize winning short story collection with this title. Step 4: Ravinder Singh focuses on Indian romance novels and has no connection with this work. Step 5: Salman Rushdie is a major novelist, but his famous books have different titles such as "Midnight's Children". Step 6: Therefore, Jhumpa Lahiri is the correct author. Verification / Alternative check: Library catalogues and prize archives explicitly list Jhumpa Lahiri as the author of "Interpreter of Maladies". The Pulitzer Prize website itself credits her with this work. Reviews and critical essays repeatedly connect her name and this title, while the other three authors are mentioned only in different contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Amish Tripathi is wrong because his best known books include the Shiva trilogy, not this collection. Ravinder Singh is wrong because he writes commercial romantic fiction, and his titles are different. Salman Rushdie is wrong because although he is an acclaimed author, he did not write "Interpreter of Maladies". Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is assuming that any serious sounding title belongs to Salman Rushdie or another very famous literary figure, without checking the specific work. Another is confusing Jhumpa Lahiri with other Indian English authors because of similar themes. Remembering that "Interpreter of Maladies" is Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer winning debut collection will help you avoid these mistakes. Final Answer: The short story collection "Interpreter of Maladies" was written by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Question 11

In classic American literature, who wrote the famous novel "Gone with the Wind"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question refers to one of the most famous American historical novels. "Gone with the Wind" is a classic set during and after the American Civil War and is also known due to its film adaptation. Knowledge of its author is a common requirement in general knowledge, literature and film related questions. Given Data / Assumptions: The novel "Gone with the Wind" is mentioned by name. The options are Jane Austen, William Blake, Charles Dickens and Margaret Mitchell. Only one of these is the correct author. Concept / Approach: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens are classic British authors. William Blake is a British poet and artist. "Gone with the Wind" is an American novel written by Margaret Mitchell. Recognising the national and historical context of the story helps eliminate the other names. The approach is to recall that Margaret Mitchell wrote this one large novel which became a cultural phenomenon. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Gone with the Wind" is a long historical novel about the American South, centred on the character Scarlett O'Hara. Step 2: The novel is by American author Margaret Mitchell, who is strongly associated with this single major work. Step 3: Jane Austen wrote novels like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility", and her stories are set in England, not in the American South. Step 4: William Blake is known for poetry and illustrated works, not for writing this novel. Step 5: Charles Dickens wrote novels such as "Great Expectations" and "David Copperfield", and did not write "Gone with the Wind". Step 6: Therefore, Margaret Mitchell is the only correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: Any standard reference work on world literature or American fiction lists "Gone with the Wind" under Margaret Mitchell's name. The film adaptation also credits her novel as the source. You will not find credible references linking this title to Jane Austen, William Blake or Charles Dickens, whose works belong to different periods and settings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jane Austen is wrong because she wrote earlier British novels focusing on manners and marriage, not this Civil War epic. William Blake is wrong because he was primarily a poet and artist, not the novelist behind "Gone with the Wind". Charles Dickens is wrong because his novels are set in Victorian England and have different themes and characters. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may simply pick a very famous name like Charles Dickens without considering the setting and era of the novel. Others may confuse British and American classics. Thinking first about the historical context of the story and then about which author wrote about that context is a helpful strategy. Final Answer: The novel "Gone with the Wind" was written by Margaret Mitchell.

Question 12

Who wrote the important Indian English novel "Untouchable", which deals with the life of a sweeper boy in a single day?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a foundational work of Indian English fiction. "Untouchable" is a novel that highlights the harsh realities of caste discrimination through the experiences of a sweeper boy over the course of a single day. It is widely discussed in literature courses and is important for questions on Indian social reform and English writing. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "Untouchable" is given as an Indian English novel. Possible authors listed are Premchand, Sarojini Naidu, K. Natwar Singh and Mulk Raj Anand. Exactly one of these wrote the novel. Concept / Approach: Mulk Raj Anand is one of the early Indian English novelists who wrote about social injustice and the lives of the oppressed. "Untouchable" is perhaps his most famous work. Premchand wrote mainly in Hindi and Urdu, Sarojini Naidu was a poet, and K. Natwar Singh is known as a diplomat and writer of political works. Matching the theme of caste oppression and early Indian English prose with Mulk Raj Anand gives the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Untouchable" portrays the life of Bakha, a sweeper boy, and his encounters with caste based humiliation. Step 2: This novel is a classic work by Mulk Raj Anand, who focused on social issues and the poor in his fiction. Step 3: Premchand is a major Indian writer but worked mostly in Hindi and Urdu with works like "Godaan". Step 4: Sarojini Naidu is recognised for her poetry and political leadership, not for this particular novel. Step 5: K. Natwar Singh is known for diplomatic and political writings rather than early social novels like "Untouchable". Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Mulk Raj Anand. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks and histories of Indian English literature consistently identify Mulk Raj Anand as the author of "Untouchable". His name is closely tied to this novel when discussing caste issues and colonial era social criticism. You will not find credible sources attributing the work to Premchand, Sarojini Naidu or K. Natwar Singh, whose main contributions lie in different linguistic or literary areas. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Premchand is wrong because although he dealt with similar social themes, he wrote in Hindi and Urdu and did not author this English novel. Sarojini Naidu is wrong because she is known more for poetry collections like "The Golden Threshold". K. Natwar Singh is wrong because his writings are mainly political memoirs and diplomatic accounts, not this kind of fictional narrative. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may associate any work dealing with Indian social problems with Premchand or confuse English and Hindi literature. Another mistake is to think of Sarojini Naidu as a novelist simply because she is a prominent literary name. Paying attention to the language and narrative form, and remembering that "Untouchable" is a landmark English novel by Mulk Raj Anand, will prevent such errors. Final Answer: The novel "Untouchable" was written by Mulk Raj Anand.

Question 13

Name the author of the book "All About Women", a work often referred to in discussions of women's issues and literature.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question concerns a book that appears in examinations related to women's studies and general knowledge. "All About Women" is associated with a well known writer and activist who often addresses issues of women's rights and social justice. Knowing which author wrote it helps in both competitive exams and broader discussions about feminist literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The book title "All About Women" is given. The options are Priya Kumar, Taslima Nasreen, Shobha De and Geeta Choubey. Only one of these names correctly identifies the author. Concept / Approach: Taslima Nasreen is a Bangladeshi writer and activist who is known for her outspoken views on women's rights, religion and freedom of expression. Her works often draw attention in exams focused on social issues. Priya Kumar is a motivational writer, Shobha De writes popular fiction and columns, and Geeta Choubey is not commonly associated with this particular title in standard examination sources. Matching the book to the author most often linked with women's issues in exam material indicates the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the book title "All About Women" suggests a focus on women's lives and concerns. Step 2: Taslima Nasreen is widely known for writing about women's oppression and for taking strong positions in favour of women's rights. Step 3: Exam oriented general knowledge sources typically link "All About Women" with Taslima Nasreen. Step 4: Priya Kumar writes motivational and self help type books and is not usually cited as the author of this particular title. Step 5: Shobha De is a well known novelist and columnist but standard GK questions do not identify her as the author of "All About Women". Step 6: Geeta Choubey does not appear in most common reference lists for this book in exam syllabi. Step 7: Therefore, among the given options, Taslima Nasreen is recognised as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Multiple competitive examination guides and question banks attribute "All About Women" to Taslima Nasreen. These sources are specifically designed to reflect what exam setters expect candidates to know. Although bibliographic details of less widely circulated titles can be harder to confirm, the consistency of exam references strongly supports Taslima Nasreen as the correct choice for this question context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Priya Kumar is wrong because her best known works are in the motivational genre, not this title. Shobha De is wrong because she is usually associated with novels and columns rather than this book in exam guides. Geeta Choubey is wrong because she is not identified in major GK compilations as the author of "All About Women". Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to choose Shobha De simply because she is a famous woman author whose writing focuses on urban women. Another is to be misled by lesser known names without checking how exam material usually attributes the work. When in doubt in an exam context, it is safer to follow the attribution that appears consistently in standard preparation books, which is Taslima Nasreen for this title. Final Answer: The book "All About Women" is attributed in exam oriented references to Taslima Nasreen.

Question 14

Who wrote the poetry collection "The Broken Wing", a work often studied in Indian English literature?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question relates to Indian English poetry. "The Broken Wing" is a well known collection of poems by a prominent Indian poet who was also active in the freedom movement. It frequently appears in discussions of early twentieth century Indian English verse, making the author's name important for literature and general knowledge exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The title "The Broken Wing" is given as a poetry collection. Options include APJ Abdul Kalam, Kiran Bedi, Sarojini Naidu and Premchand. Only one of these is the correct poet associated with this work. Concept / Approach: Sarojini Naidu, often called the Nightingale of India, is famous for her English poetry collections like "The Golden Threshold", "The Bird of Time" and "The Broken Wing". APJ Abdul Kalam wrote mainly prose works related to science and inspiration. Kiran Bedi is known as a police officer and reformer, and Premchand wrote fiction in Hindi and Urdu, not English poetry. Recognising Sarojini Naidu's role as a poet makes the answer straightforward. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remember that "The Broken Wing" is mentioned in many literature syllabi as a poetry collection. Step 2: Sarojini Naidu is the Indian freedom fighter and poet whose English verses earned her the title Nightingale of India. Step 3: "The Broken Wing" is one of her collections, alongside "The Golden Threshold" and "The Bird of Time". Step 4: APJ Abdul Kalam is best known for inspirational prose works like "Wings of Fire", not for this poetry collection. Step 5: Kiran Bedi is known for her career in the police service and public life, not for writing English poetry collections. Step 6: Premchand wrote notable Hindi and Urdu novels and short stories but not "The Broken Wing". Step 7: Thus, Sarojini Naidu is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: Anthologies and histories of Indian English literature clearly list "The Broken Wing" among Sarojini Naidu's works. Many educational resources explicitly mention this title when describing her contribution as a poet. There are no credible references that connect this collection with APJ Abdul Kalam, Kiran Bedi or Premchand. Why Other Options Are Wrong: APJ Abdul Kalam is wrong because his notable publications are inspirational prose about science, nation building and character. Kiran Bedi is wrong because she is famous for policing and prison reforms, not for poetry. Premchand is wrong because his key works are novels and stories in Indian languages, not an English collection named "The Broken Wing". Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse APJ Abdul Kalam's "Wings of Fire" with "The Broken Wing" due to the similarity in words. Another pitfall is ignoring the distinction between poetry and prose. Remembering that Sarojini Naidu is especially known for her English poems will help you avoid these mistakes. Final Answer: The poetry collection "The Broken Wing" was written by Sarojini Naidu.

Books and Authors Questions