Question 1

In the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the option corresponding to it. If the sentence is free from error, select "No error". Sentence: "Science and technolo…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error-spotting question deals with subject–verb agreement and correct usage of countable versus uncountable nouns in English. The sentence discusses science, technology and their consequences for human culture. Your task is to identify the segment with incorrect usage, focusing in particular on the phrase "their fallouts". This is a good test of whether you recognise which nouns are normally uncountable in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into parts: (A) Science and technology and / (B) their fallouts do not / (C) complete human culture / (D) No error. "Science and technology" are treated together as a compound subject. The verb phrase is "do not complete". The noun "fallout" is being used in part (B). Concept / Approach: In English, the word "fallout" is typically an uncountable noun when it refers to the negative consequences or bad results of an action, such as "the political fallout" or "the fallout of war". It is not usually used in the plural as "fallouts" when we talk generally about consequences. The rest of the sentence is structurally sound: "Science and technology and their fallout do not complete human culture" is meaningful and grammatically correct. Therefore, the error lies in the pluralisation in part (B). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence for meaning: it tells us that science, technology and their consequences are not enough to complete human culture. Step 2: Check part (A): "Science and technology and". This simply links "science and technology" with something else; there is no error here. Step 3: Check part (B): "their fallouts do not". The noun "fallout" is usually uncountable when referring to effects, for example "the economic fallout of the decision". The plural "fallouts" is unnatural in this sense. Step 4: Check part (C): "complete human culture". This correctly indicates that these things do not make human culture complete or whole. Step 5: Since we have identified that "fallouts" is incorrect and should be "fallout", the error must be in part (B). Step 6: The corrected sentence should read: "Science and technology and their fallout do not complete human culture." Verification / Alternative check: Consider examples from common usage: "the environmental fallout of industrialisation", "the social fallout from the policy". In all these cases, "fallout" is used in the singular as a mass noun. You rarely, if ever, see "fallouts" to refer to multiple sets of consequences in formal English. The verb "do not complete" correctly agrees with the compound subject "Science and technology and their fallout", which is treated as a plural overall because of the combined entities. This confirms that the only problem lies in the unnecessary pluralisation in part (B). Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: "Science and technology and" correctly strings the items together; there is no grammatical problem. C: "complete human culture" is correctly phrased and expresses the idea that culture involves more than just science and technology. D (No error): Cannot be correct because we have already found a definite error in part (B). Common Pitfalls: Students may focus only on verbs and tenses in error-spotting questions and overlook subtle noun usage like countable versus uncountable forms. Another pitfall is relying too much on literal translation from the mother tongue, where similar concepts might be treated as countable. To avoid such errors, pay special attention to abstract nouns like "information", "advice", "equipment", and "fallout", which are generally uncountable in English and rarely take plural forms. Final Answer: The error is in part (B), where "fallouts" should be corrected to "fallout".

Question 2

In the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the option corresponding to it. If the sentence is free from error, select "No error". Sentence: "The angry bird flap …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests subject–verb agreement in the simple present tense. The sentence describes the habitual behaviour of a single bird: flapping its wings, flying a short distance and returning. For such habitual actions, English uses the simple present tense with correct agreement between singular subjects and verb forms. The problem is hidden in the first clause of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence parts: (A) The angry bird flap / (B) her wings, flies a short / (C) distance and returns. / (D) No error. Subject: "The angry bird" (singular). Verbs: "flap", "flies", "returns". We need to check if each verb agrees with the singular subject. Concept / Approach: In the simple present tense, a singular third-person subject (he, she, it, or a singular noun like "the bird") must take a verb ending in -s or -es: "flaps", "flies", "returns". The given sentence correctly uses "flies" and "returns" for the singular subject, but the first verb is incorrectly given as "flap" without -s. Therefore, the error lies in part (A). The rest of the sentence correctly describes sequential actions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject: "The angry bird" is one bird, so it is a third-person singular noun. Step 2: Check the first verb in part (A): "flap". For a singular subject, we expect "flaps". Step 3: Check the verbs in parts (B) and (C): "flies" and "returns". Both correctly end in -s and agree with the singular subject. Step 4: Recognise that "flap" should be "flaps" to maintain consistency: "The angry bird flaps her wings, flies a short distance and returns." Step 5: Since the only mismatch occurs in part (A), that is the portion containing the error. Verification / Alternative check: Reconstruct the entire sentence in correct form: "The angry bird flaps her wings, flies a short distance and returns." This sounds natural and follows standard English patterns for habitual present actions. If you compare this with similar examples like "The dog barks, runs in circles and then sleeps," you will see that all verbs take the -s form. Having only one verb without -s would sound incomplete and wrong to a native speaker, which confirms the error in part (A). Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: "her wings, flies a short" – the verb "flies" correctly matches the singular subject; no error here. C: "distance and returns." – "returns" is again correctly in singular form. D (No error): Cannot be correct because we have already identified an error in part (A). Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overlook the first verb because they are distracted by the more distant verbs "flies" and "returns", which are already correct. Another pitfall is thinking that when multiple verbs share a subject, only the nearest verb needs to agree, but in reality, every verb that directly refers to the subject must agree. Always check each verb in the sequence carefully when answering such questions. Final Answer: The error is in part (A); it should read "The angry bird flaps her wings, flies a short distance and returns."

Question 3

The sentence given has a blank that must be filled with an appropriate phrasal verb. Choose the correct alternative: "The clock has __________ for want of winding."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of phrasal verbs and fixed expressions in English. It describes a mechanical clock that has stopped working because it has not been wound. In older mechanical clocks, failure to wind them regularly causes them to slow and eventually stop. The correct phrasal verb must reflect this idea of losing power and stopping due to a lack of energy or winding. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "The clock has __________ for want of winding." Options: run down, run short, run past, run up. "For want of winding" means "because it has not been wound". We assume a traditional mechanical clock that requires regular winding to keep working. Concept / Approach: The phrasal verb "run down" is commonly used for batteries, machines and clocks to mean losing power or stopping because of insufficient energy: "The battery has run down." In the case of a mechanical clock, "run down" means that the spring's stored energy has been used up and the clock has stopped. Other phrasal verbs with "run" carry different meanings, such as becoming short of something, passing something, or accumulating something, none of which fits the context of a clock stopping. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the sentence meaning: because the clock has not been wound ("for want of winding"), it no longer works correctly. Step 2: Consider option "run down". This is used for clocks and batteries to mean they have used up their stored energy and are slowing or stopping. Step 3: Consider "run short". This phrasal verb is used with supplies like "run short of money" or "run short of time", not with machines themselves. Step 4: Consider "run past". This typically means to move beyond a point, as in "run past the gate", and does not describe a clock's condition. Step 5: Consider "run up". This usually means to accumulate (like "run up a bill") or move quickly upwards; it does not fit the context of a clock lacking winding. Step 6: Recognise that only "run down" correctly describes what happens to a clock when it is not wound. Step 7: Conclude that "run down" is the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Insert "run down" into the sentence: "The clock has run down for want of winding." This is a standard, idiomatic expression. Many older textbooks and exam papers use similar sentences to illustrate the phrasal verb "run down". No other option reads naturally or accurately describes a clock's condition. This confirms our choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: run short: Used with resources such as money or time ("We are running short of fuel"), not with devices themselves. run past: Describes motion beyond a point, not the state of a device lacking power. run up: Typically means accumulate (especially debts) or move upwards, which is unrelated to the idea of a clock slowing and stopping. Common Pitfalls: Because several phrasal verbs with "run" exist, students sometimes guess based only on partial familiarity, for example thinking of "run short" without realising it must be followed by "of something". To avoid such errors, always place the phrasal verb back into the sentence and check whether it makes full sense with all other words, especially the subject (here, "the clock") and the reason or result ("for want of winding"). Final Answer: The correct completion is "run down", so the sentence reads: "The clock has run down for want of winding."

Question 4

The sentence given has a blank that must be filled with an appropriate word. Four alternatives are suggested. Choose the correct alternative: "Few people know that flowers use textures to __________ different kinds of insects."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of vocabulary and how words fit logically into a scientific or natural description. The sentence talks about flowers and how they interact with insects. Specifically, it mentions that flowers use textures as a tool. Your job is to choose the verb that best describes what flowers are trying to achieve with these textures. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "Few people know that flowers use textures to __________ different kinds of insects." Options: signal, feel, attract, distract. We assume basic knowledge of how flowers and insects interact in nature (pollination). Concept / Approach: In nature, flowers often use colour, scent, nectar and texture to draw pollinators—such as bees, butterflies and other insects—towards them. The aim is to attract insects so that pollen can be transferred and reproduction can occur. The verb that best captures this function is "attract". While flowers can also send signals, the usual description in biology is that flowers attract insects, not distract them or "feel" them. The approach is to match the verb to the known biological role of flower textures and patterns. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the context: the sentence is explaining a lesser-known fact about how flowers interact with insects using textures. Step 2: Consider "signal". Flowers can be said to signal insects with colours or scents, but the more common explanation is that these features attract insects. "Signal" might fit partially, but we need the most precise verb. Step 3: Consider "feel". The idea that flowers use textures to "feel" insects is incorrect because flowers do not actively feel; rather, insects might feel the textures. Step 4: Consider "attract". This directly expresses the purpose of using special colours, scents and textures—to draw insects towards the flower. Step 5: Consider "distract". This would mean drawing insects away from something else, which does not match the typical role of flowers. Step 6: Therefore, "attract" is the best word to complete the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Insert "attract" into the sentence: "Few people know that flowers use textures to attract different kinds of insects." This reads naturally and corresponds with how school science textbooks, documentaries and articles describe flower-insect relationships. Flowers want insects to come to them so that pollen transfer can happen. The other options distort this purpose or shift the focus away from what the flowers are doing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: signal: While flowers can signal bees with colours and scents, the sentence structure and common biological explanation focus more on attraction; "attract" is more accurate and idiomatic here. feel: Suggests that flowers themselves are sensing insects, which is biologically inaccurate in this context. distract: Means diverting attention; flowers do not intend to distract insects from something else, but to draw them in. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink and choose less common words like "signal" because they sound more technical or scientific. However, in exam questions, the most straightforward and broadly accepted word is usually correct. When thinking about plant–insect relationships, "flowers attract insects" is a standard collocation that should immediately come to mind. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is attract.

Question 5

The sentence given has a blank that must be filled with an appropriate preposition. Choose the correct alternative: "They abandoned their comrades __________ the wolves."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on preposition usage and idiomatic English. The sentence describes a dramatic situation where people abandon their comrades in a place where wolves are present. The preposition must express the idea that the comrades were left surrounded by wolves or in the midst of them. Choosing the right preposition is vital for expressing the correct spatial relationship and for sounding natural in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "They abandoned their comrades __________ the wolves." Options: by, between, on, among. The mental picture is of comrades being left in a situation with wolves around them. Concept / Approach: When we want to say that someone or something is surrounded by a group or is in the midst of several individuals, we use the preposition "among". For example, "among friends", "among the trees", "among the crowd". In contrast, "between" is generally used for two distinct items, "by" indicates nearness or agency, and "on" describes location on a surface. Here, the comrades are left in the middle of a group of wolves, so "among the wolves" is the most appropriate phrase. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the image: comrades are left in a dangerous place where wolves surround them. Step 2: Consider "by": "abandoned their comrades by the wolves" would suggest location near wolves, but this is not the standard or idiomatic way to express being left surrounded by them. Step 3: Consider "between": this preposition is primarily used for two items, for example "between two houses". The phrase "between the wolves" is unusual and would suggest only two wolves. Step 4: Consider "on": "on the wolves" is clearly wrong because comrades are not physically placed on top of the wolves. Step 5: Consider "among": "abandoned their comrades among the wolves" means they left them in the midst of many wolves, which fits the context perfectly. Step 6: Conclude that "among" is the correct preposition for this sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar phrases: "among the lions", "among the enemies", "among the ruins". In all these cases, "among" describes being surrounded by or in the middle of a group or collection. The idiom "to leave someone to the wolves" also supports the idea of being abandoned amid wolves. Rewriting the sentence as "They abandoned their comrades among the wolves" clearly conveys danger and isolation, which is exactly what the sentence intends. Why Other Options Are Wrong: by: Indicates nearness or agency ("attacked by wolves"), not the idea of being inside or surrounded by a group. between: Normally used for two people or things; using it with "wolves" suggests only two wolves and still does not express the sense of being in the midst of many. on: Refers to physical contact with a surface ("on the table") and is completely inappropriate in this context. Common Pitfalls: A frequent confusion for learners is between "between" and "among". Remember the simple guideline: use "between" for two separate, clearly defined items and "among" for more than two or where the group is treated as a collective mass. Here, "the wolves" clearly implies a group, and the comrades are left in the middle of that group, so "among" is the only suitable choice. Final Answer: The correct preposition is among, so the sentence reads: "They abandoned their comrades among the wolves."

Question 6

In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase "For keeps". Choose the alternative which best expresses its meaning.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the idiom "for keeps", which is commonly used in spoken and informal English. Idioms often cannot be understood by translating individual words literally. Instead, you must know the established figurative meaning. Recognising such idioms is important in conversations, movies, and even in exam passages or dialogues. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: "for keeps". Options: Himself, Away, Forever, Hid. We must choose the option that best captures the meaning of the idiom. We assume typical conversational usage of the phrase. Concept / Approach: The idiom "for keeps" means "to keep something permanently" or "for good" rather than temporarily. For example, if someone says "You can have this toy for keeps," it means you can keep the toy forever and do not have to return it. Therefore, the option that best matches this idea is "Forever". The other options do not carry the notion of permanent possession or lasting arrangement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common usage: "Is this just for today or is it for keeps?" meaning "Is this temporary, or can I keep it permanently?" Step 2: Consider option "Himself". This refers to a person and is not even a predicate meaning; it does not relate to permanence. Step 3: Consider option "Away". This simply indicates distance or separation and does not convey any idea of permanency or keeping. Step 4: Consider option "Forever". This means for all time, without end, which fits perfectly with the idea of something that is kept permanently. Step 5: Consider option "Hid". This is a past tense of "hide" and has nothing to do with keeping something permanently in the idiomatic sense. Step 6: Conclude that "Forever" is the only option that correctly expresses the idiom "for keeps". Verification / Alternative check: Look at a typical conversation: "Are you borrowing this book, or is it for keeps?" If you substitute "forever", it becomes: "Are you borrowing this book, or is it forever?" which clearly conveys the idea of permanent possession. Dictionaries define "for keeps" as "to be kept permanently; not to be returned". This matches "forever" or "for good". None of the other options can be inserted in such sentences without destroying the intended meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Himself: A reflexive pronoun; cannot act as a definition of the idiom. Away: Suggests distance, not permanence or ownership. Hid: Refers to the act of hiding something; unrelated to whether something is kept permanently or temporarily. Common Pitfalls: Some learners try to interpret idioms literally, thinking "for keeps" might mean "to keep hidden" or "to keep to oneself". While the phrase can imply that you are keeping something as your own, the standard meaning in dictionaries and exams is "permanently" or "forever". To handle idioms well in exams, it is important to learn them as fixed expressions with their conventional meanings rather than trying to decode them word by word. Final Answer: The idiom "For keeps" means Forever (to be kept permanently).

Question 7

In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase "Pale into insignificance". Choose the alternative which best expresses its meaning.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks you to interpret the idiom "pale into insignificance". Such idiomatic expressions are often used in literature, news reports and essays to compare the importance or impact of different events or achievements. Understanding them helps you grasp the author's attitude and emphasis. You must choose the option that accurately reflects the figurative meaning of this phrase. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: "Pale into insignificance". Options: Seemed less important, Was less exciting, Was less hectic, Was dull and pale. We assume the idiom is used to compare one thing with another that is much more impressive or significant. Concept / Approach: The idiom "pale into insignificance" means that something appears very small, unimportant, or trivial when compared to something else that is much more impressive, serious or important. The idea is that the first thing becomes almost insignificant by comparison. This goes beyond simply being "less exciting" or "dull"; it is about relative importance. Therefore, we must pick the option that clearly expresses becoming less important in comparison to something else. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall usage: "Her achievement pales into insignificance when compared with his decades of service." Here, her achievement seems very small and unimportant. Step 2: Consider option (a) "Seemed less important". This directly captures the idea of something appearing less important, especially in comparison. Step 3: Consider option (b) "Was less exciting". This talks about excitement level, not importance; something can be important but not exciting. Step 4: Consider option (c) "Was less hectic". This refers to being less busy or chaotic, which is unrelated to importance. Step 5: Consider option (d) "Was dull and pale". This is more literal and does not refer to the idea of comparison or insignificance. Step 6: Clearly, only option (a) expresses the reduction of perceived importance. Verification / Alternative check: Insert the meaning into a sample sentence: "The victory of last year pales into insignificance when we think about the current crisis." Rephrased, this means "The victory of last year seems less important when we think about the current crisis." This shows that "seemed less important" is the correct interpretation. Looking at dictionary explanations, you will find definitions like "to seem unimportant by comparison", which matches option (a) almost word for word. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Was less exciting: Focuses on excitement, not importance. The idiom is about relative significance, not entertainment value. Was less hectic: Refers to a calmer situation, which is not implied by "pale into insignificance". Was dull and pale: A literal reading of "pale", but the idiom is figurative and about comparative importance, not physical appearance. Common Pitfalls: Learners may be misled by the word "pale" and think of colour or brightness, but in idioms, "pale" often means "to lose strength or impact" when compared with something stronger. Another mistake is to focus only on one word in the idiom instead of understanding the phrase as a whole. Always interpret idioms in their full expression and in a comparative or contextual setting. Final Answer: The idiom "Pale into insignificance" means seemed less important (especially by comparison to something else).

Question 8

In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase "With one voice". Choose the alternative which best expresses its meaning.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question deals with the idiom "with one voice", often used in news reports, political discussions and formal resolutions. It describes how a group expresses agreement or makes a decision. Understanding this idiom helps you interpret statements about collective actions and official decisions in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: "With one voice". Options: By one man, By one community, Unanimously, In disharmony. We assume the phrase refers to how a group speaks or decides. Concept / Approach: The idiom "with one voice" means that everyone in a group expresses the same opinion or decision; in other words, they agree completely. This corresponds to the adverb "unanimously". The phrase does not refer to a single person literally speaking, but to a group acting as if they had one shared voice. So, the correct choice is the one that emphasises complete agreement by all members of a group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage: "The committee spoke with one voice against corruption." This means every member was against corruption. Step 2: Consider option (a) "By one man". This suggests an individual acting alone, which is the opposite of a group speaking together. Step 3: Consider option (b) "By one community". This is closer to a group, but it does not capture the idea of complete agreement within that community. Step 4: Consider option (c) "Unanimously". This means "with complete agreement by everyone involved", which matches the idiom's meaning exactly. Step 5: Consider option (d) "In disharmony". This means in disagreement or conflict, which is the opposite of what "with one voice" implies. Step 6: Therefore, "Unanimously" is the correct interpretation. Verification / Alternative check: You can replace the idiom in sample sentences: "The members voted with one voice to accept the proposal" becomes "The members voted unanimously to accept the proposal." The meaning stays the same. Dictionaries also define "with one voice" as "in complete agreement". The phrase is especially common in political and organisational contexts: "The nations spoke with one voice at the conference." This further confirms that "unanimously" is the closest match among the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: By one man: Refers to a single person, whereas the idiom is about group behaviour. By one community: This could mean one community acting, but it does not necessarily say the members inside that community are unanimously agreeing. In disharmony: Implies disagreement or conflict; this is exactly the opposite of acting "with one voice". Common Pitfalls: Some candidates misinterpret "with one voice" literally and think only in terms of quantity (one person, one community). However, idioms must be understood figuratively. Here, "one voice" symbolises unified opinion, not a literal single speaker. To improve at idioms, practice reading them in real sentences and focus on the overall sense rather than individual words. Final Answer: The idiom "With one voice" means unanimously (with complete agreement).

Question 9

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence: "Drug which causes people to sleep easily".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one-word substitution question checks your knowledge of specific vocabulary used in medical and general English. The phrase given is "Drug which causes people to sleep easily". You are required to find a single word that captures the idea of something that induces sleep. Such words often appear in medical contexts, articles about medicines, and advanced reading passages. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase: "Drug which causes people to sleep easily". Options: Poppy, Soporific, Beguile, Pedant. We assume the question refers to the general effect of a drug, not a specific plant or unrelated concept. Concept / Approach: The word "soporific" is used in English to describe something that causes sleep or has a strong tendency to make people drowsy, especially a drug or medicine. The other options are distractors: "Poppy" is a plant, "beguile" means to charm or deceive, and "pedant" refers to a person who is overly concerned with minor details or rules. To answer, we match the definition in the question with the technical term that directly describes a sleep-inducing substance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key idea: a drug that makes people fall asleep easily. Step 2: Examine "Poppy". While poppy plants are linked to opium and some sleep-inducing substances, the word "poppy" itself refers to the plant, not specifically to a sleep-inducing drug. Step 3: Examine "Soporific". This adjective (and sometimes noun) means "tending to induce drowsiness or sleep". It is used precisely for sleep-causing agents. Step 4: Examine "Beguile". This means to charm, amuse or deceive someone, often by trickery, and has no connection to sleep-inducing effects. Step 5: Examine "Pedant". A pedant is a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules; again, it is not related to drugs or sleep. Step 6: Therefore, "Soporific" is the only word that matches the required meaning exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Dictionary definitions describe "soporific" as "causing or tending to cause sleep" or "marked by sleepiness". Typical usage includes phrases like "a soporific drug" or "a soporific lecture". In medical contexts, medicines prescribed for insomnia or to sedate a patient may be described as soporific. Replacing the phrase in the question with "soporific" gives "a soporific drug", which captures the intended meaning perfectly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Poppy: Refers to a type of plant; although some derivatives have sedative effects, the word itself does not specifically mean "drug that causes sleep". Beguile: Means to charm or deceive someone; unrelated to sleep induction. Pedant: Describes a person who is overly concerned with academic rules or details, not a type of drug. Common Pitfalls: Some students may be tempted by "Poppy" because they associate it with opium and sleep-inducing drugs. However, in one-word substitution questions, the exam expects the precise technical term that directly matches the definition given, which is "soporific". To do well in such questions, it is important to learn exact vocabulary meanings rather than rely on loose associations. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is Soporific.

Question 10

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence: "The branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the principles of beauty, especially in art."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one-word substitution question is about philosophical terminology. The phrase describes a particular branch of philosophy that focuses on beauty and art. Such questions are common in exams to test awareness of important academic disciplines and their names. You must select the term that exactly corresponds to the study of beauty and artistic taste. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase: "The branch of philosophy concerned with the study of the principles of beauty, especially in art." Options: Artistic, Aesthetics, Ethics, Metaphysics. We assume standard philosophical definitions for these terms. Concept / Approach: "Aesthetics" is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty, art and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. It is commonly taught alongside other main branches such as ethics (moral philosophy) and metaphysics (study of reality and existence). The other options are either adjectives or refer to different philosophical areas. The approach is to match the precise definition in the question with the correct technical term from philosophy. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the core idea: a branch of philosophy, not just any word. Step 2: Consider "Artistic". This is an adjective meaning related to art or having artistic skill; it does not name a branch of philosophy. Step 3: Consider "Aesthetics". This is a well-known branch of philosophy dealing with beauty, art and taste. Step 4: Consider "Ethics". Ethics is the branch of philosophy concerned with moral principles, right and wrong behaviour, and values, not beauty. Step 5: Consider "Metaphysics". Metaphysics deals with the nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter. Step 6: Only "Aesthetics" matches the given description referring to beauty and art. Verification / Alternative check: Consulting any introductory philosophy text or reliable source, you will see that the main branches include logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology (theory of knowledge), and aesthetics. Aesthetics is specifically defined as the philosophical study of beauty and taste, particularly in the arts. The phrase in the question almost exactly paraphrases this definition. Therefore, "Aesthetics" must be the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Artistic: An adjective describing something related to art or showing creative skill, but not a philosophical discipline. Ethics: Concerns moral principles and conduct; it is a different branch of philosophy than the one described. Metaphysics: Deals with questions about existence, reality, and the nature of things; again, not the study of beauty. Common Pitfalls: Students may confuse "artistic" with "aesthetics" because both are associated with art. However, the question clearly asks for "the branch of philosophy", which must be a noun naming a field of study, not just an adjective. Remembering the basic philosophical branches and their focus areas can help you navigate such questions quickly and accurately. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is Aesthetics.

Question 11

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence: "The study of skin".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one-word substitution question focuses on medical terminology. The phrase "The study of skin" refers to a specific branch of medicine that deals with the skin, its structure, functions and diseases. Knowing such terms is useful not only for exams but also for understanding medical information in everyday life. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase: "The study of skin". Options: Dermatology, Dermatoglyphics, Stratigraphy, Oncology. We assume standard definitions for these scientific and medical terms. Concept / Approach: "Dermatology" is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and their diseases. The term comes from "derma" meaning skin and "logy" meaning study. The other options are related to different fields: dermatoglyphics involves skin patterns (especially fingerprints), stratigraphy is a geological term, and oncology deals with tumours and cancer. The approach is to identify the term that directly and broadly covers the study of the skin itself, not just a special aspect or a different organ system. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "study of skin" describes a medical or biological field. Step 2: Consider "Dermatology". This is widely known as the medical speciality concerned with skin and its disorders. Step 3: Consider "Dermatoglyphics". This is the study of the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingers, hands and feet, especially fingerprints; it is more specialised than general skin study. Step 4: Consider "Stratigraphy". This is a geology term for the study of rock layers and strata. Step 5: Consider "Oncology". This branch of medicine is focused on tumours and cancer, not specifically on skin. Step 6: Only "Dermatology" clearly and directly fits "the study of skin". Verification / Alternative check: If you have ever visited a skin specialist, you will know they are called dermatologists, and their field is dermatology. Medical textbooks and hospital departments use exactly this term. The question asks for the overall study of skin, which is what dermatology covers. Dermatoglyphics would be too narrow because it deals with patterns on skin ridges, and the other two options belong to unrelated fields. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Dermatoglyphics: Study of skin ridge patterns and fingerprints, not general skin anatomy and disease. Stratigraphy: Study of rock layers in geology, unrelated to the human or animal body. Oncology: Study and treatment of tumours and cancers; while skin cancer falls under oncology, the term is not limited to skin. Common Pitfalls: The presence of "dermato-" in both dermatology and dermatoglyphics can confuse candidates. The key is to remember that "-logy" typically denotes a broad field of study, while "-glyphics" refers to carved or inscribed symbols, in this case ridge patterns. Whenever multiple options share similar prefixes, pay close attention to their suffixes and full meanings. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is Dermatology.

Question 12

A sentence (or a part of the sentence) is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, select "No improvement". Sentence: "She has t…

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Introduction / Context: This sentence-improvement question focuses on choosing the most appropriate noun to describe a quality that someone possesses. The sentence praises a woman for having "the ability to listen to people" and refers to this ability as something rare. You must decide whether the phrase "rare character" is the best way to express this idea or if a different option is more precise and natural in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "She has that rare character - the ability to listen to people." The underlined idea is essentially "rare character". Options: rare ear, rare characteristic, rare sense, No improvement. The ability mentioned is a personal quality, not a physical object. Concept / Approach: The word "character" generally refers to the overall moral and mental qualities of a person. Saying "rare character" is not incorrect, but it usually describes a person as a whole ("He is a man of rare character"), not one specific ability. Here, we are talking about a particular quality: the ability to listen to people. The noun "characteristic" is more precise for a specific feature or quality that someone possesses. Therefore, "rare characteristic" fits better than "rare character" in this sentence structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify what is being described as "rare". It is not her whole personality, but a specific ability: listening to people. Step 2: Examine "rare ear". While we can talk metaphorically about "a good ear for music", "rare ear" sounds unnatural and does not clearly convey the meaning of a rare quality. Step 3: Examine "rare characteristic". This means a rare feature or quality, which matches "the ability to listen to people" perfectly. Step 4: Examine "rare sense". This could mean a rare understanding or perception, but it does not directly match the idea of "ability to listen to people" as clearly as "characteristic" does. Step 5: Consider "No improvement". Keeping "rare character" would make the sentence slightly awkward, because "character" is too broad for a single ability mentioned after the dash. Step 6: Conclude that "rare characteristic" is the most precise and natural replacement. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence with the chosen option: "She has that rare characteristic - the ability to listen to people." This clearly indicates that the ability to listen is a specific trait she possesses and that this trait is rare. The grammar and meaning are both clear. Many English grammar and usage books use "characteristic" when referring to specific qualities ("a distinctive characteristic", "one of her best characteristics"), which supports this choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: rare ear: Very unusual expression and not idiomatic in this context; it does not immediately convey that listening is a rare personal quality. rare sense: Vague and ambiguous; it could refer to intuition or perception rather than the specific skill of listening to people. No improvement: Leaving "rare character" is grammatically possible, but stylistically less accurate because it suggests her entire character is rare, whereas the sentence clearly highlights one particular ability. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to treat "No improvement" as the safe option when the original sentence is not obviously wrong. However, in sentence-improvement questions, exam setters often expect a better, more precise phrase. To avoid this pitfall, compare each option carefully and choose the one that fits the context most accurately, even if the original is not completely incorrect. Final Answer: The best improvement is "rare characteristic", so the sentence becomes: "She has that rare characteristic - the ability to listen to people."

Question 13

A sentence (or a part of the sentence) is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, select "No improvement". Sentence: "Both of t…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of negative structures and subject–verb agreement when referring to two people. The original sentence "Both of them have not apologized yet" is grammatically understandable but stylistically awkward and not the best standard English. The exam expects you to replace it with a more natural and correct structure expressing that none of the two people has apologised so far. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "Both of them have not apologized yet." We want to express that zero out of two persons has apologised. Options: Neither of them has, Any of them have, None of the two, No improvement. The subject refers to two people only ("them"). Concept / Approach: In standard English, when we want to say that not one of two people has done something, we usually use "neither of them" followed by a singular verb: "Neither of them has apologized yet." The phrase "both of them have not" is a clumsy negative construction and can be misinterpreted. The options "any of them" and "none of the two" are also problematic or less idiomatic. The correct approach is to use "neither" for two items and to ensure singular verb agreement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: zero out of two people have apologised up to now. Step 2: Examine option (a): "Neither of them has". This correctly means not one of the two has done the action and takes the singular verb "has". Step 3: Examine option (b): "Any of them have". "Any" is usually used with more than two items and is not the usual choice when referring specifically to two people. Also, the verb "have" would not match the singular phrase "any of them" in formal usage. Step 4: Examine option (c): "None of the two". Although languages sometimes allow "none of the two", the more idiomatic choice for two people is "neither of the two". Also, the phrase here is incomplete and does not include the verb. Step 5: Examine option (d): "No improvement". Keeping "Both of them have not apologized yet" is grammatically clumsy and less natural. Step 6: Conclude that "Neither of them has" is the best replacement for the underlined part. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the full sentence with the chosen improvement: "Neither of them has apologized yet." This is a standard sentence structure used by native speakers and in grammar books. It clearly indicates that not one of the two individuals has offered an apology up to this point. The verb "has" correctly agrees with the singular idea of "neither". In comparison, "Both of them have not apologized yet" sounds awkward and is rarely used in careful written English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any of them have: "Any" is typically used when there are three or more options; also, the combination of "any of them have" is less natural when referring specifically to two people. None of the two: While "none of the two" might sometimes be understood, it is not the preferred or most idiomatic expression; "neither of the two" or simply "neither of them" is better. No improvement: The original wording is not the best form; standard English prefers the more concise and clear "neither of them has". Common Pitfalls: Students often struggle with negative constructions involving "both" and "neither". Remember that "both" emphasises inclusion ("both of them have apologized") while "neither" emphasises exclusion ("neither of them has apologized"). Using "both ... not" can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing. To avoid mistakes, prefer "neither of them" for a clear negative statement about two people. Final Answer: The best improvement is "Neither of them has", giving the complete sentence: "Neither of them has apologized yet."

Question 14

A sentence (or a part of the sentence) is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, select "No improvement". Sentence: "The great…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your familiarity with a common comparative correlative structure in English: "The more X, the more Y" or "The greater the X, the higher the Y". The original sentence is almost correct but missing a key article in the second part. You must choose the option that completes this pattern properly and makes the sentence grammatically balanced and natural. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "The greater the demand, higher the price." Underlined portion in effect is the second comparative phrase. Options: the high, a higher, the higher, No improvement. The sentence expresses an economic principle: as demand increases, price also rises. Concept / Approach: In English, when we use comparative correlatives such as "the more..., the more..." or "the greater..., the higher...", both parts need the article "the" before the comparative adjective. The correct pattern is "The greater the demand, the higher the price." Without "the" before "higher", the sentence sounds incomplete and breaks the parallel structure. Therefore, the best improvement is to insert "the higher" in the second clause. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the structure: "The greater the demand, ______ the price." The first part uses "The greater", signalling a comparative correlative structure. Step 2: Recall the standard pattern: "The + comparative, the + comparative." For example, "The sooner, the better" or "The more you study, the more you learn." Step 3: Examine option (a) "the high". This is not comparative; it uses the positive form "high" instead of "higher". Step 4: Examine option (b) "a higher". The article "a" breaks the parallelism and is not used in such correlative sentences. Step 5: Examine option (c) "the higher". This exactly matches the required comparative structure: "the higher the price". Step 6: Examine option (d) "No improvement". This would leave "higher the price" without "the", which is ungrammatical in this pattern. Step 7: Conclude that "the higher" is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence with the chosen option: "The greater the demand, the higher the price." This is a standard economic statement and reads naturally. Compare with similar expressions: "The stronger the wind, the colder it feels" or "The more you practise, the more confident you become." In each case, both comparatives are preceded by "the". The pattern is well established in English and supports the choice of "the higher". Why Other Options Are Wrong: the high: Uses the positive adjective "high" instead of the comparative "higher", breaking the comparative relationship. a higher: The article "a" is not used in correlative comparatives; it would be "a higher price", but the sentence structure requires "the higher the price". No improvement: The original "higher the price" is missing the article "the" and does not fit the correlative pattern correctly. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes treat comparative correlatives as two separate clauses and forget that both parts should mirror each other in form. As a result, they omit "the" before the second comparative. To avoid this, remember the fixed pattern: "The + comparative ..., the + comparative ...". Whenever you see a sentence beginning with "The more..." or "The greater...", check that the second part begins with "the" plus another comparative adjective or adverb. Final Answer: The correct improvement is "the higher", giving the full sentence: "The greater the demand, the higher the price."

Question 15

In the following sentence on idiomatic usage and word choice, the underlined expression needs improvement. Choose the option that best replaces the underlined words, or select “No improvement” if the sentence is already correct. His appointment as c…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of a common English idiom that is frequently used in competitive examinations and formal writing. The phrase in focus is feather in his wing, which appears in the sentence about someone's appointment as a coach. The learner has to recognise which idiomatic expression is standard and natural in English, and which forms are incorrect or awkward. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is about a person who has been appointed as a coach. The underlined part suggests a positive achievement or honour. The expression feather in his wing appears in the original sentence. The options provide slightly different idiomatic variations involving feather, hat, cap, wing, or no improvement. Concept / Approach: English has a fixed idiom a feather in someone's cap. It means an achievement, honour, or success that adds to a person's reputation. Idioms usually have fixed wording. Changing one key word, such as cap to hat or wing, breaks the idiom and makes the phrase sound wrong to a fluent speaker. Therefore, the task is to recall the correct fixed idiom and eliminate the incorrect or non standard variants. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence describes a positive achievement, namely his appointment as coach. Step 2: Recall the idiom that describes an achievement added to a person's record, which is a feather in his cap. Step 3: Compare this standard form with the versions given in the options. Step 4: Notice that feather in his cap appears exactly in option c. Step 5: Recognise that expressions like feather in his hat or feather in his wing are not standard idioms in English. Verification / Alternative check: If you consult good dictionaries or usage guides, they all record the idiom as a feather in someone's cap. You are very unlikely to see feather in his wing or badge in his hat used in the same positive, idiomatic sense. In exam style questions that test idioms, the examiner expects the candidate to choose the exact textbook version of the idiom, not a loose variation. That confirms that option c is the only fully correct and idiomatic choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a (a new badge in his hat) does not correspond to any standard idiom, so it sounds invented and unnatural in this context. Option b (another feather in his hat) is close but still wrong because the idiom uses cap, not hat. Option d (another jewel in his wing) is completely non idiomatic and confusing, because wings are not associated with this expression. Option e (no improvement) is incorrect because the original phrase feather in his wing is not a recognised idiom in English. Common Pitfalls: Learners often think that idioms are flexible, so they replace one noun with another similar noun such as cap and hat. However, idioms are fixed expressions, and even small changes can make them wrong. Another pitfall is reading too quickly and assuming that feather in his wing is correct because it looks similar to a known phrase. In exam conditions, it is important to slow down and match the idiom exactly with what you have seen in reliable study material. Final Answer: The standard and correct idiomatic expression is another feather in his cap, so option c is the best improvement.

Question 16

In the following sentence on articles and noun phrases, the underlined part needs improvement. Choose the option that best corrects the sentence, or select No improvement if it is already correct. The majority of the rain fed Indian rivers either dr…

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Introduction / Context: This question checks understanding of article usage and countable nouns in English grammar. The sentence describes what happens to rain fed Indian rivers after the monsoon, and the candidate must choose the grammatically correct version of the underlined part. The focus is on whether the noun trickle needs an article and whether subject verb agreement is correct. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is the majority of the rain fed Indian rivers, which is treated as a plural idea in common usage. The verbs attached to this subject are either dry up or become trickle. The noun trickle is a countable singular noun when used in this sense. The sentence describes a general pattern that happens after the monsoon season. Concept / Approach: In English, when we use a singular countable noun like trickle to refer to one small flow, we usually need an article such as a. The phrase become trickle without an article is unnatural. Also, the verb form should agree with the plural idea the majority of the rivers, which takes a plural verb dry instead of dries in normal modern usage. Therefore, we need to keep the plural verb dry up and add the article a before trickle. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main subject: the majority of the rain fed Indian rivers, which refers to many rivers. Step 2: Recognise that for this kind of subject, standard modern English usually uses a plural verb such as dry up. Step 3: Examine the noun trickle and recall that it is a singular countable noun when used to mean a small thin flow of water. Step 4: Apply the rule that singular countable nouns require an article or another determiner, so we need a trickle. Step 5: Combine the correct verb and noun phrase to get either dry up or become a trickle after the monsoon. Verification / Alternative check: We can read the final sentence aloud: The majority of the rain fed Indian rivers either dry up or become a trickle after the monsoon. This sounds natural and grammatically complete. If we remove the article and say become trickle, the phrase sounds incomplete. If we use a singular verb like dries with the plural idea of rivers, that also sounds wrong in modern standard usage. Grammar reference books confirm that with a plural idea like majority of the rivers, a plural verb is acceptable and common, and a singular countable noun needs an article. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a uses the trickle, which is possible but less natural here, because we are not talking about one specific known trickle. Option c uses dries for the majority of the rivers, which reads as a mismatch between subject and verb. Option d contains an trickle, which is incorrect because an is used before vowel sounds, and trickle begins with a consonant sound. Option e, no improvement, is wrong because become trickle without an article is grammatically defective. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes overlook the need for articles with singular countable nouns, especially when the focus is on verbs like dry up. Another common mistake is confusion around majority, which looks singular but often takes a plural verb when it clearly refers to many items. Exam questions like this target those small details. Careful reading and checking each noun phrase and verb separately can prevent these errors. Final Answer: The corrected and most natural form is either dry up or become a trickle after the monsoon, which appears in option b.

Question 17

Read the passage about personalised diets, genomics, and healthy eating, and then answer the comprehension question. According to the passage, what are the scientists described in the text doing in their labs and research centres around the world?

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Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question is based on a passage about future food science, genomics, and personalised nutrition. The passage explains how scientists are working to match our genes with our taste preferences so that one day our favourite foods will also be the healthiest foods for us. The question asks what the scientists are actually doing, so the reader has to focus on the key activity described in the text. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage talks about a revolution in how people eat. It explains that scientists are working in labs and research centres around the world. The scientists aim to match human genes with taste buds. The goal is to create personalised diets that fight disease and improve health. The question asks directly: what are scientists doing. Concept / Approach: For a detail based comprehension question, the correct approach is to locate the sentence or sentences in the passage that mention scientists and their work. Then, the reader should paraphrase that information and compare it with each option. The correct option has to preserve the central idea that scientists are racing to match genes and taste buds to create a perfect, personalised diet. Any option that adds unrelated aims, such as making people taller, or ignores the gene and diet connection, must be rejected. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or find the sentence in the passage that mentions scientists and their activity. Step 2: Note the precise description: scientists are racing to match our genes and our taste buds, creating the perfect diet for each of us. Step 3: Look at option a and see that it states racing in laboratories to match our genes with our taste buds in order to create the perfect diet, which closely reflects the passage. Step 4: Check option b, which talks about asking everyone to start strict dieting, but the passage does not mention this as the main action. Step 5: Check options c, d, and e, which talk about making people taller, replacing food with medicines, or only weighing obese people, none of which is supported by the passage. Verification / Alternative check: If we read the key segment of the passage again, we see that the description is very clear. The scientists are not mainly concerned with weight loss programs, height change, or replacing meals. They are trying to design a personalised diet that works with a person's genetic code. Option a is the only one that accurately summarises this activity. Good reading comprehension practice involves checking whether each option can be traced back word for word or idea for idea to a portion of the passage. Only option a passes this test. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b exaggerates the dieting aspect and ignores the gene based matching described in the text. Option c introduces height and body size, which are not mentioned in the context of what the scientists are doing. Option d talks about medicines replacing food, which is not part of the passage's description. Option e focuses on weighing obese people, which again is not the main work mentioned for scientists. All of these options add new ideas that are not supported by the passage, so they are incorrect. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake in comprehension questions is to select an option that sounds generally related to health or food but does not precisely match what the passage states. Sometimes students also choose options that reflect their own assumptions about what scientists might do, instead of what the text actually says. To avoid this, it is important to base the answer strictly on the given passage and not on outside knowledge or guesswork. Final Answer: According to the passage, scientists are racing in laboratories and research centres to match our genes with our taste buds in order to create the perfect diet for each person, so option a is correct.

Question 18

Read the passage about genomics, personalised diets, and healthy eating, and then answer the question. According to food scientist J Bruce German, what does he say about the relationship between the foods we like and what is healthy for us?

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Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a specific statement made by food scientist J Bruce German in the reading passage. The passage discusses how future food science and genomics may allow people to eat diets that match both their health needs and their taste preferences. The exam question asks the learner to identify exactly what J Bruce German says about the foods we like and their healthiness. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage directly quotes J Bruce German. His statement is about foods we like the most and their health value. The passage explains that future diets will be personalised according to genetics. The question asks for an accurate restatement of his quote. Concept / Approach: This is a direct factual question that tests careful reading. The correct method is to recall or locate the exact quotation and then choose the option that repeats that idea without distortion. The quote in the passage says that the foods we like the most will be the most healthy for us. Any option that reverses this relationship or changes the meaning should be rejected. The task is not to reason or guess but to match the wording and sense of the original statement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remember that the passage quotes J Bruce German: The foods we like the most will be the most healthy for us. Step 2: Look at option a and see that it repeats the same idea clearly and positively, stating that foods we like most will be most healthy. Step 3: Examine option b, which claims that the foods we like are usually not healthy, which is the exact opposite of the quoted statement. Step 4: Examine option c, which suggests that only healthy foods can be liked by humans, which goes beyond what he says and changes the meaning. Step 5: Examine options d and e, which introduce ideas about food scientists and unrelated genes and taste buds, none of which represent the quotation accurately. Verification / Alternative check: If we check again, the original passage uses the quotation to show an optimistic future in which taste and health will align perfectly. The very purpose of the quote is to emphasise that personal favourites can also be the most beneficial foods. Therefore any negative or contradictory option cannot be correct. Option a is the only answer that preserves the direction of the relationship between liking and healthiness described by J Bruce German. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b reverses the meaning and says that liked foods are not healthy, which contradicts the passage. Option c suggests a universal rule that only healthy foods can ever be liked, which is not stated and is too extreme. Option d turns the statement into a comment about what food scientists personally like, which is not the focus. Option e talks about taste buds and genes being unrelated to health, whereas the entire passage is built on the idea that genomics links those aspects together. Hence, all of these options misrepresent the original quote. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to assume that the correct answer must sound more serious or strict about health, for example by claiming that tasty food is usually unhealthy. However, this passage is deliberately optimistic and surprising, so the correct answer may go against common assumptions. Another pitfall is not paying attention to small words like most and most healthy, which define the exact relationship that the scientist is describing. Final Answer: J Bruce German says that the foods we like the most will be the most healthy for us, so option a is correct.

Question 19

Based on the passage about genomics and personalised nutrition, answer the following question on scientific terminology. What is genomics, as described in the passage about future food and health?

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Introduction / Context: This question checks whether the learner has understood the definition of the scientific term genomics as used in the reading passage. The passage explains how future diets will be based on people's genes and talks about a branch of science that studies genetic information. The question asks the reader to recall that exact definition and select the correct option. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage explicitly defines genomics. It states that genomics maps and describes an individual genetic code. The context is health, disease prevention, and personalised diets. The options include several incorrect or unrelated meanings of the word. Concept / Approach: This is a straightforward definition question. To answer correctly, the reader must locate the part of the passage that introduces the term genomics and then carefully read how it is defined. Comprehension questions of this type reward precise reading rather than general guessing from the word structure. The correct option must mention mapping and describing an individual genetic code, which is the essence of genomics in the passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the sentence from the passage that introduces genomics. Step 2: Note that the passage explains that all this will come to pass thanks to genomics, the science that maps and describes an individual genetic code. Step 3: Compare this wording with option a, which states that genomics is the branch of science that maps and describes an individual genetic code. Step 4: Check option b, which incorrectly connects genomics to years and time spans instead of genes. Step 5: Reject options c, d, and e because they talk about physical maps, general individuals, or cooking methods, none of which match the passage. Verification / Alternative check: Even if a learner had some outside knowledge, it would still match the passage, because genomics is indeed concerned with the structure, function, mapping, and editing of genomes. The passage simplifies this by saying it maps and describes an individual genetic code. That description appears only in option a. All the other options clearly move away from genetics into geography, time measurement, or cooking, which shows they are distractors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b links genomics to years which is more related to chronology and has no connection to genes in the passage. Option c talks about maps in the sense of geography, whereas the passage refers instead to genetic mapping. Option d says genomics describes an individual but fails to mention genes or genetic code, so it is incomplete and misleading. Option e introduces a completely different idea about cooking, which is unrelated to the scientific discussion in the passage. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes pick an option that mentions maps or description but ignore what is being mapped. Because the passage uses the word maps, some may confuse this with geographical maps. The key is to read the full phrase genetic code and to connect it with genomics. Another pitfall is relying only on the root word geno without reading carefully; exam questions are designed to reward those who cross check every important noun in the options. Final Answer: In the context of the passage, genomics is the branch of science that maps and describes an individual genetic code, so option a is correct.

Question 20

From the passage about personalised nutrition and genetic differences, answer the following question. Why, according to the passage, will one common diet not fit everybody in the future?

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Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question focuses on a key idea from the passage: that a single diet plan cannot suit every individual. The passage explains how genes and metabolism differ from person to person, and how future diets will be personalised. The question asks for the specific reason given in the text for why one diet will not fit all. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage discusses genetic differences between individuals. It mentions metabolism as another factor that varies from person to person. The scientist German is quoted as saying that one diet will not fit all. The question requires the exact reasoning given in the passage. Concept / Approach: The correct approach here is to identify the sentence or quotation that explains why one diet cannot be universal. The passage states that since people differ in their genetics and metabolism, one diet will not fit all. Any option that does not mention both genetics and metabolism, or that gives some unrelated reason such as mood, should be rejected. The task is to match the logic of the passage without distortion. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the line in the passage where German says one diet will not fit all. Step 2: Note the explanation connected to that statement: people differ in their genetics and metabolism. Step 3: Compare this explanation with option c, which states that people differ in genetics and metabolism, so their dietary needs are not the same. Step 4: Examine option a, which mentions different food habits but ignores genetic and metabolic differences, so it is incomplete. Step 5: Reject options b, d, and e, which introduce incorrect or off topic reasons that are not in the text. Verification / Alternative check: If we read the relevant part of the passage again, we see that it emphasises scientific reasons for diet differences, not social or emotional reasons. The text highlights inherited predispositions, genetic codes, and daily metabolism as key factors. Therefore, any correct answer must refer to these scientific elements. Option c is the only choice that matches this scientific explanation by naming both genetics and metabolism explicitly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a talks about different habits, which may be true in real life, but that is not the reason the passage offers. Option b strangely claims that genes are identical and cause confusion, which is the opposite of what genomics emphasises. Option d mentions moods, which the passage does not tie to the question of why one diet will not fit all. Option e suggests that restaurants are responsible for diet diversity, which is clearly not part of the scientific argument. Because none of these options matches the passage, they are all incorrect. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to answer based on general knowledge or common sense about food choices instead of the specific reasoning used in the text. Another pitfall is to choose an answer that sounds plausible but leaves out key technical terms such as genetics and metabolism. When a passage uses scientific terminology, exam questions often expect students to include those exact concepts in their answers. Final Answer: According to the passage, one diet will not fit everybody because people differ in their genetics and metabolism, so their dietary needs are not the same, which is option c.

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