Question 1

In this active and passive voice question, choose the correct passive voice form of the sentence: The workers are building the house.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Active and passive voice questions check whether you can transform a sentence while keeping the tense, meaning, and sense intact. The given sentence is in the present continuous tense in active voice. In competitive exams, you must recognise the tense and then build the correct passive structure with the appropriate helping verb and past participle form. Here you are asked to choose the passive voice form of the sentence The workers are building the house. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: The workers are building the house. Subject in active voice: the workers. Object in active voice: the house. Tense and aspect: present continuous (are building). We must convert to passive voice while keeping the meaning the same. Concept / Approach: In present continuous tense, the general pattern for active to passive transformation is: Subject + is/am/are + verb ing + object changes to Object + is/am/are + being + past participle + by + subject. The object becomes the new subject in passive voice and the original subject usually follows by. The verb building takes the past participle built. Because the object the house is singular, we use is being, not are being. These rules guide us directly to the correct passive structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the active voice pattern: The workers (subject) are building (verb) the house (object).Step 2: Move the object the house to the subject position in passive voice.Step 3: Keep the present continuous aspect by using is being for a singular subject.Step 4: Change building to the past participle built.Step 5: Place the original subject the workers after the preposition by.Step 6: The final passive sentence becomes: The house is being built by the workers. Verification / Alternative Check: Check tense and meaning. The workers are building the house describes an action in progress now. The house is being built by the workers also describes a present continuous action in progress. The doer and receiver of the action remain the same and the time reference does not change. No other option exactly preserves both the tense and the meaning with the correct form of the verb be and built. This confirms that the chosen option is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The house was being built by the workers uses past continuous, not present continuous, so it changes the time reference. The house is built by the workers is simple present passive and suggests a general fact or habit. The house was built by the workers is simple past passive and refers to a completed action. All these forms do not match the continuous present action shown in the original active sentence and therefore they are incorrect for this transformation. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often forget to include being in continuous passive structures and write is built by mistake. Another common error is to change the tense from present to past just because the passive structure feels more natural. Some learners also reverse the word order and put by phrase incorrectly. Always identify the exact tense in the active sentence first and then apply the correct transformation pattern for that tense before selecting the final answer. Final Answer: The correct passive sentence is: The house is being built by the workers.

Question 2

In this direct and indirect speech question, choose the correct reported speech form of the sentence: Sneha said to Arjun, "Go away."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Direct and indirect speech questions test how well you can convert spoken commands, requests, and statements into reported speech. In this question, Sneha is speaking directly to Arjun and giving a short command Go away. When we report such imperative sentences, we usually use reporting verbs like ordered, told, or asked, followed by an infinitive form of the verb. Choosing the right reporting verb depends on the tone of the original sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: Sneha said to Arjun, Go away. Speaker: Sneha. Listener: Arjun. Sentence type: imperative command. We must convert this to correct indirect speech using natural English structures. Concept / Approach: When converting commands from direct to indirect speech, the structure is generally: Subject + reporting verb (ordered, told, requested) + object + to + base verb. Because Go away is a clear and strong command rather than a polite request, ordered is more appropriate than asked. The phrase said to changes to ordered or told in good exam style. We then add Arjun as the object and use the infinitive to go away to report the command precisely and politely in indirect speech. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of sentence in direct speech. Go away is an imperative, and the tone suggests an order.Step 2: Replace said to with a suitable reporting verb that fits an order, such as ordered.Step 3: Keep the listener Arjun as the object of the reporting verb.Step 4: Change the bare command Go away into the infinitive form to go away.Step 5: Combine all parts to form Sneha ordered Arjun to go away.Step 6: Check that the sense of an instruction remains and that the grammar is correct. Verification / Alternative Check: If we imagine a narrator describing the scene, the natural way to report this command would be to say Sneha ordered Arjun to go away. This preserves both the strength of the instruction and the correct grammatical structure. The tense of the reporting verb remains in the past because the original used said. There is no need for additional conjunctions like that in a reported command. This cross check supports our choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sneha asked Arjun that he should go away is incorrect because asked does not reflect the strong tone and because that clause is not the standard pattern for reporting commands. Sneha say to Arjun to go away is grammatically wrong because say should change to said and the pattern say to is not correct in this transformation. Sneha inquired Arjun to go away is also incorrect because inquire is used for asking questions, not giving orders, and the structure is unnatural in standard English. Therefore these alternatives do not follow the correct rules for indirect speech of an imperative sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students often carry over said to directly into indirect speech or select asked even when the original is clearly an order. Another common mistake is to keep the imperative verb form go instead of changing it to the infinitive to go. Remember that for commands and requests in reported speech, the core formula is ordered or requested plus object plus to plus base verb. Recognising the tone of the original sentence quickly leads you to the correct reporting verb. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech is: Sneha ordered Arjun to go away.

Question 3

In this English spelling question, select the correctly spelt form of the word that means violent behaviour or intense hostility.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions in competitive exams check your familiarity with common but often misspelt English words. The word tested here refers to angry, hostile, or violent behaviour and appears in subjects such as psychology, politics, and everyday news reports. Choosing the correct spelling requires you to remember standard patterns in English word formation, especially the correct number and placement of repeated consonants. Given Data / Assumptions: The word is pronounced similar to aggression. Options use different patterns of the letters g, r, e, s, i, o, n. Only one option reflects the standard dictionary spelling. The context suggests hostile or violent behaviour. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is aggression, with a double g and double s. Many English words derived from the Latin root aggredi or related forms follow a pattern with double consonants, and aggression fits this pattern. When you evaluate each option, you should look for unnecessary or missing consonants and check whether vowels appear in the usual positions. Familiarity with similar words such as aggressive helps reinforce the correct double g and double s combination. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the standard spelling you have seen in books and newspapers: aggression.Step 2: Break the word into parts: ag + gres + sion, noting the double g and double s.Step 3: Compare option C Aggression with this pattern and see that it matches exactly.Step 4: Check option A Aggrression, which contains three r letters, so it is clearly incorrect.Step 5: Check option B Aggrresion, which has double r but only one s and therefore does not match the correct pattern.Step 6: Check option D Agrresson, which misplaces letters and also fails to use the correct ending sion. Verification / Alternative Check: A quick verification method is to think of the related adjective aggressive, which you may know from phrases like aggressive behaviour. Aggressive clearly has double g and double s. The noun is formed by replacing the ending ive with ion, resulting in aggression. This mental link between the adjective and the noun confirms the double consonant pattern and shows that option C is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Aggrression adds an extra r, which does not appear in standard English spelling of the word. Aggrresion uses double r but only one s, breaking the pattern shared with aggressive. Agrresson shifts the letters into an unusual order and also uses on instead of ion, which is a common noun ending for words that describe actions or processes. These misspellings may look similar at a quick glance but are all incorrect when you analyse the letter patterns carefully. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse which consonants to double when spelling words of Latin origin. They sometimes overcompensate by adding extra letters or undercompensate by removing one of the needed doubles. A useful strategy is to connect related word families in your memory, such as aggression and aggressive, and to note identical core spellings. Reading widely and paying attention to commonly tested words builds your spelling confidence and helps you avoid traps in such questions. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is Aggression.

Question 4

In this passage completion question about a kerosene pump stove, choose the correct preposition to fill the blank in the phrase: the fuel in the tank below would be ________ pressure.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Passage completion questions test your understanding of natural English collocations and how different prepositions convey specific meanings in context. The passage here describes how a kerosene pump stove works. It mentions that when the kerosene burned, the fuel in the tank below would be something pressure. In physics and everyday English, there is a very common collocation that describes a substance being subjected to pressure. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant fragment of the passage is: the fuel in the tank below would be ________ pressure. The options are inside, into, about, under. The sentence describes the physical state of the fuel when the stove is operating. The correct choice should form a natural and meaningful phrase used in standard English. Concept / Approach: In English, the usual phrase for describing a substance subjected to pressure is under pressure. This expression is widely used in both scientific and everyday language, for example gas under pressure or a system under pressure. The preposition under conveys the idea of an external force acting on something. None of the other options forms a standard collocation with pressure here, so under is the best fit. Recognising such fixed phrases is essential in passage based questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the sentence with each option inserted: inside pressure, into pressure, about pressure, under pressure.Step 2: Evaluate which version sounds like a familiar and correct English phrase.Step 3: Inside pressure does not make sense, because inside describes location rather than the state of being subjected to pressure.Step 4: Into pressure is not idiomatic in this context, since into usually indicates movement from outside to inside, which is not the intended meaning.Step 5: About pressure also fails, because about suggests concerning or approximately, not a physical condition.Step 6: Under pressure is a standard phrase describing a fluid or object experiencing pressure, so this fits perfectly. Verification / Alternative Check: You can verify the answer by thinking of similar sentences from science class or technical manuals, such as The gas in the cylinder is under pressure or The boiler operates under high pressure. These examples confirm that under pressure is the normal and expected collocation. Replacing under with any of the other prepositions would make these sentences incorrect or awkward, which supports our selection for the exam sentence as well. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Inside suggests being located within something, not being subjected to a force, so inside pressure fails to convey the intended idea. Into indicates direction or movement and does not work with pressure in this stationary description. About is used for topics, approximations, or positions, which have nothing to do with the physical state of the fuel in the tank. Therefore none of these alternatives matches the clear and accurate phrase under pressure. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake in preposition questions is to focus only on literal meanings and ignore established collocations. Learners may overthink inside, imagining the pressure is inside the tank, or into, thinking about the fuel moving. However, the passage emphasises the condition of the fuel, not its location or direction. Remember that English often uses fixed word combinations, and knowing expressions like under pressure will help you answer rapidly and confidently in such questions. Final Answer: The correct phrase is: the fuel in the tank below would be under pressure.

Question 5

In this passage completion question about a kerosene pump stove, choose the correct adverb to complete the clause: and ________ a small circular flame would appear in the burner.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is part of a passage that describes the working of a kerosene pump stove. The sentence in focus explains how, after the fuel is under pressure, a small circular flame appears in the burner. The blank before a small circular flame would appear requires an adverb, because it is modifying the manner in which the flame appears. Understanding the difference between adjectives and adverbs is essential here. Given Data / Assumptions: The target fragment is: and ________ a small circular flame would appear in the burner. The options are slow, slowly, slower, slowest. The sentence describes how the flame appears over time. The blank precedes the verb phrase would appear, so it should be filled by an adverb of manner. Concept / Approach: Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this sentence, we are describing the manner in which the flame appears, which is an action. Therefore, an adverb form is needed. Slowly is the adverb that answers the question how does the flame appear. The other forms slow, slower, and slowest are adjectives or comparative and superlative forms and do not fit directly before a verb phrase in this structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that would appear is the verb phrase describing an action.Step 2: Recognise that a word placed just before the verb phrase and referring to the manner of appearance should be an adverb.Step 3: From the options, slowly is the standard adverb form, while slow is usually an adjective, and slower and slowest are comparative and superlative forms.Step 4: Insert each option in the sentence: and slow a small circular flame would appear, and slowly a small circular flame would appear, and slower a small circular flame would appear, and slowest a small circular flame would appear.Step 5: Notice that only and slowly a small circular flame would appear in the burner sounds natural and grammatically correct.Step 6: Select slowly as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative Check: You can verify the choice by comparing with similar sentences, such as Slowly, the clouds moved away or Slowly, the door opened. In all these cases an adverb is used before the verb to describe how the action happens. Replacing slowly with slow, slower, or slowest would break the grammar and produce unnatural English. This comparison confirms that slowly is the only acceptable option in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Slow is primarily an adjective, used to describe nouns, for example a slow car or a slow process. It does not fit naturally before would appear without additional structure. Slower is the comparative form and would require a comparison, such as slower than before, which is not present in the sentence. Slowest is the superlative form and would also need a comparison among three or more things. None of these forms expresses the simple manner of appearance required here. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates see a familiar word like slow and choose it without checking whether an adjective or adverb is needed. Others misinterpret the sentence, assuming any form related to slow will work. A good strategy is always to ask what the word is modifying. If it modifies a verb, you almost always need an adverb. Keeping track of these basic grammar rules will help you avoid such traps in passage completion questions. Final Answer: The correct completion is: and slowly a small circular flame would appear in the burner.

Question 6

In this passage completion question about a kerosene pump stove, select the preposition that correctly completes the phrase: the burner flame would spread ________ a loud noise.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The passage describes how, as pressure increases in a kerosene pump stove, the burner flame changes and a loud sound is produced. The sentence in question says that the burner flame would spread blank a loud noise. Here you need to identify the correct preposition that links the spreading of the flame with the accompanying loud sound. This checks your familiarity with natural English combinations of verbs, prepositions, and nouns. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant fragment is: the burner flame would spread ________ a loud noise. The options are within, with, at, during. The intention is to describe that as the flame spreads, a loud noise is heard at the same time. We need to choose a preposition that expresses accompaniment or association. Concept / Approach: In English, when we say that one event happens accompanied by another feature, we frequently use the pattern verb plus with plus noun, as in grow with a roar, burst with a bang, or spread with a loud noise. The preposition with expresses that the sound occurs together with the spreading flame. The other options indicate location, time, or a specific point, which do not match the intended meaning of accompaniment in this sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Substitute each option into the sentence: spread within a loud noise, spread with a loud noise, spread at a loud noise, spread during a loud noise.Step 2: Check which phrase feels natural and clearly indicates that noise is produced as the flame spreads.Step 3: Within a loud noise is incorrect because within usually refers to being inside a physical or abstract boundary, which does not fit noise.Step 4: At a loud noise usually refers to a reaction to a noise, not an action accompanied by noise.Step 5: During a loud noise describes an event happening in the time period when the noise occurs, which is not as precise as describing accompaniment.Step 6: With a loud noise clearly expresses that noise accompanies the spreading flame and is the natural collocation. Verification / Alternative Check: You can verify this choice by testing similar sentences, such as The rocket took off with a loud roar or The door closed with a bang. In each case, with links the action and the sound that accompanies it. Replacing with by within, at, or during in these examples would make the sentences ungrammatical or unnatural. This comparison strongly supports with as the correct preposition in the exam sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Within usually indicates inside a region or limit, like within the box or within an hour, and cannot take a loud noise as its object naturally. At is used for specific times or points or for reactions, such as laugh at a joke, not for accompaniment. During refers to a time span, such as during the night, which only loosely relates events and does not sound right here. None of these options conveys the simple idea that the noise accompanies the action of the flame spreading, so they must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Some learners are tempted by during because they think of the noise happening at the same time, but they overlook that with is the standard collocation for actions accompanied by a sound. Others may select at because they have seen it in phrases like shout at the noise, forgetting that the structure here is different. Always check for the typical preposition used with a verb and noun combination in natural English rather than relying only on general impressions. Final Answer: The correct phrase is: the burner flame would spread with a loud noise.

Question 7

In this passage completion question about a kerosene pump stove, choose the adverb that correctly completes the phrase: the valve had to be ________ opened to reduce the pressure.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The passage explains how to control the flame of a kerosene pump stove by adjusting a valve. To reduce the pressure and lower the flame, the valve should not be opened fully but only to a limited extent. The sentence in focus states that the valve had to be blank opened to reduce the pressure. Your task is to choose the word that accurately describes this partial opening in natural English. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant fragment is: the valve had to be ________ opened to reduce the pressure. The options are partly, some, none, everything. The context suggests a controlled, limited opening of the valve, not a complete one. The blank must fit grammatically before the past participle opened. Concept / Approach: An adverb of degree is needed to describe how much the valve is opened. Partly is an adverb that means to some extent but not completely. It fits perfectly with opened to communicate that the valve is opened only a little. The other words either do not function correctly as adverbs in this structure or do not make sense in combination with opened. Therefore, recognising the intended meaning of partial opening leads directly to the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Determine that the sentence describes the valve being opened only a little to reduce pressure.Step 2: Identify the grammatical role of the blank. It modifies the verb phrase had to be opened and therefore should be an adverb of degree.Step 3: Evaluate partly, which means to some extent but not completely. This clearly matches the idea of limited opening.Step 4: Check some, which is normally used as a determiner before nouns, not as an adverb directly before opened in this way.Step 5: Consider none and everything, which express extremes and are not used as adverbs before opened in this structure.Step 6: Conclude that partly is the only option that both fits grammatically and matches the meaning. Verification / Alternative Check: Construct similar sentences to verify the pattern, such as The window had to be partly opened to let in some air or The tap is partly opened to control the flow. These sentences sound natural and mirror the structure of the exam sentence. If you try replacing partly with some, none, or everything, the results are ungrammatical or do not convey the same idea. This comparison confirms that partly opened is the correct collocation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Some is typically used with countable or uncountable nouns, as in some water or some people, and does not function as an adverb before a past participle here. None indicates zero quantity and would imply that the valve is not opened at all, which contradicts the need to open it slightly to reduce pressure. Everything refers to all things collectively and does not work semantically or grammatically in this phrase. Consequently, these options cannot express the intended partial opening of the valve. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose some because they associate it with partial quantities, but they overlook that it does not combine correctly with opened in this sentence. Others may be confused by the presence of extreme words like none and everything, but these are distractions designed to test careful reading. Always ensure that the chosen word fits both the grammatical role and the practical meaning that the passage requires. Final Answer: The correct completion is: the valve had to be partly opened to reduce the pressure.

Question 8

In this passage completion question about a kerosene pump stove, choose the conjunction that correctly begins the clause: ________ you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The passage describes how the user can control the size of the flame in a kerosene pump stove. After explaining how to lower the flame, it explains what to do when a bigger flame is desired. The sentence in focus states that blank you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again. This blank must be filled with a conjunction that introduces a condition and leads naturally into the result described in the second part of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence fragment is: ________ you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again. The options are If, Nor, So, Thus. The first clause describes a condition related to wanting a bigger flame. The second clause explains the action required when that condition is true. Concept / Approach: In English, conditional sentences usually begin with if when introducing a condition that leads to a particular result, as in If you want this, you must do that. The structure here clearly fits a conditional pattern: when or in case you want a bigger flame, you must hit the piston again. Therefore, If is the natural choice. The other options serve different logical functions, such as expressing contrast, continuation, or consequence, and do not introduce a condition in the same way. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the second half of the sentence describes what you must do when a certain condition is met.Step 2: Understand that the condition is wanting the flame to be bigger.Step 3: Recall that conditional clauses of this type are normally introduced by if in standard English.Step 4: Insert If into the sentence: If you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again. This reads naturally and clearly.Step 5: Test the alternatives: Nor you wanted the flame, So you wanted the flame, Thus you wanted the flame. All of these are awkward and incorrect.Step 6: Confirm that If is the only conjunction that correctly signals a condition in this context. Verification / Alternative Check: Compare this sentence with other conditional instructions, such as If you feel cold, put on a sweater or If you want more light, switch on another lamp. In each case, if introduces the condition and the main clause gives the resulting action. This pattern matches exactly with If you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again. Replacing if with nor, so, or thus breaks the logic and the grammar, confirming our choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nor is used to connect negative clauses in expressions such as neither this nor that and cannot start a positive conditional statement here. So usually introduces a result, for example It was raining, so we stayed inside, and not the condition itself. Thus also introduces a conclusion or result, similar to therefore, and does not fit naturally at the start of a conditional clause. None of these words functions like if in standard conditional sentence structures. Common Pitfalls: Some students overcomplicate the sentence and search for a more formal connector like thus, forgetting that the structure is a simple condition and result. Others misread the sentence and think it is giving a direct instruction rather than presenting a conditional scenario from past practice. Remember to identify whether the first clause expresses a condition, reason, or result before choosing a conjunction, and you will reliably avoid these traps. Final Answer: The correct beginning is: If you wanted the flame to be bigger, you had to hit the piston again.

Question 9

In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression "a bone of contention".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idiom questions assess your understanding of fixed expressions that carry meanings beyond the literal meanings of their individual words. The phrase a bone of contention is a traditional English idiom often used in discussions about disputes, negotiations, and conflicts. To answer correctly, you need to know what the whole expression refers to in real life situations rather than trying to interpret it word by word. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is a bone of contention. The options describe different possible interpretations involving agreement, property, and happiness. The expression appears in contexts involving disagreement or argument. We must find the option that matches the idiomatic meaning used in general English. Concept / Approach: In literal terms, a bone can be something that animals fight over. Figuratively, a bone of contention is an issue or subject that people argue about repeatedly and cannot resolve easily. It is the central point of dispute. Therefore, the meaning focuses on continuing disagreement rather than agreement or property. Recognising the metaphor helps you connect the idiom to the correct explanation among the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the idiomatic meaning you may have seen in news or literature, where a bone of contention refers to a controversial issue.Step 2: Read each option and see which one matches the idea of an issue people keep arguing about.Step 3: Option B says an issue over which there is continuing disagreement, which aligns exactly with this idea.Step 4: Option A talks about the only part on which two arguing parties agree, which is the opposite of contention.Step 5: Option C suggests a very expensive inherited property, which relates to wealth, not the concept of argument itself.Step 6: Option D refers to being happy with only a few things, which describes contentment, not contention. Verification / Alternative Check: Consider sentences such as The boundary line has long been a bone of contention between the two neighbours or The distribution of resources is a major bone of contention in the negotiations. In these examples, the phrase clearly refers to the main disputed issue. Replacing the idiom with an issue over which there is continuing disagreement keeps the meaning intact. None of the other explanations fits these sentences, which verifies that option B is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A describes agreement, which contradicts the word contention that signals dispute or conflict. Option C introduces the idea of inheritance and cost, which may sometimes cause disputes but is not built into the idiom itself. Option D confuses contention with contentment, which are opposite ideas in English. Contentment refers to satisfaction and peace, while contention refers to conflict and disagreement. Therefore these choices do not represent the idiom accurately. Common Pitfalls: One common trap is misreading contention as contentment and therefore choosing an option related to happiness. Another mistake is to focus too literally on bone and imagine property or physical objects instead of understanding the phrase as a metaphor for a disputed matter. To master idioms, it is helpful to learn them as complete units with example sentences rather than trying to decode them word by word during the exam. Final Answer: The idiom a bone of contention means: an issue over which there is continuing disagreement.

Question 10

In this one-word substitution question, choose the single word that means "a person who lives outside his native country".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One-word substitution questions ask you to compress a longer descriptive phrase into a precise vocabulary term. The phrase given here is a person who lives outside his native country. This description appears frequently in discussions of migration, employment abroad, and global communities. To answer correctly you need to recall the specific noun that English uses for people living away from their country of origin. Given Data / Assumptions: The descriptive phrase is: a person who lives outside his native country. The options are Indigenous, Natal, Expatriate, Intrinsic. Only one choice directly refers to such a person. The question is from the general English section and tests vocabulary precision. Concept / Approach: The correct word for someone who lives in a foreign country, often for work or long term residence, is expatriate. It is commonly shortened to expat in informal usage. The other options relate to origin, birth, or essential nature, but do not refer to someone living abroad. Matching the phrase to expatriate requires familiarity with global English usage and the slight difference between place of origin and current residence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the phrase: a person living outside his native or original country.Step 2: Recall that such people are often called expatriates or expats in media and official documents.Step 3: Look for expatriate among the options and note that option C matches exactly.Step 4: Check that Indigenous typically describes people or species that are native to a particular region, not those who have left it.Step 5: Understand that Natal is related to birth, as in natal home or natal chart, and does not refer to living abroad.Step 6: Recognise that Intrinsic means essential or inherent and describes qualities, not a person living in another country. Verification / Alternative Check: Think of real world examples, such as Indian expatriates working in the Gulf region or expatriate communities in Europe. In all such uses, expatriate clearly refers to people who live and often work outside their native country. If we tried to replace expatriate with indigenous, natal, or intrinsic in those sentences, they would become incorrect or meaningless. This simple substitution test confirms that expatriate is the only accurate one-word substitution for the given phrase. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Indigenous refers to people or plants that originate and remain in a particular place and are often contrasted with those who came later. Natal refers to birth and is used in contexts like natal day or natal home, not current residence abroad. Intrinsic describes an inner, essential quality of something, such as intrinsic value, and does not identify a person at all. None of these words captures the idea of someone living outside his native country. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse indigenous with native and assume that living outside has something to do with origin. Others may be distracted by natal because it is associated with birthplace and therefore related to native. However, the question deals specifically with current residence abroad, not origin. Learning one-word substitutions along with short example sentences will help fix their meanings in your mind and prevent such confusion during exams. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is Expatriate.

Question 11

In this sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part in: At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India (has now heading) towards another direction.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sentence improvement questions test your ability to recognise and correct errors in tense, agreement, and structure. In this sentence the focus is on the correct use of auxiliary verbs with the present participle heading. The original phrase has now heading is grammatically faulty. You must choose the option that produces a correct and natural present continuous construction in formal written English. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is: At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India (has now heading) towards another direction. The options for the bracketed part are had now heading, now heading, is now heading, no improvement. The subject is the dialectical process of development in India, which is singular. The intended meaning is that this process is currently moving or changing towards another direction. Concept / Approach: To describe an action in progress at the present time for a singular subject, English uses the present continuous tense: is plus verb ing. Therefore, we need a form like is now heading. The original phrase has now heading incorrectly combines the auxiliary has with a present participle instead of a past participle. Options that omit the auxiliary entirely or use past perfect incorrectly also fail. So we look for the correct combination of auxiliary and participle to express present development. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence describes a current change or movement, which normally takes the present continuous tense.Step 2: Confirm that the subject, the dialectical process of development in India, is singular and therefore takes is in present continuous.Step 3: Construct the correct pattern: is now heading, where now is an adverb of time placed between the auxiliary and the main verb.Step 4: Compare this with option C, which gives exactly is now heading.Step 5: Evaluate option A had now heading, which uses past perfect auxiliary had but incorrectly with present participle heading.Step 6: Evaluate option B now heading, which lacks the necessary auxiliary verb and therefore creates a fragment rather than a full verb phrase. Verification / Alternative Check: Substitute option C into the full sentence: At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India is now heading towards another direction. This sentence is grammatically correct and communicates an ongoing shift in direction. Reading the sentence aloud confirms that it sounds natural in standard English. If we try the other options, the sentences either sound incorrect or incomplete, which further verifies that is now heading is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Had now heading mixes past perfect had with the present participle heading, which is not a valid combination in English. A correct past perfect structure would be had headed, not had heading. Now heading omits the auxiliary is, leaving only a present participle phrase that cannot serve as the main verb of the sentence. No improvement would retain has now heading, which suffers from the same structural problem because has should be followed by a past participle such as headed, not by heading. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on the adverb now and overlook the tense issue, or they think that any auxiliary plus verb ing is acceptable. Others may choose no improvement out of haste without checking the form of the main verb. Always check whether the auxiliary verb and the participle type match the intended tense. The present continuous is formed with is or are plus verb ing, while present perfect takes has or have plus past participle. Remembering this distinction helps you solve similar questions quickly. Final Answer: The improved phrase is: is now heading.

Question 12

In this sentence improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part in: I wondered what one would have thought some 40 years ago if you (had said) you could heat liquid using a plastic container.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests your understanding of conditional clauses in reported speech and correct tense choice in hypothetical situations. The speaker is imagining what people would have thought forty years ago if someone had made a particular statement about heating liquid in a plastic container. The phrase under examination is had said. You must decide whether it is already correct or whether another form would improve the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is: I wondered what one would have thought some 40 years ago if you had said you could heat liquid using a plastic container. The options are having said, had say, have saying, and no improvement. The structure has a past time reference some 40 years ago and a conditional clause beginning with if. The speaker is imagining a hypothetical remark in the past and its likely reaction. Concept / Approach: In unreal or hypothetical conditional sentences referring to the past, English normally uses past perfect in the if clause, for example if you had said or if he had done. This indicates that the action did not actually happen but is being imagined. The main clause often uses a modal perfect such as would have thought. In the given sentence, had said correctly supplies past perfect in the if clause and therefore aligns with standard conditional grammar. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the conditional structure: I wondered what one would have thought if you had said something.Step 2: Note that some 40 years ago places the condition firmly in the past, making the past perfect a suitable choice.Step 3: Confirm that had said is the past perfect form of say and fits the pattern if you had said.Step 4: Examine having said, which is a participial phrase and does not fit smoothly into the conditional clause after if.Step 5: Evaluate had say, which mixes an auxiliary with the base form and is grammatically wrong, and have saying, which is also incorrect in this structure.Step 6: Conclude that no improvement is needed because had said is already grammatically correct. Verification / Alternative Check: Compare with standard examples such as If you had said this earlier, we would have solved the problem or If she had known, she would have acted differently. In all these cases, had plus past participle appears in the if clause. Changing had said to any of the other suggested forms would break this well established pattern and produce incorrect English. Reading the original sentence aloud confirms that it is fluent and natural, further verifying that no improvement is necessary. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Having said introduces a participle clause and usually appears in structures like Having said that, which is different from the if clause here. Had say is ungrammatical because had must be followed by a past participle, not a base verb. Have saying is also incorrect because this combination does not form any standard tense or aspect in English. All three alternatives destroy the conditional structure and therefore cannot improve the sentence. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes assume that the exam always requires a change and therefore avoid choosing no improvement even when the original is correct. Others may be uncertain about past perfect usage and think that any complex form will do. To avoid such mistakes, learn the standard patterns for unreal conditionals in the past and trust them during the test. When a given phrase matches the rule perfectly, no improvement is a perfectly valid and often correct answer. Final Answer: The correct choice is: no improvement, because had said is already correct.

Question 13

In this synonym question, choose the word that is closest in meaning to the adjective "INSOLENT".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Synonym questions check whether you know the precise meaning of a word and can match it with another word that carries almost the same sense. The word insolent is often used in descriptions of behaviour that is disrespectful or offensively bold, especially towards authority figures such as teachers, parents, or supervisors. Selecting the correct synonym requires you to connect insolent with its core idea rather than with any extreme or unrelated associations. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is INSOLENT. The options are DISTASTEFUL, IMPATIENT, DIABOLIC, RUDE. The question belongs to the vocabulary section of an English exam. We must choose the option that conveys the same negative behavioural quality as insolent. Concept / Approach: Insolent describes a person who shows a lack of respect in speech or behaviour, often in a bold or shameless way. It is very close in meaning to rude, which suggests impolite or offensive behaviour. The other options describe different concepts: distasteful means unpleasant or offensive to the senses or taste, impatient means lacking patience, and diabolic or diabolic refers to something extremely evil. Only rude focuses on disrespectful manner, which mirrors the central meaning of insolent. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate the meaning of insolent as boldly disrespectful or impudently rude.Step 2: Compare this sense with each option.Step 3: Distasteful refers to something that one does not like or finds offensive to taste or moral sense but does not directly describe behaviour towards others.Step 4: Impatient refers to someone who cannot wait calmly or gets annoyed easily, which is different from open disrespect.Step 5: Diabolic or diabolic suggests something evil or devilish, which is much stronger than the idea of rudeness.Step 6: Rude refers directly to impolite, discourteous, or disrespectful behaviour, which matches insolent very closely. Verification / Alternative Check: Consider example sentences. An insolent student answered the teacher back rudely can almost be rewritten as A rude student answered the teacher back. In both sentences the focus is on disrespect. If you substitute distasteful, impatient, or diabolic, the sentence becomes strange or changes meaning. For instance, an impatient student answered the teacher back describes a different attitude. This simple substitution test confirms that rude is the correct synonym for insolent in exam contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Distasteful talks about things, actions, or remarks that cause dislike or moral offence but it does not label the speaker as inherently disrespectful. Impatient focuses on a lack of patience, not on how one speaks to or treats others. Diabolic or diabolic is far stronger and refers to devilish wickedness rather than ordinary rudeness. None of these words captures the idea of cheeky, impudent, or disrespectful behaviour that insolent conveys. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be attracted to diabolic because both words are negative, but the degrees and types of negativity differ greatly. Others may confuse impatient behaviour with insolent behaviour simply because both can occur in conflicts. To avoid such mistakes, always ask yourself what kind of negativity the word expresses. Insolent is about disrespect and rude manner, not about evil, impatience, or mere unpleasantness. Final Answer: The correct synonym for INSOLENT is RUDE.

Question 14

In this antonym question, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the noun "VIRTUE".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Antonym questions require you to know not only the meaning of a word but also its direct opposite. The word virtue is widely used in moral, religious, and philosophical discussions to refer to good qualities in a person, such as honesty, kindness, and integrity. To answer correctly, you must choose the term that represents the opposite concept in moral evaluation. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is VIRTUE. The options are WILES, CURSE, VICE, CUNNING. Virtue refers to moral goodness or admirable quality. The question belongs to the vocabulary section in general English for competitive exams. Concept / Approach: Virtue means moral excellence or a good moral quality. The standard opposite of virtue in moral philosophy and common speech is vice, which describes immoral or wicked behaviour, such as dishonesty or addiction. This pair of words often appears together in phrases like virtues and vices. The other options describe tricks, misfortunes, or cleverness and do not function as direct antonyms to virtue in the same clear way. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate the meaning of virtue as moral goodness, righteousness, or a positive quality of character.Step 2: Ask what word in moral vocabulary is typically contrasted with virtue.Step 3: Recall that vice is the traditional opposite, referring to moral weakness, bad habits, or immoral conduct.Step 4: Examine wiles, which means tricks or clever schemes, often used for deception, but not the general opposite of moral goodness.Step 5: Evaluate curse, which refers to a negative spell or serious misfortune, not the opposite of a person's good moral quality.Step 6: Consider cunning, which means cleverness in a possibly deceitful way, again not the standard direct antonym of virtue. Verification / Alternative Check: Think of common expressions such as a person of great virtues and few vices or the struggle between virtue and vice. In each case, vice is placed directly opposite virtue. If you try replacing vice with wiles, curse, or cunning, the phrases lose their standard meaning and no longer sound idiomatic. This fixed pairing in both literature and everyday speech confirms that vice is the correct antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Wiles refers to tricks or artful strategies to deceive someone, which is a specific kind of behaviour, not the general opposite of moral excellence. Curse is about misfortune or a spoken wish for harm, which is unrelated to a person's virtues. Cunning denotes cleverness, often in a negative or manipulative sense, but it can sometimes be neutral or even admired and is not always immoral. None of these words stands in clear and direct opposition to virtue the way vice does. Common Pitfalls: Students may mistakenly choose words that are simply negative, assuming that any negative word will serve as an antonym for virtue. However, antonyms must be conceptually opposite in the same semantic field. Virtue and vice both belong to the field of moral character and behaviour, which makes them true opposites. Remembering key word pairs such as success and failure, hope and despair, virtue and vice can help you instantly recognise correct antonyms in exam conditions. Final Answer: The correct antonym of VIRTUE is VICE.

Question 15

In the following sentence on correct usage of prepositions, identify the part that contains a grammatical error. Could she cite (A) / any precedent in support (B) / for her case? (C) / No Error (D).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of correct preposition use in formal English, especially in a legal or argumentative context. Many competitive exams include items where different parts of a sentence are labelled and you have to choose which segment contains an error. Here the sentence describes a woman trying to cite a precedent in support of her case, and the key idea is the standard expression used with the noun "support". Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into four labelled parts: A, B, C, and D, with D representing "No Error". The complete sentence reads: "Could she cite / any precedent in support / for her case". We are expected to apply rules of standard written English, not informal speech. The phrase should sound natural and grammatically correct in educated usage. Concept / Approach: The key concept here is the correct collocation and preposition that follow the expression "in support". In formal English, the standard phrase is "in support of something", not "in support for something". We also need to confirm that the rest of the sentence does not hide any other grammatical errors, such as verb form or article misuse. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence smoothly as one unit: "Could she cite any precedent in support for her case".Step 2: Examine part A, "Could she cite", which is grammatically correct. The modal "could" and base verb "cite" are used properly.Step 3: Examine part B, "any precedent in support". This segment is fine so far; "cite any precedent in support" is acceptable as the beginning of a fixed expression.Step 4: Examine part C, "for her case". When combined with the previous words, we get "in support for her case", which is not the standard phrase in English.Step 5: Recall that the idiomatic collocation is "in support of her case". Therefore, the preposition "for" is incorrect here and should be replaced by "of".Step 6: Conclude that the error lies in part C, because that is where the wrong preposition appears. Verification / Alternative check: We can test the sentence by rewriting it in a more natural way. The correct version is "Could she cite any precedent in support of her case". This sounds natural, is commonly used in legal and academic contexts, and follows the collocation "support of". There is no problem with subject verb agreement, articles, or tense elsewhere, which confirms that part C alone contains the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A ("Could she cite") is correct because the modal "could" correctly introduces a polite question about ability or possibility, and "cite" is the proper verb used with "precedent". Option B ("any precedent in support") is correct because "any precedent" is grammatically sound, and "in support" begins an idiomatic phrase that will be completed by the correct preposition "of". Option D ("No Error") is incorrect because we have already identified an error in part C; therefore the sentence cannot be error free. Common Pitfalls: A very common mistake in such questions is to focus only on obvious errors like tense or subject verb agreement and ignore collocations and fixed expressions. Learners may also think that "in support for" is acceptable because "for" often follows "support" in other structures. However, when the phrase is "in support", the natural pattern is "in support of", not "in support for". Another pitfall is to assume that if a phrase sounds somewhat familiar, it must be correct, which is not always true in standard exam English. Final Answer: The part containing the error is segment C, so the correct answer is "C".

Question 16

In the following sentence about workplace communication, identify the part that contains an error in standard English usage. The General Manager of the industry has felt (A) / that there is no use of (B) / discussing about the problems with the labo…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your awareness of correct verb and preposition patterns in English, especially when common expressions are combined. The sentence describes a General Manager who believes that talking to labourers is pointless. Two phrases are potentially problematic here, and you must identify which labelled part actually contains the grammatical error according to standard usage in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D (No Error). The full sentence reads: "The General Manager of the industry has felt / that there is no use of / discussing about the problems with the labourers." We are following standard Indian English exam conventions and formal written grammar. Only one part is to be treated as incorrect for the purpose of this question. Concept / Approach: Two important grammar points are tested here. First, we look at the expression "no use of". Second, we consider the verb "discuss" and whether it is followed by a preposition. In standard usage, "discuss" is a transitive verb and should not normally be followed by "about". The exam pattern usually selects the most clear and widely accepted error, so we must identify the part that clearly breaks a fundamental rule. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part A, "The General Manager of the industry has felt". This is acceptable. The present perfect "has felt" is reasonable and the subject phrase is grammatically sound.Step 2: Examine part B, "that there is no use of". While many teachers prefer "no use in", the expression "no use of" is sometimes heard, and in exam keys it is not always treated as the main error.Step 3: Examine part C, "discussing about the problems with the labourers". The verb "discuss" does not take the preposition "about"; instead we say "discuss the problems", "discussing the problems", or "discussing the problems with the labourers".Step 4: Because "discussing about" is considered non standard in formal English, this is a clear grammatical error.Step 5: Therefore, part C is the segment that must be identified as containing the mistake. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the sentence correctly as "The General Manager of the industry has felt that there is no use in discussing the problems with the labourers". This version removes the incorrect "about" and uses the more natural "no use in". Another acceptable version is "there is no use discussing the problems with the labourers". In both corrected forms, part C changes significantly while part A remains unchanged, which confirms that C is the clear source of error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is correct because the tense and phrasing "has felt" properly convey a feeling that started earlier and still influences the present. Option B, though not the most elegant, is less obviously wrong in many exam contexts, and the main grammatical rule being tested is the usage of "discuss" rather than the preposition after "use". Option D ("No Error") is incorrect because the sentence as originally written clearly needs correction in part C. Common Pitfalls: Students often think that any slightly awkward phrase automatically becomes the error, and so they may mark part B without checking the verb pattern in part C. Another common problem is believing that if a phrase is frequently heard in spoken English, it must be acceptable in exams, which is not true. Examiners usually prefer classical grammar rules, and one of these is that "discuss" should not be followed by "about". Final Answer: The error is in part C, so the correct answer is "C".

Question 17

In the following sentence reporting a question, identify the part that contains an error in word order or structure. She enquired from the stranger (A) / who was he and (B) / what he wanted from her. (C) / No Error (D).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on the rules of indirect or reported speech and how word order changes when we move from a direct question to an indirect question. The sentence describes a woman asking a stranger who he was and what he wanted, but one part of the structure does not follow the correct pattern for reported questions in English. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is broken into parts A, B, C, and D (No Error). The complete text reads: "She enquired from the stranger / who was he and / what he wanted from her." We are dealing with indirect speech, not a direct quotation. Exactly one part of the sentence is to be treated as erroneous. Concept / Approach: In reported speech, after reporting verbs like "asked", "enquired", or "wanted to know", the clause that follows usually takes the statement word order: subject before verb. Direct questions have inversion (for example: "Who is he?"), but indirect questions return to normal subject verb order: "who he is". We must scan each part and find where this rule has been broken. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at part A: "She enquired from the stranger". This is acceptable, although many teachers prefer "She enquired of the stranger" or simply "She enquired who he was", but there is no serious grammar error in A.Step 2: Look at part B: "who was he and". This is written in direct question word order (verb before subject) instead of indirect order.Step 3: For reported speech, we should say "who he was" inside the clause.Step 4: Look at part C: "what he wanted from her". This part properly uses the pattern subject "he" followed by verb "wanted". It is grammatically correct.Step 5: Since only one part must be called wrong, and B clearly violates the standard rule for indirect questions, part B is the error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence correctly as "She enquired from the stranger who he was and what he wanted from her". Now both subordinate clauses "who he was" and "what he wanted from her" follow normal statement word order. The new version reads smoothly and matches the rules taught in grammar books. No other part of the sentence requires change, confirming that only part B was incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is accepted in exam contexts because "enquired from the stranger" is understandable and not strictly incorrect, though some style guides might prefer another preposition. Option C is correct because it follows the standard pattern "what he wanted from her", which is the expected word order for an indirect question clause. Option D ("No Error") is wrong because we identified a clear structural problem in part B, so the sentence cannot be error free. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget that inversion (verb before subject) happens only in direct questions, not in reported speech. They get used to the sound of direct questions like "Who is he" and then transfer that pattern into indirect language. Another common mistake is to mark part A, assuming that the preposition "from" is always wrong after "enquired", even though exam patterns often accept this in favour of a more important concept such as word order in reported questions. Final Answer: The incorrect segment is part B, so the correct answer is "B".

Question 18

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate adjective to complete the sentence meaningfully: We acted on a __________ impulse.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests your ability to choose an adjective that fits both the grammatical structure and the meaning of the sentence. The sentence describes acting on an impulse, which suggests a sudden, short lived feeling or desire. Understanding the subtle differences between words that share the same root can greatly improve accuracy in English usage questions. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is "We acted on a __________ impulse." All four options are adjectives: "momentary", "momentous", "memorable", and "meritorious". The noun "impulse" refers to a sudden desire or urge to act, often without deep thought. We must select one adjective that best describes the nature of such an impulse. Concept / Approach: The key idea here is collocation and meaning. The correct adjective should describe the impulse itself, matching both common usage and logical sense. "Impulse" is generally associated with something sudden and brief, not something great in importance, worthy, or easy to remember. So we must pick the adjective that suggests a short duration rather than importance, quality, or memorability. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the meaning of "momentary". It means lasting for a very short time or brief.Step 2: Combine it with the noun: "a momentary impulse" describes an urge that appears suddenly and disappears just as quickly, which is exactly how an impulse behaves.Step 3: Consider the meaning of "momentous". It means very important or of great significance, for example a "momentous decision". It does not describe short duration.Step 4: Consider "memorable". This means worth remembering, usually because something is special or impressive, which does not logically describe an impulse itself.Step 5: Consider "meritorious". This means deserving praise or reward. An impulse may or may not be meritorious, but that is not the usual way we talk about impulses.Step 6: The only adjective that naturally and frequently collocates with "impulse" is "momentary", so option A is correct. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by checking real world usage in standard English: phrases like "a momentary impulse", "a momentary hesitation", and "a momentary lapse" are common. By contrast, phrases such as "a momentous impulse" or "a meritorious impulse" sound strange and are rarely, if ever, used. "Memorable impulse" also does not fit typical patterns. This confirms that "momentary" is the best and most natural choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "momentous", expresses importance rather than brevity. It would be better used with nouns like "occasion", "event", or "decision", not "impulse". Option C, "memorable", focuses on something that is worth remembering, such as a "memorable day" or "memorable speech". An impulse is a fleeting internal feeling, not an event that is usually labelled this way. Option D, "meritorious", is used for actions or achievements that deserve praise, for example "meritorious service". It does not naturally qualify the noun "impulse" in standard collocation. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse "momentary" and "momentous" because both share the same root "moment". They may think that "momentous" also means short lived. However, "momentary" refers to duration, while "momentous" refers to great importance. Similarly, test takers may be attracted to positive sounding words like "memorable" and "meritorious" without checking whether they really fit the noun in the sentence. Final Answer: The correct word is "momentary", so the answer is option A.

Question 19

Fill in the blank with the correct particle to complete the phrasal verb and convey the meaning of support: Do your best and we will back you ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of phrasal verbs, which are very common in everyday English. The phrase "back you ______" must be completed with the correct particle so that the expression accurately conveys support or encouragement. Such questions are frequently used in competitive exams to check whether candidates are comfortable with natural idiomatic usage rather than only literal meanings. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is "Do your best and we will back you ______." The options are "on", "in", "out", and "up". The intended meaning is that someone will support you or stand behind you if you try your best. We must identify which complete phrasal verb is standard and idiomatic. Concept / Approach: Phrasal verbs consist of a main verb plus one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that often change the meaning of the base verb. The verb "back" combines with different particles to create different meanings. We need the combination that means "support someone", which is a fixed and familiar expression in modern English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common phrasal verbs with "back". One of the most frequent is "back up", which means "support", "confirm", or "reinforce".Step 2: Insert "up" into the blank to get "Do your best and we will back you up". This fits the intended meaning perfectly: "we will support you".Step 3: Test "back you on". This combination is not a standard phrasal verb in this context and sounds unnatural.Step 4: Test "back you in". While we might say "back you in a project" in a longer phrase, the usual idiomatic pattern in a short sentence is still "back you up".Step 5: Test "back you out". This would suggest removing someone from a situation, which clearly does not match the context of support.Step 6: Conclude that "up" is the correct particle, so option D is right. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by examining natural usage patterns. People commonly say "I will back you up", "My friends backed me up", or "The evidence backs up this claim". These expressions all use "back up" in the sense of supporting someone or something. Other particles like "on", "in", and "out" do not produce widely accepted phrasal verbs with this supportive meaning in such a simple sentence. Therefore, the answer "up" is secure. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "on", does not form a typical phrasal verb "back on" meaning "support" in this short structure, so "back you on" is incorrect on its own. Option B, "in", might appear in extended expressions like "back you in this venture", but the fixed and expected phrase in neutral English is still "back you up", especially when the rest of the sentence already implies general support. Option C, "out", would lead to "back you out", which suggests withdrawing you from something rather than supporting you; it is not the intended idea. Common Pitfalls: Students often try to choose particles based only on literal meaning, thinking that "in" or "on" could somehow fit the idea of standing with someone. However, phrasal verbs are largely idiomatic, and the only reliable method is to remember common combinations. Another pitfall is to assume that if a combination is occasionally heard in some context, it must always be correct, but exam questions usually focus on the most accepted and widely used form. Final Answer: The correct phrasal verb is "back you up", so the answer is option D, "up".

Question 20

Fill in the blank with the correct phrasal verb so that the sentence clearly expresses a daily telephone call: Sanjay __________ his mother in the morning every day.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks your understanding of phrasal verbs formed with the verb "call". The context is a daily action, where Sanjay contacts his mother in the morning. In everyday English, there is a specific phrasal verb that means "telephone someone", and you must select that exact form so that the sentence becomes natural and idiomatic. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is "Sanjay __________ his mother in the morning every day." The options are "calls in", "calls up", "calls off", and "calls down". We are told by context that Sanjay regularly gets in touch with his mother in the morning. The missing word should produce a phrasal verb meaning "telephone" or "speak to by phone". Concept / Approach: Phrasal verbs often have meanings that cannot be guessed simply from the meanings of individual words. In Indian and international English, "call up" is a common phrasal verb meaning "to telephone someone". The other combinations "call in", "call off", and "call down" have different meanings that do not match the context of a regular friendly contact with a family member. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the sentence. It talks about a repeated daily action involving Sanjay and his mother in the morning.Step 2: Recall the meaning of "call up". It means "to telephone someone" or "to make a phone call to someone".Step 3: Insert "calls up" in the blank: "Sanjay calls up his mother in the morning every day." This is a natural and very common expression.Step 4: Examine "calls in". This usually means "to visit briefly" or "to phone a message in", as in "He called in at the office", which does not fit the clear and direct sense of telephoning his mother.Step 5: Examine "calls off". This means "to cancel", as in "They called off the match", which is not correct here.Step 6: Examine "calls down". This is rarely used in modern English and can mean to rebuke or call something down, which again does not match the intended meaning.Step 7: Therefore, "calls up" is the only option that fits both grammar and meaning. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of similar sentences: "I call up my parents every Sunday", "Please call me up tonight", or "She called up her friend to share the news". These are well established patterns. The other options either change the meaning completely (cancel, rebuke) or create an awkward expression that does not match simple, everyday telephone contact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "calls in", would change the meaning to "visits briefly" or "phones an office or radio show", which does not fit the idea of calling one's mother every morning. Option C, "calls off", clearly means "cancels something", which is unrelated to a routine friendly call. Option D, "calls down", is not used in this context and typically has a sense of reprimanding or calling something down, so it is inappropriate here. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse similar looking phrasal verbs because they focus on the main verb and ignore the particle. Another pitfall is to over generalise a meaning, thinking that any "call plus particle" can mean "telephone". In reality, English phrasal verbs need to be learned as fixed expressions. Remembering common everyday phrases like "call up your mother" helps avoid such errors in the exam. Final Answer: The correct expression is "calls up", so the answer is option B.

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