Question 1

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word "REPROOF".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the word that is closest in meaning to "reproof". Such questions test both your knowledge of word meanings and your ability to distinguish between similar but not identical ideas. "Reproof" is a formal noun used in English to describe blame, criticism, or an expression of disapproval when someone has done something wrong. Understanding the precise sense of the word will help you select the most accurate synonym from the options provided. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: reproof. • Reproof generally means an expression of blame, disapproval, or criticism. • Four answer choices are given: warning, ridicule, rebuke, and threat. • The task is to find the closest single word in meaning. Concept / Approach: To solve synonym questions, it is useful to first define the target word in simple language. Once you have a clear definition, compare it with the dictionary senses of each option. "Reproof" is almost interchangeable with "rebuke" in many sentences, both suggesting a formal or strong expression of disapproval. While warning, ridicule, and threat may involve negative attitudes, they have different focus and tone. Therefore the best synonym must share both the emotional tone and the context of correcting or expressing dissatisfaction with someone's behaviour. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Define "reproof" as an expression of blame or disapproval, usually spoken to someone who has done something wrong. 2. Consider "rebuke", which means a sharp or stern expression of disapproval. 3. Notice that "rebuke" can often replace "reproof" in example sentences without changing the meaning much. 4. Examine "warning", which is more about cautioning someone about possible danger or consequence, not necessarily expressing disapproval of a past action. 5. Examine "ridicule", which involves mocking or making fun of someone, usually with scorn or laughter. 6. Examine "threat", which is a statement of intention to cause harm, not simply criticism. Verification / Alternative check: Try using the words in the same sentence: "The teacher spoke a gentle reproof to the student." If you replace "reproof" with "rebuke", the sentence still makes sense: "The teacher spoke a gentle rebuke to the student." However, "warning", "ridicule", or "threat" would each change the meaning in an unnatural way. This replacement test is a quick way to verify that "rebuke" is the closest synonym to "reproof" in most formal contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "warning", focuses on foretelling danger or negative consequences rather than on expressing disapproval of a completed action. Option B, "ridicule", is about mocking and can involve humour or cruelty, but it does not directly mean correction or formal criticism. Option D, "threat", suggests harm or punishment and is stronger and more aggressive than simple blame. None of these words truly capture the sense of measured disapproval that "reproof" and "rebuke" share. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to pick any negative sounding word without checking whether it matches the precise meaning of the original. Learners may also confuse ridicule with criticism because both can be negative. However, ridicule emphasises laughter and mockery, whereas reproof focuses on correction and moral or social disapproval. To avoid this, always think of a sample sentence where you know the word fits and test each option in that context before choosing your answer. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of "reproof" is REBUKE.

Question 2

In the following question, choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the word "INVALUABLE".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for an antonym, or opposite in meaning, for the word "invaluable". Many candidates are misled because "invaluable" looks similar to "valueless", but it actually means extremely valuable or too valuable to be measured in money. Recognising this positive sense is essential before you look for an opposite. Once the correct meaning is clear, you then need to identify a word that expresses a very low or zero value, which becomes the antonym. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: invaluable. • Invaluable means extremely valuable or beyond calculable worth. • The answer choices are priceless, rare, inestimable, and worthless. • The task is to choose the word closest to the opposite meaning. Concept / Approach: The starting point is to correct any misunderstanding about the meaning of "invaluable". The prefix "in" in this word does not create a negative sense; instead, the word has evolved to mean "so valuable that its value cannot be measured easily". Therefore, an antonym must express the idea of having no value or very little value. Among the options, priceless and inestimable are actually synonyms or near synonyms of invaluable, while rare describes scarcity rather than value alone. The word that expresses the exact opposite is "worthless". Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Define "invaluable" as extremely valuable or highly precious. 2. Consider "priceless", which also means extremely valuable, sometimes beyond price, so it has a similar positive meaning. 3. Consider "inestimable", which again means too great to calculate or estimate, so it is close in meaning to invaluable. 4. Consider "rare", which refers to something that is uncommon, but rarity alone does not always mean no value or strong value. 5. Consider "worthless", which means having no worth or value. 6. Recognise that since invaluable is extremely valuable, the natural opposite is "worthless". Verification / Alternative check: A quick test is to imagine a sentence: "Her advice was invaluable to me." If you wanted to say the opposite, you would say "Her advice was worthless to me", not "rare" or "priceless". Both priceless and inestimable would keep the same positive meaning and would not change the sense of the sentence. This replacement method confirms that worthless is the only answer that reverses the meaning correctly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, priceless, shares a similar meaning with invaluable and is therefore a synonym rather than an antonym. Option B, rare, only tells you how common something is and does not directly indicate great or poor value. Option C, inestimable, again means that the value cannot be calculated because it is so high, which is very close to invaluable. Since the question requires an opposite, none of these options meets the requirement. Only worthless expresses the idea of having no value at all. Common Pitfalls: Many learners incorrectly assume that "invaluable" must be negative because of the "in" prefix and therefore choose a positive word like priceless as the opposite. This is a good example of why memorising word meanings from real usage is better than guessing from prefixes. Another mistake is to pick rare simply because rare things are often valuable, but rarity is not the exact opposite of being extremely valuable. Always ensure that an antonym directly reverses the main idea of the original word. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to "invaluable" is WORTHLESS.

Question 3

Four words are given. Choose the correctly spelt word from the options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question tests your familiarity with the correct spelling of common English nouns. The word hidden among the options is "stagnation", which refers to a state of not moving, growing, or developing, often used in economic or social contexts. Correct spelling is essential in exams because it reflects both your vocabulary and your ability to notice patterns in English word formation. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word idea: stagnation, from the verb stagnate. • Options include several similar looking versions: Stagnetion, Stagnasion, Stagnation, Stegnation. • Only one option is spelt correctly. • The base verb is "stagnate" and the noun form is created by adding "ion". Concept / Approach: English nouns ending in "tion" often come from verbs ending in "te" or "t". For example, create becomes creation, narrate becomes narration, and stagnate becomes stagnation. The pattern is to keep the consonant and replace the "e" with "ion". Knowing the correct verb form helps you identify the correct noun form. You must also pay attention to the order of consonants "gn" in "stagnate", which must be preserved in the noun. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall the verb "to stagnate", which means to stop developing or flowing. 2. Apply the common rule of forming a noun by changing "stagnate" to "stagnation". 3. Check each provided spelling carefully against this correct pattern. 4. Option A, "Stagnetion", includes the extra letter "e" in the wrong place and breaks the "tion" ending pattern. 5. Option B, "Stagnasion", uses "sion" instead of "tion", which is not correct for this root word. 6. Option D, "Stegnation", misplaces the consonants and changes "stag" to "steg". 7. Option C, "Stagnation", exactly matches the known noun formed from "stagnate". Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by thinking of common collocations such as "economic stagnation" or "stagnation in growth". These phrases are often encountered in newspapers and textbooks, and they consistently use the spelling "stagnation". A quick mental image of such headlines or sentences helps confirm that option C is the correct one. Looking up the base verb "stagnate" in your memory and applying the regular spelling rule also supports the same answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Stagnetion", introduces an extra "e" before "tion" and does not follow the proper formation from "stagnate". Option B, "Stagnasion", uses the ending "sion", which is used in words like "confusion" or "decision" but not in "stagnation". Option D, "Stegnation", replaces "a" with "e" in the root, changing the base form entirely. These spellings either distort the root word or use an incorrect suffix and therefore are not acceptable forms in standard English. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes rely too heavily on pronunciation when spelling, which can lead to endings like "sion" instead of "tion". Others may misplace vowels in the root or assume that any choice that looks complex must be correct. A better habit is to connect spelling with word families: if you remember the verb "stagnate", it becomes easier to spell the derived noun "stagnation". Regular reading of quality English texts also strengthens your visual memory of correct spellings. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word among the options is Stagnation.

Question 4

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains a grammatical error: "I have come as soon as the customers leave your shop."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your understanding of tense consistency in complex sentences that refer to past actions. The sentence "I have come as soon as the customers leave your shop" sounds unnatural in standard English because it mixes present perfect with a present tense clause where a past tense is expected. To correct it, we must understand how clauses introduced by "as soon as" behave when they refer to completed events in the past. Given Data / Assumptions: • The sentence is: "I have come as soon as the customers leave your shop." • Part A: "I have come." • Part B: "as soon as." • Part C: "the customers leave your shop." • The action is clearly completed and refers to a past situation. Concept / Approach: When we talk about a completed past action that happened immediately after another past action, we usually use simple past tense in both clauses: "I came as soon as the customers left your shop." Present perfect can also be used with adverbs like just, already, or yet, but it is not combined with a present tense verb that refers to a past time in the same sentence. Therefore the main area to check is the tense of the verb "leave" in the subordinate clause introduced by "as soon as". Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify that the context is past: the speaker is explaining a completed arrival after customers had gone. 2. Recognise that "as soon as" links two actions that occur one immediately after the other. 3. Understand that in such past contexts, both actions are usually in the simple past: "came" and "left". 4. Notice that the sentence uses present perfect "have come" and present tense "leave". 5. Focus on part C, "the customers leave your shop", which reads as if the customers leave habitually rather than in a completed past instance. 6. Conclude that part C should be corrected to "the customers left your shop", which shows a specific past action. Verification / Alternative check: Try rewriting the entire sentence in a natural way: "I came as soon as the customers left your shop." This version sounds smooth and grammatically correct and uses simple past in both clauses. You can also adjust the first clause to present perfect if you add a current time reference, for example, "I have come now that the customers have left your shop." In both improved versions, the verb in the subordinate clause about the customers is in the past. This confirms that the error lies in the original use of "leave" in part C. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A, "I have come", can be acceptable in some contexts, especially if the speaker has just arrived and the focus is on the present result. Part B, "as soon as", is the correct conjunction to indicate immediate succession of actions. Part D, "No error", is incorrect because we have clearly identified a problem in the tense of the third part. Therefore, the only part that must be marked as containing the error is part C, the clause "the customers leave your shop". Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus too much on the first clause and think that present perfect is always wrong with past time reference, but here the more serious problem is the mismatch between the clauses. Another common mistake is to assume that "as soon as" always attracts present tense even in past contexts, which is not true. The safest method is to imagine how you would naturally say the sentence in conversation about a past event and then see which of the given parts does not match that natural pattern. Final Answer: The error is in part C, "the customers leave your shop", which should be "the customers left your shop".

Question 5

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains a grammatical error: "I called at his house yesterday and have given him money."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your understanding of tense usage with clear past time markers. The sentence "I called at his house yesterday and have given him money" improperly combines simple past with present perfect in a single sequence of past actions indicated by the word "yesterday". In standard English, when the time of the action is specified with a past adverb like "yesterday", the simple past tense is preferred for all the actions linked to that time. Given Data / Assumptions: • Full sentence: "I called at his house yesterday and have given him money." • Part A: "I called". • Part B: "at his house yesterday". • Part C: "and have given him money". • The time marker "yesterday" clearly places both actions in the past. Concept / Approach: Present perfect tense is usually used for actions that have relevance to the present moment, often without a specific past time expression like yesterday, last week, or in 2010. When a specific past time is mentioned, we normally use the simple past tense instead. In this sentence, "called" correctly uses simple past, but "have given" incorrectly uses present perfect for an action that also happened yesterday. The correct form should therefore be "gave him money". Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify the time reference "yesterday" in part B. 2. Recognise that "yesterday" refers to a specific day in the past. 3. Recall that specific past times require simple past, not present perfect. 4. Notice that "I called" in part A already correctly follows this rule. 5. Examine part C, "and have given him money", and see that it uses present perfect. 6. Conclude that part C should read "and gave him money" to match the time reference and the tense of the first clause. Verification / Alternative check: Try rewriting the sentence in natural, correct English: "I called at his house yesterday and gave him money." This revised version uses simple past for both actions and sounds fluent. If you try to keep the original form "have given", the sentence feels inconsistent because present perfect normally avoids specific past dates or times. This comparison confirms that the grammatical error is the mismatch in tense in part C. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A, "I called", correctly uses simple past to describe an action that happened yesterday. Part B, "at his house yesterday", is also grammatical because it simply adds detail about place and time. Part D, "No error", is incorrect because there is a clear tense problem in the third part. Therefore the only faulty segment is part C, where "have given" should be replaced by "gave". Common Pitfalls: Some learners become overconfident with present perfect and try to use it frequently, even when a specific past time is mentioned. Others may focus only on the first half of the sentence and overlook the second verb. A good habit is to check every main verb in a sentence that contains time markers to ensure that all of them match the required tense. In exam conditions, underlining words like yesterday, last year, and in 2010 can remind you to look for simple past rather than present perfect. Final Answer: The error lies in part C, "and have given him money", which should be "and gave him money".

Question 6

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains a grammatical error: "The reason for my absence is due to ill health."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question focuses on redundancy and awkward expression in English. The sentence "The reason for my absence is due to ill health" contains an unnecessary combination of "reason" and "due to" together. Native speakers normally say "The reason for my absence is ill health" or "My absence is due to ill health", but not both patterns joined in one sentence. Recognising and removing such redundancy helps to produce clear, concise writing. Given Data / Assumptions: • Full sentence: "The reason for my absence is due to ill health." • Part A: "The reason for". • Part B: "my absence is". • Part C: "due to ill health". • The idea is to explain why the speaker was absent. Concept / Approach: The concept tested here is how to link a noun like "reason" correctly with its explanation. We either say "The reason for something is X" or "Something is due to X". When we combine "reason" with "due to", the sentence becomes clumsy and repetitive, because both "reason" and "due to" are expressing causation. Therefore, the approach is to identify which phrase causes redundancy and needs to be removed or altered for proper usage. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify the core idea: the speaker wants to say that ill health caused the absence. 2. Note that "The reason for my absence is ill health" already expresses this idea clearly. 3. Notice that the phrase "is due to" can also be used without the word "reason": "My absence is due to ill health." 4. Observe that the sentence combines both: "The reason for my absence is due to ill health." 5. Recognise that this combination is redundant and non standard in good English usage. 6. Conclude that part C, "due to ill health", is the segment that makes the structure faulty when used with "reason for". Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence in two correct versions: "The reason for my absence is ill health" and "My absence is due to ill health". Both are grammatical and convey exactly the same meaning. In both cases, only one structure introducing the cause is used. Returning to the original sentence, you can now see that including "due to" is unnecessary and creates an awkward overlap, confirming that part C is where the error occurs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A, "The reason for", is a normal way to introduce an explanation. Part B, "my absence is", correctly links the subject "my absence" with the verb "is". Part D, "No error", cannot be correct because we have identified a stylistic and grammatical issue with the sentence. Only part C, "due to ill health", when added after "The reason for my absence is", turns the sentence into a redundant structure that needs correction. Common Pitfalls: Many learners are tempted to use both "reason" and "due to" together in an attempt to sound formal, but this actually weakens their writing. Another pitfall is to overlook redundancy because the sentence seems meaningful at first glance. To avoid such mistakes, try to simplify sentences to their basic subject verb complement form and remove repeated expressions of the same idea. If two different phrases both express cause or reason, usually one of them can be safely removed. Final Answer: The error is in part C, "due to ill health", because the sentence should read "The reason for my absence is ill health" or "My absence is due to ill health".

Question 7

Complete the sentence by choosing the most appropriate word: "I like __________ in the sun."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of verb forms and gerunds in English. The sentence "I like __________ in the sun" needs an object for the verb "like". In English, when a verb such as like, enjoy, or dislike is followed by an activity, we usually use the -ing form of the verb, known as a gerund. You must also carefully distinguish between similar verbs "lie" and "lay", which have different meanings and forms. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base idea: the person enjoys resting in the sun. • Options: laying, lay, lie, lying. • The main verb is "like", which often takes a gerund as its object. • The intended meaning is to rest in a horizontal position in the sun. Concept / Approach: The main concepts here are verb patterns and the difference between "lie" and "lay". The verb "to lie" (lie, lay, lain, lying) means to rest in a horizontal position. The verb "to lay" (lay, laid, laid, laying) means to put or place something down. After "like", we normally use the -ing form of the base verb that matches the intended meaning, which is "lying" from "lie". Therefore, "I like lying in the sun" is the standard, correct sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that "like" is followed by an activity, so a gerund (-ing form) is expected. 2. Identify the correct base verb for the activity of resting horizontally, which is "lie". 3. Form the gerund of "lie", which is "lying". 4. Create the full sentence: "I like lying in the sun." 5. Check each option: "laying" is the -ing form of "lay", which means putting something down and is not intended here. 6. Notice that "lay" and "lie" in their base and past forms do not fit after "like" because they are not gerunds. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by trying to insert each option into the sentence and judging its naturalness. "I like lay in the sun" and "I like lie in the sun" sound clearly incorrect. "I like laying in the sun" could appear in informal speech but would more correctly mean placing something in the sun. The most natural and grammatically precise sentence is "I like lying in the sun." This matches standard English usage and the explanation of gerunds after verbs of preference. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "laying", is the present participle of "lay", which normally takes an object, as in "laying the books on the table". It does not accurately express the idea of resting yourself. Option B, "lay", is the base or past form and cannot directly follow "like" in this pattern. Option C, "lie", is the base form and also does not match the gerund pattern. None of these options produce a correct and natural sentence in standard English. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse "lie" and "lay" because their forms overlap: the past of "lie" is "lay". This can lead to incorrect choices in exam questions. Another pitfall is forgetting that verbs like like, enjoy, and avoid usually take gerunds, not base forms or infinitives without "to", in such constructions. To avoid these errors, remember simple examples such as "I like reading", "She enjoys swimming", and "They avoid talking loudly". Final Answer: The correct completion of the sentence is "I like lying in the sun."

Question 8

Complete the sentence by choosing the most appropriate word: "Please do not __________ an offer made by the Chairman."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question checks your knowledge of collocations and the precise meanings of similar looking verbs. The sentence "Please do not __________ an offer made by the Chairman" describes the act of not accepting an offer. In English, we use the verb "refuse" for turning down an offer, invitation, or request. Understanding how common verbs pair with nouns like "offer" is essential for sounding natural and correct in English. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence: "Please do not __________ an offer made by the Chairman." • Options: deny, refuse, refrain, refuge. • The context involves an offer made by an authority figure, the Chairman. • The intended meaning is "do not turn down" or "do not reject". Concept / Approach: The key concept here is collocation: certain verbs are regularly used with certain nouns. In standard English, we say "refuse an offer", "accept an offer", or "turn down an offer". The verb "deny" is used for refusing a claim, statement, or permission, not for offers. "Refrain" is intransitive and means to stop oneself from doing something, not to reject something. "Refuge" is a noun meaning shelter, not a verb. Therefore, "refuse" is the only verb that correctly collocates with "offer" in this sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Restate the meaning: the sentence is advising someone not to turn down an offer from the Chairman. 2. Recall common collocations: we usually say "refuse an offer" or "accept an offer". 3. Match this to option B, "refuse". 4. Examine option A, "deny", which is used in phrases like "deny an allegation" or "deny a request", not usually "deny an offer". 5. Examine option C, "refrain", which is used with a preposition, as in "refrain from smoking" and does not take an object like "an offer". 6. Examine option D, "refuge", which is a noun, as in "seek refuge", and cannot fill a verb position here. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each option into the sentence and check which one sounds correct: "Please do not deny an offer made by the Chairman" sounds odd and is not standard usage. "Please do not refrain an offer" is clearly wrong because "refrain" does not take a direct object. "Please do not refuge an offer" is ungrammatical since "refuge" is not a verb. "Please do not refuse an offer made by the Chairman" sounds natural and matches everyday English usage, confirming that "refuse" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, deny, usually takes abstract nouns like allegation, charge, or request and often appears with that clauses. It does not combine smoothly with "offer". Option C, refrain, requires the preposition "from" plus a gerund and does not take a noun object like "offer". Option D, refuge, is a noun meaning shelter or protection, so it cannot grammatically complete the sentence where a verb is required. Thus these options fail either in meaning, grammar, or both. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse "deny" and "refuse" because both can involve saying no, but their typical objects differ. Another mistake is to choose a word that looks similar to the right answer, such as "refuge", without checking its part of speech. To avoid these errors, pay attention to common patterns like "refuse an offer", "deny the allegation", and "refrain from doing something". Learning collocations in groups strengthens both vocabulary and grammar at the same time. Final Answer: The correct completion is "Please do not refuse an offer made by the Chairman."

Question 9

Complete the sentence by choosing the most appropriate word: "The clerk asked for my __________."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question tests your understanding of the meanings of several similar looking words derived from the root "dest". The sentence "The clerk asked for my __________" most likely refers to a common situation such as purchasing a ticket or booking travel, where a clerk needs to know where you are going. Therefore, the noun "destination" fits naturally, while the other words change the meaning completely. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence: "The clerk asked for my __________." • Options: determination, destiny, destination, designation. • Context: a clerk asking for some information from you, possibly in a travel or official setting. • The missing word should fit everyday usage with clerks and forms. Concept / Approach: The concept here is choosing the word that collocates naturally with "clerk asked for my". "Destination" means the place where someone is going. "Destiny" means fate or the course of events in a person's life. "Determination" refers to firmness of purpose, and "designation" means a title, name, or identification. In ticket counters or travel offices, clerks frequently ask for your destination, so that is the only word that fits both the sense and context of the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Picture a common scenario: you are at a railway ticket counter or bus station and the clerk asks for information. 2. In such situations, the most usual question is "What is your destination." 3. Relate this to the sentence "The clerk asked for my __________." 4. Match this with option C, "destination", which means the place you intend to go. 5. Check option A, "determination", which refers to willpower and does not fit the context of a clerk asking for information. 6. Check option B, "destiny", meaning fate, which is not something a clerk would practically ask you to provide. 7. Check option D, "designation", which is usually used for job titles or labels, not for travel information. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each option into the sentence and see which one sounds natural. "The clerk asked for my determination" sounds odd and does not fit any real life interaction. "The clerk asked for my destiny" is almost humorous and clearly wrong. "The clerk asked for my designation" could occur in some job or form filling contexts but is not as universal and typical as asking for destination, especially in exam patterns. "The clerk asked for my destination" sounds normal and matches everyday usage, confirming that destination is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, determination, refers to determination of character and has no direct link to the work of a clerk in travel or service situations. Option B, destiny, is about fate and life events and would not be requested as information on a form. Option D, designation, can be asked by an official if they need your job title, but the more standard examination context is travel or booking, where destination is the expected word. As a result, these alternatives either distort the meaning or lead to an unnatural sentence in normal usage. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes rely on superficial similarity of words and choose destiny or designation just because they share the same root. Others do not visualise the real life scene and miss clear clues from context. To avoid such errors, always imagine where the situation is taking place and what information would actually be requested. Building this habit will help you interpret many sentence completion questions more accurately. Final Answer: The correct completion is "The clerk asked for my destination."

Question 10

In the following idiom question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "Evening of life".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks you to interpret the idiomatic phrase "Evening of life". Idioms often use metaphors drawn from nature or daily experience. Here, the stages of a day are used to represent the stages of life. Understanding this metaphor helps you choose the correct meaning. Such idioms are common in both literature and competitive exams, so recognising them strengthens both reading comprehension and vocabulary. Given Data / Assumptions: • Idiom: "Evening of life". • Options: old age, a party, holiday, none of these. • The phrase clearly connects the time of day "evening" with a period in human life. • Morning is usually associated with youth, midday with maturity, and evening with later years. Concept / Approach: The key concept is metaphorical mapping between time of day and age. In literary and idiomatic usage, life is often compared to a single day. Morning stands for childhood or youth, afternoon or noon for adult life and mid career, and evening for old age or retirement. Night may symbolise death. Therefore, "Evening of life" naturally refers to the later stage of life, which we call old age. None of the other options fits this well known metaphorical pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recognise that the phrase is metaphorical, not literal. 2. Map the idea of a day onto a human life cycle: morning with youth, midday with middle age, evening with older age. 3. Note that evening occurs before night, just as old age precedes the end of life. 4. Compare this insight with the options and look for a matching life stage. 5. Identify "Old age" as the option that matches this metaphor. 6. Confirm that a party or a holiday has no logical connection with the conceptual metaphor of evening applied to life. Verification / Alternative check: Consider common phrases in English literature and speech such as "in the autumn of his life" or "in the twilight of her days", both used for older people. These expressions follow the same pattern of linking later times of day or year with later stages of life. "Evening of life" fits perfectly into this pattern. If you mentally substitute "old age" into a sentence like "He spent the evening of his life in quiet comfort", it sounds natural and meaningful, confirming the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, a party, has no metaphorical relationship with the time of day in this expression. Option C, holiday, again does not connect to the idea of life stages. Option D, none of these, would only be correct if none of the options matched, but "old age" clearly matches the idiom. Choosing any of these alternatives would ignore the well established metaphor used in English literature and idiomatic language. Common Pitfalls: Some learners overthink idioms and create very specific or unusual explanations instead of looking for simple, established meanings. Others may be unfamiliar with this type of metaphor and treat the phrase too literally, imagining the time after work or the end of a busy day. A useful tip is to learn common metaphors that map physical cycles, such as day and night or seasons, onto human life stages, which will help you decode several idioms at once. Final Answer: The idiom "Evening of life" refers to Old age.

Question 11

In the following idiom question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "Invent cock and bull stories".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of the idiomatic phrase "cock and bull stories". The expression is used in English to refer to exaggerated, unbelievable, or completely made up stories that are not meant to be taken seriously. Exams often ask you to interpret such idioms by choosing the option that best captures their real meaning rather than their literal words. Given Data / Assumptions: • Idiom: "Invent cock and bull stories". • Options: delightful fables, eco friendly accounts, absurd and unlikely stories, credible tales. • The verb "invent" supports the idea of making something up rather than retelling facts. • The phrase is usually used in negative or critical contexts. Concept / Approach: "Cock and bull story" is a traditional idiom meaning a fanciful and unlikely tale, often told to deceive or to entertain with exaggeration. The phrase suggests that the story is so ridiculous that it should not be believed. When you see "invent cock and bull stories", the key is to focus on the idea of creating such absurd and improbable tales. The best option will reflect this sense of unreliability and exaggeration. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Recall that "cock and bull story" is commonly used to criticise someone for telling lies or highly doubtful stories. 2. Understand that "invent" strengthens the idea that the stories are made up. 3. Look at the options and identify any phrase that clearly means unbelievable or absurd stories. 4. Option C, "Absurd and unlikely stories", directly matches this idea. 5. Check the other options: "Delightful fables", "Eco friendly accounts", and "Credible tales". 6. Notice that none of these other options include the idea of being unbelievable or ridiculous. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine the sentence "He is always inventing cock and bull stories about why he is late." The speaker is clearly complaining about unbelievable excuses, not praising delightful fables or credible explanations. Substitute option C into the sentence: "He is always inventing absurd and unlikely stories about why he is late." The meaning remains the same, which confirms that option C is the correct interpretation of the idiom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Delightful fables", suggests pleasant imaginative tales and does not carry the negative, unbelievable tone of the original idiom. Option B, "Eco friendly accounts", is completely unrelated to the context and looks like a distractor. Option D, "Credible tales", is the opposite of what the idiom suggests, because "credible" means believable. None of these options correctly convey the sense of unrealistic and ridiculous invention implied by "cock and bull stories". Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to misinterpret idioms as positive when they are actually negative or mocking. The words "cock" and "bull" might make learners think of animals and simple stories, leading them to choose an option like delightful fables. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the verb "invent", which hints at making things up. To avoid such errors, learn idioms in full example sentences and notice whether the surrounding tone is positive, neutral, or negative. Final Answer: The phrase "Invent cock and bull stories" means to create Absurd and unlikely stories.

Question 12

Choose the one word that can be substituted for the given phrase: "Act of making things like new again."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question asks you to replace the phrase "Act of making things like new again" with a single, precise verb. Such questions are common in competitive exams and test how closely you know the meanings of related words. The phrase clearly refers to repairing, restoring, or improving something so that it looks or feels new, rather than inventing something for the first time or inspiring a person. Given Data / Assumptions: • Phrase: "Act of making things like new again." • Options: Innovate, Renovate, Motivate, Activate. • The focus is on objects or places being restored to a new like condition. • The question wants a verb that captures this idea. Concept / Approach: "Renovate" means to restore something, especially a building or room, to a good or new condition by repairing and improving it. "Innovate" means to introduce something new, such as a method or idea. "Motivate" is to inspire a person to act, and "activate" is to make something start working. Only "renovate" directly captures the sense of making an existing thing fresh or like new again. Understanding these subtle distinctions is vital for accurate vocabulary use. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify the key idea in the phrase: making existing things like new again by repair or improvement. 2. Recall that "renovate" is commonly used for buildings, rooms, or houses that are repaired and updated. 3. Compare this with "innovate", which deals with introducing new ideas or processes rather than repairing old ones. 4. Compare with "motivate", which relates to encouraging people, not objects. 5. Compare with "activate", which only means to start a device or system, not to restore it to new condition. 6. Conclude that "Renovate" is the only verb that matches the given phrase exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each option into typical sentences: "They plan to renovate the old house" makes sense and means they will make it like new again. "They plan to innovate the old house" is incorrect because you innovate processes or ideas, not houses. "They plan to motivate the old house" is nonsense, and "They plan to activate the old house" does not match the idea of repairing it. These tests confirm that renovate is the correct one word substitute. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, innovate, is about creating or introducing something new, not about restoring old things. Option C, motivate, applies to people and their feelings or behaviour, not to objects. Option D, activate, is used for starting machines, accounts, or systems, such as activating a card or device. None of these words conveys the sense of restoring something to a like new condition, which is the focus of the original phrase. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse "innovate" and "renovate" because both contain the element "nov", related to newness. However, innovate deals with new ideas or methods, while renovate deals with improving and repairing existing things. To avoid this confusion, remember that renovation typically applies to physical structures, and innovation applies to ideas and technology. Seeing these words used in context while reading will make their differences much clearer. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Renovate.

Question 13

Choose the one word that can be substituted for the given phrase: "One who knows everything."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question asks you to find the single word that means "One who knows everything." Such questions often use terms from Latin or Greek roots that commonly appear in advanced English vocabulary. Recognising these roots is a powerful tool in exams and helps you guess meanings accurately even for unfamiliar words. Given Data / Assumptions: • Phrase: "One who knows everything." • Options: Omniscient, Conscious, Intellectual, Learned. • The key idea is complete or unlimited knowledge. • The answer will likely contain the element "omni", which often means "all". Concept / Approach: "Omniscient" comes from Latin: "omni" meaning all, and "scient" from "scire", meaning to know. So omniscient literally means "all knowing". It is often used as a theological term for a divine being and in literature for a narrator who knows everything about the characters and events. The other options refer to awareness, intelligence, or education but do not convey complete knowledge of everything. Therefore, omniscient is the only word that matches the phrase precisely. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Break down the phrase "One who knows everything" into its core idea: complete or unlimited knowledge. 2. Look at the options and recall that "omni" suggests "all". 3. Recognise that "Omniscient" combines "omni" and a root related to knowledge, giving the sense of "all knowing". 4. Examine "Conscious", which simply means aware, usually of one's surroundings or of oneself, not knowing everything. 5. Examine "Intellectual", which describes a person who uses the mind a lot, but not necessarily someone who knows everything. 6. Examine "Learned", which means educated or knowledgeable but again does not imply knowledge of all things. Verification / Alternative check: Think of common expressions like "an omniscient narrator" in literature, which describes a narrator who knows everything about the story. Compare this with "a learned person" or "an intellectual", both of which suggest high knowledge but not absolute knowledge. Similarly, "conscious" only relates to awareness, not complete knowledge. This alignment with known usage confirms that omniscient is the best match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, conscious, focuses on awareness and wakefulness, not on knowing all facts or truths. Option C, intellectual, describes a person who engages in serious study or thought but still has limits. Option D, learned, indicates that someone is educated, but there is no suggestion of unlimited or total knowledge. Since the original phrase clearly speaks of someone who knows everything, only omniscient satisfies that condition. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be tempted by "learned" or "intellectual" because they sound impressive and educated. However, these words fall short of meaning "knows everything". Another trap is to misunderstand "omniscient" because it may be less familiar. Learning root words like "omni" (all), "sci" (know), "bene" (good), and "mal" (bad) will help you decode many similar questions rapidly and accurately. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for "One who knows everything" is Omniscient.

Question 14

Choose the one word that can be substituted for the given phrase: "Any morbid dread of water."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question focuses on a medical or psychological term described in simple language as "Any morbid dread of water." The phrase refers to an extreme, abnormal fear, not just a casual dislike. Many English words describing fears use the suffix "phobia", which comes from Greek. Recognising this pattern makes it much easier to select the correct term from the options. Given Data / Assumptions: • Phrase: "Any morbid dread of water." • Options: Hydrofoil, Hydrophobia, Hydraulic, Hyacinth. • The key ideas are "morbid dread" (abnormal fear) and "water". • "Hydro" is a root that relates to water. Concept / Approach: The word "Hydrophobia" is formed from "hydro", meaning water, and "phobia", meaning fear. Together, they literally describe a fear of water. It is sometimes used as a symptom name in diseases such as rabies, where patients develop a strong fear of water. The other options do not describe a fear at all. Hydrofoil refers to a type of boat or wing like structure, hydraulic is related to systems driven by fluid under pressure, and hyacinth is a flower. Thus, the only term that fits the idea of a morbid dread of water is hydrophobia. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Break the phrase into key parts: "morbid dread" indicates an abnormal fear, and "water" indicates the object of that fear. 2. Recall that "phobia" is a suffix used in words like arachnophobia or claustrophobia to mean fear. 3. Notice that "hydro" is a root for water, used in words such as hydration or hydroelectric. 4. Combine these roots conceptually to form "hydrophobia", which means fear of water. 5. Compare this with "hydraulic", which refers to machines or systems operated by water or oil under pressure. 6. Compare with "hydrofoil", which is related to a type of boat, and "hyacinth", which is the name of a plant, not a fear. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling that in some medical contexts, hydrophobia is associated with the later stages of certain infections where the patient cannot drink water and becomes fearful of it. The structure of the word clearly suggests water fear. None of the other options contain the "phobia" element or describe a psychological state. This cross checking with both word structure and basic general knowledge confirms that hydrophobia is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, hydrofoil, refers to a kind of boat or wing structure used to lift a vessel above water to reduce drag. Option C, hydraulic, is an adjective used for machinery and systems powered by fluids under pressure, not a fear. Option D, hyacinth, is the name of a flowering plant and has no connection to fear or water in the sense required here. These words either belong to engineering or botany and therefore do not match the phrase "morbid dread of water". Common Pitfalls: Learners may get distracted by the common root "hydro" and choose any option containing it, such as hydrofoil or hydraulic, without noticing that the phrase is describing a fear. The important clue is the word "dread", which should immediately suggest something ending in "phobia". To avoid similar mistakes, train yourself to look for these clear signals in the definition when dealing with one word substitution questions involving medical or psychological terms. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for "Any morbid dread of water" is Hydrophobia.

Question 15

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the underlined phrase so that the sentence becomes grammatically correct and natural: "You have come here with the intention in insulting me."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question checks your understanding of correct prepositional usage with the phrase "intention of doing something." Exams in English grammar often test fixed expressions and collocations where only one preposition is idiomatic and accepted in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "You have come here with the intention in insulting me." The underlined phrase is "with the intention in insulting me." You must choose the option that makes the sentence grammatically correct and natural. The intended meaning is that the person came with a plan or purpose to insult the speaker. Concept / Approach: In English, we use the fixed collocation "with the intention of doing something." The noun "intention" is normally followed by the preposition "of" when we add a verb in the ing form. Phrases such as "the intention of helping," "the intention of cheating," or "the intention of resigning" are standard. Using "in" or "on" with "intention" before a gerund is not idiomatic and sounds incorrect to native speakers. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key noun and verb pattern: "intention + preposition + insulting." Step 2: Recall the standard collocation "intention of doing something." Step 3: Replace "in insulting me" with "of insulting me." Step 4: Check the entire sentence: "You have come here with the intention of insulting me." Step 5: Confirm that the sentence is now grammatically correct and sounds natural. Verification / Alternative check: You can compare with similar sentences. For example, "He spoke with the intention of helping" or "She called with the intention of complaining." In each case, the pattern "intention of" is used. If we try "intention in helping" or "intention on complaining," they sound wrong. This confirms that only "of insulting me" fits correctly in the given question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: for insulting me: The phrase "with the intention for insulting me" is not idiomatic English. We use "intention of," not "intention for," before a gerund. on insulting me: "Intention on" is also non standard. We may say "bent on insulting," but not "intention on insulting." No improvement: The original phrase with "in insulting me" is grammatically incorrect and unidiomatic, so no improvement cannot be chosen. Common Pitfalls: Many learners translate directly from their first language and choose prepositions by guesswork, leading to phrases like "intention to," "intention for," or "intention in" with gerunds. Remember that prepositions in English are often fixed by usage. Learning typical patterns such as "intention of doing," "aim of doing," and "purpose of doing" will greatly improve accuracy in sentence improvement questions. Final Answer: The correct improvement is of insulting me, giving the sentence: You have come here with the intention of insulting me.

Question 16

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best replaces the underlined verb phrase so that the sentence is correct: "I did not give at the examination as my circumstances are bad."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests correct verb usage in the standard expression used for taking an examination. In Indian and many other exam contexts, certain verbs collocate naturally with "examination," and competitive questions often check whether you can recognise the proper idiomatic verb choice. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "I did not give at the examination as my circumstances are bad." The underlined part is "give at the examination." The speaker wants to say that he or she did not take or sit the exam due to bad circumstances. We need a verb that correctly expresses taking an exam. Concept / Approach: In standard exam English, we do not say "give an examination" when we talk about the candidate. Instead, we say "appear in an examination" or "sit for an examination." The verb "appear" collocates very strongly with "in the examination" in formal Indian English, especially in exam notifications and question papers. Therefore, "appear" is the best verb to replace "give." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand intended meaning: the candidate did not take the exam. Step 2: Recall correct verbs: "appear in the examination" or "sit for the examination." Step 3: Look at the options and identify "appear" as the formal exam verb. Step 4: Rewrite: "I did not appear at the examination as my circumstances are bad." Step 5: Check for overall correctness and clarity of the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Official notifications often say "Candidates who do not appear in the examination will not be considered." This shows the preferred verb is "appear." Although "sit for the examination" is also correct in British English, the option "sit" alone without a suitable preposition does not immediately fix the sentence. Given the choices, "appear" is the most precise and widely accepted usage for competitive exam English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: write: While some regions informally say "write the exam," the sentence "I did not write at the examination" is grammatically awkward and incomplete without an object. sit: On its own, "sit" is not enough. The usual phrase is "sit for an examination," which is not what the option provides. No improvement: "Give at the examination" is incorrect usage. Examiners or institutions "give" an examination; candidates "appear in" or "sit for" it. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often translate directly from vernacular expressions such as "give exam," which leads to errors in formal English. Another problem is to choose a verb that sounds familiar without checking whether it fits grammatically with the rest of the sentence. Always remember standard collocations like "appear in the exam," "sit for the exam," and "take an exam" when dealing with such questions. Final Answer: The correct improvement is appear, giving the sentence: I did not appear at the examination as my circumstances are bad.

Question 17

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best replaces the underlined conjunction so that the sentence is grammatically correct: "Though he worked hard, but he failed."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of conjunctions and the correct way to join contrasting clauses. The sentence uses "though" at the beginning and then adds "but," creating a common error of double contrast. Examinations frequently check whether you can recognise and correct such redundancy. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "Though he worked hard, but he failed." There are two clauses: "he worked hard" and "he failed." "Though" already indicates contrast. You must select the conjunction that keeps the contrast but removes the redundancy. Concept / Approach: In English, you do not usually combine "though" and "but" in the same sentence to express a single contrast. You can say "Though he worked hard, he failed," or "He worked hard, yet he failed," but not "Though he worked hard, but he failed." One correct pattern is "Though ... yet ..." which is commonly accepted in exam English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "though" already expresses a concessive contrast. Step 2: Recognise that "but" after "though" creates unnecessary double contrast. Step 3: Among the options, "yet" appropriately completes the correlative pattern "though ... yet." Step 4: Rewrite the sentence as "Though he worked hard, yet he failed." Step 5: Confirm that the sentence now expresses a clear contrast in a grammatically acceptable way. Verification / Alternative check: You can also check by removing the initial "though." If you say "He worked hard, yet he failed," the sentence is perfectly correct. This shows that "yet" is the right contrastive conjunction here. In many grammar books, "though" and "yet" are listed as a correlative pair, which supports this choice for standard exam usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: and: "Though he worked hard, and he failed" does not show contrast and makes the sentence awkward; "and" is a coordinating conjunction of addition, not concession. then: "Then" mainly indicates time or consequence, not contrast, so it does not fit the concessive meaning. No improvement: Keeping "but" after "though" preserves the redundancy and the grammatical error. Common Pitfalls: A very common mistake is to overuse "but" after words like "though," "although," or "even though." Learners feel that the contrast is not complete without "but," but in fact "though" itself already introduces the contrast. Remember either "Though he worked hard, he failed" or the correlative "Though he worked hard, yet he failed," but avoid using both "though" and "but" together in this structure. Final Answer: The correct improvement is yet, giving the sentence: Though he worked hard, yet he failed.

Question 18

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that correctly completes the correlative structure with "No sooner" so that the sentence is grammatically correct: "No sooner did the teacher come into the class when we stood up…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of the fixed correlative structure "No sooner ... than ..." used to describe two actions that occur almost at the same time, with one immediately following the other. Many exam questions focus on this pair because learners sometimes replace "than" with an incorrect conjunction like "when." Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "No sooner did the teacher come into the class when we stood up." The structure begins with "No sooner did." The second clause describes what happened immediately after the teacher entered: "we stood up." The link between the two clauses currently uses "when," which may be incorrect in this pattern. Concept / Approach: The standard construction in English is "No sooner had or did something happen than something else happened." The pair "No sooner ... than ..." is fixed, much like "Hardly ... when" and "Scarcely ... when." Therefore, when you start a sentence with "No sooner did," you must follow the second clause with "than," not "when," "since," or "then." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "No sooner did the teacher come into the class" is the first part of the correlative pair. Step 2: Recall the correct continuation: "than we stood up." Step 3: Replace "when" with "than" to restore the proper structure. Step 4: The corrected sentence becomes: "No sooner did the teacher come into the class than we stood up." Step 5: Check that the sentence now reads smoothly and follows the pattern used in grammar books and exam keys. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar examples: "No sooner had I reached the station than the train left." If you insert "when" instead of "than," the sentence sounds incorrect. This confirms that "than" is the only acceptable conjunction in the correlative pair with "No sooner." Why Other Options Are Wrong: since: "Since" generally introduces a reason or a time reference, not an immediate consecutive action in this special structure. then: "Then" is an adverb of time that can show sequence, but it is not the standard conjunction used in the "No sooner" construction. No improvement: Keeping "when" after "No sooner did" leaves the sentence ungrammatical in standard formal English. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes mix up the three similar structures: "No sooner ... than," "Hardly ... when," and "Scarcely ... when." They may incorrectly use "when" after "No sooner" by analogy with the other two patterns. To avoid this, memorise each pair exactly and practise with examples so that "No sooner ... than" becomes automatic when you see this type of inversion in exam questions. Final Answer: The correct improvement is than, giving the sentence: No sooner did the teacher come into the class than we stood up.

Question 19

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best corrects the underlined expression describing fear and lack of courage: "He was so much a coward to help his friend."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement item checks your knowledge of a common pattern used to describe someone who lacks courage: "too much of a coward to do something." The original sentence uses an incorrect combination of words, and you must select the option that sounds natural and grammatically correct in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: "He was so much a coward to help his friend." The idea is that he was very cowardly and therefore did not help his friend. The underlined portion expresses this idea inaccurately. We need an idiomatic phrase that fits with an infinitive of purpose, "to help his friend." Concept / Approach: English often uses the structure "too much of a noun" to describe an excessive quality that prevents an action, for example, "too much of a perfectionist to delegate" or "too much of a dreamer to be practical." When the noun is "coward," the normal phrase is "too much of a coward to help." The expression "so much a coward" is unidiomatic here and does not collocate with the infinitive in a natural way. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: he had so much cowardice that he did not help his friend. Step 2: Recall the set pattern "too much of a coward to do something." Step 3: Replace "so much a coward" with "too much of a coward." Step 4: The corrected sentence becomes: "He was too much of a coward to help his friend." Step 5: Read the full sentence to ensure it is both grammatical and idiomatic. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with other examples: "She was too much of a coward to speak up" clearly expresses fear preventing action. Native usage supports the pattern "too much of a" followed by a noun. There is no standard phrase "so much a coward" used with an infinitive in this way. This confirms that the correct choice is the one that uses "too much of a coward." Why Other Options Are Wrong: so much cowardly: Here "cowardly" is an adjective and the phrase "so much cowardly" is grammatically wrong; we would need "so cowardly" or "very cowardly," but even then the connection with "to help his friend" would not be as clear as the standard idiom. as coward: This is incomplete and ungrammatical. We might say "as a coward" in another structure, but not "was as coward to help." No improvement: The original phrase "so much a coward" is not idiomatic English in this context, so it cannot be correct. Common Pitfalls: One common problem in sentence improvement questions is that learners focus only on grammar and ignore idiomatic patterns. The phrase "so much a coward" might look acceptable at first glance, but it is not standard usage. Another pitfall is mixing up similar structures, such as "so cowardly that he could not help" and "too much of a coward to help." Both are possible, but examination items usually test one specific pattern at a time. Final Answer: The correct improvement is too much of a coward, giving the sentence: He was too much of a coward to help his friend.

Question 20

Read the passage about modern attitudes to health and answer the following question: According to the passage, modern medicine is primarily concerned with which group of people?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question is based on a passage that criticises current attitudes towards health and the way modern medicine operates. The author contrasts the true purpose of health with the exaggerated focus on illness, especially illness that exists mainly in the imagination of patients. You are asked to identify what modern medicine is mainly concerned with according to the writer. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states that health should enable a person to do work and do it well. It mentions that modern medicine, including many patients and physicians, pays very little attention to true health. It clearly says they pay very much attention to those who imagine they are ill. The question asks: "Modern medicine is primarily concerned with" and offers four alternatives. Concept / Approach: To answer, you must focus on what the author emphasises, not what you personally believe medicine should do. The key sentence in the passage contrasts "very little attention to health" with "very much attention to those who imagine they are ill." This indicates that the main concern of modern medicine, in the author's critical view, is people with imaginary illness, not the promotion of genuine health or efficiency at work. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the relevant part of the passage that talks about modern medicine. Step 2: Read carefully: it says modern medicine pays little attention to health but a lot of attention to people who imagine they are ill. Step 3: Note that the phrase "those who imagine they are ill" is central to the author's criticism. Step 4: Compare this idea with the given options and match it with "people suffering from imaginary illness." Step 5: Select that option as it directly restates the author's point. Verification / Alternative check: Check each incorrect alternative against the passage. Nowhere does the writer praise modern medicine for promoting good health or increasing efficiency in work. In fact, the passage says modern medicine pays "very little attention to health," which rules out those interpretations. The idea that it focuses on real illness is also not highlighted. Instead, the emphasis is on imagined illness, making that the only option consistent with the text. Why Other Options Are Wrong: promotion of good health: The passage explicitly states that modern medicine pays very little attention to health, so this is opposite to what the author says. people suffering from real illness: The focus is not on genuinely sick people but on those who only imagine they are ill. increased efficiency in work: Health is described as something that should help work, but modern medicine is not portrayed as working toward this goal. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes answer comprehension questions based on their own expectations about doctors and medicine rather than on what the passage actually states. Another frequent mistake is to choose the most positive sounding option, like "promotion of good health," even when the passage is clearly criticising current practices. Always return to the exact wording of the text to avoid such traps. Final Answer: According to the passage, modern medicine is primarily concerned with people suffering from imaginary illness.

English Questions