Question 1

In the following passage, one word has been left out and replaced by a blank. Read the passage carefully and select the option that best completes the sentence.  Last year too, the virus had claimed lives in January and February. Therefore, we are _…

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Introduction / Context: This cloze passage sentence focuses on vocabulary and collocations used to describe preparedness in the face of health risks. Health authorities are talking about possible challenges in the coming months, so the missing word must express alertness and readiness. The options contain both correct and incorrect expressions, including one that is idiomatic only when completed as “on our toes”. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “Last year too, the virus had claimed lives in January and February. Therefore, we are ____________ as coming months might pose a challenge.” Options: “vigilant”, “open to”, “on toes”, “impulsive”. We assume a formal statement by health officials about preparedness. Concept / Approach: The word required should convey that the officials are alert and watchful because of possible future problems. “Vigilant” is a standard adjective for careful watchfulness. “Open to” suggests willingness to consider ideas, which is not the idea here. “On toes” is incomplete; the idiom is “on our toes” or “on their toes”. “Impulsive” actually suggests acting without thinking, which is the opposite of careful preparation. Therefore, “vigilant” best fits both meaning and tone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the implied meaning: because the virus has claimed lives in the past, the authorities now want to be cautious and alert. Step 2: Check “vigilant”: to be vigilant means to remain watchful and alert to danger, which suits this context perfectly. Step 3: Check “open to”: usually used in expressions like “open to suggestions” or “open to criticism”, not about dealing with disease challenges. Step 4: Check “on toes”: grammatically incomplete; the idiomatic phrase is “on one's toes” or “on their toes”, so “on toes” alone is incorrect. Step 5: Check “impulsive”: describes hasty behaviour, not cautious planning. It contradicts the idea of careful preparedness. Step 6: Conclude that “vigilant” is the only option that is both grammatically correct and semantically appropriate. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute “vigilant” into the sentence: “Therefore, we are vigilant as coming months might pose a challenge.” The sentence now reads like a solid official statement, showing alertness and concern. No other option produces a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence in this formal context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (open to): Suggests willingness to accept or consider something, not proactive watchfulness. Option C (on toes): Lacks a possessive determiner (our/their). “On toes” by itself is incorrect and unidiomatic. Option D (impulsive): Opposite of careful and deliberate; officials dealing with a virus should not be impulsive. Common Pitfalls: Some test-takers may be attracted to “on toes” because they remember hearing “on one's toes”, but they miss the grammatical incompleteness. Others may select a word merely because it sounds impressive, without checking if it is positive or negative in meaning. Ignoring the tone of official health communication can also lead to incorrect choices; such statements favour precise, formal words like “vigilant”. Final Answer: The blank should be filled with “vigilant”, giving “Therefore, we are vigilant as coming months might pose a challenge.”

Question 2

In the following passage, one word has been left out and replaced by a blank. Read the passage carefully and select the option that best completes the sentence.  “Therefore, we are vigilant, as coming months might ____________ a challenge,” said Dr …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks knowledge of standard English collocations. The phrase “pose a challenge” is a very common expression in formal writing. The learner must choose the verb that naturally and idiomatically completes “might ______ a challenge” in an official health statement. Other given verbs may be grammatically possible in other contexts but do not form the accepted collocation here. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “Therefore, we are vigilant, as coming months might ____________ a challenge.” Options: “show”, “pose”, “throw”, “put up”. Speaker: a doctor or health official explaining possible future difficulties. Concept / Approach: The common collocation in English is “pose a challenge” or “pose a threat”. This means “to present or create a challenge”. The verbs “show”, “throw”, and “put up” do not collocate naturally with “a challenge” in this formal context. Recognising typical verb–noun combinations is an important vocabulary skill tested in such questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical collocations with “challenge”: “face a challenge”, “rise to a challenge”, “pose a challenge”. Step 2: Insert each option into the blank: “show a challenge”, “pose a challenge”, “throw a challenge”, “put up a challenge”. Step 3: “Pose a challenge” is widely used and accepted in formal writing, meaning “to create or present a difficult situation”. Step 4: “Show a challenge” sounds awkward; we show problems or show courage, but not “show a challenge” in this sense. Step 5: “Throw a challenge” appears in phrases like “throw a challenge at someone”, but that is a different structure, and it still sounds less formal. Step 6: “Put up a challenge” is used in “put up a good challenge” or “put up a fight”, but the pattern “months might put up a challenge” is weak and non-standard. Verification / Alternative check: Use “pose”: “coming months might pose a challenge”. This is a standard and natural-sounding sentence for news or official communications. Try reading the entire passage aloud with “pose”; it flows smoothly and fits the formal tone. The other verbs make the sentence sound unidiomatic or incorrect, confirming “pose” as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (show): “Show a challenge” does not carry the meaning “create a difficult situation” and is not a recognised collocation in this context. Option C (throw): Usually appears in phrasal structures (“throw a challenge at someone”), and does not suit “coming months might throw a challenge” in formal health reporting. Option D (put up): More common with “put up a fight” or “put up resistance”. It is not the typical verb used with “a challenge” in this pattern. Common Pitfalls: Students may try to rely purely on literal meanings, without considering accepted combinations of words. Some may overgeneralise from other expressions like “put up a fight” and incorrectly extend them to “put up a challenge”. Another mistake is ignoring tone; exam passages often imitate newspaper or official style, where “pose a challenge” is standard. Final Answer: The correct verb is “pose”, giving “coming months might pose a challenge.”

Question 3

In the following question, choose the option which is closest in meaning to the given word:  DECIMATED

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the synonym of the word “decimated”. Although the original Latin root refers to killing one in ten, in modern English the word is commonly used to mean “destroyed to a very large extent” or “severely reduced”. The learner must select the option that best matches this modern usage, especially as seen in news reports about disasters, wars, or epidemics. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: “decimated”. Options: “captured”, “destroyed”, “damaged”, “worried”. We use contemporary general English rather than strict historical meaning. Concept / Approach: In present-day English, “decimated” often means that something has been almost wiped out or greatly reduced in number or strength. For example, “The cyclone decimated the coastal villages” means the villages were largely destroyed. Among the options, “destroyed” matches this sense most closely. “Damaged” suggests partial harm, “captured” refers to being taken prisoner or seized, and “worried” is entirely unrelated. Therefore, “destroyed” is the best synonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage: “The army was decimated”, “the population was decimated by disease”, “the forests were decimated by logging”. Step 2: In all these contexts, the idea is of massive destruction or severe reduction, not just minor damage or simple capture. Step 3: Compare with options: “captured” means taken into custody; “destroyed” means ruined or wiped out; “damaged” means harmed but not completely ruined; “worried” refers to mental anxiety. Step 4: The closest in strength and meaning to “decimated” is “destroyed”. Step 5: Therefore, the correct synonym is “DESTROYED”. Verification / Alternative check: Replace “decimated” with “destroyed” in sample sentences: “The village was destroyed by the flood” has essentially the same impact as “The village was decimated by the flood.” If we try “damaged”, the sense becomes weaker: “The village was damaged by the flood” suggests partial harm, not devastation. Hence “destroyed” is clearly the most suitable choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (captured): Relates to seizing or taking control of something or someone, not to large-scale destruction. Option C (damaged): Indicates harm but not the severe, near-total destruction implied by “decimated”. Option D (worried): Refers to emotional or mental distress and is completely unrelated to the physical destruction implied by the word. Common Pitfalls: Some learners remember the historical meaning (killing one in ten) and may think the synonym should reflect partial loss, but exam questions usually follow modern usage. Others may confuse “decimated” with “damaged” because both involve harm, but they differ greatly in intensity. Not paying attention to typical contexts (war, epidemic, natural disaster) can also lead to wrong choices. Final Answer: The word “DECIMATED” is closest in meaning to “DESTROYED”.

Question 4

In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word:  INVINCIBLE

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks for the antonym of the adjective “invincible”. In competitive exams, antonym questions test both understanding of word meaning and the ability to distinguish fine shades of sense between similar-looking options. The context is general English vocabulary, often used to describe armies, heroes, or forces that cannot be defeated. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: “invincible”. Options: “impregnable”, “omnipresent”, “powerless”, “potent”. We assume standard dictionary meanings of each option. Concept / Approach: “Invincible” means “unable to be defeated or overcome”. Therefore, its opposite should describe weakness or the ability to be easily defeated. “Powerless” means “without power, strength, or ability to act”, which is directly opposite in sense. “Impregnable” is similar in meaning to “invincible”, not opposite. “Omnipresent” refers to being present everywhere, and “potent” means powerful or effective. Thus, “powerless” is the correct antonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand “invincible”: it describes someone or something that cannot be conquered, beaten, or subdued. Step 2: Examine “impregnable”: used for fortresses or positions that cannot be captured; it is very close in meaning to “invincible”, not opposite. Step 3: Examine “omnipresent”: means “present everywhere at the same time”; this is unrelated to strength or weakness. Step 4: Examine “powerless”: means lacking power, strength, or ability to influence events; something powerless can easily be overcome. Step 5: Examine “potent”: means powerful or effective, which again is similar to being strong, not weak. Step 6: Conclude that “powerless” is the only word that captures the direct opposite of “invincible”. Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in simple sentences: “The army was invincible in battle” versus “The army was powerless in battle”. These sentences show clear opposite meanings. “The fortress was impregnable” and “The army was invincible” both show great strength, so “impregnable” is not the antonym. “Potent” and “invincible” are both positive in terms of power, confirming that they are not opposites. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (impregnable): Near-synonym; describes something that cannot be captured, just like “invincible” describes someone or something that cannot be defeated. Option B (omnipresent): Talks about presence everywhere, which is unrelated to the idea of defeat or strength. Option D (potent): Means powerful, influential, or effective, which is again close in tone to “invincible” rather than opposite. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse antonym questions with synonym questions and choose a word that “feels similar” instead of opposite. The presence of other “strong” words like “impregnable” and “potent” can distract those who do not focus on the exact requirement “opposite in meaning”. Not analysing each option carefully and quickly picking a word that looks fancy is another frequent error. Final Answer: The correct antonym of “INVINCIBLE” is “POWERLESS”.

Question 5

In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given. Choose the correctly spelt word:  (Word referring to a severe intestinal disorder causing frequent loose motions.)

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests spelling, which is an important part of English usage in competitive exams. The word given refers to a common medical condition involving frequent loose motions. Examinations in India usually follow British spelling conventions, especially in formal tests, so the candidate must know the correct British spelling of this medical term. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: a noun describing an intestinal disorder with watery stools. Options: “Diarrhoea”, “Diarhea”, “Diarrhea”, “Diarrohea”. We assume British English is the standard for the exam. Concept / Approach: In British English, the correct spelling is “diarrhoea”. In American English, the spelling is “diarrhea” without the “o”. Exams based on British usage accept “diarrhoea” as correct. The other options are incorrect either because of missing letters or wrong sequence. Therefore, the candidate must recognise and select the standard British form. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the British English spelling: d-i-a-r-r-h-o-e-a. Step 2: Compare each option with this pattern. Option A: “Diarrhoea” exactly matches d-i-a-r-r-h-o-e-a. Step 3: Option B: “Diarhea” omits one “r” and the “o”, so it does not match either the British or American standard. Step 4: Option C: “Diarrhea” is the American spelling, which drops the “o” but keeps the double “r”. While correct in American English, it is not the conventional British form used in most Indian exam papers. Step 5: Option D: “Diarrohea” misplaces the “rr” and “rroh” sequence, making it incorrect. Verification / Alternative check: Check medical and British English dictionaries: they list “diarrhoea” as the primary British spelling. Remember the pattern “-rhoea” that also appears in other medical terms, which helps reinforce the correct spelling. Given that SSC and similar exams prefer British English, “Diarrhoea” is the intended correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (Diarhea): Misses both an “r” and the “o”, making it a misspelling in all standard varieties of English. Option C (Diarrhea): Acceptable in American English, but most Indian exam boards treat “diarrhoea” as the correct form, especially when only one “correct spelling” is required. Option D (Diarrohea): Contains misplaced letters and does not match any recognised standard spelling. Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse British and American spellings and may choose “Diarrhea” without considering exam convention. The cluster of letters “rrhoea” is tricky, leading to dropped letters or incorrect ordering. Relying only on what “looks right” instead of recalling rules or dictionary forms can easily lead to errors in spelling questions. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word in British English, and the expected exam answer, is “Diarrhoea”.

Question 6

In the following sentence, one part may contain an error. Identify the part that has an error in standard English usage. If there is no error, choose “No Error”.  It took her a long time to get off the death of her husband.

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Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of phrasal verbs. In English, specific verbs combine with prepositions or adverbs to form fixed meanings, and using the wrong particle makes the sentence incorrect or unnatural. The phrase “get over” is commonly used to mean “recover from” a shock, illness, or bereavement. The sentence provided uses “get off”, which gives a different meaning and is wrong in this emotional context. Given Data / Assumptions: Complete sentence: “It took her a long time to get off the death of her husband.” Part (A): “It took her a long time” Part (B): “to get off” Part (C): “the death of her husband.” Part (D): “No Error” Standard idiom: “to get over something” = to recover emotionally. Concept / Approach: We must identify whether any segment uses an incorrect phrasal verb. “Get off” usually means to dismount, to avoid punishment, or to leave a bus or train. It does not mean to recover from grief. The correct expression here is “to get over the death of her husband”. Therefore, the error lies in part (B), which must be changed from “get off” to “get over”. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence for meaning: it describes someone taking a long time to recover from the loss of her husband. Step 2: Recall the correct phrasal verb: we say “get over a shock”, “get over an illness”, “get over the death of a loved one”. Step 3: Notice that the sentence uses “get off”, which usually means to descend from a bus or to escape punishment, which does not fit the context of grief. Step 4: Therefore, part (B) is incorrect. The correct version is “to get over the death of her husband”. Step 5: Parts (A) and (C) are grammatically fine and support the intended meaning; “No Error” cannot be chosen. Verification / Alternative check: Corrected sentence: “It took her a long time to get over the death of her husband.” This is idiomatic and natural. Try substituting other meanings of “get off”: “to get off the death” does not form a meaningful or accepted phrase. Thus, the only error is the wrong preposition in the phrasal verb. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “It took her a long time” is correct in tense and structure. Option C: “the death of her husband” is a proper noun phrase and is grammatically correct. Option D: “No Error” is wrong because an error clearly exists in part (B). Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse phrasal verbs like “get off”, “get out”, “get over” and treat them as interchangeable, which they are not. Some may focus only on the main verb “get” and ignore the importance of the particle “off” versus “over”. Relying on literal translation from the mother tongue without memorising standard English collocations is another frequent cause of mistakes. Final Answer: The error is in part B. The sentence should be “It took her a long time to get over the death of her husband.”

Question 7

In the following sentence, one part may contain an error. Identify the part that has an error in standard English usage. If there is no error, choose “No Error”.  It is best to be silent than to speak in anger.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines the correct use of comparative structures in English. The sentence uses the pairing “best … than”, which is incorrect. When comparing two actions, we normally use “better … than”, not “best … than”. The error lies in the choice of the adjective in the first clause. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “It is best to be silent than to speak in anger.” Part (A): “It is best” Part (B): “to be silent” Part (C): “than to speak in anger.” Part (D): “No Error” We are comparing two alternatives: being silent vs speaking in anger. Concept / Approach: In English, the structure “better … than …” is used to compare two choices. “Best” is the superlative form and is not normally paired directly with “than” in such two-part comparisons. The correct sentence should therefore be “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.” The rest of the sentence is fine. So, the error is in the use of “best” instead of “better” in part (A). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the comparison: we are comparing “to be silent” and “to speak in anger”. Step 2: For a simple comparison of two actions, English uses the comparative adjective “better”, not the superlative “best”. Step 3: Rephrase mentally: “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.” This sounds correct and idiomatic. Step 4: Confirm that parts (B) and (C) are structurally sound and that only the degree of comparison in part (A) is wrong. Step 5: Therefore, part (A) contains the error. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar proverbs: “It is better to be safe than sorry”, “It is better to give than to receive”. All use “better” plus “than”, not “best”. Substituting “best” in those proverbs would make them ungrammatical or unnatural, confirming that the same applies here. The corrected version, “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger”, aligns with standard patterns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: “to be silent” is correct as an infinitive phrase functioning as the subject complement. Option C: “than to speak in anger” correctly introduces the second action in the comparison. Option D: “No Error” is incorrect because the wrong degree of comparison is clearly used in part (A). Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse comparative and superlative forms and sometimes use “best” where “better” is required. Direct translation from other languages may not distinguish between comparative and superlative degrees in the same way English does. Not noticing that only two items are being compared leads some students to accept “best” without question. Final Answer: The error is in part A. The correct sentence is “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.”

Question 8

In the following sentence, one part may contain an error. Identify the part that has an error in standard English usage. If there is no error, choose “No Error”.  His father is disgusted against him for his addiction to drink.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks correct preposition usage with the adjective “disgusted”. In English, adjectives often take specific prepositions, and using the wrong one produces an unnatural or incorrect expression. The sentence describes a father's strong disapproval of his son's drinking habit, so the standard idiom is “disgusted with him”, not “disgusted against him”. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “His father is disgusted against him for his addiction to drink.” Part (A): “His father is disgusted” Part (B): “against him for his” Part (C): “addiction to drink.” Part (D): “No Error” We assume the intended meaning is strong displeasure directed at the son. Concept / Approach: The adjective “disgusted” normally takes the preposition “with” or “at”: “disgusted with someone” or “disgusted at something”. “Against” collocates with verbs like “protest against” or “bias against”, but not with “disgusted” in this sense. Therefore, we must replace “against” with “with”. The error thus lies in part (B). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the adjective: “disgusted”. Step 2: Recall standard combinations: “disgusted with him”, “disgusted with their behaviour”, “disgusted at the corruption”. Step 3: Notice that the sentence uses “disgusted against him”, which sounds incorrect and is not standard English. Step 4: The corrected phrase should be “disgusted with him for his addiction to drink”. Step 5: Therefore, the error is in part (B), which contains the wrong preposition. Verification / Alternative check: Corrected sentence: “His father is disgusted with him for his addiction to drink.” This is natural and commonly used English. Leave the rest of the sentence unchanged: “His father is disgusted with him for his addiction to drink.” The meaning is now clear: the father strongly disapproves of his son's drinking habit. No other part of the sentence appears ungrammatical or unnatural, confirming that only part (B) is wrong. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “His father is disgusted” correctly introduces the father's emotional state. Option C: “addiction to drink” correctly uses “to” with “addiction” and clearly expresses the cause. Option D: “No Error” cannot be chosen because preposition use in part (B) is incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes treat prepositions as interchangeable and attach them mechanically without learning fixed combinations. Direct translation from regional languages may suggest structures like “disgusted against”, which do not exist in English. Not paying attention to how adjectives are normally followed in example sentences leads to repeated preposition errors in exams. Final Answer: The error is in part B. The correct sentence is “His father is disgusted with him for his addiction to drink.”

Question 9

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word so that the sentence expresses the intended meaning clearly:  The aim of a Peace Council is ________ rather than cure.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a sentence-completion question that plays on the familiar idea “prevention is better than cure”. A Peace Council is typically an organisation that tries to keep peace and prevent conflict, not just repair damage afterwards. The blank must be filled with a noun that captures this aim in contrast with “cure”. The options contain several abstract nouns related to positive outcomes, but only one fits the structure and sense precisely. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “The aim of a Peace Council is ________ rather than cure.” Options: “salvation”, “preservation”, “maintenance”, “cultivation”. We assume the sense is parallel to “prevention rather than cure”, in the context of peace. Concept / Approach: The contrast “X rather than cure” suggests that X is a positive, proactive state that we want to keep, while “cure” is something we do after damage has occurred. For peace, the idea is to preserve it. “Preservation” means keeping something safe from harm or maintaining it in good condition. “Salvation” is linked with religious deliverance, “maintenance” is more mechanical or routine, and “cultivation” usually refers to growth or development. “Preservation rather than cure” mirrors the idea of preventing conflict rather than curing its consequences. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the pattern similar to “prevention is better than cure”. We want a word that conveys keeping peace intact. Step 2: Consider “preservation”: means protecting something from harm or decay; “preservation of peace” is a common phrase. Step 3: Consider “salvation”: mainly used in religious or moral contexts, like “salvation of the soul”, and does not fit naturally with “Peace Council”. Step 4: Consider “maintenance”: though we can say “maintenance of peace”, the structure “maintenance rather than cure” is not as idiomatic as “preservation rather than cure”. Step 5: Consider “cultivation”: usually collocates with “cultivation of land” or “cultivation of habits”; “cultivation rather than cure” sounds odd in this sentence. Step 6: Choose “preservation” as the most appropriate and idiomatic word, giving “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.” Verification / Alternative check: Re-read the full sentence with “preservation”: “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.” This clearly expresses that its goal is to preserve peace instead of dealing with the aftermath of conflict. Substituting other options makes the sentence less clear and less natural. “Salvation rather than cure” changes the meaning towards religious context, which is not intended. Hence, “preservation” is the best fit both logically and stylistically. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (salvation): Does not collocate naturally with “Peace Council” in a political or social context; it suggests spiritual rescue. Option C (maintenance): Though possible in “maintenance of peace”, the phrase “maintenance rather than cure” is less idiomatic than “preservation rather than cure”. Option D (cultivation): Refers to fostering growth rather than protecting an existing state; not the primary idea here. Common Pitfalls: Students may choose a word simply because it has a positive meaning, without checking the exact collocation and idiom. Some candidates may overlook the hint provided by the familiar expression “prevention rather than cure”. Not considering the role of a Peace Council—mainly to keep peace, not to rescue people spiritually—can also lead to the wrong answer. Final Answer: The correct word is “preservation”, giving “The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.”

Question 10

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition to complete the sentence meaningfully:  He gives everyone _________ the class opportunities for practice.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests correct preposition usage to show inclusion within a group. The sentence talks about giving opportunities to people belonging to a particular class. In English, the preposition “in” is typically used to indicate membership of or inclusion within a class, group, or organisation. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “He gives everyone _________ the class opportunities for practice.” Options: “at”, “in”, “of”, “on”. The idea is that each student who belongs to the class gets opportunities. Concept / Approach: The expression “everyone in the class” is the standard way of referring to all the members of a class. Prepositions like “at”, “of”, or “on” would change the meaning and sound unnatural. The correct preposition must, therefore, be “in”. This is a simple but important preposition choice frequently tested in exams. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common phrases: we say “students in the class”, “people in the room”, “players on the team” (but “in the class”). Step 2: Insert each option into the blank: “everyone at the class”, “everyone in the class”, “everyone of the class”, “everyone on the class”. Step 3: “Everyone in the class” clearly and idiomatically means all members of the class. Step 4: “At the class” usually refers to being present at an event, not membership. Step 5: “Of the class” could be used in other structures like “members of the class”, but “everyone of the class” is unidiomatic here. Step 6: “On the class” is incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Read the completed sentence: “He gives everyone in the class opportunities for practice.” It is clear, natural, and common. Compare with everyday usage: “Everyone in the class got homework”, “She spoke to everyone in the office”. No other preposition choice sounds correct in standard English, confirming “in” as the right answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (at): “Everyone at the class” suggests people physically present at a particular session, but the normal phrase is “in the class”. Option C (of): “Everyone of the class” is awkward; we would say “everyone in the class” or “all the members of the class”. Option D (on): Rarely used in this sense; “on” is used with “on the team”, not “on the class”. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse prepositions used with places (“at school”) with those used for groups (“in the class”). Literal translation from the mother tongue may mislead candidates into using “of”. Rushing through the question without mentally hearing the phrase “everyone in the class” can cause unnecessary mistakes. Final Answer: The correct preposition is “in”, so the sentence should read: “He gives everyone in the class opportunities for practice.”

Question 11

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word so that the sentence is meaningful and grammatically correct:  Harish soon gained _________ in English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence-completion question focuses on choosing the correct noun to describe skill in a language. The learner must distinguish between several abstract nouns that look similar but have different meanings. In English, when we talk about someone becoming very skilled in a subject or language, the standard expression is “gaining proficiency in” that area. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “Harish soon gained _________ in English.” Options: “provincialism”, “proficiency”, “efficiency”, “eminency”. We assume the intended meaning is that Harish became good or skilled at English. Concept / Approach: “Proficiency” means high level of skill or competence in a particular subject or activity. Therefore “proficiency in English” is a very common and correct phrase. “Provincialism” refers to narrow-mindedness or concern with only local matters. “Efficiency” refers to working well without wasting time or resources, usually used with processes or machines. “Eminency” (better “eminence”) means high rank or fame. Only “proficiency” fits the context of learning a language. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: Harish has become skilled in English. Step 2: Evaluate “provincialism”: relates to attitudes or narrow focus, not to language skill. Step 3: Evaluate “proficiency”: means skill or competence, as in “proficiency in mathematics”, “proficiency in English”. Step 4: Evaluate “efficiency”: refers to doing something with minimal waste; we do not normally say “efficiency in English” to mean language skill. Step 5: Evaluate “eminency”: refers to high status or distinction, not directly to the ability to use a language. Step 6: Conclude that “proficiency” is the only word that completes the sentence naturally and accurately. Verification / Alternative check: Insert “proficiency”: “Harish soon gained proficiency in English.” This clearly means he became good at English. Try other options: “gained efficiency in English” sounds odd; “gained provincialism in English” or “gained eminency in English” are clearly wrong. Hence “proficiency” is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (provincialism): Refers to narrow outlook, not skill. Option C (efficiency): Associated with processes or systems, not directly with language knowledge or skill. Option D (eminency): Rarely used; “eminence” refers to fame or high rank and does not collocate with “in English” in this sense. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may confuse “efficiency” and “proficiency” because both relate to performance, but they are used in different collocations. Some may be attracted by “eminency” thinking it simply means excellence, not realising it refers to status, not skill. Lack of exposure to common exam phrases like “proficiency in English” makes this question harder for some learners. Final Answer: The correct word is “proficiency”, so the sentence reads: “Harish soon gained proficiency in English.”

Question 12

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom:  Beggar description

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about the idiom “beggar description”. Idioms often have meanings that cannot be guessed from the individual words. Here, “beggar” is used as a verb in an older sense, meaning “to defeat or exhaust”, not referring literally to a poor person. The idiom is frequently used in literary or formal writing to emphasise that something is so extraordinary that words are insufficient to describe it. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: “beggar description”. Options: “Cannot be described” “Something described by a beggar” “A poor account of something” “A description of a beggar” We assume standard idiomatic meaning as used in textbooks and newspapers. Concept / Approach: In this idiom, “to beggar” means to defeat or go beyond. Thus “beggar description” means “to go beyond all possible description; to be impossible to describe adequately”. It is used for things that are exceptionally good, bad, beautiful, horrible, or shocking. Therefore, the option that best captures this meaning is “cannot be described”. The other options treat “beggar” literally or misunderstand the structure of the expression. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that in idioms, words often take special meanings. Here, “beggar” does not mean a poor person but a verb meaning “to exhaust or surpass”. Step 2: Understand the whole phrase: if something “beggars description”, it exceeds anything that can be described in words. Step 3: Compare with options: “cannot be described” matches this idea exactly. Step 4: “Something described by a beggar” is a literal misreading and has nothing to do with the idiom. Step 5: “A poor account of something” would suggest a bad or weak description, which is different. The idiom is not about the quality of the description but about the impossibility of describing the thing fully. Step 6: “A description of a beggar” again misinterprets “beggar” as a noun, not as a verb. Verification / Alternative check: Look at example sentences: “The beauty of the sunset beggars description”, meaning the beauty cannot be adequately described. Another example: “The cruelty of the dictator beggars description.” The sense is of something beyond words. In both, the idea “cannot be described” fits perfectly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: Treats “beggar” literally and ignores the idiomatic verb use, so it changes the meaning entirely. Option C: Suggests that the description itself is poor, rather than the subject being beyond description. Option D: Again misreads the idiom as referring to the subject of description, not the quality of describability. Common Pitfalls: Students often translate idioms word by word and end up with literal meanings that are completely different from the idiomatic sense. The word “beggar” strongly suggests a poor person, which distracts from its rarer verb meaning “to exhaust or defeat”. Not seeing idioms in context in real reading practice makes such questions harder, so regular exposure to passages is important. Final Answer: The idiom “beggar description” means “cannot be described”.

Question 13

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom:  Drag one's feet

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the candidate's understanding of the idiom “drag one's feet”. In everyday English, this expression has a figurative meaning and does not literally refer to physically dragging one's feet while walking. Instead, it describes a situation in which a person delays or is unwilling to do something, especially when action is expected or required. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: “drag one's feet”. Options: Make something more complicated Expedite Be reluctant to act Stop working We assume standard modern usage as seen in newspapers and spoken English. Concept / Approach: To “drag one's feet” means to delay or to show reluctance in taking action, often by moving very slowly on purpose. It is usually used when someone is not enthusiastic about carrying out a task. Among the options, “Be reluctant to act” matches this sense precisely. “Expedite” means to speed up, which is the opposite. “Make something more complicated” and “stop working” do not reflect the idiom's meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common usage: “The government is dragging its feet on the reform,” meaning it is delaying or unwilling to move quickly. Step 2: Match this interpretation with the options. The core idea is slowness and reluctance, not speed or complexity. Step 3: Option “Be reluctant to act” directly expresses hesitation and unwillingness to proceed. Step 4: Option “Expedite” means to speed up a process, which is the complete opposite of dragging one's feet. Step 5: “Make something more complicated” has no connection with the idea of deliberate delay in action. Step 6: “Stop working” suggests a complete halt, whereas “drag one's feet” implies slow or reluctant progress, not necessarily stopping altogether. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: “She dragged her feet about answering the email.” This clearly shows she was reluctant or slow to reply. If the idiom meant “stop working”, we would expect complete non-action, which is not always implied; often some slow movement still occurs. Thus, “Be reluctant to act” is the best and most accurate interpretation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “Make something more complicated” describes a different type of behaviour, not slow, unwilling action. Option B: “Expedite” is an antonym in this context; it means to speed up a task or process. Option D: “Stop working” implies a complete stop rather than reluctance or slowness in performing an action. Common Pitfalls: Some learners misinterpret idioms literally and imagine feet physically dragging, which can mislead them about the figurative meaning. Others may confuse this idiom with phrases that indicate tiredness or exhaustion, instead of deliberate reluctance. Lack of exposure to idioms in authentic reading or listening contexts makes such questions more challenging. Final Answer: The idiom “drag one's feet” means “be reluctant to act”.

Question 14

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom:  Hope against hope

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks for the meaning of the idiom “hope against hope”. Idiomatic expressions often intensify a feeling beyond its normal level. Here, “hope against hope” is used when a person continues to hope even when there is almost no chance of success. The expression conveys a sense of clinging to hope in a nearly hopeless situation. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: “hope against hope”. Options: Think wishfully from time to time Hoped with good reason Nurture an impossible hope Pretend to hope We assume standard literary and conversational usage. Concept / Approach: “To hope against hope” means to continue to hope even when it seems completely unrealistic or impossible. It suggests that circumstances are strongly against a positive outcome, yet the person still refuses to give up hope. The option “Nurture an impossible hope” expresses this idea best. Other choices either weaken the meaning or suggest something different, such as pretending or having good reasons to hope. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the idiom: the phrase “against hope” means in spite of the absence of any real ground for hope. Step 2: Combine: “hope against hope” means to continue hoping even though logic and facts say that things are hopeless. Step 3: Examine option “Nurture an impossible hope”: this describes exactly the act of keeping alive a hope that seems impossible. Step 4: Option “Think wishfully from time to time” suggests occasional casual wishing, which is much weaker than the desperate persistence implied by the idiom. Step 5: Option “Hoped with good reason” is the opposite; if one has good reason, the hope is not “against hope”. Step 6: Option “Pretend to hope” suggests insincerity, whereas “hope against hope” is deeply sincere and intense. Verification / Alternative check: Consider sentences: “They hoped against hope that their missing child would be found alive.” The family knows the chances are extremely low, yet they still hope. Replace with the correct paraphrase: “They nurtured an impossible hope that their missing child would be found alive.” The meaning is preserved, confirming that this option captures the idiom accurately. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “Think wishfully from time to time” indicates weak, occasional wishing, not desperate continued hope. Option B: “Hoped with good reason” implies a realistic expectation, which contradicts the idea of hoping in the face of near impossibility. Option D: “Pretend to hope” focuses on acting as if one hopes, without truly feeling it, which is not what “hope against hope” suggests. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may misinterpret the phrase literally and think it involves two different types of hope, instead of understanding “against” as “in spite of”. Others may confuse it with mere optimism, ignoring the key element of near hopelessness. Not reading enough literary texts, where this idiom frequently appears, can make the phrase unfamiliar and lead to guesswork. Final Answer: The idiom “hope against hope” means “nurture an impossible hope”.

Question 15

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the one word which best substitutes the expression lack of skill or ability.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This verbal ability question checks your understanding of one word substitutes in English vocabulary. The phrase lack of skill or ability is common in competitive examinations, and knowing the precise word that expresses this meaning helps you read and write more accurately. The task is to choose the single word that matches the idea of someone who performs tasks badly because of poor skill. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase to be replaced is lack of skill. Four alternatives are given: Inertness, Insistence, Ineptness, Insolence. Exactly one option must match the meaning correctly. Concept / Approach: The best approach is to recall the meanings of each option and compare them with the phrase. We need a noun that directly refers to poor skill, clumsiness, or inability to do something well. Words that refer to rudeness, stubbornness, or inactivity do not match the required meaning and therefore must be eliminated. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that lack of skill refers to a state where a person cannot perform tasks competently. Step 2: Inertness means lack of activity or lack of power to move, not lack of skill. Step 3: Insistence means the act of demanding something firmly or repeatedly, not poor ability. Step 4: Ineptness means clumsiness, awkwardness, or lack of skill and competence. Step 5: Insolence means rude or disrespectful behavior, again not absence of skill. Step 6: Therefore, Ineptness is the only word that correctly expresses lack of skill. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by using each word in a simple sentence. A sentence like His ineptness at driving caused accidents clearly shows lack of skill. In contrast, inertness at driving sounds odd, insistence at driving does not fit, and insolence at driving would mean rudeness, not poor skill. This confirms that Ineptness is the precise synonym for the phrase given in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Inertness is wrong because it describes motionless or inactive condition, not poor performance. Insistence is wrong because it concerns firm demands or persistence, not ability level. Insolence is wrong because it refers to disrespectful or rude behavior, not lack of skill. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose options simply because they look or sound similar to the stem. It is important to focus on meaning, not only on spelling or sound. Another mistake is confusing emotional or behavior related words like insolence with ability related words. Always ask yourself whether the word answers the question what kind of ability or what level of skill. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of lack of skill is Ineptness.

Question 16

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one word which can be substituted for the words stick with a thick end used in a mortar for pounding.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of one word substitutes related to common household and laboratory tools. The description given in the stem refers to a specific object used in combination with a mortar for grinding and pounding substances. Recognising such words is important for vocabulary building and for understanding descriptions in science and daily life. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase is stick with a thick end used in a mortar for pounding. Options: Thistle, Stifle, Sceptre, Pestle. We assume the standard meaning of mortar and pestle as used in kitchens, pharmacies, and laboratories. Concept / Approach: A mortar is the bowl in which substances are crushed. The matching tool is the heavy club shaped piece used to pound or grind the material. The question wants the specific noun for that tool. We must differentiate between words that may sound similar but have very different meanings, and select the one that is used with a mortar. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that mortar and pestle form a common pair of tools used for grinding. Step 2: Thistle is a type of plant with prickly leaves and purple flowers, not a grinding tool. Step 3: Stifle is a verb meaning to suppress or to prevent something from happening, not a physical object. Step 4: Sceptre is an ornamental staff carried by a king or queen as a symbol of authority. Step 5: Pestle is a heavy, club like tool with a thick rounded end used with a mortar to pound or grind substances. Step 6: Therefore pestle matches the description stick with a thick end used in a mortar for pounding. Verification / Alternative check: In common expressions, we always hear mortar and pestle together. If you read recipes or pharmacy instructions, they consistently refer to grinding herbs with a pestle in a mortar. None of the other options form such a fixed phrase with mortar. This collocation check confirms that pestle is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Thistle is a plant and has no functional connection with a mortar. Stifle is a verb that describes suppressing emotions, noise, or development, not a physical tool. Sceptre is a ceremonial staff and is related to monarchy and authority, not to pounding substances. Common Pitfalls: Students may be misled by sound similarity between thistle and pestle or between sceptre and pestle. Another typical error is not recalling the exact spelling and confusing these words. To avoid such mistakes, remember common word pairs such as mortar and pestle and think of the function described in the stem rather than just the sound of the word. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for the given expression is Pestle.

Question 17

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one word which can be substituted for the act in which people vote directly on a subject or policy rather than voting for a person.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your understanding of political terminology, specifically how citizens participate in decision making. In many democratic systems, people sometimes vote not for a candidate but directly on an issue such as a new law or constitutional change. Knowing the correct term for such a vote helps you understand news articles, civics texts, and discussions about democracy. Given Data / Assumptions: The description is an act when people vote in order to make a decision about a particular subject or policy instead of voting for a person. Options: Election, Exit poll, By election, Referendum. We assume standard democratic political vocabulary. Concept / Approach: The key idea in the stem is direct decision on a policy question. An ordinary election is primarily about choosing representatives. In contrast, a referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal. Thus we must distinguish representative voting from direct issue based voting. Carefully understanding each term in the options will lead to the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Election means a formal organized process of choosing individuals to hold public office. Step 2: Exit poll is a survey taken immediately after voters leave the polling place to predict results or understand voter behaviour. Step 3: By election is an election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regularly scheduled elections. Step 4: Referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal, law, or policy. Step 5: The description in the question clearly matches the definition of referendum. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by thinking of real examples. When a country asks its citizens to vote yes or no on joining an international union or on changing the constitution, that process is described as a referendum. News reports frequently use the phrase national referendum on a policy question. They do not use exit poll, by election, or simple election for that specific type of vote, which confirms the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Election focuses on choosing people for office and not directly on a single policy question. Exit poll is only a survey after voting and does not itself make decisions or change policy. By election is simply a special election to fill a vacancy and does not involve direct decision on a policy. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse election and referendum because both involve voting. Another common error is misreading exit poll as some sort of extra voting procedure, whereas it is only a survey of voters opinions. To avoid this, always pick out the key phrase in the stem in order to make a decision about a particular subject or policy and associate it with the technical term referendum. Final Answer: The act described in the question is called a Referendum.

Question 18

A part of the sentence is underlined. Choose the alternative that best improves the underlined part. If no improvement is needed, select the option indicating no improvement. Jane had told me that she has not done her homework.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of tense consistency in reported speech or indirect speech. The sentence combines a reporting verb and a reported clause about homework. Examinations often check whether candidates can correctly choose between past simple, past perfect, present simple, and progressive forms when one action in the past is reported from another point in time. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: Jane had told me that she has not done her homework. The underlined part is had told. Options: told, tells, was telling, no improvement. We assume that the speaker is narrating a past situation in a natural conversational context. Concept / Approach: In reported speech, the tense of the reporting verb and the tense of the reported clause must be logically related. Past perfect is used mainly when one past event happened before another past reference point. Using past perfect without a clear later reference time often sounds unnecessary. In everyday English, we prefer the simple past told when simply narrating something that happened earlier. We also need to consider that the present perfect has not done in the reported clause already indicates an effect that continues to the present, making further complication by past perfect in the reporting verb less natural. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main reporting verb in the sentence, which is had told. Step 2: Notice that there is no later past reference event mentioned after this reporting, so the past perfect is not required. Step 3: Replace had told with the simple past told to form Jane told me that she has not done her homework. Step 4: Check other options. Tells is present tense and does not match the rest of the sentence that clearly describes a past situation. Step 5: Was telling suggests an action in progress and would usually need another clause like when I met her, which is not present here. Step 6: Therefore, told is the best improvement among the given choices. Verification / Alternative check: Compare Jane told me that she has not done her homework with Jane had told me that she has not done her homework. The simple past told sounds natural as a single punctual past action. The past perfect had told without a clear later time reference makes the sentence sound over complicated. Grammar references often state that past perfect is used only when necessary to show one past action occurred before another past moment. That condition is missing here, so simple past is preferred. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tells is wrong because it puts the reporting verb in the present, which clashes with the general past time setting of the statement. Was telling is wrong because it suggests an incomplete or interrupted action and does not fit the structure of this sentence. No improvement is wrong because the original use of past perfect had told is not the most appropriate or natural choice without a later reference point in the past. Common Pitfalls: Many learners think that reported speech always demands complicated tenses like past perfect. In reality, simple past is often enough. Another pitfall is to ignore the context and mechanically choose no improvement because the sentence seems acceptable on a quick reading. In competitive examinations, you must look for the option that is grammatically sound and stylistically more natural. Final Answer: The underlined part should be improved to told.

Question 19

A part of the sentence is underlined. Choose the alternative that best improves the underlined part. If no improvement is needed, select the option indicating no improvement. This survey is concerning your health as well as that of your family.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item tests your knowledge of correct verb phrases and prepositions when describing what a survey is about. English has some fixed patterns such as be concerned with and concern that sound more natural than is concerning in many contexts. The goal is to select the phrase that best expresses the intended meaning in standard formal English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: This survey is concerning your health as well as that of your family. The underlined part is is concerning. Options: concerns with, is concerned with, concerns to, no improvement. We assume a formal written style suitable for questionnaires or official documents. Concept / Approach: The verb concern can appear in different structures. The survey concerns your health is correct. The survey is concerned with your health is also correct and formal. However, is concerning you usually means is worrying you, which is a different sense and more commonly used with a direct object pronoun. Here we need a phrase meaning is about or deals with your health, that is, a passive construction combined with the preposition with. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core meaning of the sentence, which is that the survey is about health. Step 2: Examine concerns with. This is not an idiomatic collocation in standard English because concern normally does not take with after it in the active form. Step 3: Examine is concerned with. This means is related to or deals with, which exactly matches the intended meaning. Step 4: Examine concerns to. This is non standard and does not fit the pattern of concern. Step 5: Consider no improvement. Is concerning sounds awkward here because it tends to imply causing worry rather than describing the topic of a survey. Step 6: Therefore is concerned with is the best improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence as This survey is concerned with your health as well as that of your family. This version appears in many official forms and research questionnaires, so it is a recognised formal pattern. If you try This survey concerns with your health, the phrase sounds incorrect even to a casual reader, confirming that is concerned with is the right choice among the given options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Concerns with is wrong because concern in the active sense does not regularly take with. Concerns to is wrong because concern to is seldom used and sounds ungrammatical in this context. No improvement is wrong because is concerning is unusual and suggests a different meaning related to worry rather than topic. Common Pitfalls: Learners often overlook subtle differences in verb plus preposition combinations. Another pitfall is to accept the original because it sounds formal, even when it is not the best usage. To avoid mistakes, remember that in passive expressions describing subject matter, the structure be concerned with is very common and safe. Final Answer: The underlined part should be replaced with is concerned with.

Question 20

A part of the sentence is underlined. Choose the alternative that best improves the underlined part. If no improvement is needed, select the option indicating no improvement. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question checks whether you can recognise a grammatically correct and idiomatic sentence. Sometimes the correct answer in such items is no improvement, and you must be confident enough to choose it when the existing structure already fits standard English usage. The sentence describes the visibility of a city located on a hill. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. The underlined part is cannot be hidden. Options: be hid, hide, be hiding, no improvement. We assume the sentence is intended to be a general statement, similar to a proverb. Concept / Approach: The structure cannot be hidden is a correct passive form in standard English. It expresses that the city is in such a position that other people cannot hide it. When evaluating alternatives, we must test each for grammatical correctness and appropriateness in meaning and style. In proverbs and general truths, simple present with can or cannot plus passive is very common. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: a city located high on a hill will always be visible and cannot be concealed from view. Step 2: Check be hid. The past participle of hide is hidden, not hid in standard modern English. Be hid sounds archaic and non standard. Step 3: Check hide. A city cannot hide would change the subject from being acted upon to acting itself, which is not the natural meaning here. Step 4: Check be hiding. A progressive passive like be hiding is awkward and does not match the idea of general impossibility of concealment. Step 5: The existing phrase cannot be hidden is grammatically correct and conveys the sense that other forces cannot hide it. Step 6: Therefore, the best choice is no improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Compare the sentence with similar expressions. For example, Truth cannot be hidden for long uses the same passive pattern and is fully correct. Replacing it with truth cannot hide for long changes the meaning. Since many proverbs use cannot be hidden, we can verify that the given form is standard and effective for expressing a permanent general truth. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Be hid uses an outdated or incorrect participle and sounds grammatically wrong for modern usage. Hide suggests that the city itself performs the action of hiding, which is not the intended meaning. Be hiding creates a continuous aspect that is not suitable for a timeless proverb about general visibility. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is assuming that every question must require a change and therefore avoiding no improvement even when the sentence is already correct. Another pitfall is overcomplicating the grammar by choosing unusual forms like be hiding. To succeed in such questions, read the original sentence carefully and trust your knowledge of natural English expressions. Final Answer: The sentence is already correct, so the answer is no improvement.

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