Question 1

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains an error in standard English usage: “The goal of personal development is to learn and apply that (1) which enable us to attain emotional well being, understanding and (2) effectiveness, and …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another error spotting question that checks subject verb agreement within a complex sentence containing a relative clause. The sentence describes the goal of personal development and the benefits it brings. The key grammatical issue lies in the verb form that follows the relative pronoun “which.” Recognising the true subject of the clause will help us choose the correct part containing the error. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into three parts: Part 1: “The goal of personal development is to learn and apply that” Part 2: “which enable us to attain emotional well being, understanding and” Part 3: “effectiveness, and to share this knowledge with others.” Option 4 stands for “No error.” We assume that “that which enable us” is intended to refer to some knowledge, skills, or principles that help us attain well being and effectiveness. Concept / Approach: The phrase “that which” in this sentence is treated as a singular idea. It can be understood as “that which enables us” or “what enables us.” When the antecedent is singular, the verb that follows should also be singular to maintain subject verb agreement. However, in the sentence, the verb used is “enable,” which is plural. This mismatch creates a grammatical error. The rest of the sentence about emotional well being, understanding, effectiveness, and sharing knowledge is structurally sound. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the relative clause: “which enable us to attain emotional well being, understanding and effectiveness.” Step 2: Determine the subject of the verb “enable.” It refers back to “that” or “that which,” which expresses a singular idea. Step 3: Apply the rule of subject verb agreement: a singular subject needs a singular verb, so we require “enables,” not “enable.” Step 4: Locate the part that contains this incorrect verb form. The word “enable” appears in Part 2. Step 5: Conclude that Part 2 is the part of the sentence with the grammatical error. Verification / Alternative check: We can rephrase the sentence in a simpler form to check agreement: “The goal is to learn and apply what enables us to attain emotional well being.” Here, it is clear that “what” or “that which” is singular, so “enables” is appropriate. If we tried “what enable us,” the sentence would sound wrong to native speakers and to trained readers. This reinforces that the verb must be singular. Therefore, the incorrect plural verb “enable” in Part 2 confirms that this is where the error lies. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 1 correctly introduces the subject and the infinitive phrase “to learn and apply that,” which is fine in context. Part 3 correctly continues the objects “emotional well being, understanding and effectiveness,” and adds the coordinated infinitive “to share this knowledge with others.” There is no structural error here. Part 4, “No error,” cannot be correct since we have already identified a clear subject verb disagreement in Part 2. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates see several nouns close to the verb and mistakenly match the verb to the nearest plural noun rather than to the true subject. In “that which enable us,” the verb is sometimes wrongly matched with “us,” which is plural, even though “us” is only an object. Always identify the grammatical subject of the clause before deciding on the verb form. Another pitfall is assuming “which” is always plural, which is not true; it follows the number of its antecedent. Final Answer: The error occurs in Part 2, because the verb should be “enables,” not “enable,” to agree with the singular idea “that which.”

Question 2

In the following sentence, choose the most appropriate preposition to complete the sentence: “The dog runs ______ the street.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks the correct choice of a preposition in a simple sentence involving movement. The sentence describes where the dog runs, and we must choose a preposition that gives a natural and meaningful expression in English. While several prepositions can follow verbs of movement, not all will fit the exact meaning intended here. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: “The dog runs ______ the street.” The options are “of,” “with,” “to,” and “about.” There is no extra context, so we interpret the sentence as a general description of the dog moving around in the street area. We assume standard English as used in general grammar questions. Concept / Approach: The phrase “run about” means to run around in a place in a free and active manner. “The dog runs about the street” suggests that the dog is running here and there in the street. The other prepositions do not create a natural expression in this context. “Run of the street” is incorrect. “Run with the street” is meaningless. “Run to the street” would require an article and would also change the meaning to movement toward the street rather than movement within it. Therefore, “about” is the preposition that best completes the sentence according to normal English usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verb “runs” and the noun “the street” which together require a prepositional phrase. Step 2: Recall common collocations: “run about,” “run along,” “run across,” etc. Step 3: Test each option mentally in the sentence. “Runs of the street” and “runs with the street” clearly sound wrong. Step 4: Consider “runs to the street,” which would describe the dog moving from another place toward the street; this is not clearly supported by the wording “the dog runs ______ the street.” Step 5: Insert “about”: “The dog runs about the street,” which shows lively movement within the area of the street. This fits both meaning and grammar. Verification / Alternative check: We can check with similar examples. Sentences such as “Children run about the playground” and “The kittens ran about the house” are perfectly natural. In all these examples, “about” indicates movement in many directions within a limited space. When we transfer this pattern to “The dog runs about the street,” the usage remains correct. None of the other prepositions produce a commonly accepted idiomatic phrase with “runs” and “the street.” This confirms that “about” is the most appropriate choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “of” usually shows possession or relationship (“the roof of the house”) and does not collocate with “runs” in this structure. “with” suggests accompaniment (“runs with his friend”), but we are not told that the dog is running together with someone or something. “to” expresses direction toward a destination and would require more context or a slightly different structure (“runs to the street” still feels incomplete without an article or clearer context). Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to choose “to” automatically after verbs of movement, because learners remember patterns like “go to school” or “walk to the market.” However, not every movement sentence uses “to”; sometimes the focus is on activity within a place, which often uses “around” or “about.” Another pitfall is ignoring how natural the full phrase sounds. Reading the completed sentence aloud can often reveal which option is truly idiomatic. Final Answer: The correct preposition is about, so the complete sentence is: “The dog runs about the street.”

Question 3

In the following sentence, choose the most appropriate noun to complete the sentence: “We must join hands and stop corruption which is posing ______ in the development of India.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests vocabulary and word choice in a sentence about social and national development. The verb “posing” is often followed by a noun that expresses a difficulty, danger, or problem. The sentence talks about corruption affecting the development of India, so we must choose the noun that correctly describes what corruption is causing in that development. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: “We must join hands and stop corruption which is posing ______ in the development of India.” The options are “tolerance,” “radiance,” “hindrance,” and “relevance.” The topic is clearly negative: corruption harms or obstructs progress. We assume standard usage as in competitive exams where collocations like “pose a threat,” “pose a danger,” or “pose a hindrance” are tested. Concept / Approach: The noun “hindrance” means an obstruction, obstacle, or something that slows down or prevents progress. This fits perfectly with the idea that corruption blocks the development of a country. The phrase “pose a hindrance” is also a natural collocation. The other options are either positive words or unrelated in meaning. “Tolerance” is generally positive, “radiance” refers to brightness or glow, and “relevance” deals with being related to a topic. None of these represent a negative obstacle. Therefore, “hindrance” is the only option that matches both meaning and usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key verb phrase “is posing,” which hints that the following noun should indicate a problem or obstacle. Step 2: Consider the context: corruption and development of India. Logically, corruption slows or blocks development. Step 3: Match each option with this idea. “Hindrance” directly means obstacle, which fits perfectly. Step 4: Check whether the collocation “pose a hindrance” is acceptable in English; it is natural and commonly used. Step 5: Reject other options that do not present a negative or obstructive sense. Verification / Alternative check: We can test each option in the sentence. “Posing tolerance” sounds incorrect because tolerance is positive and not something that corruption normally creates in development. “Posing radiance” does not make sense because radiance is associated with light or beauty. “Posing relevance” is also unnatural, since relevance is not something usually “posed” by corruption. “Posing hindrance,” however, clearly communicates that corruption is creating obstacles to India's development. This confirms that “hindrance” is the correct option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “tolerance” suggests acceptance or patience, which does not fit the negative effect of corruption on development. “radiance” refers to light or brightness and has nothing to do with the negative impact described here. “relevance” expresses the quality of being related or important to a subject, which does not logically follow the verb “posing” in this context. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may choose a word simply because it sounds formal or because they have seen it in other sentences. It is important to connect meaning, context, and collocation. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the negative context surrounding “corruption.” Whenever you see a verb like “pose” with a negative subject like “corruption,” think of negative nouns such as “threat,” “danger,” or “hindrance.” Final Answer: The correct noun is hindrance, so the full sentence is: “We must join hands and stop corruption which is posing hindrance in the development of India.”

Question 4

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word “Sustenance.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to select the option that best matches the meaning of the word “sustenance.” Such words often appear in reading comprehension and general awareness passages. Understanding “sustenance” is important because it is commonly used in contexts related to food, support, survival, and livelihood. Given Data / Assumptions: We are given the single word “Sustenance” and four options: “Extras,” “Injury,” “Aid,” and “Blockage.” No sentence is given, so we rely on the general dictionary meaning and usual usage of the word. We assume standard modern English usage as in newspapers and textbooks. Concept / Approach: “Sustenance” refers to something that keeps a person, animal, or organisation alive or in existence. It often means food and drink regarded as a source of strength, or more broadly, support and aid required for survival. Among the options, “Aid” is the closest in meaning because it refers to help, support, or assistance that allows someone or something to continue. “Extras,” “Injury,” and “Blockage” have unrelated meanings and cannot be considered synonyms for “sustenance.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the general meaning of “sustenance.” It is what sustains life, such as nourishment or support. Step 2: Compare each option with this idea. “Aid” means help or support, which is very close to the idea of sustaining someone. Step 3: Consider “Extras,” which refers to additional things that are not essential, clearly different from basic sustenance. Step 4: Consider “Injury,” which means harm or damage, and “Blockage,” which means an obstruction; both are negative and opposite to the idea of support. Step 5: Conclude that “Aid” is the best synonym in this list. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by using “sustenance” in sample sentences. For example, “Farmers rely on the land for sustenance” means they depend on it for their livelihood and food. Another sentence could be “The charity provides sustenance for the homeless,” meaning it offers food and support. In both examples, we can mentally replace “sustenance” with “aid” or “support” and the sentences still make sense. Replacing it with “extras,” “injury,” or “blockage” would break the meaning completely. This confirms that “Aid” is the appropriate choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Extras” refers to additional non essential items, the opposite of the basic support implied by “sustenance.” “Injury” means harm or damage, which acts against survival and support rather than sustaining it. “Blockage” is an obstruction that prevents flow or progress and does not match the supportive meaning of “sustenance.” Common Pitfalls: Sometimes learners confuse “sustenance” with “substance” because they look and sound somewhat similar. However, “substance” has a broader meaning that includes material, matter, or even the main content of an argument. Another pitfall is choosing an option because it feels sophisticated without checking meaning. In vocabulary questions, always think of example sentences and see whether the replacement still works. Final Answer: The word “Sustenance” is best expressed by Aid, as both convey the idea of support or means of living.

Question 5

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word “Conscientious.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question focuses on the adjective “conscientious,” a word frequently used in professional, academic, and ethical discussions. It describes the quality of a person who takes great care to do what is right and to perform duties with seriousness and honesty. Recognising the meaning of this word helps in understanding descriptions of character and work ethic in reading passages. Given Data / Assumptions: The word given is “Conscientious.” The options are “Concentrated,” “Honest,” “Scientific,” and “False.” We assume the word is used in its common sense of describing a person or action guided by conscience and a sense of duty. Concept / Approach: “Conscientious” comes from the word “conscience,” which is our inner sense of right and wrong. A conscientious person is careful, responsible, and guided by a strong moral sense. Such a person is honest and diligent in performing tasks. Among the options provided, “Honest” captures the moral and upright aspect of “conscientious” better than the others. “Concentrated” describes mental focus, not moral quality. “Scientific” refers to something based on science or systematic study. “False” is directly negative and almost opposite to what “conscientious” implies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of “conscientious”: careful, thorough, and governed by a sense of right and wrong. Step 2: Evaluate “Honest.” An honest person is truthful and upright, qualities strongly associated with conscience and responsibility. Step 3: Check “Concentrated.” This relates mainly to focus and attention, not to moral responsibility or duty. Step 4: Check “Scientific,” which relates to science and method, again not linked specifically to moral conscience. Step 5: Reject “False,” which suggests dishonesty and is clearly incompatible with the idea of being conscientious. Verification / Alternative check: Consider typical usage: “She is a conscientious worker” means she works carefully, responsibly, and honestly. If we replace “conscientious” with “honest” in many such sentences, the essential moral meaning is preserved, even though “conscientious” also suggests thoroughness. Replacing it with “concentrated” or “scientific” would change the sense completely. Another example: “He made a conscientious effort to correct his mistake.” Here, the effort is sincere and morally guided, which connects naturally with honesty and responsibility. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Concentrated” refers to focused attention or a strong solution in chemistry, not to moral character or duty. “Scientific” describes things related to science, experiments, or systematic study, but does not convey honesty or moral care by itself. “False” is the opposite of true or genuine and conflicts directly with the positive, upright nature of a conscientious person. Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is assuming that all complicated words must connect to academic or technical areas like science. Another is ignoring the root “conscience” inside “conscientious,” which clearly hints at morality. When dealing with vocabulary, noticing word roots can be very helpful: “conscience” leads to “conscientious,” just as “science” leads to “scientific.” Recognising this connection guides you toward meanings related to right and wrong rather than to study or concentration. Final Answer: The word “Conscientious” is best expressed by Honest, as it describes a person who acts with moral integrity and careful responsibility.

Question 6

In the following question, choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the word “Resolute.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of antonyms, specifically the opposite of the adjective “resolute.” Antonym questions are common in competitive exams and help evaluate how well you understand shades of meaning in descriptive words. “Resolute” describes a particular type of strong and firm character, so we must identify an option that contrasts with that firmness. Given Data / Assumptions: The word given is “Resolute.” The options are “Agreeable,” “Determined,” “Constant,” and “Faithful.” We assume the standard meaning of “resolute” as “firmly decided” or “determined in purpose.” Concept / Approach: “Resolute” refers to someone who has strong determination and does not easily change decisions. The closest synonym in the list is “Determined.” “Constant” and “Faithful” also point toward firmness and loyalty, which are related ideas rather than opposites. The most suitable antonym among the options is “Agreeable,” which suggests a person who is more likely to bend, adjust, or comply rather than stand firm on a decision. While “agreeable” does not mean weak, it contrasts with the stubborn firmness implied by “resolute.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that “resolute” means firm, unwavering, and strongly determined. Step 2: Compare each option with this meaning. “Determined” clearly matches the sense of resolute and is therefore a synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: “Constant” implies steady and unchanging, which again is close to being resolute. Step 4: “Faithful” suggests loyal and devoted, which often accompanies firm decisions and is not an opposite idea. Step 5: “Agreeable” describes someone pleasant, willing to agree or adapt, which contrasts with the strong, unyielding nature of a resolute person. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by using the words in simple character descriptions. “He is a resolute leader” implies that he stands firmly by his decisions. “He is a determined leader” conveys a similar idea. “He is a constant and faithful friend” also suggests reliability and firmness. In contrast, “He is an agreeable leader” suggests someone who easily agrees with others and is ready to adapt, which may conflict with the idea of being firmly fixed in one decision. This contrast supports choosing “Agreeable” as the antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Determined” is almost a direct synonym of “resolute,” both describing strong will and clear purpose. “Constant” suggests stability over time and is often a positive description of steady behaviour, not an opposite of firm resolve. “Faithful” indicates loyalty and devotion, qualities that often accompany resolute behaviour. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to choose a word that “sounds” different but is actually similar in meaning. For example, “determined” may appear in many contexts alongside “resolute,” but in an antonym question, you must look for contrast, not similarity. Another pitfall is not thinking about how these adjectives function in real sentences describing people's characters or decisions. Always place the word in a sentence mentally and compare how the alternatives would change the description. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to “Resolute” is Agreeable.

Question 7

In the following question, choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the word “Nefarious.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the antonym of the word “nefarious.” Such words frequently appear in articles about crime, corruption, or immoral behaviour. Knowing the meaning and the opposite of “nefarious” helps you understand strong negative judgments in written English. Given Data / Assumptions: The word given is “Nefarious.” The options are “Evil,” “Pleasing,” “Rotten,” and “Infernal.” We assume the word is used in its common sense of describing wicked or criminal actions. Concept / Approach: “Nefarious” means extremely wicked, immoral, or villainous, especially in the context of actions or plans. It has a strong negative meaning. Therefore, its antonym must carry a clearly positive or at least non evil sense. Among the options, “Pleasing” is the only positive word, suggesting something agreeable or enjoyable. The other three words “Evil,” “Rotten,” and “Infernal” all share negative or harmful connotations and are closer to synonyms than opposites of “nefarious.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that “nefarious” refers to things that are wicked, villainous, or morally corrupt. Step 2: Evaluate “Evil.” It is very close in meaning to “nefarious,” so it is a synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: Evaluate “Rotten.” Although it can literally refer to decayed matter, in a figurative sense it also describes something morally bad or corrupt, again negative. Step 4: Evaluate “Infernal,” which means relating to hell or extremely troublesome, and is also strongly negative. Step 5: Notice that “Pleasing” is the only option with a positive or agreeable sense, and so it serves as the opposite of “nefarious.” Verification / Alternative check: We can use “nefarious” in a sample sentence: “The police uncovered a nefarious plot to cheat investors.” The opposite description would be a “fair” or “pleasing” plan that benefits people rather than harming them. If we try to replace “nefarious” with “evil,” the meaning is nearly the same. Replacing it with “rotten” or “infernal” keeps the tone negative. Only “pleasing” reverses the emotional tone to something positive, which is what an antonym should do. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Evil” means morally bad or wicked and therefore closely matches “nefarious” in meaning. “Rotten” is often used figuratively for corrupt or morally low situations, again aligning with “nefarious.” “Infernal” suggests something hellish or extremely annoying and also remains negative, not opposite. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to choose a familiar negative word under pressure without checking whether the question asks for a synonym or an antonym. Another mistake is to focus on the emotional strength of the word rather than its positive or negative direction. When dealing with antonyms, always ask whether the new word changes the overall feeling of the sentence from negative to positive or vice versa. If it does not change the emotional direction, it is probably not a true antonym. Final Answer: The correct antonym of “Nefarious” is Pleasing, because it carries a positive sense opposite to the wickedness implied by “nefarious.”

Question 8

Rearrange the parts of the sentence to form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence: “Today India looks P: to be on course Q: of developed nations R: to join the league.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to rearrange jumbled sentence parts into a coherent and grammatically correct statement. Such questions measure understanding of sentence structure, logical flow, and the correct order of phrases. Here, the sentence talks about the progress of India and its position among developed nations. Given Data / Assumptions: We are given three parts: P: “to be on course” Q: “of developed nations” R: “to join the league” The fixed opening is “Today India looks,” and we must choose the correct sequence of P, Q, and R from the options “PRQ,” “QRP,” “RPQ,” and “PQR.” We assume that the final sentence should be meaningful and grammatically standard. Concept / Approach: The sentence is likely to express the idea that India is progressing in such a way that it may soon become part of the group of developed nations. The natural English expression is “to be on course to join the league of developed nations.” First we need an infinitive phrase to follow “looks,” then a complement describing the league. The phrase “to be on course” fits immediately after “looks,” because “looks to be on course” is a natural expression. Then “to join the league” explains what course it is on, followed by “of developed nations,” which completes the noun phrase “league of developed nations.” This gives the order P R Q. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed beginning: “Today India looks ...” Step 2: Decide what can follow “looks.” The phrase P, “to be on course,” fits smoothly: “Today India looks to be on course.” Step 3: Next, we need to say what this course is for. R, “to join the league,” provides this: “to be on course to join the league.” Step 4: Finally, Q, “of developed nations,” completes the noun phrase “the league of developed nations.” Step 5: The complete sentence becomes: “Today India looks to be on course to join the league of developed nations.” This matches the sequence P R Q. Verification / Alternative check: We can test the other sequences quickly. “PQR” would give “to be on course of developed nations to join the league,” which is awkward and ungrammatical because “on course of” is not a natural phrase and the league phrase is misplaced. “QRP” starting with “of developed nations” does not follow directly from “Today India looks.” “RPQ” would give “to join the league to be on course of developed nations,” which again sounds clumsy and incorrect. Reading all four combinations shows that only “PRQ” forms a smooth and correct sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “QRP” begins with “of developed nations,” which cannot directly follow “looks” without a noun before “of.” “RPQ” misplaces “to join the league” immediately after “looks,” creating an awkward structure when combined with “to be on course of developed nations.” “PQR” produces “on course of developed nations to join the league,” which does not follow idiomatic English patterns and confuses the meaning. Common Pitfalls: Students often rush through rearrangement questions and rely only on guessing, but careful reading reveals strong structural clues. Expressions like “to be on course to do something” and “league of developed nations” are standard collocations. Recognising these fixed expressions makes it much easier to determine the correct order. A useful technique is to identify valid phrases and then treat them as blocks when reordering. Final Answer: The correct order is PRQ, giving the sentence: “Today India looks to be on course to join the league of developed nations.”

Question 9

A sentence has been given in the Active Voice. Choose the option that best expresses the same sentence in the Passive Voice: “Lily was making a fort.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of voice change, specifically from Active to Passive Voice in the past continuous tense. The given active sentence “Lily was making a fort” describes an action in progress in the past. When we convert such a sentence into the passive, we must preserve both the tense and the continuous nature of the action. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: “Lily was making a fort.” Subject: “Lily” Verb: “was making” (past continuous) Object: “a fort” We must transform this into a passive structure where “a fort” becomes the subject, and the agent “Lily” appears in a by phrase if necessary. Concept / Approach: To change from active to passive, we move the object to the subject position, use the appropriate form of “to be” plus the past participle of the main verb, and introduce the original subject with “by” if we wish to mention it. For the past continuous tense, the passive structure is “was/were being + past participle.” The main verb here is “make,” whose past participle is “made.” Therefore, the correct passive form is “A fort was being made by Lily.” This keeps the sense of an ongoing action in the past and properly changes the focus from doer to receiver of the action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the tense: “was making” indicates past continuous. Step 2: Move the object “a fort” to the beginning of the sentence to become the new subject. Step 3: Use the auxiliary verb “was” for singular subject “a fort,” add “being” to express the continuous aspect, and use the past participle “made.” Step 4: Add the agent with “by Lily” at the end. Step 5: The resulting passive sentence is: “A fort was being made by Lily.” Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by converting back to active voice. Starting from “A fort was being made by Lily,” we move “Lily” back to the subject position and “a fort” to the object position, keeping the tense: “Lily was making a fort.” This confirms that the original meaning is preserved. Any option that changes the tense (for example, simple past) or drops the continuous aspect would be incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Lily made a fort.” changes the tense to simple past and remains in active voice, so it does not answer the requirement of a passive transformation. “A fort made by Lily.” is a phrase, not a complete sentence; it lacks the auxiliary verb “was” or “was being.” “A fort got made by Lily.” uses an informal “got” passive and shifts away from the clear past continuous structure, making it unsuitable for formal exam contexts. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes forget to include “being” when converting continuous tenses into the passive, resulting in sentences like “A fort was made by Lily,” which belongs to simple past, not past continuous. Others may overuse “got” and produce colloquial structures that are not appropriate for examinations. Always remember the pattern: past continuous active “was/were + verb ing” becomes passive “was/were being + past participle.” Final Answer: The correct passive form is “A fort was being made by Lily.”

Question 10

A sentence has been given in Direct Speech. Choose the option that best expresses the same sentence in Indirect Speech: “Sita said, ‘Will he listen to such a man?’”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your knowledge of converting a yes or no question from Direct to Indirect Speech. The direct sentence “Sita said, ‘Will he listen to such a man?’” is an interrogative sentence in the future tense. In reported speech, we must change the reporting verb, adjust the word order, and shift the tense correctly while keeping the meaning intact. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: “Sita said, ‘Will he listen to such a man?’” Reporting verb: “said” Question inside quotes: “Will he listen to such a man?” We must convert this into a reported yes or no question, typically introduced by “if” or “whether,” and change “will” to “would” in indirect speech. Concept / Approach: When we convert a direct yes or no question to indirect speech, the reporting verb “said” usually changes to “asked” because a question is being reported. The auxiliary verb comes after the subject instead of before it, because the sentence shifts from interrogative word order to normal statement order. Tense is shifted back one step: “will” becomes “would.” The conjunction “whether” (or “if”) introduces the reported question. Therefore, “Sita said, ‘Will he listen to such a man?’” becomes “Sita asked whether he would listen to such a man.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Change the reporting verb to reflect a question: “said” becomes “asked.” Step 2: Introduce the reported clause with “whether” or “if,” since this is a yes or no question. Step 3: Reverse the word order from question form “Will he listen” to statement form “he would listen.” Step 4: Apply backshift of tense: “will” in direct speech becomes “would” in indirect speech. Step 5: Combine all elements: “Sita asked whether he would listen to such a man.” Verification / Alternative check: Imagine someone reporting the question later: “Sita asked whether he would listen to such a man.” If we convert this back to direct speech, we get “Sita said, ‘Will he listen to such a man?’” which matches the original sentence. This shows that the transformation is correct. Any option that does not use “asked,” fails to use “whether/if,” or keeps the original tense “will” is grammatically incomplete or incorrect for formal reported speech. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “Sita said would we listen to such a man.” changes the subject to “we” and keeps a confusing interrogative pattern, which is incorrect. Option B: “Sita ask if he would listen to such a man.” has a wrong verb form “ask” instead of “asked” and does not match the original reporting structure fully. Option C: “Sita said would I listen to such a man.” incorrectly changes the subject to “I,” altering the meaning. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to shift the tense, leaving “will” unchanged, or they forget to change the word order from question form to statement form. Another frequent mistake is keeping the reporting verb as “said” even when a question is being reported. To avoid these errors, remember three key steps: change “said” to “asked,” introduce “if” or “whether,” and backshift the tense. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech form is “Sita asked whether he would listen to such a man.”

Question 11

In the following question, a word has been written in four different ways. Choose the correctly spelt form of the word meaning “impossible to resist.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question asks you to select the correct form of a common English adjective meaning “impossible to resist.” Spelling questions often focus on words where similar patterns cause confusion, including endings like “able” and “ible,” or the presence of double consonants. Given Data / Assumptions: The four spellings given are: “Irresistable,” “Irresistible,” “Iresistible,” and “Iresistable.” We know the word refers to something extremely attractive or tempting, often used as “irresistible offer,” “irresistible charm,” or “irresistible food.” We assume standard modern English spelling as used in dictionaries and exams. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is “Irresistible,” with the pattern “ir + resist + ible.” The base verb is “resist.” The prefix “ir” is a negative marker similar to “in” and is used before words starting with “r.” The suffix that attaches is “ible,” not “able,” because in many Latin based words, “ible” is used after certain roots. The double “r” appears because the prefix “ir” ends with “r” and the base “resist” begins with “r.” Therefore, the only correct full spelling is “Irresistible.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the base word “resist” meaning to oppose or withstand. Step 2: Add the negative prefix “ir,” which is used before words beginning with “r” to create a negative meaning, giving “irresist.” Step 3: Attach the correct adjective suffix “ible” to form “irresistible.” Step 4: Check that the word now correctly means “that cannot be resisted.” Step 5: Compare this pattern with the options and select the one that matches exactly. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by recalling familiar usage: newspapers and books consistently write “irresistible temptation,” “irresistible smile,” and “irresistible force” using the “ible” ending. Dictionaries list “irresistible” with this spelling. Any form ending in “able,” such as “irresistable,” is considered incorrect. Similarly, removing one “r” as in “Iresistible” breaks the prefix pattern and is wrong. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Irresistable” wrongly uses the “able” ending instead of “ible.” “Iresistible” drops one “r,” thus losing the correct prefix “ir” plus base “resist” structure. “Iresistable” combines both errors: it has only one “r” and the incorrect “able” ending. Common Pitfalls: Learners frequently confuse when to use “able” and when to use “ible” at the end of adjectives. A helpful strategy is to remember the base verb and check dictionary patterns: many words derived from Latin roots use “ible,” such as “visible,” “audible,” and “flexible.” Another pitfall is forgetting how negative prefixes change form: “in” becomes “im,” “ir,” or “il” before certain consonants. For example, “regular” becomes “irregular,” which matches the “irresistible” pattern. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is Irresistible.

Question 12

In the following passage, choose the most appropriate preposition to complete the sentence: “While language as the medium ______ thought may be compared to air as the medium of the sun's influence...”

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Introduction / Context: This question checks understanding of how prepositions link nouns in abstract phrases. The sentence compares language to a medium through which thought operates, similar to how air is a medium for the sun's influence. To express this relationship correctly, we need the preposition that naturally connects “medium” and “thought.” Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence begins: “While language as the medium ______ thought may be compared to air as the medium of the sun's influence...” The options are “from,” “of,” “for,” and “to.” We assume the writer is using standard philosophical or linguistic English, where “medium of thought” is a common phrase. Concept / Approach: The expression “medium of thought” is standard in English, meaning the substance or channel by which thought is expressed or carried. We commonly say “medium of communication,” “medium of exchange,” or “medium of instruction.” In all these phrases, the preposition “of” connects “medium” with the thing being carried or expressed. Therefore, the correct preposition is “of.” The other options do not form accepted collocations in this abstract context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the fixed collocation: “medium of something” is widely used in English. Step 2: Replace the blank with “of” to get “language as the medium of thought.” Step 3: Check if the phrase makes conceptual sense: language serves as the medium through which thinking is expressed. Step 4: Compare with “air as the medium of the sun's influence,” which also uses “of” to link medium and cause. Step 5: Reject the other prepositions as they do not produce correct or natural expressions in this context. Verification / Alternative check: We can test each option. “Medium from thought” sounds like thought is the source of the medium, which is not the intended meaning. “Medium for thought” can appear in casual usage, but in this highly structured analogy, “medium of thought” is more precise and matches “medium of the sun's influence.” “Medium to thought” is ungrammatical in this structure. Consistency within the sentence also supports “of,” since the second half already has “medium of the sun's influence.” Using “of” in both places maintains parallel structure. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “from” indicates origin or source, which does not match the idea that language is the channel through which thought moves. “for” sometimes appears in phrases like “tool for thought,” but “medium for thought” is less standard and would break the neat parallel with “medium of the sun's influence.” “to” is typically used to indicate direction or purpose and does not collocate here. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to choose “for” after the word “medium” because many nouns are followed by “for” in other contexts. However, with “medium,” the more typical pattern is “medium of.” Another pitfall is ignoring the parallel structure in sentences. When the writer intentionally repeats a pattern, matching the preposition often helps to identify the correct answer. Final Answer: The correct preposition is of, giving the phrase: “language as the medium of thought.”

Question 13

In the following passage, choose the most appropriate word to complete the expression: “While language as the medium of thought may be compared to air as the medium of the sun's influence, in other ______ it is like the skin of the body...”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of a common English idiom “in other respects,” which is used to compare different aspects or sides of the same thing. The sentence contrasts two ways of viewing language: as a medium of thought and, in another way, as something similar to skin. To express these different aspects clearly, English uses a specific plural noun. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: “While language as the medium of thought may be compared to air as the medium of the sun's influence, in other ______ it is like the skin of the body...” The options are “respectful,” “respectfully,” “respected,” and “respects.” We assume the writer is making a formal comparison and wants to say “in other aspects” or “in other ways.” Concept / Approach: The fixed expression in English is “in other respects,” meaning “in other ways” or “from other points of view.” The noun “respect” in this idiom is used in the plural form “respects” to mean aspects or features. The other forms given in the options either function as adjectives (“respectful”), adverbs (“respectfully”), or past participles (“respected”), none of which fit this specific idiomatic structure. Therefore, “respects” is the only correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the partial idiom “in other ______.” In formal English, this is almost always completed as “in other respects.” Step 2: Understand that “respects” here means “aspects” or “ways.” Step 3: Insert “respects”: “in other respects it is like the skin of the body.” Step 4: Confirm that the sentence now smoothly contrasts two different comparisons of language. Step 5: Check that no other grammatical form fits the idiom or preserves the intended meaning. Verification / Alternative check: We can recall similar sentences from essays and textbooks: “He is careless in some respects but very careful in others,” or “The plan is good in many respects.” In all these cases, the word “respects” is used in the plural to mean aspects. If we tried “respectful” or “respected” in this idiom, the sentences would become ungrammatical or strange. “In other respects” is a standard phrase widely used in formal writing, which confirms that “respects” is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “respectful” is an adjective meaning showing respect, and it cannot complete the phrase “in other respectful” in a grammatically correct way. “respectfully” is an adverb, usually used in polite expressions like “I respectfully disagree,” not after “in other.” “respected” is a past participle or adjective meaning admired, and it also does not fit after “in other.” Common Pitfalls: Learners often see the familiar root “respect” and choose a form without thinking about idioms or fixed phrases. Another pitfall is ignoring the plural “s,” which is very important in the idiom “in other respects.” Remember that some English expressions must be memorised as whole chunks, especially when they carry special meanings that do not follow simple word by word translation. Final Answer: The correct word is respects, giving the expression: “in other respects it is like the skin of the body.”

Question 14

In the following passage, choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete the sentence: “...a scurvy skin shows bad blood within, and a scurvy language shows inaccurate thought ______ a confused mind.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on conjunctions used to connect two related effects in a descriptive sentence. The passage compares the way a diseased skin shows bad blood with the way careless language reveals problems in thinking. The phrase “inaccurate thought ______ a confused mind” needs a connector that adds one result to another. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant part of the sentence is: “a scurvy skin shows bad blood within, and a scurvy language shows inaccurate thought ______ a confused mind.” The options are “and,” “but,” “so,” and “then.” We assume that the writer intends to list two related mental effects produced by poor language: inaccurate thought and a confused mind. Concept / Approach: The structure clearly presents a pair of negative outcomes. In such cases, the simplest and most natural conjunction is “and,” which simply adds one element to another. “Inaccurate thought and a confused mind” states that both problems arise together. The other conjunctions introduce contrast, result, or sequence, which do not fit this pattern of listing two similar consequences. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify what is being connected: “inaccurate thought” and “a confused mind” are both nouns referring to mental states. Step 2: Recognise that the sentence is not contrasting these states, but presenting them as combined effects. Step 3: Insert “and”: “shows inaccurate thought and a confused mind.” Step 4: Read the full sentence to ensure it flows naturally and maintains logical meaning. Step 5: Check that “and” fits better than “but,” “so,” or “then,” which would change the relationship between the two phrases. Verification / Alternative check: We can compare with similar constructions: “This habit causes stress and anxiety,” where “and” simply adds two related results. If we replaced “and” with “but,” the sentence would wrongly suggest a contrast between stress and anxiety. “So” would introduce a conclusion or result, which does not fit when we are merely listing two effects. “Then” would imply sequence in time. In our passage, the focus is on two simultaneous mental conditions resulting from poor language habits. Thus, “and” is the most appropriate conjunction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “but” introduces a contrast or exception, which is not intended here, because inaccurate thought and confusion are not opposites. “so” would suggest that one of the two mental states is a direct consequence of the other, which the sentence does not state explicitly. “then” suggests a sequence in time (“first this happens, then that”), which does not match the idea that both conditions exist together. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students are tempted to choose “so” because they see cause and effect in the wider passage. However, within this specific phrase, the writer is not drawing a conclusion but grouping two similar problems. The safest approach is to look directly at what the conjunction is connecting and ask whether the relationship is addition, contrast, cause, or sequence. When it is clearly additive, “and” is usually correct. Final Answer: The correct conjunction is and, giving the phrase: “shows inaccurate thought and a confused mind.”

Question 15

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Focus on the phrase "so careless use of language __________ indulged reacts on…

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Introduction / Context: This cloze passage uses an extended metaphor to compare language with air and skin, and then warns about the harmful effects of careless language on thought. The specific blank tested here appears in the clause "so careless use of language __________ indulged reacts on the mind". The examiner wants to check whether you can select the most suitable connector to express a conditional relationship between indulging in careless language and the negative reaction it causes in the mind. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant sentence in the passage reads: "so careless use of language __________ indulged reacts on the mind to make it permanently and increasingly careless, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." Options given: of, then, if, at. The writer is describing what happens when careless language is indulged in. The required word must logically connect "careless use of language" with "indulged" and show the condition under which the reaction occurs. Concept / Approach: The passage describes a cause and effect or conditional relationship: when (or if) careless language is indulged, it reacts on the mind and damages thinking. In standard English, a natural way to form this type of condition is with if. The phrase "if indulged" concisely means "if it is indulged in" or "if people indulge in it". The other options either do not fit grammatically or fail to express this conditional idea at all. Even though "once indulged" would also sound good, among the four options offered, if is the only one that maintains both correct grammar and the intended meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the relationship expressed: careless use of language, when allowed or indulged, has a harmful reaction on the mind. Step 2: Recognise that we need a word that introduces a condition: the effect happens only under that condition. Step 3: Test "if": "so careless use of language if indulged reacts on the mind". This can be read as a condensed structure for "if it is indulged, it reacts on the mind" and clearly expresses the condition. Step 4: Test "of": "use of language of indulged" is ungrammatical and breaks the sentence; of does not fit before a past participle in this way. Step 5: Test "then": "language then indulged reacts" sounds awkward and does not correctly link indulgence and reaction as a conditional clause. Step 6: Test "at": "language at indulged reacts" is completely ungrammatical and can be rejected immediately. Step 7: Conclude that only "if" produces a grammatically acceptable and logically meaningful clause that fits the author's argument. Verification / Alternative check: Paraphrase the sentence with a complete conditional clause: "So if careless use of language is indulged, it reacts on the mind to make it permanently and increasingly careless, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." This fully expanded form is clearly correct English and matches the author's warning. Replacing "if" with any of the other options breaks the logic or grammar of the sentence. This confirms that "if" must be the correct choice for the blank. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Of" is wrong because it cannot function as a conditional connector before "indulged". "Then" is wrong because it usually comes after a conditional clause (for example, "if X, then Y") and cannot by itself introduce the condition. "At" is wrong because it expresses location or time, not a condition, and does not fit before a participle in this structure. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink cloze questions and search for rare or technical uses of short words like of or at. However, most exam passages use standard connectors and collocations. Another common mistake is expecting the exact word they would have written (such as "once") and being confused when it does not appear among the options. In such cases, you must choose the closest grammatical and logical fit from the given options, which here is "if". Final Answer: The correct word to complete the blank is if, giving "so careless use of language if indulged reacts on the mind".

Question 16

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Focus on the phrase "to make it permanently and increasingly _____________, il…

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Introduction / Context: This cloze passage uses strong language to warn about how careless linguistic habits can damage mental habits. The particular blank tested here appears in the expression "to make it permanently and increasingly _____________, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." The question checks whether you can select the correct grammatical form of the word related to care so that it fits smoothly with the other adjectives and preserves the author's meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Relevant fragment: "to make it permanently and increasingly _____________, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." Options: carelessness, carelessly, careless, care less. The pronoun "it" clearly refers to "the mind" mentioned earlier in the passage. The three words in the list after "increasingly" must be parallel in grammatical form. Concept / Approach: The passage lists three qualities of the mind: "careless, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." Since illogical and inaccurate are adjectives modifying "it" (the mind), the first word in the list must also be an adjective. Among the options, careless is the adjective; carelessness is a noun, carelessly is an adverb, and care less is an informal verb phrase. Therefore careless is the only choice that both fits grammatically and matches the writer's negative description of mental habits. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the structure of the phrase: increasingly X, illogical, and inaccurate. Step 2: Recognise that illogical and inaccurate are adjectives describing "it" (the mind) and therefore X must also be an adjective for parallelism. Step 3: Examine "carelessness": this is a noun that refers to the quality itself, not an adjective, so it cannot directly modify a pronoun in this position. Step 4: Examine "carelessly": this is an adverb that describes how an action is performed, not what the mind is like, so it does not fit. Step 5: Examine "careless": this is the adjective form meaning not careful, fitting the list structure "careless, illogical, and inaccurate." Step 6: Examine "care less": this is a phrasal verb phrase, as in "I could not care less," and is completely ungrammatical in the slot of a single descriptive word. Step 7: Conclude that "careless" is the only option that maintains correct grammar and meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Reconstruct the full sentence: "so careless use of language if indulged reacts on the mind to make it permanently and increasingly careless, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking." This reads smoothly, maintains parallelism, and clearly describes three negative qualities of thought. If you try "carelessness", the phrase becomes "increasingly carelessness, illogical, and inaccurate", which is obviously incorrect. Similarly, "carelessly" and "care less" do not match the grammar or tone of the passage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Carelessness" is wrong because it is a noun; the sentence requires an adjective. "Carelessly" is wrong because it is an adverb and cannot stand alongside adjectives illogical and inaccurate in this structure. "Care less" is wrong because it is a colloquial verb phrase and completely disrupts the formal tone and grammar of the passage. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake in cloze tests is to focus only on meaning and ignore word class. While "carelessness" and "careless" are related in meaning, only "careless" fits the required grammatical slot. Another pitfall is being misled by spoken phrases like "could not care less", which might make "care less" look familiar, even though it is ungrammatical here. Always check the form (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) demanded by the sentence structure. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the blank is careless, giving "permanently and increasingly careless, illogical, and inaccurate in its thinking."

Question 17

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom "be in two minds".

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Introduction / Context: Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be worked out just by looking at the individual words. The phrase "be in two minds" is a common idiom in everyday English, especially in British usage, and it describes a mental state rather than a literal division into two minds. This question tests whether you know the figurative meaning of the idiom, not whether you interpret it literally. Given Data / Assumptions: Target idiom: "be in two minds". Options: Behave smart at sometime and stupid at other. Unable to decide. Having a split personality disorder. Trying to do two things at the same time. The context is general English vocabulary, not medical or psychological terminology. The idiom is usually followed by "about something": for example, "I am in two minds about accepting the job." Concept / Approach: To "be in two minds about something" means to be uncertain or undecided, as if part of you wants to do one thing and another part wants to do something else. It does not literally refer to intelligence, madness, or personality disorders. Among the given options, "unable to decide" directly captures this sense of hesitation and internal conflict. The other options either over literalise the expression or attach unrelated ideas such as split personality or multitasking. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage: "I am in two minds about moving abroad" means I cannot make up my mind about moving abroad. Step 2: Compare this with the option "Unable to decide." Being unable to decide is exactly what the idiom expresses: you have not reached a firm decision. Step 3: Consider option "Behave smart at sometime and stupid at other." This suggests inconsistent behaviour, not specifically indecision, so it does not match the idiom. Step 4: Consider "Having a split personality disorder." This describes a psychological condition and is not what normal speakers mean when they say they are in two minds about something. Step 5: Consider "Trying to do two things at the same time." This describes multitasking or over commitment, not indecision. "In two minds" is about choosing, not doing. Step 6: Since only "Unable to decide" matches the usual meaning, select that as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Look at example sentences from everyday English: "She is in two minds about quitting her job," or "We are in two minds whether to go ahead with the purchase." In each case, speakers are not talking about intelligence, personality disorders, or doing two tasks; they are talking about uncertainty in making a choice. If you replace "in two minds" with "unable to decide" in such sentences, the meaning stays almost the same, confirming that this is the correct explanation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Behave smart at sometime and stupid at other" is wrong because it focuses on intelligence and behaviour, not decision making. "Having a split personality disorder" is wrong because it confuses a mental health condition with a figure of speech about ordinary indecision. "Trying to do two things at the same time" is wrong because it describes action, not a mental state of uncertainty. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes interpret idioms too literally, especially when they see words like "two minds" and think of medical or psychological conditions. Another pitfall is to pick options that sound dramatic rather than accurate. To avoid this, always think about how the idiom is actually used in sentences you have heard or read, and match that usage to the option that best captures the real-life meaning. Final Answer: "Be in two minds" means unable to decide.

Question 18

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the description "annoyed or irritated and quick to take offence at petty things".

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Introduction / Context: One word substitution questions require you to match a detailed description or phrase to a single, precise English word. Here, the phrase describes someone who is "annoyed or irritated and quick to take offence at petty things." This is a personality description, focusing on oversensitivity and touchiness, rather than on calming or soothing behaviour. The goal is to pick the word that naturally labels such a person. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase to substitute: "Annoyed or irritated and quick to take offence at petty things." Options: Appease, Mollify, Huffy, Soothe. The correct choice must describe a person's emotional tendency, not an action performed on others. The tone suggests irritability, sensitivity, and readiness to feel insulted. Concept / Approach: The adjective huffy in English describes someone who becomes annoyed or offended easily, often about small matters. It is almost a direct shorthand for the given phrase. The other words—appease, mollify, soothe—are verbs that describe calming someone down or making them less angry; they do not describe the touchy person himself or herself. Therefore huffy is the only option that functions as a one-word substitute for the whole description. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the phrase: a person who is irritable and quickly offended by trivial things. Step 2: Examine "Huffy." This adjective means easily offended, sulky, or quick to take offence, matching the description well. Step 3: Examine "Appease." This is a verb meaning to pacify or placate someone, often by giving in to their demands; it describes an action, not a personality type. Step 4: Examine "Mollify." This verb means to soften someone's anger or anxiety. Again, it describes what you do to someone, not what they are like. Step 5: Examine "Soothe." This verb means to calm or relieve pain, stress, or irritation. It also describes an action, not the oversensitive person. Step 6: Conclude that "Huffy" is the only adjective that summarises the phrase about a person's tendency to get easily upset over small things. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: "He gets huffy over the smallest criticism," or "She became huffy when her idea was not immediately accepted." In both, huffy clearly refers to someone who is annoyed and quick to take offence. By contrast, sentences such as "They tried to appease him" or "She mollified the angry crowd" show that appease and mollify are actions you perform on others, not labels for a touchy person. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Appease" is wrong because it means to calm or soothe another person, often someone who is already angry. "Mollify" is wrong for the same reason; it means to ease someone's anger. "Soothe" is wrong because it means to comfort or relieve, not to become offended oneself. None of these words describe being annoyed and quick to take offence; they describe reducing those feelings. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick verbs like appease or mollify simply because they associate them with anger and emotion, without checking whether the word describes the angry person or the action taken to calm them. Another pitfall is being unfamiliar with huffy and assuming that a more common word must be correct. Building a broader vocabulary through reading will make you more comfortable with slightly less common adjectives like huffy. Final Answer: The best one-word substitute is Huffy.

Question 19

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the expression "decrease or fade gradually before coming to an end".

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Introduction / Context: This question asks for a one-word substitute for the phrase "decrease or fade gradually before coming to an end." The idea is of something that does not stop suddenly but slowly dwindles until it finally disappears. English has a specific verb for this process, especially in the phrasal form "peter out." Recognising that verb is the key to answering correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase to substitute: "Decrease or fade gradually before coming to an end." Options: Surge, Accrual, Peter, Swell. We assume the verb is used in the sense commonly found in the phrasal verb "peter out." The correct choice must describe a process of gradual decline, not increase. Concept / Approach: The English verb "peter" (almost always used as "peter out") means to diminish gradually and then stop, especially after starting strongly. For example, "The protests soon petered out," or "Their enthusiasm petered out after a few weeks." This meaning exactly matches the description in the question. In contrast, surge and swell describe increases, and accrual refers to gradual growth in amount, usually of money or interest, not fading away. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the core idea: something gradually decreases or fades before finally ending. Step 2: Examine "Peter." As a verb in the expression "peter out," it means to dwindle or diminish slowly until nothing is left, matching the phrase perfectly. Step 3: Examine "Surge." This means to rise or increase suddenly and powerfully, which is the opposite of gradual fading. Step 4: Examine "Accrual." This noun refers to the process of gradual accumulation, usually in a positive or increasing sense, not decrease. Step 5: Examine "Swell." This verb means to grow larger or more intense, again describing increase rather than gradual decline. Step 6: Conclude that "Peter" (understood in the sense of "peter out") is the only option that aligns with the idea of gradually fading away. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: "The storm petered out before reaching the coast," or "Interest in the project petered out after the initial excitement." In these sentences, "petered out" clearly means that intensity or interest decreased slowly until it effectively ended. There is no equivalent usage like "the storm surged out" or "the storm swelled out" to mean decline. This confirms that "peter" is the correct verb for this gradual fading process. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Surge" is wrong because it describes a sudden rise, such as a surge in demand or a surge of emotion. "Accrual" is wrong because it refers to accumulation or build up, the opposite of fading. "Swell" is wrong because it indicates expansion or growth in size or intensity. None of these words capture the idea of something slowly dwindling to nothing. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be unfamiliar with "peter" as a verb and think of it only as a proper name, which can lead them to avoid it. Others may pick "accrual" simply because it sounds technical or process-related, without noticing that it implies increase, not decrease. Developing a habit of reading broadly in English will expose you to verbs like "peter out" and help you recognise them in exam questions. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is Peter, as in "to peter out."

Question 20

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement": "Thus we (going) back to what might be termed as old va…

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Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question checks your understanding of tense and auxiliary verb usage in English. The sentence "Thus we (going) back to what might be termed as old values" is describing a completed action in the past: people returned to older values. The underlined or bracketed verb form must be replaced with a correct and natural past tense form that fits the rest of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: Original structure: "Thus we (going) back to what might be termed as old values." Options: went, gone, was going, no improvement. The adverb "Thus" summarises a previous argument and leads to a result in the past. The main clause needs a properly conjugated main verb, not a bare participle. Concept / Approach: In standard English, "going" by itself cannot act as the main finite verb in this position; it needs an auxiliary such as "are going" or "were going." Since the sentence is narrating a past conclusion—"Thus we went back"—the simple past tense "went" is the best choice. "Gone" is a past participle that requires an auxiliary verb (have gone), and "was going" suggests an ongoing past action, not a simple completed return to old values. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: the speaker is describing a completed shift back to old values, not a current or continuous process. Step 2: Recognise that "going" alone is incorrect because English sentences require a finite verb form like "go", "went", or "was going" after the subject "we." Step 3: Test "went": "Thus we went back to what might be termed as old values." This is grammatically correct and clearly expresses a finished action in the past. Step 4: Test "gone": "Thus we gone back" is ungrammatical; "gone" must be used with "have" as in "we have gone back." Step 5: Test "was going": "Thus we was going back" is wrong because it has both a subject-verb agreement error ("we was") and a continuous aspect that does not match the summarising nature of "Thus." Step 6: Test "no improvement": leaving "going" in place gives "Thus we going back," which is clearly incorrect, as a sentence cannot use a present participle alone as the main verb here. Step 7: Conclude that "went" is the only grammatically correct and contextually appropriate choice. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a fuller narrative: "We rejected certain modern trends, questioned our assumptions, and re-evaluated our beliefs. Thus we went back to what might be termed as old values." In this sequence, the simple past "went" fits naturally with other simple past verbs like "rejected" and "questioned." Trying to insert "gone" or "was going" breaks the flow and either demands more words or shifts the time reference in an awkward way. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Gone" is wrong because it is a past participle that requires an auxiliary verb (for example, "have gone") and cannot stand alone after "we." "Was going" is wrong because it creates an incorrect agreement ("we was") and also emphasises a continuous or interrupted action instead of a completed shift. "No improvement" is wrong because "Thus we going back" is clearly ungrammatical in standard written English. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse "gone" and "went", using "we gone" in speech, but exams require correct standard forms. Another pitfall is to keep the original phrase out of habit, even when it clearly lacks a finite verb. Always check that the subject in a sentence is followed by a properly conjugated verb that matches both tense and number. Final Answer: The correct improvement is went, giving "Thus we went back to what might be termed as old values."

English Questions