Question 1

Read the passage about a prisoner being taken to the gallows and answer: What was the tone of the essay at the beginning of the description?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question is based on a passage describing a group of officials escorting a prisoner to the gallows for execution. The scene opens with the line We set out for the gallows and then explains how warders with rifles surround the prisoner as they walk. The question asks about the tone of the essay at the very beginning. Tone refers to the general emotional quality or attitude conveyed by the author words, such as gloomy, cheerful, humorous, or fearful. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage begins with the description of a prisoner being taken to be hanged at the gallows. The officials, including warders and magistrates, are walking in a formal procession. The language focuses on rifles, gripping the prisoner, and the serious atmosphere before a death sentence is carried out. We need to decide which option best summarises this initial emotional tone. Concept / Approach: To identify tone, we must pay attention to subject matter and word choice. A gallows is a structure used for hanging condemned prisoners, which immediately signals a serious and tragic situation. The description of warders marching with rifles and gripping the prisoner emphasises control, fear, and inevitability. Nothing in the beginning suggests celebration or humour. Instead, the mood is heavy and somber, which is best captured by the word gloomy. Recognising that tone comes from both what is described and how it is described helps us choose accurately among the given options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the opening sentence: We set out for the gallows. Step 2: Recall that the gallows is associated with execution by hanging, a sad and serious event. Step 3: Notice how the passage describes warders with rifles at the slope and others gripping the prisoner by his arm and shoulder. Step 4: Observe that there is no humour, joy, or lightness in this description; it is formal, tense, and grim. Step 5: Compare these observations with the options: celebrative, emotionally charged, gloomy, and light hearted. Step 6: Conclude that gloomy best matches the heavy and depressing mood of leading a man to his execution. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can contrast the opening with examples of other tones. A celebrative tone would talk about happiness, success, or festivity, which is absent here. A light hearted tone would use humour or casual language, but the passage instead uses serious and precise descriptions of uniforms, rifles, and formal movement. Emotionally charged could suggest intense emotion, but the narrative is rather controlled and observational, not full of exclamations or personal feelings. The steady, sombre description of a condemned man final walk clearly fits under the label gloomy. The absence of positive or playful elements further confirms this conclusion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Celebrative: There is no sign of celebration in the description. Execution is a tragic event, and the narrator does not show any joy or triumph. Emotionally charged: While the situation is serious, the narrative style at the beginning is calm and descriptive, not filled with vivid emotional outbursts or strong personal reactions. Light-hearted: The passage begins with references to gallows, rifles, and a prisoner being escorted to his death, which are completely incompatible with a playful or humorous tone. Gloomy: This option accurately reflects the dark and depressing mood created by the setting and subject matter. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the emotional nature of a situation with the narrator tone. They may think that because an execution is emotional, the tone must be emotionally charged. However, tone depends on how the author chooses to present the scene, not just on the event itself. Another pitfall is ignoring key words like gallows and rifles, which strongly suggest gloom rather than lightness. To avoid these mistakes, learners should carefully read both the subject and the style of writing before deciding on a tone label. Final Answer: The tone of the essay at the beginning of the passage is clearly Gloomy.

Question 2

Based on the passage about the dog appearing during the walk to the gallows, answer: How did the arrival of the dog change the atmosphere of the event?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension item focuses on the impact of an unexpected detail in a serious scene. The passage describes a gloomy march towards the gallows when a dog suddenly runs into the yard, barking and wagging its body with joy. The question asks specifically how the arrival of the dog changed the atmosphere of the event. Understanding this requires careful attention to how the narrator and the other characters react to the dog behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: The scene involves a prisoner being escorted to the gallows by warders and magistrates. A dog suddenly appears, barking, leaping, and wagging its whole body with glee. The text states that everyone stood aghast and was too taken aback even to grab the dog. We must choose the option that best summarises this effect on the people present. Concept / Approach: The key to answering lies in the phrase everyone stood aghast and too taken aback. Aghast means shocked or filled with sudden surprise, often in a negative or stunned way. Taken aback also indicates a sudden feeling of surprise or being momentarily unable to react. These words show that the atmosphere changed from grim purposefulness to shock and amazement at the dog cheerful intrusion. Therefore, we must choose an option that captures this stunned reaction, rather than options that introduce escape, scattering, or added sadness, which are not mentioned in the passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the description of the dog arrival: it bounds into the yard, barking loudly, and jumps around the people with joy. Step 2: Note the narrator statement that everyone stood aghast, indicating a strong feeling of surprise. Step 3: Also note that they were too taken aback even to grab at the dog, so they did not react quickly. Step 4: Compare these details with the options. Look for words that match shock, amazement, or being momentarily frozen. Step 5: See that the option saying it stunned everyone present there matches these ideas. Step 6: Confirm that no other option reflects the reaction actually described in the text. Verification / Alternative check: We can check each incorrect option against the passage. There is no mention of the people running away or scattering, so option A is unsupported. The prisoner does not escape, and the text does not even suggest any attempt to escape, so option B is clearly wrong. There is no description of the prisoner feeling more sad as a result of the dog arrival, so option C is not correct. In contrast, everyone stood aghast and too taken aback shows that the main effect was a moment of stunned surprise. The phrase stunned everyone present there is a good paraphrase of this combination, verifying that option D accurately summarises the change in atmosphere. Why Other Options Are Wrong: It caused the people to scatter: The passage never states or implies that the people ran away or moved in all directions. They actually remain standing. It allowed the prisoner to escape: The text does not describe any escape attempt or success; the dog simply interrupts the solemn procession. It saddened the prisoner even more: The narrator does not comment on the prisoner emotions changing because of the dog. The focus is on the reaction of the group as a whole. It stunned everyone present there: This matches the words aghast and taken aback in the passage and correctly summarises the change in mood. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake in such questions is reading too much into the situation instead of sticking to the text. Because the scenario is dramatic, learners may imagine an escape or emotional breakdown that the passage never mentions. Another pitfall is being misled by options that sound dramatic but are not supported by the actual words. To avoid these errors, students should always underline key phrases such as stood aghast and taken aback and look for options that closely match those ideas rather than relying on assumptions. Final Answer: The arrival of the dog changed the atmosphere by stunning everyone present there, as they stood aghast and could not react immediately.

Question 3

According to the passage about the dog and the prisoner, what emotion was displayed by the dog when it entered the yard?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question checks careful attention to descriptive details. In the passage, the narrator describes a dog that suddenly appears while a solemn procession is taking a prisoner to the gallows. The question asks what emotion the dog displays. The language used to portray the dog behaviour clearly indicates its emotional state, and our task is to interpret this description accurately rather than guessing based on the serious context of the execution. Given Data / Assumptions: The dog appears suddenly in the yard during the grim march towards the gallows. It comes bounding with a loud volley of barks and leaps around the group. The passage states that it wags its whole body, wild with glee at finding so many human beings together. We must pick the option that best matches this described emotion. Concept / Approach: The key phrase is wild with glee, which is a direct statement of the dog emotion. Glee means great delight, happiness, or joy. The physical actions support this interpretation: bounding, leaping, barking excitedly, and wagging the whole body are typical signs of a playful, happy dog. Therefore, even though the larger scene is tragic, the dog itself is joyful and excited. Our approach is to match the dictionary meaning of glee and the described behaviour with the given options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the sentence describing the dog in the passage. Step 2: Note the wording that the dog came bounding among them with a loud volley of barks. Step 3: Observe that the narrator says the dog wagged its whole body, wild with glee. Step 4: Recall that glee means great joy or delight. Step 5: Compare this meaning with the options fear, joy, anger, and alarm. Step 6: Conclude that joy accurately reflects the meaning of glee and the described behaviour of the dog. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify our answer by checking whether any part of the passage suggests fear, anger, or alarm in the dog. The dog is not described as shrinking back, trembling, or hiding, so fear is not indicated. There is no mention of growling, baring teeth, or attacking, so anger is not present. Alarm would imply that the dog is warning others of danger or feeling threatened, but instead it is simply delighted to find many people gathered. The dog treats the prisoners and officials as potential friends to play with, as shown by its attempt to lick the prisoner face. All evidence points to a joyful and playful mood, confirming that joy is the right choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Fear: There is no sign of hesitation or withdrawal; the dog rushes forward without any sign of being afraid. Anger: The dog does not bark aggressively or try to bite; it behaves in a friendly, playful way instead. Alarm: The passage does not show the dog warning others or reacting to danger. Rather, it is excited by the presence of people. Joy: This matches both the word glee in the text and the energetic, playful actions described. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be influenced by the grim setting of the gallows and assume that every element in the scene must be sad or tense. This can lead them to choose negative emotions even when the text clearly shows a positive one. Another pitfall is overlooking explicit clues like wild with glee and relying only on personal associations with barking. To avoid such mistakes, students should always base their answer on explicit words and phrases in the passage, especially when emotions are directly named by the author. Final Answer: The emotion displayed by the dog in the passage is clearly Joy.

Question 4

According to the passage, what was surprising about the actions of the dog when it approached the prisoner?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In this reading comprehension question, the focus is on a specific and surprising detail within the narrative. The passage describes how a dog suddenly appears during a prisoner walk to the gallows and behaves in an unexpected way. The question asks what exactly was surprising about the dog actions. To answer correctly, we must recall the exact behaviour that startled everyone and made them stand aghast. Given Data / Assumptions: The dog comes bounding into the yard during a solemn procession towards an execution. It barks loudly, jumps around the people, and then rushes towards the prisoner. The narrator states that, before anyone could stop it, the dog jumped up and tried to lick the prisoner face. Everyone stands aghast and is too taken aback even to grab at the dog. Concept / Approach: The unusual or surprising element here is the contrast between the grim seriousness of a march to the gallows and the dog friendly affection towards the prisoner. In such a context, people expect solemnity, fear, or hostility, not casual friendliness. Therefore, the dog attempt to lick the prisoner face is striking because it treats the condemned man as a friend to be greeted, not as someone marked for death. Our approach is to identify the option that reflects this specific and remarkable action, rather than general behaviour like barking or running. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Revisit the part of the passage where the dog interacts with the prisoner. Step 2: Note that the dog makes a dash for the prisoner and jumps up to try to lick his face. Step 3: Observe the immediate reaction: everyone stands aghast and is too taken aback to act. Step 4: Understand that this reaction indicates that the particular action was unexpected and surprising. Step 5: Compare this detail with the options provided. Step 6: Recognise that the option It licked the prisoner's face directly reflects this striking behaviour. Verification / Alternative check: We can now check why the other options do not fit the passage. There is mention of the dog bounding around the group and barking, but nothing about it running up and down the path as a main surprising feature. There is no suggestion that the dog bit the guards or attacked anyone; in fact, its behaviour is entirely affectionate. It does bark, but not specifically at the magistrates, and the focus is not on barking but on the affectionate contact with the prisoner. The narrative explicitly highlights the attempt to lick the prisoner face as the central unexpected event. This confirms that option D best summarises what was surprising about the dog actions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: It ran up and down the path: Although the dog does move around energetically, the passage does not single this out as the surprising action that stunned everyone. It bit the guards: There is no mention of biting or aggression. The dog is friendly and playful throughout this scene. It barked at the magistrates: The dog barks, but the text does not say that it focuses on the magistrates. The key detail is its interaction with the prisoner. It licked the prisoner's face: This is the specific behaviour that shocked everyone because it showed affectionate playfulness at a moment of solemn, tragic seriousness. Common Pitfalls: Some students may choose an option that sounds dramatic, such as biting the guards, even though the passage does not support it. Others may focus on the barking, which is mentioned but not highlighted as the main surprising action. To avoid such pitfalls, readers should pay attention to details that the author emphasises and to the reactions of the characters in the text. When the narrator states that everyone stood aghast right after describing the attempt to lick the prisoner face, that is a strong cue that this is the key action to remember. Final Answer: The surprising thing about the dog behaviour was that it licked the prisoner's face in the middle of a solemn march to the gallows.

Question 5

According to the passage, how did the author respond inwardly to the sudden appearance of the dog during the grim procession?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question focuses on the narrator reaction to an unexpected event within a serious setting. The passage describes the walk to the gallows and the sudden arrival of a playful dog. The question asks specifically how the author responded to the dog appearance. To answer correctly, we must distinguish between what the narrator actually reports feeling or doing and what might seem likely in real life but is not stated in the passage. Given Data / Assumptions: The narrator is part of a group of magistrates and officials escorting a prisoner to the gallows. A dog suddenly appears, barking and jumping around, and then runs up to the prisoner to lick his face. The text says that everyone stood aghast, too taken aback even to grab at the dog. The narrator includes himself in this description of the group reaction. Concept / Approach: The key words for this question are everyone stood aghast and too taken aback. Aghast means shocked or filled with sudden wonder and horror. Taken aback means so surprised that one does not know how to react immediately. Because the narrator speaks of everyone in this way, he indirectly reveals his own reaction as part of the group. There is no description of him physically catching the dog, shouting at it, or ignoring it intentionally. Our approach is to choose the option that reflects this shared, momentary stunned reaction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the sentence that describes the reaction of the group: Everyone stood aghast, too taken aback even to grab at the dog. Step 2: Notice that the narrator speaks in the first person earlier, saying We set out for the gallows, which means he is part of the group he later describes. Step 3: Understand that if everyone stood aghast, the narrator also experienced that surprised stillness. Step 4: Examine the options to see which one best matches being taken aback and not reacting. Step 5: Options describing active behaviours such as jumping at the dog, ignoring it, or yelling at it do not match the described lack of action. Step 6: Conclude that the narrator, like the others, was simply taken aback by the dog appearance. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify this interpretation by checking what actions are actually recorded. The passage does not show anyone grabbing the dog, pushing it away, or calling for help at the moment of its arrival. Instead, it emphasises a brief pause of stunned surprise. This is consistent with the psychological effect of an absurdly cheerful dog suddenly interrupting a solemn and gruesome ritual like a march to the gallows. The narrator describes this moment in collective terms, indicating that his own response was the same as that of the others. This rules out options suggesting that he took independent action and supports the choice that he was taken aback like the rest. Why Other Options Are Wrong: He jumped at the dog and collared it: The text specifically says that everyone was too taken aback even to grab at the dog, so no one jumps at it or collars it immediately. He ignored the dog and pretended it was not there: Ignoring would have required a deliberate choice, but the narrative focuses on surprise and inaction, not on conscious pretending. He yelled at the dog to silence its barking: No shouting or orders are mentioned at this point in the passage; the emphasis is on shock, not on discipline. He was taken aback as the others: This option matches the wording too taken aback and accurately summarises the narrator response as part of the group. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes assume that authority figures in a passage must act decisively and therefore choose options where the narrator seizes control. However, authors often highlight moments when even officials are surprised into inaction, especially to emphasise the absurd or ironic aspects of a situation. Another pitfall is ignoring collective expressions like everyone and assuming that the narrator stands apart. Paying attention to such collective language helps avoid misinterpretation and leads to more accurate answers in comprehension questions. Final Answer: The author did not take any immediate action and, like the others, was taken aback as the dog suddenly appeared.

Question 6

In English vocabulary, choose the word that best expresses the meaning of the given word HOODWINK.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Synonym questions test a learner understanding of word meanings and their closest equivalents in English. The given word here is HOODWINK, which is slightly old fashioned but still common in formal and literary contexts. Examinations often include such words because they measure both vocabulary range and the ability to distinguish fine differences in meaning. Our goal is to select the option that conveys nearly the same idea as hoodwink in most contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: HOODWINK. Options: DECEIVE, NEGATE, UPSET, COVER. We must choose the word whose core meaning matches that of hoodwink. Standard British or international English dictionary meanings are assumed. Concept / Approach: The verb hoodwink comes from an older expression meaning to blindfold someone by covering the eyes with a hood. Over time, its figurative meaning became to trick, cheat, or deceive someone so that they do not see the truth. Therefore, the modern sense of hoodwink is to mislead someone deliberately. Among the options, we need to check which word carries this basic idea of tricking or misleading. The word deceive obviously means to make someone believe something that is not true, usually for personal advantage, which is almost identical in meaning to hoodwink. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or infer the meaning of hoodwink as to cheat or deceive someone by making them believe something false. Step 2: Look at option DECEIVE and remember that it means to mislead or trick someone by lying or hiding the truth. Step 3: Note that this meaning strongly overlaps with hoodwink, since both involve intentional misleading. Step 4: Examine option NEGATE, which means to cancel, deny, or make something ineffective, not to trick someone. Step 5: Examine option UPSET, which means to disturb emotionally or physically, again unrelated to intentional deception. Step 6: Examine option COVER, which primarily refers to putting something over something else or to conceal, but not specifically to deceive a person in the sense used by hoodwink. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify our choice with example sentences. If we say The salesman tried to hoodwink the customers with false promises, we can replace hoodwink with deceive without changing the meaning: The salesman tried to deceive the customers with false promises. In contrast, The salesman tried to negate the customers or to upset the customers or to cover the customers would not carry the same idea. Additionally, dictionary entries confirm that hoodwink is a near synonym of deceive, trick, or dupe. This cross checking makes it clear that DECEIVE is the correct synonym in the list. Why Other Options Are Wrong: NEGATE: This means to deny or make something invalid, as in negate an argument. It does not primarily refer to tricking people. UPSET: This means to cause emotional disturbance or physical overturning, such as upset a person or upset a table, which is different from deliberate deception. COVER: While cover can sometimes be used metaphorically for hiding the truth, its main meaning is simply to place something over something else or to protect. It is not the closest synonym for hoodwink in everyday use. DECEIVE: This word directly expresses the act of misleading someone by giving a false impression, which is exactly what hoodwink implies. Common Pitfalls: Students may confuse concealment of facts with the act of deceiving a person and therefore be tempted by cover, but concealment alone does not always involve active deception. Another common error is selecting a word that feels negative in general, such as upset, even when it does not match the exact meaning. To avoid these pitfalls, learners should focus on the core definition of the target word and test which option can replace it naturally in a sample sentence without changing the intended sense. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of HOODWINK is DECEIVE.

Question 7

In English vocabulary, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word FUTILE.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Antonym questions check whether learners know not only what a word means but also which other word expresses the opposite idea. The word in this question is FUTILE, a common academic and examination term. It is important in many reading passages, especially when describing actions, efforts, or attempts. To answer, we must recall what futile means and then find the option that best expresses the reverse meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: FUTILE. Options: DISTINCT, OPEN, PLEASED, FRUITFUL. We must choose the antonym, that is, a word that means the opposite of futile in most contexts. Standard formal English use is assumed. Concept / Approach: The adjective futile describes something that is useless, ineffective, or incapable of producing any desired result. For example, a futile attempt or a futile effort is one that fails and achieves nothing. The opposite idea is that of something productive, effective, or successful in achieving its goals. Among the options, FRUITFUL directly suggests producing good results, benefits, or outcomes. Therefore, FRUITFUL is the best antonym of FUTILE in this set. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that futile means pointless, useless, or not leading to any success. Step 2: Look at option FRUITFUL and remember that it means productive, successful, or giving good results. Step 3: Recognise that this meaning is the direct opposite of an action that achieves nothing. Step 4: Examine DISTINCT, which means clearly different or easy to recognise, not related to success or failure of efforts. Step 5: Examine OPEN, which can refer to something not closed or available, again unrelated to productivity. Step 6: Examine PLEASED, which describes a person emotional state of satisfaction, not the effectiveness of an action itself. Verification / Alternative check: We can test our understanding with example sentences. Consider The negotiations were futile, which implies that the negotiations did not produce any agreement. The opposite would be The negotiations were fruitful, meaning they produced good results or a successful agreement. Replacing futile with distinct, open, or pleased would not give a meaningful opposite. Distinct negotiations or open negotiations describe different aspects but do not oppose uselessness directly. Pleased negotiations does not even make sense. FRUITFUL naturally contrasts with FUTILE in both everyday use and academic writing, confirming it as the correct antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DISTINCT: This word means clearly separate or different from something else. It has nothing to do with whether an effort is successful or useless. OPEN: This word can describe a door, a discussion, or a situation that is not closed or restricted. It is not the opposite of futile. PLEASED: This describes how a person feels, not whether an action achieves results. One can feel pleased or displeased, but that is about emotion, not effectiveness. FRUITFUL: This clearly means productive, giving good results or benefits, which is the opposite of useless or ineffective. Common Pitfalls: Some students may be attracted to words that simply sound positive, such as pleased, instead of focusing on the precise meaning relationship. Others may forget that antonym questions are about opposites in sense, not just different words. To avoid such mistakes, it helps to form a quick mental sentence using the target word and then try substituting each option to see which one would reverse the meaning in a natural way. Doing this reinforces deeper understanding rather than superficial matching. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to FUTILE is FRUITFUL.

Question 8

Four words are given, out of which only one is spelt correctly in standard English. Choose the correctly spelt word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions test a learner familiarity with the correct written forms of commonly used English words. Here, four similar looking variants are provided, and only one matches the standard spelling of the word that means hostile or violent behaviour. Knowing correct spellings is important not only for examinations but also for formal writing, where such errors can create a negative impression. The task is to recognise the proper arrangement of letters in the target word. Given Data / Assumptions: Four spellings are given: Aggression, Agression, Aggretion, Aggresion. We are asked to choose the correctly spelt word. All options are visually similar, with small differences in the number of g and s letters and the vowel arrangement. The intended word is the noun meaning hostile or attacking behaviour. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word meaning hostile or violent behaviour is aggression. It comes from the Latin root aggredi, meaning to attack. In English, the standard spelling uses double g and double s, forming aggression. The incorrect options typically drop one of these consonants or change the middle portion of the word. Our approach is to recall or confirm the standard spelling pattern ag plus gress plus ion, with both g and s doubled in the middle, and then match it with the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the correct spelling of the word is aggression, which is commonly seen in phrases like acts of aggression. Step 2: Break the word into parts: ag + gress + ion, noting that both g and s are doubled. Step 3: Examine option A: Aggression. It has two g characters and two s characters in the middle, matching the standard form. Step 4: Examine option B: Agression. This version has only one g, which is incorrect. Step 5: Examine option C: Aggretion. This not only reduces the s letters but also changes the core part to retion, which does not match the original word. Step 6: Examine option D: Aggresion. This version uses a single s and is therefore incorrect. Verification / Alternative check: We can confirm our choice by thinking of related words that share the root gress, such as progress, congress, and digression. The pattern gress with double s is familiar in many English words. The noun form aggression follows this same pattern, with ion added to form a noun. Standard dictionaries and textbooks always show aggression with double g and double s. When we compare this with the options, only Aggression in option A fits the established pattern. The other variants are typical exam traps, created by removing or changing one consonant. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Agression: This spelling has only one g after the initial a, which does not match the correct structure of the word. Aggretion: This version changes the middle part to retion, which refers to a different pattern entirely and does not correspond to the word about hostile behaviour. Aggresion: Here the problem is the single s in the middle. The correct word requires two s characters, not one. Aggression: This option correctly uses both double g and double s and matches the established spelling in English. Common Pitfalls: Many learners are confused by double consonants in English spelling, especially when words contain both double g and double s. A common mistake is to drop one consonant and still feel the spelling looks right, particularly in words that are heard more often than seen in writing. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to notice the pattern in related words and to practise spelling tricky words by writing them out several times. Keeping a personal list of difficult spellings is also useful for exam preparation. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word among the options is Aggression.

Question 9

In this error spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error: She does not listen to me because she is senior than me.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions test a learner knowledge of common grammar rules and correct usage in English. The sentence given is She does not listen to me because she is senior than me. Learners must identify which part contains a grammatical or idiomatic error. This particular question focuses on the correct preposition used with comparative adjectives such as senior, junior, inferior, and superior in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: Complete sentence: She does not listen to me because she is senior than me. The sentence is divided into segments: She does not listen to me, because she is, senior than me, and No Error. We must choose the segment that breaks a rule of correct English usage. Spoken and written competitive exam English rules apply. Concept / Approach: Adjectives such as senior, junior, inferior, and superior are followed by the preposition to, not than, in standard English. For example, we say She is senior to me, not senior than me. The word than is used after comparative forms like taller than, older than, or more experienced than, but not after senior and similar adjectives. Therefore, the phrase senior than me is incorrect. The correct form should be senior to me. Our approach is to locate this incorrect preposition and mark that segment as containing the error. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the entire sentence carefully: She does not listen to me because she is senior than me. Step 2: Check the first part She does not listen to me. This is grammatically correct. Step 3: Check the second part because she is. This is also correct and introduces a reason. Step 4: Focus on the third part senior than me and recall that senior is followed by the preposition to, not than. Step 5: Recognise that the phrase should read senior to me instead of senior than me. Step 6: Conclude that the error lies in the segment labelled senior than me. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify this by substituting other similar adjectives. We say He is junior to me, not junior than me, and This post is superior to that one, not superior than that one. These patterns show that these specific adjectives follow the structure adjective plus to. Comparing with typical comparative adjectives like taller than or older than, we see that senior behaves differently. Reference grammars for competitive exams also highlight this rule. This confirms that using than after senior in the sentence is an error and that the correct phrase should be senior to me. Why Other Options Are Wrong: She does not listen to me: This part is grammatically correct and clearly states a behaviour. because she is: This segment correctly introduces a reason and uses the correct form of the verb to be. No Error: Choosing this would mean the sentence is fully correct, which is not true because senior than me is wrong usage. senior than me: This phrase is incorrect because senior should be followed by to rather than than. Hence this segment contains the error. Common Pitfalls: Many learners treat senior as if it were a regular comparative adjective like older and therefore use than by habit. This mistake is common in everyday speech and can even be heard from educated speakers, which makes it harder to unlearn. Another pitfall is to focus only on verb tenses and ignore prepositions, even though prepositions are a frequent source of errors in exams. To avoid such mistakes, students should remember the special group of adjectives senior, junior, inferior, superior, prior, and others that always take the preposition to. Final Answer: The erroneous part of the sentence is senior than me, because the correct phrase should be senior to me.

Question 10

In this error spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error: The man is the most tallest of the group.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting items often target incorrect comparative and superlative structures in English. The given sentence is The man is the most tallest of the group. Here, the phrase the most tallest sounds suspicious, because tallest already appears to be a superlative form. To answer correctly, we must recall how comparative and superlative adjectives are formed and whether we can combine most with a word that already ends with est. Given Data / Assumptions: Complete sentence: The man is the most tallest of the group. The sentence is broken into parts: The man is, the most tallest, of the group, and No Error. The adjective in question is tall, modified here as tallest. We must identify which segment breaks the rules of forming comparatives and superlatives. Concept / Approach: In English, one syllable adjectives like tall form the comparative by adding er (taller) and the superlative by adding est (tallest). We do not normally combine these suffixes with more or most, because that would repeat the comparative or superlative marker. Therefore, saying most tallest is incorrect and redundant. The correct superlative is simply tallest. Our approach is to locate this redundancy and mark that phrase as the erroneous segment in the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the adjective in the sentence: tall, used in the form tallest. Step 2: Recall that for tall, the comparative is taller and the superlative is tallest, formed by adding er and est. Step 3: Notice that the phrase the most tallest repeats the superlative idea by using both most and the est ending. Step 4: Recognise that we must either say the tallest or the most tall, but not the most tallest. Step 5: Check the other segments: The man is and of the group, which are grammatically correct. Step 6: Conclude that the error lies in the segment labelled the most tallest. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify this by comparing with other one syllable adjectives: big becomes bigger and biggest, not more big or most biggest; small becomes smaller and smallest, not more small or most smallest. In the same way, tall becomes taller and tallest. If we want to use more or most, we usually do it with longer adjectives such as beautiful, where we say more beautiful and most beautiful. The phrase most tallest thus incorrectly mixes the two systems. Standard grammar references and exam guides all treat this as an error, confirming that the correct form here is the tallest and that the segment the most tallest is wrong. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The man is: This part is correct and serves as the subject and verb of the sentence. of the group: This phrase correctly indicates the group within which the comparison is made. No Error: Selecting this would incorrectly suggest that the sentence is fully grammatical, which it is not. the most tallest: This segment is wrong because tallest is already a superlative form and should not be preceded by most. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes believe that adding most makes any adjective sound more formal or strong, so they add it even when the adjective already ends with est. This leads to incorrect forms like most fastest or most cleverest. Another pitfall is treating all adjectives the same, without remembering that one syllable adjectives usually take er and est, while longer adjectives use more and most. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to practise common comparative and superlative forms and to remember not to double mark the comparison. Final Answer: The grammatically wrong part of the sentence is the most tallest, because the correct phrase should be the tallest of the group.

Question 11

In this error spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error: The boy which money was lost felt sorry.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting item checks the learner knowledge of relative pronouns and their correct use in English sentences. The example given is The boy which money was lost felt sorry. The task is to find which part contains the error. Relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, which, and that link a noun to a clause that describes it, but they are used in specific ways depending on whether they refer to people, things, or possession. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: The boy which money was lost felt sorry. Segments: The boy, which money, was lost felt sorry, and No Error. The noun being described is the boy, and the clause refers to his money being lost. We must choose the segment that uses the wrong relative word or structure. Concept / Approach: When we want to show possession in a relative clause, we use the relative pronoun whose, not which, when referring to people. The structure needed here is whose money was lost, because we are describing the boy and indicating that some money belonging to him was lost. The word which is normally used for things or animals, not for people in this kind of possessive construction. Therefore, the phrase which money is incorrect, and the correct phrase should be whose money. Our approach is to locate this misuse of which and mark that segment as the error. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the noun being described, which is the boy. span style="display:block;">Step 2: Notice that the following clause talks about money being lost, and that the money belongs to the boy. Step 3: Recall that to show possession in a relative clause with a person, we use whose, as in the boy whose money was lost. Step 4: Compare this with the phrase which money and see that which is used incorrectly here. Step 5: Check the other segments The boy and was lost felt sorry, which are grammatically acceptable when combined with the corrected relative clause. Step 6: Conclude that the error is in the segment which money. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by constructing other sentences with similar patterns. For example, The girl whose bicycle was stolen cried, not The girl which bicycle was stolen cried. Likewise, The man whose car broke down called a mechanic, not The man which car broke down called a mechanic. In all these cases, whose indicates possession and refers to a human antecedent. The correct form for the original sentence therefore is The boy whose money was lost felt sorry. This confirms that which money is wrong and that the second segment contains the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The boy: This is the subject of the sentence and is correctly used. was lost felt sorry: When connected to the correct relative clause whose money was lost, this part forms a grammatically sound structure meaning that the boy felt sorry about the loss. No Error: Selecting this option would mean that the sentence is entirely correct, which is not the case. which money: This phrase is incorrect because which should not be used here. The correct possessive relative pronoun referring to the boy is whose. Common Pitfalls: Many learners overuse which as a general relative pronoun because it seems simple and familiar. They may not realise that English distinguishes between who for people, which for things, and whose for possession. Another common error is to avoid whose because it seems more formal, leading to awkward or incorrect constructions. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to remember that whose is the only correct choice for possessive relative clauses referring to both people and, in some contexts, things. Final Answer: The incorrect part of the sentence is which money; it should be corrected to whose money was lost.

Question 12

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: This is the wrong _____ to this question.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question checks the learner ability to choose the word that fits both grammatically and logically in context. The sentence given is This is the wrong _____ to this question. We need to decide which option best completes the sentence to form a natural expression in standard English. Such questions often appear in competitive exams to assess vocabulary, understanding of collocations, and basic sentence structure. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: This is the wrong _____ to this question. Options: saying, style, reaction, answer. The context is a question and something that can be described as wrong in relation to that question. We assume this is part of a discussion about solving problems or responding to exam items. Concept / Approach: The key words here are wrong and question. The most common phrase in exam or problem solving contexts is wrong answer to a question. Teachers and examiners routinely say This is the wrong answer to this question. While the other options may make sense in different contexts, they do not form a standard collocation in this specific sentence. Therefore, the noun that best fits both the grammatical pattern and the expected meaning is answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core relationship in the sentence: something is wrong in relation to a question. Step 2: Recall typical exam language: questions have answers, and these answers can be right or wrong. Step 3: Test option answer in the blank: This is the wrong answer to this question, which sounds natural and correct. Step 4: Test option saying: This is the wrong saying to this question, which is not a standard way of speaking about exam questions. Step 5: Test option style: This is the wrong style to this question, which again feels awkward and unclear. Step 6: Test option reaction: This is the wrong reaction to this question, which could make sense in some psychological context but is not the most natural phrase when the subject is exam questions and their correctness. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by considering parallel examples. Teachers say Your answer is wrong or That is the correct answer to the question. The phrase wrong answer to this question is fixed and widely used. On the other hand, wrong saying to this question or wrong style to this question are rarely, if ever, used. While wrong reaction to this question could appear in a specific context, the presence of the word question strongly points to the standard pair question and answer. Examination practice materials also routinely use the collocation wrong answer for such sentences, confirming that answer is the best choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: saying: A saying is a proverb or expression of wisdom, and it is not typically paired with question in this pattern. style: Style refers to manner or way of doing something, not directly to a question solution, so the phrase feels unnatural. reaction: Reaction refers to a response in terms of behaviour or emotion. While one can have a wrong reaction to a situation, the more direct and expected completion here relates to the correctness of a solution. answer: This word correctly completes the standard expression wrong answer to a question and fits perfectly in exam contexts. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may overthink and search for more creative interpretations, forgetting that exam questions often test the most ordinary and common collocations. Others may focus on the grammar alone and ignore the context, which leads them to choose any noun that fits structurally without checking meaning. To avoid such mistakes, students should always consider how the words in the sentence usually appear together in real language use. Final Answer: The most appropriate word to fill the blank is answer, giving the sentence This is the wrong answer to this question.

Question 13

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: The resort is _____ the lake.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the learner understanding of prepositions that describe spatial relationships. The sentence is The resort is _____ the lake. We must choose the correct word that expresses the idea of the location of the resort relative to the lake. Several options are given, and only one fits naturally and grammatically in this context. Mastery of such common prepositional phrases is essential for clear and accurate English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: The resort is _____ the lake. Options: from, has, besides, beside. The resort is a place and the lake is a body of water; we are likely describing physical location. We assume that the intended meaning is that the resort is next to or by the side of the lake. Concept / Approach: The preposition beside means next to or at the side of something. Therefore, The resort is beside the lake means that the resort is located next to the lake, which is a natural description of a scenic location. By contrast, besides usually means in addition to, not next to. The word from is used to indicate starting points or distance, and has is a verb, not a preposition. Our approach is to match the expected meaning of physical proximity with the correct preposition beside. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Determine the intended meaning of the sentence: it likely describes where the resort is located relative to the lake. Step 2: Recall that beside is used to express next to, as in The house is beside the river. Step 3: Test beside in the sentence: The resort is beside the lake, which sounds natural and clear. Step 4: Test from: The resort is from the lake, which does not make sense in standard usage to describe location. Step 5: Test has: The resort is has the lake, which is not grammatically correct because has is a verb. Step 6: Test besides: The resort is besides the lake, which would mean in addition to the lake, not next to it, so it is incorrect in this context. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by checking common examples of location descriptions. Sentences like The park is beside the river, The bench is beside the tree, and The hotel is beside the highway all show that beside expresses spatial proximity. The word besides is normally used in sentences such as Besides English, he speaks French, where it means in addition to. The word from appears in expressions like far from the city or coming from the station, which focus on distance or origin. None of these alternative uses match the simple location relationship needed in the original sentence. Therefore, beside is clearly the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: from: This preposition indicates origin or distance, not simple adjacency, so The resort is from the lake is incorrect for this context. has: This is a verb meaning to possess, and it cannot function as a preposition in this position. besides: This preposition means in addition to, not next to, so The resort is besides the lake suggests an incorrect meaning. beside: This word means next to or at the side of, which perfectly expresses the intended spatial relationship. Common Pitfalls: Learners may confuse beside and besides because they look similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Another pitfall is using from incorrectly in an attempt to talk about distance, even though the sentence does not provide any measure of distance. To avoid such errors, it helps to remember that beside usually answers the question where with the idea of next to, while besides answers the question what else with the idea of in addition to. Final Answer: The most appropriate preposition is beside, giving the sentence The resort is beside the lake.

Question 14

Complete the sentence with the most suitable adjective: The life of a mosquito is _____, but very active.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question tests a learner vocabulary and ability to interpret context clues. The sentence given is The life of a mosquito is _____, but very active. We need an adjective that logically contrasts with very active while describing the life span of a mosquito. Such questions are common in competitive exams to assess whether students can choose words that fit both grammatically and logically in real world contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: The life of a mosquito is _____, but very active. Options: long, passive, brief, important. The clause but very active suggests a contrast between the first adjective and the idea of activity. We assume general biological knowledge that mosquitoes do not live for a very long time. Concept / Approach: The phrase life of a mosquito refers to its lifespan, that is, how long it lives. In nature, mosquitoes have relatively short lives but often spend that time flying, feeding, and breeding actively. The contrast provided by but very active suggests that the first adjective should describe the length of life as short rather than long or passive. The word brief means short in duration, which fits perfectly. Therefore, The life of a mosquito is brief, but very active is the most logical and natural sentence among the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the structure: The life of a mosquito is _____, but very active, where but introduces a contrast. Step 2: Recall that mosquitoes generally live for a short time rather than for many years. Step 3: Test the option brief, which means short in duration. The life of a mosquito is brief, but very active sounds natural and meaningful. Step 4: Test long: The life of a mosquito is long, but very active conflicts with known facts about mosquito lifespan. Step 5: Test passive: Passive describes behaviour, not length of life, and does not contrast properly with very active. Step 6: Test important: Important describes significance, not duration, and does not create the right contrast with very active either. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by comparing with other common statements in science textbooks. It is common to read that the life of a mosquito is short or brief. For example, Some species live only for a few weeks. Describing the life as brief is therefore scientifically accurate. The clause but very active then emphasises that, despite the short duration, mosquitoes engage in a lot of activity in that period. Changing brief to long would contradict the biological reality. Replacing it with passive or important would shift the focus away from duration, making the sentence less coherent. This confirms that brief is the best choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: long: This would mean that mosquitoes have a long lifespan, which is not true and also weakens the intended contrast with but very active. passive: This adjective describes behaviour or attitude, but the life of a mosquito refers to its duration; moreover, passive does not fit with but very active. important: Importance refers to significance, not length of life, and it does not contrast naturally with very active in this sentence. brief: This correctly describes a short lifespan and forms a clear contrast with but very active. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may ignore background knowledge and choose an adjective simply because it sounds positive or fits grammatically. Others may focus too much on the word active and choose passive as an apparent opposite, forgetting that the blank should refer to duration rather than behaviour. To avoid such mistakes, students should always consider both the real world context and the logical relationship signalled by conjunctions such as but, and, or yet. Final Answer: The most suitable adjective is brief, giving the sentence The life of a mosquito is brief, but very active.

Question 15

In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the legal meaning of the term "Capital Punishment".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: English idiom and phrase questions often include expressions borrowed from law, politics or history. The term "capital punishment" is widely used in legal and social debates about crime and justice. To answer correctly, you must know the specific legal meaning of the phrase rather than guessing from the ordinary meaning of the word "capital". In this context, "capital" has nothing to do with a city or money; it refers to a punishment involving death. Given Data / Assumptions: The expression is "Capital Punishment". The options are death sentence, life imprisonment, to be jailed, imprisoned for a long period. The question asks for the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. We assume standard legal and general English usage as found in newspapers and textbooks. Concept / Approach: In legal terminology, "capital" comes from a Latin root related to "caput", meaning "head". Historically, crimes that could lead to loss of life were called capital offences. Therefore "capital punishment" is the punishment where the state legally executes a person. It is not any form of imprisonment, no matter how long. Recognising this fixed meaning is essential, because all the options describe serious penalties, but only one involves death explicitly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that capital punishment is a formal term used in discussions about the death penalty.Step 2: Match this memory with the options and notice that death sentence corresponds directly.Step 3: Examine life imprisonment, which means confinement for the remainder of a person's life but without execution.Step 4: Examine to be jailed, which is a general phrase for being sent to prison, usually for a limited time.Step 5: Examine imprisoned for a long period, which again describes long-term confinement but not execution.Step 6: Conclude that only death sentence captures the essential feature of capital punishment, which is loss of life by legal process. Verification / Alternative Check: You can verify this by thinking of real-world usage. News reports say things like "the court awarded capital punishment for the brutal murder" or "many countries have abolished capital punishment." In both cases, the phrase is interchangeable with "the death penalty" or "a death sentence." Substituting life imprisonment or any reference to being jailed changes the meaning completely, because the criminal in those cases remains alive. This confirms that death sentence is the correct explanation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Life imprisonment refers to spending the rest of one's life in prison. Although it is a severe punishment, it is not capital punishment because the person is not executed. To be jailed and imprisoned for a long period both refer to confinement, but they say nothing about death and can be applied to many different crimes and sentences. None of these terms is used in law as an exact synonym of capital punishment. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse "capital" with "major" and assume it simply means very serious punishment, leading them to pick life imprisonment or lengthy imprisonment. Others think of "capital city" or "capital" as money and become unsure. The key is to remember that in legal English, capital offence and capital punishment are fixed terms associated specifically with the death penalty. Once you recall this association, the correct option becomes obvious. Final Answer: The expression "Capital Punishment" means a death sentence.

Question 16

In this idiom and phrase question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression "Leaps and bounds".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idioms like "leaps and bounds" are common in spoken and written English. They usually paint a picture and then extend that image to an abstract meaning. Here the words "leaps" and "bounds" literally refer to big jumps. When used together in the expression "by leaps and bounds", they describe very fast or dramatic progress. This question checks whether you recognise the idiomatic meaning rather than sticking to a literal picture of jumping. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is "Leaps and bounds". The options are slowly, rapidly, jumping, stationary. The question asks which option best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. We assume common usage such as "business grew by leaps and bounds". Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, "by leaps and bounds" describes a process that advances very quickly and noticeably, often with big improvements in a short time. The focus is on speed and size of progress, not on physical movement. Therefore, the word that captures this idea best is "rapidly". The other options either describe slowness, literal jumping, or no movement at all, and they do not reflect the figurative meaning commonly used in real life. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a typical sentence: "Her English has improved by leaps and bounds."Step 2: Understand that this means her English has improved very quickly and significantly.Step 3: Match this understanding with the options and see that rapidly is the closest in meaning.Step 4: Evaluate slowly, which is the exact opposite of rapid progress and so cannot be correct.Step 5: Consider jumping, which is a literal physical action and not an abstract description of progress or growth.Step 6: Note that stationary means not moving at all, which contradicts the idea of progress in the idiom. Verification / Alternative Check: To verify, replace "by leaps and bounds" with each option in a sample sentence: "The company is growing rapidly" makes perfect sense and keeps the original meaning. "The company is growing slowly" says the opposite of what "leaps and bounds" suggests. "The company is growing jumping" is grammatically wrong. "The company is growing stationary" is contradictory. This test clearly confirms that rapidly is the only suitable synonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Slowly directly opposes the sense of speed and dramatic improvement that the idiom carries. Jumping describes a physical action and does not function as a natural substitute in sentences describing growth, learning or development. Stationary refers to something that is not moving at all, which is even further from the idea of quick progress. These distractors are designed to test whether you understand the phrase figuratively rather than literally. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates see the words "leaps" and "bounds" and think only of physical jumping, which may tempt them towards options like jumping, but idioms must be understood as units. Others may guess slowly or stationary because they misremember the idiom or confuse it with other expressions. The safest strategy is to recall a complete sentence where you have seen the idiom and then paraphrase that sentence in your own words. Doing so almost always leads to rapidly. Final Answer: The idiom "Leaps and bounds" means very fast progress, that is, rapidly.

Question 17

In this one-word substitution question, choose the term that best replaces the phrase "Government by a king".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One-word substitution questions often focus on forms of government and political systems. Understanding these terms is useful not only for English exams but also for general studies, especially in civics and history. The phrase given here is "Government by a king". You must choose the single word that accurately and specifically describes a political system in which a king or queen is the head of state. Given Data / Assumptions: The descriptive phrase is government by a king. The options are autocracy, aristocracy, oligarchy, monarchy. The question requires the most precise political term. We assume standard political science definitions. Concept / Approach: The correct term for a system where a king or queen rules as the head of state is "monarchy". The word is based on Greek roots meaning single ruler. Although an autocracy also involves power in the hands of one person, it does not necessarily require that the ruler be a king; it might be a dictator or another absolute ruler. Aristocracy refers to rule by nobles and oligarchy to rule by a small group. Therefore, monarchy is the most accurate match for government by a king. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the basic definition of monarchy as a system in which a monarch, usually a king or queen, is the head of state.Step 2: Match this with the phrase government by a king and see that it fits perfectly.Step 3: Examine autocracy, which means rule by one person with absolute power, but not specifically a hereditary king.Step 4: Examine aristocracy, which is rule by a privileged noble class rather than by a single monarch.Step 5: Examine oligarchy, where a small group of people, often wealthy or powerful, control the government.Step 6: Conclude that monarchy is the only option that directly mentions the idea of a royal ruler and therefore is correct. Verification / Alternative Check: Think of well-known countries such as the United Kingdom, where the system is often described as a constitutional monarchy because the monarch is the ceremonial head while elected bodies govern. History books refer to absolute monarchies when kings held all power. We never call these systems autocracies or oligarchies as their primary label, even though some monarchies have autocratic features. This confirms that monarchy is the standard and precise term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Autocracy focuses on absolute power, but that power might be held by a non-royal dictator, military leader or party chief, so it is broader than government by a king. Aristocracy describes rule by a noble class, often hereditary, but not necessarily centralized under a single king. Oligarchy describes rule by a small group, which again could be business elites or party leaders, not a single monarch. These terms highlight who holds power but do not specifically indicate a king as the central figure. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes mix up autocracy and monarchy because both involve strong rulers. The key difference is that monarchy emphasizes royal bloodline and the institution of a king or queen, while autocracy emphasizes concentration of power regardless of background. Similarly, aristocracy and oligarchy may appear in exam options to confuse you, but remembering their roots, "aristo" meaning best and "oligo" meaning few, helps distinguish them. Keeping these definitions clear in your mind makes one-word substitution questions much easier. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution for "Government by a king" is Monarchy.

Question 18

In this one-word substitution question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "Hobson's choice".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: "Hobson's choice" is a famous English expression that comes from a historical figure, Thomas Hobson, who hired out horses. He allowed customers to take only the horse nearest the door, so they effectively had no real choice. In modern English, the phrase is used to describe situations where there is apparently a choice, but in reality, one must either accept what is offered or get nothing at all. This question tests whether you know that special meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase is "Hobson's choice". The options are choice to live or die, excellent choice, no choice at all, bigman's choice. The question asks for the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase. We assume standard idiomatic usage in British and Indian English. Concept / Approach: The heart of the expression "Hobson's choice" is the lack of meaningful alternatives. You may formally be given an option, but in practice it is take it or leave it. That is why dictionaries define it roughly as "no real choice at all". The phrase does not refer to quality of the choice, such as excellence, nor to a dramatic life or death decision. Knowing the historical story reinforces this interpretation and helps eliminate the distractors. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Hobson's choice" describes a situation where you must accept the only thing available or get nothing.Step 2: Compare this understanding with option C, no choice at all, which fits perfectly.Step 3: Review option A, choice to live or die, which suggests a serious moral or survival decision but not the absence of alternatives.Step 4: Review option B, excellent choice, which focuses on quality, not on the number of options.Step 5: Review option D, bigman's choice, which is not a standard English expression and has no clear idiomatic meaning.Step 6: Conclude that option C is the only one that captures the idiom's true meaning. Verification / Alternative Check: Consider a typical usage: "It was Hobson's choice: either accept the manager's terms or resign." If we paraphrase, it becomes "There was no real choice at all: accept the terms or leave." Replacing "Hobson's choice" with no choice at all keeps the sentence meaning intact. Trying out excellent choice or choice to live or die in the same sentence makes it sound illogical or exaggerated. This comparison confirms that no choice at all is the correct explanation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Choice to live or die introduces a dramatic scenario that is not inherent in the original idiom. Excellent choice gives a positive evaluation but does not address the structure of options. Bigman's choice is vague, informal and not recognized as a standard idiom in English. These alternatives are crafted to distract learners who only guess from the tone of the phrase without learning its established meaning. Common Pitfalls: Because the phrase contains a proper name, some students assume it must refer to an important or powerful person and choose an option like bigman's choice or excellent choice. Others misinterpret Hobson's choice as some kind of serious dilemma. The key is to memorise that this particular idiom always implies a lack of real alternatives: take what is given or take nothing. Remembering the horse rental story can fix the meaning in your mind. Final Answer: The expression "Hobson's choice" means no choice at all.

Question 19

In this one-word substitution question, choose the term that best replaces the phrase "Violation of the sanctity of a sacred place".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Religious vocabulary is a frequent source of one-word substitution questions in competitive exams. Here you are asked to identify the correct term for an act that violates the sanctity of a sacred place. Understanding the subtle differences between related words such as sin, sacrilege, sedition and blasphemy is important, because they all describe serious wrongs but in different domains and contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: The descriptive phrase is violation of the sanctity of a sacred place. The options are sin, sacrilege, sedition, blasphemy. The question targets the most precise term from religious and legal vocabulary. We assume standard dictionary meanings. Concept / Approach: "Sacrilege" refers specifically to the violation or disrespectful treatment of something that is considered sacred, such as a temple, shrine, relic or holy object. While "sin" is a general term for wrongdoing against religious or moral law, sacrilege is more focused on acts directed toward sacred persons, places or things. "Sedition" relates to inciting rebellion against the authority of the state, not religion. "Blasphemy" is typically speech or actions that insult or show contempt for God or holy things, but the phrase in the question emphasises a sacred place, which aligns most directly with sacrilege. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key idea in the phrase: violating the sanctity of a sacred place, such as a temple or church.Step 2: Recall that sacrilege is defined as the desecration or misuse of something considered sacred.Step 3: Match this definition with the phrase and see that it corresponds closely.Step 4: Consider sin, which is too broad and covers any moral or religious wrongdoing, not just acts against sacred places.Step 5: Consider sedition, which is a political crime connected with rebellion against government, not religious spaces.Step 6: Consider blasphemy, which focuses mainly on insulting God or sacred beliefs through words or acts rather than specifically violating a sacred place. Verification / Alternative Check: Think of typical sentences, for example "Vandalising the temple was an act of sacrilege" or "Desecrating a shrine is considered sacrilege in many religions." These sentences show that sacrilege is the accepted word for violating sacred places. If we insert blasphemy, the sentences still show disrespect to religion but lose the strong focus on the physical place. Using sin or sedition makes them vague or incorrect. This comparison confirms that sacrilege is the best match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sin is a general term that might include sacrilege but is not limited to it, so it is too broad for a precise one-word substitution. Sedition has nothing to do with religion or sacred places; it concerns political revolt. Blasphemy is more about insulting God or holy doctrines through words or offensive acts and does not specifically emphasise violating a sacred location. Since the question stresses "sanctity of a sacred place," sacrilege is the most accurate and focused term. Common Pitfalls: Many students confuse sacrilege and blasphemy because both deal with disrespect toward religion. A good way to remember the difference is to link sacrilege with sacred places and objects and blasphemy with words or expressions about God. Sin can be kept in mind as the broad umbrella of religious wrongs. When the exam question is very specific, as here, choosing the word with the narrowest, most exact meaning will normally give you the correct answer. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is Sacrilege.

Question 20

In this sentence improvement question, choose the option that best improves the underlined verb in the sentence: "A chance remark by her friend transported her life."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sentence improvement questions often test your knowledge of correct word choice and collocation. The sentence given here is "A chance remark by her friend transported her life." Grammatically the sentence is nearly correct, but the verb "transported" sounds odd and does not collocate naturally with "her life" in the intended sense. You must choose a verb that accurately expresses the idea that her life changed significantly because of the remark. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: A chance remark by her friend transported her life. Underlined word: transported. Options: transgressed, transposed, transformed, no improvement. The context suggests that the remark caused a big change in her life. Concept / Approach: In everyday English, we say that an idea or event "transformed her life" when it brought about a deep and important change. The verb "transport" usually means to carry something from one place to another physically, or occasionally to cause strong emotion (for example, transported with joy). It is not idiomatic to say "transported her life" when we mean "changed her life." Thus "transformed" is the best fit. "Transgressed" means violated a law or rule, and "transposed" means changed the order or position of things, particularly in music or mathematics, so both are wrong in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning of the sentence: a single remark caused a major positive or negative change in her life.Step 2: Recall common collocations in English such as "that incident transformed her life" or "the news transformed his outlook."Step 3: Compare this with the given verb "transported her life" and note that it sounds unnatural and does not express change clearly.Step 4: Evaluate "transformed," which directly means changed greatly in form, nature or appearance, matching the idea of life change.Step 5: Check "transgressed," which means to break a law or moral rule, and see that it does not relate to changing a life through a remark.Step 6: Check "transposed," which is used for switching order or key, not for describing a deep life change. Verification / Alternative Check: Replace the underlined word with each option and read the sentence. "A chance remark by her friend transformed her life" sounds natural and is a common pattern in literature and conversation. "Transgressed her life" is meaningless. "Transposed her life" is confusing and does not convey the intended idea. "Transported her life" also fails as a common expression. Therefore, transformed is the only option that both fits the context and follows standard English usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Transgressed" is associated with wrongdoing or crossing a moral boundary, so it usually takes an object like "the law" or "social norms," not "life." "Transposed" is appropriate for swapping positions, such as transposing numbers or musical notes, and does not describe life change. "No improvement" would keep "transported," which is not the right verb in this context, so it must be rejected. All three alternatives either break collocation rules or fail to express the intended meaning. Common Pitfalls: Because all four options begin with "trans," students sometimes focus on the prefix and assume that any complex word may work. However, each verb has a specific meaning and collocational pattern. Another trap is assuming that if a sentence is grammatically acceptable, it needs no improvement, but sentence improvement questions often test naturalness and idiomatic usage. Remember to think about the idea the sentence wants to convey and choose the verb that English speakers actually use for that idea. Final Answer: The best improvement is: "A chance remark by her friend transformed her life."

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