Question 1

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentence parts X, Y, and Z. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence beginning with "Three times this was".

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to reorder jumbled sentence parts into a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. Such reorder or jumbled sentence questions appear frequently in competitive English tests to check understanding of logical sequence, connectors, and clause relationships. Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed beginning is: "Three times this was". The labelled parts are: X: only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder Y: shook with the noise, that can Z: repeated, and each time the earth We must choose an order among ZXY, YZX, ZYX, and YXZ. Concept / Approach: To form a coherent sentence, you must ensure that the grammatical structure matches normal English word order and that the clauses connect logically. The phrase "that can only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder" is a relative clause, so "that can" should come immediately before "only be compared." Also, "each time the earth shook with the noise" is a full clause that should appear before the relative clause describing the noise. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed phrase "Three times this was". Step 2: The word "repeated" in part Z continues smoothly: "Three times this was repeated, and each time the earth". Step 3: After "each time the earth," the next natural part is Y: "shook with the noise, that can". This gives "each time the earth shook with the noise, that can". Step 4: The relative clause must then be completed by X: "only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder." Step 5: Combining all, the sentence becomes: "Three times this was repeated, and each time the earth shook with the noise, that can only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder." Verification / Alternative check: Test the other orders mentally. For example, ZXY would give "repeated, and each time the earth only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder shook with the noise, that can," which is clearly ungrammatical. YZX would start "shook with the noise, that can repeated," which also fails grammatically. Only the sequence Z Y X maintains correct structure and meaning throughout. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ZXY: Places "only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder" before "shook with the noise, that can," breaking the relative clause and producing a wrong word order. YZX: Starts directly with "shook with the noise," which cannot follow the given beginning smoothly. YXZ: Also disturbs the link between "that can" and "only be compared," disrupting the relative clause. Common Pitfalls: Students often focus only on meaning and ignore grammatical signals such as relative pronouns and conjunctions. Remember that words like "that can" usually introduce or lead into a relative clause that must be followed immediately by a verb phrase like "only be compared." Respecting such patterns makes it easier to choose the correct order. Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order of the sentence parts is ZYX.

Question 2

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentence parts X, Y, and Z. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence beginning with "The causes and their".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another jumbled sentence question that requires you to arrange labelled parts into a meaningful and grammatically accurate statement about causes and effects. Such items test your grasp of logical relationships and typical English sentence patterns involving phrases like "belong to" and "stand in one order." Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed beginning is: "The causes and their". The labelled parts are: X: in the same series Y: one order, they stand Z: effects belong to the We must select from the orders ZXY, YZX, YXZ, and ZYX. Concept / Approach: The phrase "causes and their effects" is a natural pair in English. After "The causes and their," the next word should reasonably be "effects," which appears in part Z. The verb phrase "belong to the same series" also fits together, and "they stand in one order" is an additional clause describing the relation. So we need an order that preserves these natural groupings and produces a smooth, logical statement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with "The causes and their" as given. Step 2: The next part that completes the noun phrase is Z: "effects belong to the." Step 3: After Z, part X, "in the same series," continues the idea: "effects belong to the same series." Step 4: Finally, Y, "one order, they stand," completes the sentence: "in the same series, one order, they stand." Step 5: Put together, the complete sentence reads: "The causes and their effects belong to the same series; in one order, they stand." Verification / Alternative check: Test other available orders. If you try ZYX, for example, you would get "effects belong to the one order, they stand in the same series," which sounds awkward and disturbs the usual phrase "in the same series." YZX would start "one order, they stand effects belong to the," which is clearly incorrect. The only order that preserves natural collocations is Z X Y. Why Other Options Are Wrong: YZX: Begins with "one order, they stand," which cannot logically follow "The causes and their" without the noun "effects." YXZ: Creates the wrong grouping of words and breaks the phrase "belong to the same series." ZYX: Misplaces "in the same series," attaching it to "one order, they stand" in a clumsy and less meaningful way. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates ignore fixed expressions like "belong to the same series" and instead try to force an order that simply sounds acceptable. Always look for standard language patterns such as "effects belong to" and prepositional phrases like "in the same series." These clues guide you toward the correct sequence of parts. Final Answer: The most logical order of the sentence parts is ZXY, giving the sentence: The causes and their effects belong to the same series; in one order, they stand.

Question 3

In the following question, a sentence has been given in the Active voice. Out of the four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same idea in the Passive voice. Sunita will bake two dozen cupcakes for the bake sale.

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Introduction / Context: This item checks your understanding of how to change a sentence from Active to Passive voice while keeping the same tense, meaning, and emphasis. The original sentence uses the simple future tense and focuses on Sunita as the doer of the action. In the passive version, the focus should shift to the cupcakes while the tense and sense remain intact. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: Sunita will bake two dozen cupcakes for the bake sale. Subject: Sunita. Object: two dozen cupcakes. Tense: simple future (will bake). We must form a passive sentence that correctly reflects the same action. Concept / Approach: To convert a simple future sentence from active to passive, the structure changes from "will + base verb" to "will be + past participle." The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, and the original subject is introduced with the preposition "by" if it is mentioned. The time or purpose phrase "for the bake sale" can appear either at the beginning or the end without changing the meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence: "two dozen cupcakes." Step 2: Bring this object to the subject position in the passive sentence. Step 3: Change the verb form "will bake" to the passive pattern "will be baked." Step 4: Retain the agent "Sunita" with the preposition "by." Step 5: Keep the phrase "for the bake sale" in a natural position, for example at the beginning. Step 6: The complete passive sentence becomes: "For the bake sale, two dozen cupcakes will be baked by Sunita." Verification / Alternative check: Check tense and meaning carefully. The original sentence talks about a future action. The passive sentence "will be baked" also expresses future time. The number and object (two dozen cupcakes) and the purpose (for the bake sale) remain identical. Thus, the conversion is accurate and faithful to the original. Why Other Options Are Wrong: For the bake sale, two dozen cupcakes are baked by Sunita: Uses present simple "are baked," not the future simple, so the tense changes incorrectly. Two dozen cupcakes are being baked by Sunita for the bake sale: Uses present continuous "are being baked," which suggests an action happening now, not a future plan. Baking of two dozen cupcakes by Sunita is done for the bake sale: This is an awkward nominal construction with "baking of," and it also suggests a general or habitual action rather than a specific future event. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to preserve the sense but change the tense, especially in future and modal constructions. Another pitfall is overusing heavy nouns like "baking of" instead of following the straightforward passive structure. Always ensure that the tense marker "will" remains paired correctly with "be" and the past participle when forming the passive voice in future tense. Final Answer: The correct passive voice transformation is For the bake sale, two dozen cupcakes will be baked by Sunita.

Question 4

In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect (reported) speech. My mother said to my father, "I am very busy now."

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your grasp of the rules for changing a sentence from Direct speech to Indirect speech, especially changes in pronouns and tense when the reporting verb is in the past. The sentence involves a statement made by one person (mother) to another (father) about her own present state of busyness. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: My mother said to my father, "I am very busy now." Reporting verb: said to. Reportee: my father. Pronoun in the quoted words: I, referring to my mother. Time word: now, which usually shifts to then in reported speech. Concept / Approach: When the reporting verb is in the past tense ("said"), the verb in the reported clause generally shifts one step back in time. Present simple and present continuous forms usually change to past simple and past continuous. Additionally, pronouns need to be adjusted according to the speaker and listener. Here, "I" refers to "my mother," so in reported speech it becomes "she." The adverb of time "now" typically becomes "then" when the reporting is done later. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Change "said to" to "told" when converting to Indirect speech: "My mother told my father." Step 2: Introduce the conjunction "that" to connect the reporting clause with the reported clause. Step 3: Replace "I" with "she" because the speaker is the mother. Step 4: Change the verb "am" (present simple of be) to "was," the corresponding past form. Step 5: Change the time word "now" to "then." Step 6: The final reported speech becomes: "My mother told my father that she was very busy then." Verification / Alternative check: Check that all standard backshift changes have been applied: present to past (am to was) and now to then. Also, check that the pronoun "she" correctly represents the original speaker. The sentence remains clear and grammatically correct, so the transformation is accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: My mother told my father that I am very busy now: Keeps "I am" and "now," failing to change pronoun and tense under the past reporting verb. My mother told my father that she is very busy then: Uses "is" instead of "was," and the combination "is ... then" is also awkward in reported speech. My mother told my father that I was very busy now: Mixes "I" with "was" and "now," misrepresenting the speaker and mishandling the time adverb. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to change time words like "now," "today," or "tomorrow" and may also leave the pronoun "I" unchanged, which creates confusion in reported speech. Always identify who is speaking and to whom, and then adjust pronouns, tenses, and time expressions systematically. Final Answer: The correct Indirect speech form is My mother told my father that she was very busy then.

Question 5

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. This was enough __________ the book store owner turned librarian Husain to assess its valuable contents.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The question is part of a cloze test, where you must choose the most appropriate preposition to complete a sentence logically and grammatically. The sentence describes how something provided sufficient information for a person to make an assessment of a book’s contents. Such preposition questions test collocation and natural usage in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: This was enough __________ the book store owner turned librarian Husain to assess its valuable contents. Subject of reference: "This" refers to some information, probably the preface or a small portion of the book. The person affected: the book store owner turned librarian Husain. The verb phrase: "was enough for someone to do something" is a common pattern. Concept / Approach: In English, "enough for someone to do something" is a standard construction. For example, "It was enough for me to decide" or "This evidence is enough for the jury to convict." The preposition "for" introduces the person who is in a position to act based on the sufficiency of something. The other prepositions do not fit naturally in this pattern and would significantly alter or break the structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the common collocation: "enough for someone to act." Step 2: Insert "for" in the blank: "This was enough for the book store owner turned librarian Husain to assess its valuable contents." Step 3: Check if the sentence is grammatically complete and meaningful with "for." Step 4: Test the other prepositions mentally ("enough of," "enough to," "enough from") and see that they either distort or break the sentence. Step 5: Confirm that "for" is the only choice that preserves normal English structure. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar sentences: "The short summary was enough for the editor to understand the theme," or "Her expression was enough for him to realise the truth." In all such sentences, "for" introduces the person who reacts. The sentence in the passage follows exactly the same pattern, which supports the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: of: "Enough of the book store owner" would change the meaning completely and does not fit the required structure. to: "Enough to the book store owner" is not idiomatic English; the phrase "enough to" is used before a verb, not before a person. from: "Enough from the book store owner" suggests that the owner is the source of something, which does not match the context of assessing contents. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to rely only on literal meaning and choose "to" because it appears before a verb later in the sentence. However, the preposition in the blank must connect "enough" to the person, not to the action. Remembering set patterns like "enough for someone to do something" helps avoid such mistakes in cloze tests. Final Answer: The correct preposition to complete the sentence is for.

Question 6

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. "The preface of the book read: painters __________ technical knowledge to paint, but lack to understand nat…

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Introduction / Context: This cloze question asks you to select the correct verb form that agrees with the plural subject "painters" and fits the meaning of the sentence. The sentence contrasts technical knowledge with an inability to understand nature, leading to failure in creating masterpieces. Subject verb agreement is a core grammar topic in English examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence fragment: "painters __________ technical knowledge to paint, but lack to understand nature, hence they fail to create a masterpiece." Subject: "painters" (plural). Verb choice is between different forms involving "have." The second clause already uses "lack," which is consistent with a general present tense statement. Concept / Approach: When making a general statement about a plural subject in the present tense, English uses the base form without "s" for the verb "have" as "have." So we say "Painters have technical knowledge" the way we say "Students have books." The word "has" is used with singular third person subjects. Forms like "has had" or "to have" do not fit the simple present general truth pattern that the sentence uses. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify "painters" as a plural noun. Step 2: Recognise the sentence as a general statement, describing what painters usually possess. Step 3: Apply subject verb agreement: plural subject "painters" takes "have," not "has." Step 4: Insert "have" into the sentence: "painters have technical knowledge to paint." Step 5: Read the full sentence with the contrasting clause: "painters have technical knowledge to paint, but lack to understand nature, hence they fail to create a masterpiece." Verification / Alternative check: Try each alternative in place. "Painters has technical knowledge" sounds incorrect because "has" does not match the plural subject. "Painters has had technical knowledge" is also wrong in tense and implies something completely different. "Painters to have technical knowledge" would require a different structure, such as "for painters to have technical knowledge." Only "have" fits directly and naturally. Why Other Options Are Wrong: has: Used with singular subjects like "he" or "she," not with the plural "painters." has had: This is a perfect tense form that does not fit the simple present pattern of the sentence and disrupts the parallelism with "lack." to have: This infinitive would require a different sentence structure and cannot directly follow the plural noun "painters" in this context. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose "has" automatically because it looks more formal or familiar, ignoring the requirement that verbs must match their subjects in number. Another error is to overcomplicate the sentence by choosing a perfect tense where a simple present tense is appropriate. Always check number and tense in cloze test verb questions. Final Answer: The correct verb form to complete the sentence is have.

Question 7

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. "painters have technical knowledge to paint, but lack to understand nature, __________ they fail to create …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze test focuses on selecting the correct connector that shows a logical relationship between cause and effect. The sentence explains that painters have technical skill but do not understand nature, and as a result they fail to produce masterpieces. Such questions are common in reading comprehension passages to test understanding of logical connectors. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence fragment: "painters have technical knowledge to paint, but lack to understand nature, __________ they fail to create a masterpiece." The first part describes the cause: they lack understanding of nature. The second part describes the effect: they fail to create a masterpiece. The blank must be filled with a word that signals this cause effect relation. Concept / Approach: In English, words like "hence," "therefore," and "so" are used to show that one statement is a result of another. In formal writing, "hence" is common for indicating consequence. The other options, such as "if," "that," or "this," either introduce conditions, clauses, or references and do not naturally link cause and effect in this position. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the structure: cause (lack of understanding) followed by effect (failure to create a masterpiece). Step 2: Choose a connector that means "as a result" or "for this reason." Step 3: Insert "hence" into the sentence: "but lack to understand nature, hence they fail to create a masterpiece." Step 4: Read the full passage to ensure the tone and register match a slightly formal word like "hence." Step 5: Confirm that the flow of ideas is smooth and logically consistent. Verification / Alternative check: Test the alternatives. "If they fail to create a masterpiece" would introduce a condition, which is not intended. "That they fail" would need a different sentence structure and sounds awkward after a comma. "This they fail" also feels clumsy and does not express the cause effect connection clearly. "Hence" correctly conveys that failure is the result of lacking understanding. Why Other Options Are Wrong: if: Introduces a conditional clause, which would change the meaning to something like "if they fail," rather than explaining why they fail. that: Usually introduces a noun clause and does not work as a stand alone connector in this position. this: Functions as a pronoun and would require a different structure; it does not directly express consequence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose "that" or "this" because they are frequently seen in complex sentences, but they forget to check whether these words introduce the right type of clause. In cloze test connectors, always think about the logical relationship: cause, contrast, condition, or addition. Here, the relationship is clearly causal, which points to "hence" as the correct choice. Final Answer: The appropriate connector to express the result is hence.

Question 8

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. Husain adds, "All I __________ in my life is about books and from books."

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Introduction / Context: This cloze question tests your understanding of tense and verb form in a clause introduced by "All I." The speaker, Husain, is talking about his entire life experience with books. The sentence is structured to summarise what he has gained over his life, so the correct choice must match this meaning and structure. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence fragment: "All I __________ in my life is about books and from books." The subject of the relative clause is the implied "that," as in "All that I ..." The verb must complete the idea of everything the speaker has gained or come to know. The rest of the sentence is in the present tense ("is about books and from books") but refers to the total outcome of past experiences. Concept / Approach: The construction "All I learned in my life" is a common way to talk about the sum of one’s past learning. Here, "learned" is a simple past verb used in a relative clause. The phrase "All I learning" would be incorrect because "learning" is not a finite verb. "All I learns" would mismatch the subject "I," and "All I to learn" is also ungrammatical. Therefore, the most natural and grammatically correct choice is "learned." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Expand the structure mentally as "All that I ... in my life." Step 2: Recognise that this calls for a past tense verb describing completed learning: "learned." Step 3: Insert "learned": "All I learned in my life is about books and from books." Step 4: Check the combination of clauses to ensure clarity and correctness. Step 5: Confirm that the sentence now reads smoothly and meaningfully. Verification / Alternative check: Test each alternative. "All I learning in my life" is clearly ungrammatical. "All I to learn" lacks a proper finite verb. "All I learns" mismatches with "I" and wrongly uses present simple third person singular. Only "learned" works as the past tense verb in this relative clause and fits the intended meaning that all of his learning came through books. Why Other Options Are Wrong: learning: A present participle or gerund, not a finite verb, so it cannot complete "All I" in a standard sentence. to learn: An infinitive that would need a different structure, such as "All I want to learn," which is not the case here. learns: Third person singular present form, which is incorrect with the subject "I." Common Pitfalls: Some candidates see the present tense "is" later in the sentence and incorrectly think that the earlier clause must also be present tense. However, it is common in English to summarise past experiences with a simple past verb and then comment on their present significance. Always look at each clause individually when choosing the verb form in cloze questions. Final Answer: The correct verb form is learned, giving the sentence: All I learned in my life is about books and from books.

Question 9

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct option for the given blank. "The grand library __________ the palace is a cache of knowledge."

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Introduction / Context: This cloze question tests your understanding of prepositions that express location. The sentence describes a library and its physical position with respect to a palace. Prepositions like "at," "in," "on," and "from" each have distinct uses, and only one of the given options fits naturally with the phrase "the palace" in this context. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence fragment: "The grand library __________ the palace is a cache of knowledge." The library is physically associated with the palace in some way. The surrounding passage is formal and descriptive. We must choose among "from," "at," "to," and "off." Concept / Approach: When we talk about a building or institution being located in a particular place, English often uses "at" with landmarks, addresses, and large complexes. Phrases such as "the museum at the fort" or "the college at the university campus" are common. Therefore, "the grand library at the palace" is the most natural way to indicate that the library is situated in or within the palace grounds. The other prepositions would not express this simple locative meaning correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the blank must indicate where the grand library is located. Step 2: Recall typical collocations: "at the palace," "at the station," "at the school." Step 3: Insert "at": "The grand library at the palace is a cache of knowledge." Step 4: Read the full sentence to ensure it sounds natural and meaningful. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other prepositions fit as smoothly or sensibly. Verification / Alternative check: Try each alternative in place. "The grand library from the palace" would suggest that the library came from the palace, which is not intended. "The grand library to the palace" is incorrect because "to" expresses direction, not location. "Off the palace" would be informal and not idiomatic in this sense. Only "at the palace" correctly indicates a library that is located in or within palace premises. Why Other Options Are Wrong: from: Implies origin or source, not the physical location of a building. to: Indicates movement toward a place, not a fixed position. off: Often indicates separation or removal and is not used with place names in this way. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may confuse "in the palace" and "at the palace." While both can be possible in some contexts, "at" is often preferred when the focus is on a site or complex as a whole. In cloze tests, exam setters normally choose the most standard and widely accepted combination, so memorising common phrase patterns like "at the palace" is very helpful. Final Answer: The correct preposition is at, giving the sentence: The grand library at the palace is a cache of knowledge.

Question 10

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word CONSCRIPT, as it is commonly used in the sense of compulsory enlistment.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose the synonym that best matches the meaning of "conscript" in contexts such as the armed forces. The word is often used in discussions of compulsory military service and national defence policies, so knowing its meaning is important for general knowledge and reading comprehension. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: CONSCRIPT. Options: DRAFT, DRAW, ENCIRCLE, SUBSCRIBE. The common context is compulsory enlistment, especially for military service. Concept / Approach: As a verb, "to conscript" means to force someone by law to join the armed forces, that is, to enlist them compulsorily. In American English, the usual synonym in this sense is "draft," as in "young men were drafted into the army." The other words, such as "draw," "encircle," and "subscribe," have unrelated meanings in everyday usage and do not involve compulsory enlistment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of "conscript": to enroll someone compulsorily in the armed forces. Step 2: Check which option also has this meaning, especially in government or military contexts. Step 3: Recognise that "draft" is used to refer to compulsory military service and the act of calling people up. Step 4: Compare the other options and see that none of them carries this sense of compulsory enlistment. Step 5: Conclude that "DRAFT" is the correct synonym. Verification / Alternative check: Think of typical sentences: "The government decided to conscript citizens" and "The government decided to draft citizens." Both sentences are parallel in meaning. On the other hand, "draw citizens," "encircle citizens," or "subscribe citizens" do not convey the idea of mandatory military service. This confirms that "draft" is the appropriate match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DRAW: Usually means to pull, sketch, or attract, not to enlist someone by law into the armed forces. ENCIRCLE: Means to surround something in a circle, often in a physical or strategic sense, and has no connection with enlistment. SUBSCRIBE: Means to sign up or agree to receive something, such as a magazine or online service, which is voluntary rather than compulsory. Common Pitfalls: Some students focus on the root "script" and confuse "conscript" with words related to writing, such as "manuscript." However, in military and political contexts, "conscript" is about forced recruitment. To avoid confusion, always connect vocabulary with typical situations where you have seen it used, such as historical discussions of war or national service laws. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of CONSCRIPT in this context is DRAFT.

Question 11

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word CAPTIVITY, as used in the context of being kept imprisoned or confined.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of antonyms, specifically the opposite of the word "captivity." Captivity usually refers to a state of being imprisoned, confined, or kept under control, whether of people, animals, or even ideas. Knowing its opposite helps in comprehension of passages about war, wildlife, and human rights. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: CAPTIVITY. Options: SLAVERY, PERMISSION, FREEDOM, LIMITATION. The sense is that of physical or metaphorical confinement. Concept / Approach: "Captivity" denotes a lack of freedom, a state in which movement or choice is restricted, often by force. Therefore, its direct opposite is "freedom," which means the condition of being free to act, move, and live without unjust restraints. The other options do not provide a clean and direct opposition to this idea. "Slavery" is actually another form of captivity, and "limitation" also suggests restriction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of "captivity": being held prisoner or in confinement. Step 2: Identify a word that represents the opposite state, where there is no such confinement. Step 3: Recognise that "freedom" means the power to act and move without external restraint. Step 4: Compare against other options and see that only "FREEDOM" directly contrasts with "CAPTIVITY." Step 5: Select "FREEDOM" as the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: "The bird was finally released from captivity and enjoyed freedom," clearly showing the opposition. Similarly, we can say "After years of captivity, the prisoner longed for freedom." None of the other options would fit naturally in these sentences as opposites. Why Other Options Are Wrong: SLAVERY: Indicates a condition where a person is owned and controlled by another, which is a form of captivity rather than its opposite. PERMISSION: Means approval to do something, not a general state of being free or imprisoned. A person can have permission but still be in a restricted environment. LIMITATION: Suggests restriction or a bound, which is similar in spirit to captivity, not opposite. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes test takers pick a word that simply sounds positive compared to a negative word, rather than checking the exact relationship. Here, "permission" seems positive, but it does not express the opposite of imprisonment. Always examine whether the choice truly reverses the core meaning of the original word. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to CAPTIVITY is FREEDOM.

Question 12

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 appropriate option; if the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". The job for drawing water from the vill…

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question examines your understanding of correct prepositional use in English, particularly the distinction between "job of" and "job for." The sentence describes a routine task in a village and asks you to identify which underlined segment contains a grammatical or idiomatic error. Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: The job for drawing water (A) from the village well is usually (B) carried out by the women and young girls. (C) No Error (D) Part A: "The job for drawing water" Part B: "from the village well is usually" Part C: "carried out by the women and young girls." Part D: No Error option. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, when we describe the kind of work or duty someone has, we usually say "the job of doing something," not "the job for doing something." For example, "the job of cleaning the room," "the job of organising the files." The preposition "for" is used differently, such as in "the job is for you." So the error is in the phrase "job for drawing water," which should be "job of drawing water." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part A: "The job for drawing water." Step 2: Recall the standard pattern: "the job of drawing water." Step 3: Identify that the preposition "for" is incorrect here and should be replaced by "of." Step 4: Check parts B and C and see that they are grammatically correct: "from the village well is usually carried out by the women and young girls." Step 5: Conclude that the error lies in part A. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the corrected sentence to verify: "The job of drawing water from the village well is usually carried out by the women and young girls." This version sounds natural and idiomatic, which confirms that part A was the only defective segment. Parts B and C follow correct structure and use appropriate prepositions and verb forms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: "from the village well is usually" is correct, as "from" correctly indicates the source of the water and "is usually" is a proper verb phrase for a habitual action. C: "carried out by the women and young girls" is grammatically and idiomatically correct passive construction. D: "No Error" cannot be chosen because there is a definite prepositional error in part A. Common Pitfalls: Students often overlook small preposition errors, especially when the overall meaning of the sentence is clear. They may accept "job for" as natural because "for" is a very common word. To avoid such mistakes, pay special attention to fixed phrases like "the task of," "the duty of," or "the job of," which consistently take the preposition "of" before a gerund. Final Answer: The part of the sentence that contains an error is A, because the correct phrase should be "The job of drawing water."

Question 13

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 appropriate option; if the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". I remember him as someone who was a lot…

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question asks you to judge whether any segment of the sentence is grammatically or idiomatically incorrect. The sentence expresses a comparison between how nice a person was and how nice the circumstances would normally make someone. It is written in standard narrative style. Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: I remember him as (A) someone who was a lot nicer (B) than circumstances warranted. (C) No Error (D) Part A: "I remember him as" Part B: "someone who was a lot nicer" Part C: "than circumstances warranted." Part D: "No Error" Concept / Approach: The structure "remember someone as" is correct when you recall a person in a certain role or character. The phrase "a lot nicer" is an informal but acceptable intensifier before the comparative adjective "nicer." The comparative clause "than circumstances warranted" is also idiomatic, meaning that the person was kinder than the situation required. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check part A: "I remember him as." This is a correct way to introduce the description of how you recall someone. Step 2: Check part B: "someone who was a lot nicer." The relative clause "who was a lot nicer" correctly modifies "someone" and uses the comparative "nicer" correctly. Step 3: Check part C: "than circumstances warranted." This phrase correctly completes the comparison and uses the verb "warranted" in the past tense, matching the past "was." Step 4: Since parts A, B, and C are all correct, there is no error in the sentence. Step 5: Therefore the appropriate choice is "No Error." Verification / Alternative check: Try to substitute possible corrections. For example, "I remember him to be someone who was a lot nicer" is less natural than "remember him as someone who was a lot nicer." Changing "warranted" to "warrants" would disturb tense consistency. The original version already reads smoothly and naturally, which supports the conclusion that it is error free. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Contains no grammatical or idiomatic error; "remember him as" is standard. B: Uses "a lot nicer" correctly as an informal degree marker before a comparative. C: The clause "than circumstances warranted" is well formed and properly completes the comparison. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes suspect an error simply because a phrase sounds slightly informal, such as "a lot nicer." However, modern competitive exams accept many natural spoken English forms as long as they are grammatically correct. The challenge is to distinguish between informal but acceptable usage and genuine errors in structure or agreement. Final Answer: The sentence is grammatically correct, so the right choice is D (No Error).

Question 14

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 appropriate option; if the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". Several days passed before Jeff worked …

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question focuses on phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions in English. The sentence talks about Jeff needing time before he found the courage to return to a particular house. The underlined parts test whether you recognise the correct phrasal verb used with "courage." Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: Several days passed before (A) Jeff worked over enough (B) courage to return to the house. (C) No Error (D) Part A: "Several days passed before" Part B: "Jeff worked over enough" Part C: "courage to return to the house." Part D: "No Error" Concept / Approach: The idiomatic English expression is "to work up enough courage," meaning to gradually build or gather sufficient courage to do something difficult. The phrase "worked over enough courage" is incorrect, because "work over" is a different phrasal verb meaning to beat or attack someone, or to examine something in detail. So the error is specifically in part B. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the phrasal verb in part B: "worked over." Step 2: Recall the standard expression used with "courage": "work up courage" or "worked up enough courage." Step 3: Recognise that the correct sentence should read "Jeff worked up enough courage to return to the house." Step 4: Check parts A and C to ensure no other errors are present: "Several days passed before" and "courage to return to the house" are both correct. Step 5: Conclude that the error lies solely in part B. Verification / Alternative check: Read the corrected sentence: "Several days passed before Jeff worked up enough courage to return to the house." This version is idiomatic and clearly conveys that Jeff needed time to gather courage. The original phrase "worked over enough courage" is not used in English and would confuse native readers, which confirms that a correction is needed in part B. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: "Several days passed before" correctly introduces a time clause and is grammatically sound. C: "courage to return to the house" is properly phrased and does not contain an error. D: "No Error" is incorrect because there is an obvious idiomatic error in part B. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to overlook phrasal verb usage and focus only on tenses or subject verb agreement. Many English expressions depend on exact combinations like "work up," "build up," or "summon up" courage. Modifying one particle, such as changing "up" to "over," can make the phrase unidiomatic even if the grammar looks fine at a glance. Final Answer: The erroneous part of the sentence is B, because the correct idiomatic expression is "worked up enough courage," not "worked over enough courage."

Question 15

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate words: "The starving man _____ able to walk." Choose the option that gives a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence.

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Introduction / Context: This grammar and usage question tests your understanding of subject verb agreement and the correct use of adverbs with auxiliary verbs in English. The sentence describes a starving man whose physical strength has been reduced so much that he could hardly walk. The blank must be filled with a verb phrase that matches the subject "the starving man" in both number and tense while preserving this meaning of difficulty. Given Data / Assumptions: - Subject: "The starving man" (singular, third person). - Predicate fragment: "_____ able to walk." - Options: "can barely", "were barely", "are barely", "was barely". - The sentence refers to a past situation in which he had very little strength. Concept / Approach: For a singular subject like "the starving man", we require a singular verb form. In the simple past tense, the correct auxiliary verb for a singular subject is "was". To express that he had almost no strength to walk, we combine the verb "was" with the adverb "barely" before the complement "able to walk". The correct and natural English expression is therefore "was barely able to walk". Other options either use the wrong tense, the wrong number, or do not fit smoothly with the adjective "able". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject as singular: "The starving man". A singular subject requires a singular verb form. Step 2: Notice that the sentence clearly describes a condition in the past, not a general timeless fact. Therefore, a past tense auxiliary is more appropriate than a present tense modal. Step 3: Test "was barely": "The starving man was barely able to walk." This is grammatically correct and clearly conveys that he almost could not walk. Step 4: Test "can barely": "The starving man can barely able to walk" is incorrect because "can" should be followed by a bare infinitive verb ("walk"), not by "able to walk". The structure "can barely walk" would be correct, but that is not the option given. Step 5: Test "were barely" and "are barely". Both "were" and "are" are plural forms used with plural subjects or with "you". Using them with "the starving man" breaks subject verb agreement. Step 6: Conclude that "was barely" is the only option that satisfies subject verb agreement, tense, and idiomatic usage with "able to walk". Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: "The injured player was barely able to stand" or "The old woman was barely able to climb the stairs." All follow the same pattern "was barely able to + verb". This pattern is natural and commonly used in English, which further confirms that "was barely" is the correct choice in the given sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Can barely" would need to be followed by a main verb, as in "can barely walk", not by "able to walk". "Were barely" and "are barely" are plural forms and cannot be used with the singular subject "the starving man". They would only be correct with a plural subject such as "the starving men". Therefore, these three options are grammatically incorrect in this sentence. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often focus only on the meaning of "barely" and forget to check verb agreement and correct combinations like "was able to" versus "can". It is important to remember that "can" and "able to" are not usually combined directly. Instead, you use "can walk" or "was able to walk". Paying attention to number (singular/plural) and tense, as well as common verb patterns, will greatly improve accuracy in cloze tests. Final Answer: was barely correctly completes the sentence as "The starving man was barely able to walk."

Question 16

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb: "The new railway counter at Dwarka should _____ all travellers." Choose the option that best completes this sentence in standard English.

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Introduction / Context: This cloze question focuses on vocabulary and collocation. The sentence is about a new railway counter at Dwarka and what it should do for all travellers. The correct verb must fit both the grammatical structure "should ____ all travellers" and the intended positive meaning that the new facility helps or serves travellers in some useful way. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: "The new railway counter at Dwarka should _____ all travellers." - Subject: "The new railway counter at Dwarka". - Modal verb: "should", which is followed by a base form of a verb. - Options: "benefit", "reward", "reserve", "provide". - The context is a public service facility for travellers at a railway station. Concept / Approach: The new railway counter is not giving prizes or reserving people; instead, it is meant to offer services that are helpful. In English, we commonly say that a new service, policy, or facility "benefits" users or travellers, meaning that it is advantageous to them. The verb "benefit" fits the pattern "benefit someone" and captures the idea that the counter helps all travellers. The other options either do not collocate well or change the meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the structure "should _____ all travellers". The blank must be filled with a verb in the base form. Step 2: Test "benefit": "The new railway counter at Dwarka should benefit all travellers." This sounds natural and expresses that the counter will help everyone who uses it. Step 3: Test "reward": "The new railway counter at Dwarka should reward all travellers" suggests giving prizes or special gifts, which is not the typical role of a railway counter. Step 4: Test "reserve": "The new railway counter at Dwarka should reserve all travellers" is incorrect because we reserve seats or tickets, not people. The verb does not take "travellers" as a direct object in this context. Step 5: Test "provide": "The new railway counter at Dwarka should provide all travellers" is incomplete; we need an object after "provide", such as "provide all travellers with information". Without that extra object, the sentence is grammatically incomplete. Step 6: Conclude that "benefit" is the only option that gives a grammatically complete and semantically appropriate sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: "The new metro line will benefit commuters" or "This policy should benefit all citizens". In each case, "benefit" is used to show that a change is advantageous to a group of people. The same idea applies to a new railway counter, which should benefit travellers by saving time, reducing queues, and providing better service. This confirms that "benefit" is the correct verb choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Reward" is associated with giving something as a prize or as recognition for good behaviour, which is not the basic function of a railway counter. "Reserve" normally takes objects like "seats" or "tickets" and not "travellers" themselves. "Provide" needs an additional object ("provide information", "provide facilities") and cannot stand alone with "all travellers" as the direct object without something more, so it makes the sentence incomplete. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose verbs that seem generally positive without checking if they fit grammatically or collocate naturally with the nouns. A useful strategy is to mentally complete the sentence with a few extra words, such as "provide all travellers with tickets", and see whether the verb still makes sense in the original, shorter version. In this question, only "benefit" works smoothly without adding more words. Final Answer: benefit correctly completes the sentence as "The new railway counter at Dwarka should benefit all travellers."

Question 17

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrasal verb: "My younger brother _____ my grandfather." Choose the phrasal verb that makes the sentence meaningful and grammatically correct.

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of common English phrasal verbs, especially those built with the verb "look". Each particle or preposition (on, after, to, of) changes the meaning of "look" in a specific way. The sentence is about a younger brother and his relationship to his grandfather, so the correct phrasal verb must express the idea that he takes care of or tends to his grandfather. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: "My younger brother _____ my grandfather." - Subject: "My younger brother". - Object: "my grandfather". - Options: "looks on", "looks after", "looks to", "looks of". - The natural context is of care, responsibility, or emotional relation. Concept / Approach: The phrasal verb "look after" means "to take care of" someone or something. It fits perfectly when describing a person who helps, protects, or looks out for another, especially an older family member. The other options have different meanings or are incorrect combinations: "look on" means to watch without participating, "look to" can mean to depend on or expect something from someone, and "look of" is not a standard phrasal verb in English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Think about the likely meaning: in many families, a younger person may help "take care of" an older grandparent. Step 2: Recall the meaning of "look after": to take care of someone, as in "She looks after her younger sister." Step 3: Insert "looks after" into the sentence: "My younger brother looks after my grandfather." This is grammatical and meaningful. Step 4: Test "looks on": "My younger brother looks on my grandfather" is incorrect. "Look on" usually appears as "look on at the game", meaning to watch something, not to care for a person. Step 5: Test "looks to": "My younger brother looks to my grandfather" suggests that he depends on or seeks advice from his grandfather. While this can be meaningful in some contexts, exam questions of this type usually target the well known phrase "looks after" for care and responsibility. Step 6: Test "looks of": "looks of" is not a standard phrasal verb and is clearly wrong. Therefore, "looks after" is the best and intended answer. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: "She looks after her grandparents", "They look after the house when we are away". In each example, the sense of care and responsibility is clear. Replacing "look after" with "look on" or "look of" would immediately sound wrong. Even "look to" does not convey the idea of care; it refers more to reliance. This confirms that the expected meaning in the question is about looking after an elderly relative. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Looks on" means to observe a situation as a spectator and does not take a direct object in the same way here. "Looks to" usually means to rely on or expect help or guidance from someone, which shifts the meaning away from physical care. "Looks of" is not a recognised phrasal verb in English and produces an ungrammatical phrase. Only "looks after" fits smoothly and gives a clear, natural sentence. Common Pitfalls: Because many phrasal verbs begin with "look", learners sometimes mix them up, relying only on the main verb instead of remembering each full expression. A good way to avoid confusion is to learn phrasal verbs in context with example sentences and to link each one to a specific meaning: "look after" for care, "look up to" for respect, "look into" for investigate, and so on. In exam questions, always check both grammar and meaning before choosing your answer. Final Answer: looks after correctly completes the sentence as "My younger brother looks after my grandfather."

Question 18

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to keep in abeyance".

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Introduction / Context: This idiom based question checks your knowledge of formal English expressions used in legal, administrative, and official contexts. The phrase "to keep in abeyance" is often used in documents, announcements, and reports to indicate that some decision, rule, or action is temporarily not being put into effect. You must choose the explanation that most accurately captures this idea. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "to keep in abeyance". - Options: "In a state of permanence", "In a state of emergency", "In a state of suspension", "In a state of revision". - Common collocations: "The matter was kept in abeyance", "The rule remains in abeyance". - We are looking for the meaning that matches temporary suspension. Concept / Approach: "Abeyance" refers to a situation in which something is temporarily not being used, enforced, or decided. When a plan, law, or project is "in abeyance", it has not been cancelled permanently, but it is not active at the moment. Therefore, the best paraphrase is "in a state of suspension". The options about permanence, emergency, or revision describe very different situations and do not capture the essential idea of temporary inactivity. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the typical usage: "The decision was kept in abeyance until further notice" or "The new policy remains in abeyance". Step 2: Notice that in such examples, the policy or decision has neither been fully implemented nor completely cancelled; it is simply not active for the time being. Step 3: Compare this with "in a state of suspension", which means temporarily stopped or withheld, matching the sense of abeyance closely. Step 4: Consider "in a state of permanence". This suggests something permanent, which is the opposite of a temporary pause, so it cannot be correct. Step 5: Check "in a state of emergency". This describes a crisis or urgent situation and does not relate to putting something on hold. Step 6: Evaluate "in a state of revision". This would mean something is being edited or changed, not simply suspended. Therefore, "in a state of suspension" is the only accurate match. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute the idiom with each option in a sample sentence: "The project has been kept in abeyance" becomes "The project has been kept in a state of suspension", which makes sense. Replacing with "a state of permanence" or "a state of emergency" produces nonsense. Likewise, "a state of revision" changes the meaning entirely, suggesting that the project is being reworked, not paused. This confirms that "in a state of suspension" correctly represents the idiom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "In a state of permanence" implies ongoing, unchanging existence, which is opposite to the idea of a temporary pause. "In a state of emergency" indicates a sudden, serious condition that requires urgent action, not a suspension of action. "In a state of revision" suggests that something is actively being modified or corrected, whereas abeyance means no active work is being done at all. Common Pitfalls: Because "abeyance" is not a common everyday word, many learners rely on guessing from the sound of the word. They may confuse it with "obedience" or other similar sounding terms. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to connect "abeyance" with real life examples, such as a court case kept in abeyance or a hiring process kept in abeyance during a financial crisis. Visualising a pause or suspension will lead you to the correct answer more reliably. Final Answer: In a state of suspension is the correct meaning of the idiom "to keep in abeyance".

Question 19

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to be in a fix".

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Introduction / Context: This idiom question tests your understanding of informal English expressions used in everyday conversation. The idiom "to be in a fix" is often heard when someone has a practical problem or is facing a tricky situation. Your task is to choose the option that best reflects this meaning without changing the tone or level of seriousness. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "to be in a fix". - Options: "In pain", "In distress", "Depressed", "In a difficult situation". - Typical contexts: money problems, examination trouble, work related issues, or social dilemmas. - The idiom is informal and does not usually refer to serious mental illness. Concept / Approach: "To be in a fix" means "to be in a difficult or awkward situation", usually one where it is hard to know what to do next. It is less about emotional states like sadness or depression and more about practical trouble. The correct option must therefore capture the idea of a problematic situation rather than physical pain or psychological distress alone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common uses, such as "I am in a fix because I lost my wallet" or "She was in a fix when she missed the last train." Step 2: Notice that in these examples the focus is on being stuck in a problem, not just feeling sad or physically hurt. Step 3: Look at option D, "In a difficult situation", which directly describes someone who is facing trouble or a complex problem. Step 4: Examine option A, "In pain". This refers mainly to physical suffering and does not always imply a tricky situation that requires decision making. Step 5: Consider option B, "In distress". This suggests emotional suffering or anxiety, which can be part of being in a fix, but it is not as precise as "in a difficult situation". Step 6: Evaluate option C, "Depressed". This is a mental and emotional state rather than a description of a problem to be solved. It does not capture the idiomatic sense of a practical difficulty. Therefore, option D is the best match. Verification / Alternative check: Replace the idiom with each option in a test sentence: "He is in a fix because he forgot his passport." If we say "He is in a difficult situation because he forgot his passport", the meaning remains clear and accurate. But if we say "He is in pain because he forgot his passport" or "He is depressed because he forgot his passport", the wording sounds wrong or exaggerated. This comparison confirms that the idiom is about the difficulty of the situation, not primarily about feelings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "In pain" mainly describes physical discomfort, for example, after an injury. "In distress" focuses on strong emotional suffering, which is not the central idea of being in a fix. "Depressed" refers to a mood disorder or state of deep sadness and is much more serious than the casual, often temporary problems referred to by "in a fix". None of these fully capture the notion of a challenging or awkward situation that requires a solution. Common Pitfalls: Because idioms often have emotional impacts, some learners mistakenly choose options that refer only to feelings. However, many idioms like "in a fix", "in a jam", or "in hot water" are more about circumstances than inner emotions. Training yourself to imagine a real life scenario behind an idiom, such as someone stuck without money or transport, will guide you towards the correct paraphrase focusing on a difficult situation. Final Answer: In a difficult situation is the correct meaning of the idiom "to be in a fix".

Question 20

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to break the ice" in a social situation.

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Introduction / Context: This idiom question tests your understanding of a very common expression used in social and professional settings. "To break the ice" usually refers to taking the first step to reduce tension, shyness, or awkwardness among people who do not know each other well. The correct option must capture this idea of starting friendly interaction and making everyone feel more at ease. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "to break the ice". - Context: meetings, parties, interviews, or group discussions where people initially feel shy. - Options: "Make people angry", "Make people laugh loudly", "Make people excited", "Make people relaxed and comfortable". - The idiom does not refer to literal ice; it refers to emotional distance or awkward silence. Concept / Approach: In social communication, "breaking the ice" means doing or saying something that starts conversation and reduces initial stiffness. It might involve a joke, a simple introduction, or a light activity. The key outcome is that people become less nervous and more comfortable with each other. While laughter or excitement can be involved, they are not required; the essential result is relaxation and ease, which is best expressed in option D. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall example sentences, such as "The host told a funny story to break the ice" or "An icebreaker game helped break the ice at the workshop." Step 2: Notice that in these examples, the goal is to reduce awkwardness and encourage friendly interaction. Step 3: Examine option D, "Make people relaxed and comfortable". This matches the outcome of breaking the ice: people feel at ease and can talk more freely. Step 4: Consider option B, "Make people laugh loudly". Although laughter may occur when someone breaks the ice, the idiom does not require laughter; a gentle question or smile can also break the ice. Step 5: Evaluate option C, "Make people excited". Excitement is not necessary for breaking the ice; sometimes a calm, friendly introduction is enough. Step 6: Reject option A, "Make people angry", which clearly goes against the positive intention of the idiom. Therefore, option D is the correct and complete explanation. Verification / Alternative check: Replace the idiom with each option in a test sentence: "The teacher told a joke to break the ice with the new class." If we say "to make people relaxed and comfortable with the new class", the sentence remains logical, and the teacher's goal is clear. If we try "to make people angry", the entire situation becomes absurd. "To make people excited" or "to make people laugh loudly" only partially reflect the intention and add unnecessary details. The most general and accurate paraphrase is therefore in terms of relaxation and comfort. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Make people angry" is the opposite of what a good host or speaker wants to do at the start of a gathering. "Make people laugh loudly" focuses too narrowly on one possible method and ignores the broader idea of reducing tension. "Make people excited" suggests a strong emotional response that is not always appropriate or needed in formal situations; breaking the ice in a job interview, for example, should not involve excitement but calm friendliness. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse the idiom with specific actions like telling jokes and therefore choose "make people laugh". However, in many cultures and contexts, breaking the ice can be done quietly and politely, without jokes or loud humour. It is better to think of the end result rather than one example. Visualise a room going from silent and stiff to gently conversational and relaxed; this picture will guide you to the right explanation. Final Answer: Make people relaxed and comfortable is the correct meaning of the idiom "to break the ice".

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