Question 1

Four words are given below, out of which only one word is spelt correctly in standard English. Choose the correctly spelt word and click the button corresponding to it.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Spelling questions test your familiarity with standard English words that are commonly used in everyday life, science, and medicine. Here you must recognise the correct spelling of the word that refers to a substance used to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting micro organisms on living tissue, such as skin. Given Data / Assumptions: - Four similar looking options: ANTICEPTIC, ANTECEPTIC, ANTICEPTIQUE, and ANTISEPTIC. - Only one of them matches the accepted English spelling of the medical term for a germ killing substance applied to living tissue. - We assume standard British or American English usage, where the word is very common on medicine bottles and in hospital instructions. Concept / Approach: The correct English spelling is "antiseptic". It is formed from "anti" meaning against, and "septic" which relates to infection. The key letters in the middle are "se", not "ce" or "ceq". The approach is to recall how the word appears on common products, like antiseptic cream or antiseptic lotion, and to recognise the typical combining form "septic". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Think of everyday phrases such as "antiseptic liquid" or "antiseptic mouthwash". The spelling you have seen most often is ANTISEPTIC.Step 2: Examine option D: ANTISEPTIC. This matches the known form with "anti" + "septic".Step 3: Check option A: ANTICEPTIC. The letters "ceptic" are incorrect here; they do not form the standard medical combining form.Step 4: Check option B: ANTECEPTIC. The beginning "ante" means "before" in Latin, which changes the meaning and is not the usual prefix for substances fighting infection.Step 5: Check option C: ANTICEPTIQUE. This looks influenced by French spelling, but it is not standard English for the exam context. Therefore, option D is the only correct spelling. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this spelling in any basic English dictionary or on medical packaging. The term is always written as "antiseptic". Additionally, you may recall related words like "sepsis" (a severe infection) and "septic wound", which share the "sept" root. When combined with "anti", it naturally forms "antiseptic". None of the other variants correspond to real English words that fit the described meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, ANTICEPTIC, uses "ceptic", which relates to "intercept" or "concept" and does not match the infection related stem "septic". Option B, ANTECEPTIC, replaces the prefix "anti" with "ante", changing both spelling and basic structure. Option C, ANTICEPTIQUE, adds "ique" in a way that resembles French but is not standard English spelling. These forms would not appear in an English medical context, so they are all incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Because the incorrect options look similar and share many letters, candidates may become confused and choose based on rough visual familiarity rather than precise memory. Another pitfall is to be influenced by words like "antidote" or "antibody" and forget the "septic" part. To avoid such errors, read the word slowly, identify the root "septic", and then attach the prefix "anti" to form "antiseptic". Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is ANTISEPTIC.

Question 2

In the following question, one part of the sentence may have a grammatical error. Read the sentence carefully and choose the part that contains an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose "No error".  The doctor says that / the patient will…

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This error spotting question focuses on the correct use of articles with quantifiers in English. The sentence describes recovery happening after a short period of time. Grammatically, the phrase used for a small number of days must be complete. Your task is to identify which part of the sentence is incorrect or incomplete. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is divided into three parts and a "No error" option. - Full sentence: "The doctor says that the patient will recover in few days." - We know that quantifiers like "few" and "a few" have different meanings in English. - We assume the doctor wants to give a reassuring time frame of some days, not emphasise almost none. Concept / Approach: In English, "few" without an article suggests almost none, with a negative sense. "A few" means some, a small number, with a more positive meaning. When doctors say that someone will recover "in a few days", they mean within some days, which is encouraging. Therefore, the correct phrase in this context should be "in a few days", not "in few days". The rest of the sentence is grammatically sound. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read part A: "The doctor says that". This is grammatically correct and introduces reported speech.Step 2: Read part B: "the patient will recover". This forms a correct future tense clause.Step 3: Read part C: "in few days". This sounds incomplete because we normally say "in a few days" in such contexts.Step 4: Replace "few" with "a few" and read: "The doctor says that the patient will recover in a few days." This now sounds natural and correct.Step 5: Conclude that the error lies in part C, which is missing the article "a" before "few". Verification / Alternative check: Try similar sentences to confirm the pattern: "He will arrive in a few minutes" versus "He will arrive in few minutes". The second version sounds wrong to a native speaker. You can also contrast "few friends" (almost no friends) with "a few friends" (some friends). Doctors normally intend to reassure, so they say "a few days" rather than "few days". This confirms that part C contains the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "The doctor says that", correctly introduces what the doctor states and uses the present simple correctly. Option B, "the patient will recover", is a standard future tense construction and has no error. Option D, "No error", is incorrect because we have clearly identified a missing article in part C. Therefore only option C, "in few days", is wrong and needs to be corrected to "in a few days". Common Pitfalls: Many learners ignore small function words such as articles and prepositions, but competitive exams often focus exactly on these details. Another pitfall is to think that "few" and "a few" mean the same thing. In reality, the presence or absence of "a" completely changes the tone and meaning. To build accuracy, pay close attention to these small but important words when reading and writing English sentences. Final Answer: The part containing the error is in few days, which should be "in a few days".

Question 3

In the following question, one part of the sentence may have a grammatical error. Read the sentence carefully and choose the part that contains an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose "No error".  I do not think that / I can cope up / w…

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This error spotting question tests knowledge of correct phrasal verb usage in English. Many learners add unnecessary particles like "up" to verbs, influenced by everyday speech. The exam, however, expects standard usage, especially with common expressions like "cope with". Given Data / Assumptions: - Complete sentence: "I do not think that I can cope up with this problem." - The phrase under suspicion is "cope up". - The standard phrasal structure in English is "cope with something", not "cope up with something". - We assume neutral, formal exam English, not colloquial variations. Concept / Approach: The verb "cope" in the sense of handling a difficulty or problem is followed directly by the preposition "with". The correct expression is "cope with difficulties", "cope with pressure", or "cope with a problem". There is no "up" between "cope" and "with" in standard English. Therefore, the error lies in the extra particle "up", which should be removed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Split the sentence into parts. Part A: "I do not think that". Part B: "I can cope up". Part C: "with this problem".Step 2: Check part A. It is a correct introductory clause for expressing an opinion.Step 3: Check part C. "with this problem" is a properly formed prepositional phrase.Step 4: Focus on part B. The expression "cope up" is not standard. The correct form is simply "cope".Step 5: Rewrite the sentence correctly: "I do not think that I can cope with this problem." This confirms that the error is in part B. Verification / Alternative check: Consider other examples from reliable sources: "How do you cope with stress?", "She is coping with her new responsibilities", "He found it hard to cope with the loss." In all of these, "cope" is directly followed by "with", not "cope up with". Grammar books and dictionaries list the pattern as "cope with something", confirming that "cope up" is wrong in this sense. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "I do not think that", is a standard and correct way to begin an opinion statement. Option C, "with this problem", is exactly the right prepositional phrase to follow "cope". Option D, "No error", cannot be correct because the expression "cope up" is clearly non standard. Only option B contains the faulty phrasal verb and must be selected as the error. Common Pitfalls: In spoken English, some people mistakenly say "cope up with" due to influence from other phrasal verbs like "put up with". This can lead exam candidates to accept "cope up with" as correct. To avoid this, remember that "cope" stands alone as the verb and always takes the preposition "with" directly afterward. Building a list of common verb plus preposition pairs helps solidify this knowledge for exams. Final Answer: The incorrect part is I can cope up, which should be "I can cope" so that the full phrase becomes "cope with this problem".

Question 4

In the following question, one part of the sentence may have a grammatical error. Read the sentence carefully and choose the part that contains an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose "No error".  The mother / yearns for / her only chil…

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Some error spotting questions are designed to check if you can recognise a sentence that is already correct. This discourages candidates from inventing mistakes and rewards those who can confidently accept a correct construction. Here, the verb "yearns for" is used to express deep longing, and the sentence appears simple but fully grammatical. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: "The mother yearns for her only child." - Divided parts: "The mother", "yearns for", "her only child", and "No error". - We assume standard English usage for subject verb agreement and prepositions. Concept / Approach: The verb "yearn" means to long deeply or desire strongly. It is often followed by the preposition "for" and then the object of that longing. The subject "The mother" is singular, so the verb should be "yearns" in the present simple tense. The object "her only child" is also correct and complete. Thus, a quick grammar check suggests that the sentence is correct as it stands. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check the subject: "The mother". This is a singular noun phrase.Step 2: Check the verb: "yearns". This is the correct third person singular form of "yearn".Step 3: Check the preposition: "yearns for". The verb "yearn" normally takes "for", so this is correct.Step 4: Check the object: "her only child". This phrase is grammatically sound and clearly expresses what she longs for.Step 5: Combine all parts: "The mother yearns for her only child." The sentence is meaningful and grammatically correct, so no correction is required. Verification / Alternative check: Try forming similar sentences to verify the pattern: "He yearns for his homeland", "She yearns for peace", "They yearn for freedom". Each uses "yearn for" followed by the object. The structure in the question matches these examples exactly. There is no issue of tense, agreement, or word order in the given sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A contains only the subject, which is correct. Option B contains the verb phrase "yearns for", which is both grammatically and idiomatically correct. Option C, "her only child", is the appropriate object of longing, with correct possessive pronoun usage. Since none of these segments is wrong, the option that must be chosen is option D, "No error". Common Pitfalls: Because exam candidates often expect every question to contain a mistake, they may try to force a correction, perhaps changing "yearns for" to "yearns after" or altering the tense unnecessarily. This can lead to overcorrection and loss of marks. The important lesson is to trust your grammatical judgment: if a sentence is clear, natural, and follows standard patterns, it may genuinely have no error. Final Answer: The sentence is already correct in all its parts, so the right choice is No error.

Question 5

The following sentence has a blank that must be filled with the correct form of the verb. Choose the option that best completes the sentence in standard English.  Since last year his condition has been ________.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This fill in the blank question tests your understanding of tense and aspect in English, especially how to express a continuing change that started in the past and is still going on. The phrase "since last year" signals a process that began at a specific time in the past and continues up to the present. Given Data / Assumptions: - Incomplete sentence: "Since last year his condition has been ________." - Options: "deteriorate", "deteriorating", "severely deteriorated", and "deterioratingly". - We assume the speaker wants to say that his condition has been gradually becoming worse over a period of time. Concept / Approach: The structure "has been" is typically followed by a present participle (verb + ing) to form the present perfect continuous tense, when we want to emphasise a continuing action or process. The verb "deteriorate" means to become worse. Therefore, the natural construction is "has been deteriorating", which shows that the worsening of his condition started last year and is still happening. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "Since last year" is a time expression that often pairs with perfect or perfect continuous tenses.Step 2: Notice the auxiliary verb phrase "has been", which suggests we need a present participle (verb + ing) after it.Step 3: Among the options, "deteriorating" is the present participle form of "deteriorate".Step 4: Substitute it into the sentence: "Since last year his condition has been deteriorating." This sounds correct and expresses ongoing worsening.Step 5: Confirm that the other options do not fit the grammar or the intended meaning as well as "deteriorating". Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar structures: "Since last year he has been working here", "Since childhood she has been suffering from allergies". In each case "has been" is followed by a present participle. Also, the nature of "condition" becoming worse is gradual, so a continuous form is appropriate. "Has been deteriorating" matches this pattern perfectly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "deteriorate", is the base form of the verb and cannot follow "has been" directly in this structure. Option C, "severely deteriorated", is a past participle phrase and would fit better after "has" alone, as in "has severely deteriorated", but it is not consistent with "has been". Option D, "deterioratingly", is an adverb form that is rarely used and does not complete the verb phrase correctly. Only "deteriorating" functions as the present participle required by "has been". Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may try to use "has severely deteriorated" because they are attracted by the strong adverb, but they overlook that the given auxiliary is "has been", not "has". Others may be unfamiliar with the present perfect continuous tense and choose the base form "deteriorate". To avoid such mistakes, pay attention to the exact auxiliary verbs provided in the sentence and recall how they combine with different forms of the main verb. Final Answer: The correct completion is "Since last year his condition has been deteriorating."

Question 6

The following sentence has a blank that must be filled with the most appropriate preposition so that the sentence sounds natural and correct.  Most children remain ______ school between the ages of seven and ten.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question tests your knowledge of correct prepositions with institutions such as school, college, or work. In English, different prepositions like "in", "at", and "inside" convey slightly different meanings, and only one of them is idiomatic in this sentence about children being in the education system during certain ages. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: "Most children remain ______ school between the ages of seven and ten." - Options: in, under, at, inside. - The intention is to talk about children being enrolled in and attending school during those years. Concept / Approach: When we talk about someone being in an institution in a general sense, such as school, college, university, or hospital, we often use the preposition "at". For example, "at school" implies attending school as a student, not just being physically inside the building. "In school" can also be used in some dialects, but exam English usually prefers "at school" for this type of general statement. The phrase "under school" or "inside school" would sound awkward in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the sentence. It is describing the typical period during which most children attend school.Step 2: Test "at": "Most children remain at school between the ages of seven and ten." This sounds natural and idiomatic.Step 3: Test "in": "Most children remain in school between the ages of seven and ten." This can sometimes be used, but in many exam contexts, "at school" is more standard, especially for British English usage.Step 4: Test "under" and "inside". "Remain under school" and "remain inside school" do not express the idea of being enrolled or receiving education in the correct way.Step 5: Conclude that "at" is the most appropriate and expected preposition here. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar examples: "children are at school during the day", "he is at college now", "she is at university". These all refer to being engaged in study, not just physically in the building. In exam style English, "at school" is the standard collocation when describing the educational phase of life, especially with age ranges. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "in", is sometimes used in casual speech, but the construction "remain in school" is more often used in contexts like staying enrolled instead of dropping out. Here the exam expects the more general institutional phrase "at school". Option B, "under", is incorrect because we do not say "under school" to indicate attending school. Option D, "inside", focuses on physical location within the building, which is not the point of this general age related statement. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse "in school" and "at school". While both can occur, exam boards often prefer one standard form to avoid ambiguity. Another pitfall is to treat all location expressions literally and choose "inside" because school is a building, but that ignores the idiomatic nature of institutional phrases. Learning common expressions such as "at school", "at work", and "at home" helps avoid such mistakes. Final Answer: The correct preposition is at, so the sentence reads, "Most children remain at school between the ages of seven and ten."

Question 7

The following sentence has a blank that must be filled with the most appropriate verb so that the sentence clearly describes the effect of an earthquake.  The quake also ______ mudslides on the outskirts of the city.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This vocabulary and collocation question focuses on choosing the correct verb to describe what an earthquake does in relation to mudslides. Understanding how certain verbs naturally combine with particular nouns is essential for sounding natural and precise in English, especially when describing natural disasters. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: "The quake also ______ mudslides on the outskirts of the city." - Options: tempered, tampered, erupted, triggered. - The context implies that the earthquake caused mudslides to occur in nearby areas. Concept / Approach: The most natural way to express that one event caused another, especially in news reports about disasters, is to use the verb "triggered". Earthquakes are often said to "trigger landslides" or "trigger mudslides". The other verbs do not fit this pattern: "temper" means soften or moderate, "tamper" means interfere improperly, and "erupt" is usually used for volcanoes or sudden outbursts, not for mudslides being caused by something else. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the meaning of the sentence. It describes additional damage caused by the quake besides the shaking itself.Step 2: Consider option D, "triggered". The phrase "triggered mudslides" is a standard collocation in reports on earthquakes.Step 3: Check option A, "tempered". This means to soften or moderate, which is the opposite of what a quake does to mudslides.Step 4: Check option B, "tampered". This refers to interfering or altering something, usually by a person, and does not fit natural disaster description.Step 5: Check option C, "erupted". While mud can erupt from a volcano, "erupted mudslides" is not a natural phrase; instead, we say "mudslides occurred" or were "triggered". Therefore, "triggered" is the best choice. Verification / Alternative check: Look at similar headlines: "Quake triggers landslides", "Rainstorm triggers flash floods". In each case, a main event causes a secondary disaster. The verb "trigger" clearly conveys cause and effect. None of the other verbs commonly appear with "mudslides" in this cause based context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "tempered", would imply that the quake made the mudslides milder or less severe, which is illogical. Option B, "tampered", is used for intentional human interference with objects like evidence or machinery, not for natural processes. Option C, "erupted", is used for volcanoes, anger, or sudden outbursts; it does not combine naturally with "mudslides" in this sentence structure. Only option D, "triggered", correctly expresses that the quake caused mudslides to occur. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be misled by the idea of volcanoes and choose "erupted", but they forget that the subject here is "The quake", not a volcano. Others might pick "tampered" just because it looks similar to technical words. To avoid such mistakes, always focus on real news style collocations: earthquakes "trigger" landslides and mudslides, heavy rainfall "triggers" floods, and so on. Final Answer: The correct verb is triggered, so the sentence reads, "The quake also triggered mudslides on the outskirts of the city."

Question 8

In each of the following questions, an idiom or phrase is given. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom.  Wet behind the ears

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Idioms often use vivid images to describe people and situations. The expression "wet behind the ears" is a colourful way to talk about a person's level of experience. This question tests whether you know that it refers to inexperience rather than any literal wetness or hearing problem. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "wet behind the ears". - Options: Skillful, Young and rich with experience, Young and without much experience, Hearing impaired. - We assume the idiom is being used in its common figurative sense, not literally. Concept / Approach: The idiom "wet behind the ears" comes from the idea of a newborn whose ears are still wet, symbolising someone who has just started out and has not yet gained real-world knowledge. Therefore, it describes a person who is young, new to a field, or lacking in practical experience. The correct option must include both youth or newness and the absence of experience, not skill or expertise. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the typical usage: "He is still wet behind the ears" often describes a new employee or beginner.Step 2: Understand that it is usually slightly critical or teasing, implying that the person still has a lot to learn.Step 3: Look at option C, "Young and without much experience". This matches the idiom exactly.Step 4: Check option B, "Young and rich with experience". This contradicts the idea of inexperience because "rich with experience" means very experienced.Step 5: Note that "Skillful" and "Hearing impaired" do not relate to inexperience at all, so they cannot be correct. Verification / Alternative check: Consulting any idiom collection or example sentences shows the same meaning. For instance, "Although he is talented, he is still a little wet behind the ears" suggests he lacks experience. There is no connection with physical hearing problems or high skill levels. The phrase always points to being new or inexperienced. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Skillful", is the opposite of what the idiom implies; a skillful person is usually experienced. Option B, "Young and rich with experience", mixes youth with high experience, which conflicts with the core idea of inexperience. Option D, "Hearing impaired", misinterprets "ears" literally and is completely unrelated to the figurative meaning. Only option C expresses that the person is young and lacks much experience. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may focus too literally on the word "ears" and think it is about hearing problems. Others may be confused by the presence of "young" in more than one option and choose the wrong one without noticing the difference between "rich with experience" and "without much experience". To avoid such traps, always look at the entire phrase and recall how it is used in real conversations or written texts. Final Answer: The idiom "wet behind the ears" means young and without much experience.

Question 9

In each of the following questions, an idiom or phrase is given. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom.  Under a cloud

Accepted Answer

Introduction: The idiom "under a cloud" is frequently seen in news reports, workplace gossip, and discussions about reputation. It does not literally refer to being under a rain cloud but to a negative atmosphere surrounding someone's character or actions. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "under a cloud". - Options: Sheltered from the sun, Under suspicion, Out in the open, Get wet. - We assume the phrase is being used metaphorically about a person's situation, not about actual weather. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, being "under a cloud" means that other people suspect you of wrongdoing or doubt your honesty. A "cloud" symbolises doubt, mistrust, or disgrace hanging over someone's head. Therefore, the correct answer must relate to suspicion, not physical shade or rain. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage, for example, "After the scandal the minister was under a cloud."Step 2: Understand that this sentence means people were suspicious of him or his reputation was damaged.Step 3: Look at option B, "Under suspicion". This directly matches the idea of being mistrusted.Step 4: Consider option A, "Sheltered from the sun", which takes the phrase literally and ignores the figurative meaning.Step 5: Options C and D, "Out in the open" and "Get wet", also relate to physical space or weather rather than suspicion, so they cannot be correct. Verification / Alternative check: Reviewing example sentences or dictionaries confirms that "under a cloud" refers to being suspected of wrongdoing, blamed, or not trusted. It often appears together with words like "scandal", "investigation", or "allegations". There is no mention of physical shelter or rain in these contexts, which reinforces that the idiom is about reputation and suspicion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Sheltered from the sun", misreads the cloud as literal shade and is unrelated to trust or suspicion. Option C, "Out in the open", actually suggests transparency, which is almost the opposite of being under suspicion. Option D, "Get wet", again translates the cloud picture literally and misses the figurative sense. Only option B, "Under suspicion", correctly captures the idea of doubt surrounding a person. Common Pitfalls: Because idioms often use weather images, learners sometimes assume a physical meaning and ignore the metaphorical one. Another pitfall is choosing "Out in the open" because the word "cloud" suggests a lack of clarity, but the idiom actually focuses on suspicion, not on privacy. To avoid confusion, learn idioms through example sentences and remember that many of them cannot be interpreted literally. Final Answer: The idiom "under a cloud" means under suspicion.

Question 10

In each of the following questions, an idiom or phrase is given. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom.  Get the sack

Accepted Answer

Introduction: The idiom "get the sack" is commonly used in informal English to talk about employment. It does not refer to receiving a physical bag, but to losing one's job. This question checks whether you can connect the idiom with its correct workplace meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: "get the sack". - Options: Look for a sack, Find a sack, Get a call back, Be dismissed. - We assume the context is about someone's job or employment status. Concept / Approach: Historically, "getting the sack" referred to a worker being given a sack to pack their tools and leave, symbolising the end of employment. In modern usage, it simply means being fired or dismissed from a job. The correct option must therefore reflect job loss rather than anything to do with real sacks or phone calls. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage, for example, "He came late too many times and finally got the sack."Step 2: Understand that this means the person lost his job.Step 3: Check option D, "Be dismissed". This matches the idea of being removed from employment.Step 4: Options A and B, "Look for a sack" and "Find a sack", take the phrase literally and ignore its workplace sense.Step 5: Option C, "Get a call back", refers to telephone communication and has nothing to do with losing a job. Verification / Alternative check: If you check idiom dictionaries or listen to native speakers, "get the sack" is always used to describe dismissal. Related phrases include "give someone the sack", which means to fire someone. None of these contexts involve searching for physical sacks or receiving phone calls, which confirms that "be dismissed" is the correct interpretation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options A and B are designed to mislead candidates who interpret the phrase literally. In modern English, almost no one uses "get the sack" to mean obtaining a bag. Option C, "Get a call back", may appear in job hunting situations, but it does not capture the idea of being fired. The only option that directly expresses job loss is D, "Be dismissed". Common Pitfalls: Some learners are not familiar with older workplace idioms like this and may overthink the phrase or connect "sack" with something like a sports expression. Others might associate "get the sack" with an opportunity rather than a negative outcome. Learning common employment idioms such as "get the sack", "hand in your notice", and "be laid off" will help avoid such confusion in exams. Final Answer: The idiom "get the sack" means to be dismissed from one's job.

Question 11

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one word which can be substituted for the given description.  A person's peculiar habit.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: One word substitution questions check your ability to recall precise vocabulary that captures a full description in a single term. The description here talks about a peculiar habit of a person, which suggests an individual quirk or distinctive behavioural pattern. The correct choice must reflect this nuance, not just any general quality or ability. Given Data / Assumptions: - Description: "A person's peculiar habit." - Options: Trait, Idiosyncrasy, Idiolect, Talent. - We assume the habit is something unusual or distinctive, not merely a neutral characteristic. Concept / Approach: The word "idiosyncrasy" is used in English to describe a person's distinctive or odd habit, mannerism, or way of behaving that sets them apart from others. It is stronger than "trait", which can refer to any characteristic, and different from "idiolect", which relates to language, or "talent", which means a special ability. The correct answer must closely match the idea of a peculiar habit. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of "idiosyncrasy": a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is unusual and specific to one person.Step 2: Note that it is commonly used for peculiar habits, such as a person always arranging objects in a particular way.Step 3: Compare this with "trait", which is any distinguishing quality, like honesty, height, or eye colour, and is not necessarily peculiar.Step 4: Look at "idiolect". This term refers to an individual's unique way of using language, vocabulary, and grammar, not to habits in general.Step 5: Consider "talent", which describes a natural ability or skill, usually something positive and not necessarily peculiar. Therefore, "idiosyncrasy" is the best match. Verification / Alternative check: Use each word in a sentence: "One of his idiosyncrasies is talking to plants", clearly describes a peculiar habit. "One of his traits is patience" just describes a general characteristic. "His idiolect includes many local expressions" shows language use, and "She has a talent for music" refers to ability. Only "idiosyncrasy" naturally expresses the idea of a strange or distinctive personal habit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Trait, is too broad and neutral; not every trait is peculiar. Option C, Idiolect, is restricted to a person's individual speech patterns and does not cover non linguistic habits. Option D, Talent, refers to special skill, especially in arts or sports, and is not about habits at all. Option B, Idiosyncrasy, specifically means a peculiar habit or mannerism of an individual, so it is the only precise answer. Common Pitfalls: Students may choose "trait" because it is a common word, but exam setters aim for more precise vocabulary. Others might be tempted by "idiolect" because it looks similar to "idiosyncrasy", but that word belongs to the field of linguistics. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to link "idiosyncrasy" in your memory with examples of odd personal habits, such as always tapping the table three times before eating. Final Answer: The one word substitute for "a person's peculiar habit" is Idiosyncrasy.

Question 12

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one word which can be substituted for the given description.  Speech delivered without preparation.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question focuses on public speaking terminology. It asks for a single word that describes a speech delivered without prior preparation or rehearsal. Such speeches are common in debates, interviews, and casual addresses where the speaker must think on the spot. Given Data / Assumptions: - Description: "Speech delivered without preparation." - Options: Rhetoric, Oration, Extempore, Maiden speech. - We assume the emphasis is on the lack of preparation and spontaneous nature of the speech. Concept / Approach: The correct term for speaking without preparation is "extempore". It can be used as an adverb (to speak extempore) or as an adjective (an extempore speech). The key idea is that the speaker has not written or memorised the speech in advance but speaks spontaneously. The other options describe different aspects of speaking but do not capture this exact idea. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "extempore" literally means "out of time" or "on the spur of the moment", referring to unprepared speech.Step 2: Compare this with "rhetoric", which refers to the art of effective or persuasive speaking in general, not necessarily unprepared.Step 3: Consider "oration", which is a formal speech, usually carefully prepared and delivered on a special occasion.Step 4: Look at "maiden speech", which refers to the first speech a person delivers in a legislative body or similar setting, again often prepared.Step 5: Conclude that only "extempore" directly expresses the idea of no preparation. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a teacher asking a student to give an extempore talk on a topic, meaning the student must speak immediately without notes. This is common in language classes and public speaking training. Newspapers and event descriptions also use phrases like "an extempore speech" to highlight spontaneity. None of the other words specifically point to lack of preparation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Rhetoric, is about the art and techniques of effective speaking or writing; it does not imply whether the speech is prepared or not. Option B, Oration, is a formal, often ceremonial speech, typically prepared in advance. Option D, Maiden speech, refers to a first speech, such as a new member's first address in Parliament, and says nothing about whether it was prepared. Only option C, Extempore, directly matches "speech delivered without preparation". Common Pitfalls: Some candidates choose "oration" because it sounds formal and they associate exam vocabulary with grand words. Others may confuse "rhetoric" with any kind of speech. To avoid these mistakes, focus on the key part of the definition, "without preparation", and recall real-life contexts where people are asked to speak extempore in competitions or language exercises. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for a speech delivered without preparation is Extempore.

Question 13

Out of the four alternatives, choose the one word which can be substituted for the given description.  One who will do any job for anyone for money.

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Introduction: One word substitution questions often focus on words describing types of people. The description here refers to someone who is driven mainly by money and who is willing to work for anyone, without loyalty or moral concern. This idea is captured by the word "mercenary". Given Data / Assumptions: - Description: "One who will do any job for anyone for money." - Options: Mercenary, Recruit, Hoodlum, Merchant. - We assume the emphasis is on willingness to work purely for payment, without regard to principle or loyalty. Concept / Approach: The word "mercenary" originally referred to soldiers hired to fight for any country that paid them, rather than for patriotism. More broadly, it now describes anyone whose actions are motivated mainly by money, often with a negative suggestion that they lack loyalty or morals. The correct answer must reflect this idea, not just any person connected with work or business. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "mercenary" can be used both as a noun (a hired soldier) and as an adjective (motivated only by money).Step 2: Check how closely this matches the description of a person who will do any job for anyone for money.Step 3: Examine "recruit". A recruit is someone who has recently joined an organisation, especially the armed forces; it does not imply greed.Step 4: Examine "hoodlum". This refers to a violent or criminal person, but not necessarily one who works for anyone purely for money.Step 5: Examine "merchant". This is a trader or shop owner engaged in buying and selling goods, not simply someone who will work for whoever pays. Therefore "mercenary" is the best fit. Verification / Alternative check: Use each word in a sentence. "He is a mercenary who fights for the highest bidder" matches the idea perfectly. "He is a recruit" describes a new member, not a money driven worker. "He is a hoodlum" describes a criminal, and "He is a merchant" describes a businessperson. Only "mercenary" conveys the idea of doing any job for anyone purely for payment. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, Recruit, focuses on someone who has newly joined a group or army and does not imply greed. Option C, Hoodlum, implies criminal behaviour but not necessarily money motivation in a neutral job sense. Option D, Merchant, refers to a trader, which is a specific legal occupation and not by itself morally questionable. Only option A, Mercenary, directly aligns with the description of a person who acts purely for money and can be hired by anyone. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may confuse "mercenary" with "merchant" because both start with "mer", or they may choose "hoodlum" because they associate doing "any job" with criminal acts. However, the description does not say the job is illegal; it only says the person will work for anyone for money. Remember that "mercenary" carries a strong nuance of acting purely for payment, often without principle. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Mercenary.

Question 14

In the following sentence, a part is to be improved. Four alternatives are given for the underlined portion. Choose the alternative that makes the sentence grammatically correct and more natural. In case no improvement is needed, choose "No improvem…

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Introduction: This sentence improvement question tests your understanding of a common correlative structure in English: "The more..., the more...". This pattern is used to show a proportional relationship between two things, such as income and spending. Both parts of the comparison must be parallel and complete for the sentence to sound correct. Given Data / Assumptions: - Original sentence: "The more they earn, more they spend." - The underlined portion in the exam is the second "more they spend". - Options present different ways of structuring the entire comparison. - We assume the intended meaning is "As they earn more, they spend more." Concept / Approach: In English, when we express a relationship of this type, we use the pattern "The more X, the more Y." The word "the" appears before both "more" words to signal that both parts are grammatically parallel. Leaving out "the" in the second part makes the sentence incomplete and unbalanced. Therefore, the best correction will restore the full structure "The more they earn, the more they spend". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the structure. The first clause is "The more they earn". The second clause should match this pattern.Step 2: Notice that in the original, the second clause is "more they spend", which is missing the article "the".Step 3: Look at option A: "The more they earn, the more they spend." This repeats the full pattern and sounds natural.Step 4: Option B, "More they earn, the more they spend", drops "The" from the first half, which is incorrect.Step 5: Option C, "More they earn, more they spend", drops "The" from both halves and is incorrect. Option D, "No improvement", keeps the original error. Thus, option A is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Try similar sentences: "The harder you work, the luckier you get", "The sooner we leave, the earlier we will arrive." In each case, "the" appears before both comparative forms. If you remove "the" from the second half, the sentence sounds incomplete: "The harder you work, luckier you get" is incorrect. This confirms that the same rule applies in the question sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B breaks the symmetry by omitting "The" in the first clause. Option C omits "The" from both clauses, turning the sentence into two incomplete fragments. Option D suggests that the original sentence is acceptable, but it is grammatically flawed because it lacks the required parallel structure. Only option A follows the standard correlative pattern and retains clarity and balance. Common Pitfalls: Because the sentence is understandable even with the missing "the", some candidates may wrongly choose "No improvement". Others may try to shorten the sentence by dropping "the", not realising that this breaks a fixed pattern in English. To avoid such mistakes, remember that with comparatives like "more", "less", or "better" in this kind of proportional construction, the full pattern is "The more..., the more..." or "The less..., the less...". Final Answer: The best improvement is The more they earn, the more they spend.

Question 15

Improvement of sentence: a part of the following sentence is considered incorrect. Choose the alternative that best improves the sentence. If no improvement is needed, choose the option marked No improvement. The offerings were placed on the alter.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests spelling, vocabulary, and correct usage in a religious or ceremonial context. The key focus is on the phrase on the alter, where one of the words is incorrectly spelt for the intended meaning. You must select the alternative that makes the sentence correct and natural in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: The offerings were placed on the alter. The word alter is underlined and is suspected to be wrong. Options include on the altar, on the steps, on the platform, No improvement, and near the altar. The context is clearly about offerings in a religious or ceremonial setting, such as a temple or church. Concept / Approach: The English language has two similar looking words: alter and altar. Alter is a verb meaning to change or modify something. Altar is a noun referring to a raised structure or table used for religious ceremonies, where offerings and sacred objects are placed. In this sentence, offerings are placed on a physical structure, so the correct word must be altar, not alter. Therefore the phrase should be on the altar. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the area of error: the phrase on the alter. Step 2: Recall the meanings: alter means to change, while altar means a sacred table or platform for worship. Step 3: Check which meaning fits the idea of offerings being placed somewhere. Step 4: Choose on the altar because it gives the correct noun and correct spelling for the religious setting. Verification / Alternative check: Consider common phrases: offerings on the altar, flowers on the altar, candles on the altar. All use the noun altar. There is no standard expression using alter in this way. You can also notice that replacing alter with altar keeps the structure of the sentence intact and corrects only the spelling and meaning, which is exactly what the question wants. Why Other Options Are Wrong: on the steps: Changes the meaning, because offerings in a religious ritual are not normally placed on steps. on the platform: Too general; it loses the specific religious sense of altar. No improvement: Wrong because alter is a spelling error for the intended meaning. near the altar: Suggests proximity rather than placement on the sacred structure and does not fix the key vocabulary issue. Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse altar and alter because they sound similar. Another mistake is to focus only on location words like steps or platform instead of noticing the incorrect spelling. In sentence improvement questions, always identify which word is misused and then select the option that corrects both meaning and spelling. Final Answer: Correct option: on the altar.

Question 16

Improvement of sentence: a part of the following sentence is considered incorrect. Choose the alternative that best improves the sentence. If no improvement is needed, choose the option marked No improvement. Really speaking, no man is perfect.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of common English adverbial phrases used to introduce a statement. The sentence begins with Really speaking, which sounds awkward and non standard. The task is to choose a more natural alternative that expresses the intended meaning without changing the basic idea of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: Really speaking, no man is perfect. The underlined part is the word Really at the beginning. Options: Strictly, slightly, vaguely, No improvement, and Truly. Intended meaning: From a strict or exact point of view, no human being is perfect. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, expressions such as Strictly speaking, generally speaking, frankly speaking, and technically speaking are common. Really speaking is not used in standard formal English. The sentence is making an absolute statement about human imperfection, which fits best with Strictly speaking, no man is perfect. The adverb strictly correctly introduces a statement that is true in a precise or absolute sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that Really speaking is the awkward or incorrect phrase. Step 2: Recall the fixed phrase Strictly speaking, used before absolute or technical statements. Step 3: Substitute Strictly for Really in the sentence: Strictly speaking, no man is perfect. Step 4: Confirm that this new sentence is natural, idiomatic, and preserves the original meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Test each option in the sentence. Slightly speaking and vaguely speaking are not standard expressions. No improvement would keep the unusual and non idiomatic Really speaking. Truly speaking is also uncommon compared to the very frequent Strictly speaking. Grammar and usage books regularly list Strictly speaking as the correct conventional form used in such philosophical or generalising statements. Why Other Options Are Wrong: slightly: Slightly speaking does not exist as a recognised English phrase. vaguely: Vaguely speaking would mean speaking in an unclear way, which does not suit a strong general truth. No improvement: Wrong because Really speaking is not idiomatic in formal or exam English. Truly: Truly speaking is rarely used; even if understood, it is not the standard collocation tested in exams. Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted by No improvement because the sentence is understandable. Others may choose Truly since it seems close to Really. However, competitive exams often test whether you know fixed expressions exactly. Strictly speaking is the widely accepted phrase for emphasising a precise or absolute truth, making it the best choice here. Final Answer: Correct option: Strictly.

Question 17

Improvement of sentence: a part of the following sentence is considered incorrect. Choose the alternative that best improves the sentence. If no improvement is needed, choose the option marked No improvement. Mankind does not know this.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement item tests your understanding of subject verb agreement and the correct treatment of collective nouns such as mankind. You must decide whether the existing verb phrase does not know is grammatically correct with the subject or whether another auxiliary verb is required. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Mankind does not know this. Subject: Mankind, referring to humanity as a whole. Verb phrase: does not know. Options for the verb: do, had, is, No improvement, and does. The intended meaning: Humanity as a whole is ignorant of this fact. Concept / Approach: In English, mankind is a collective noun treated as singular in standard usage when it refers to the human race as a single whole. Singular subjects in the simple present tense take does, not do. Therefore, mankind does not know is grammatically correct. There is no need to shift the tense or change the verb form, so the best choice is No improvement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject mankind and decide whether it is singular or plural in this context. Step 2: Recognise that here it means the human race in general, which is treated as a singular collective noun. Step 3: Apply subject verb agreement rules: singular subject plus simple present negative requires does not plus base verb. Step 4: Conclude that does not know is already correct, so no change is needed. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: Humanity does not understand everything. Society does not accept this behaviour. In each case, the collective noun is singular and takes does. Using do with mankind would sound incorrect in educated formal English: Mankind do not know this is wrong in standard exam usage. This confirms that the original sentence is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: do: Would be used only with a plural subject like people do not know this, not with mankind as a single collective. had: Changes the tense to past perfect, Mankind had not known this, which does not match the generic present time meaning. is: Would result in Mankind is not know this or Mankind is not knowing this, which are ungrammatical or unnatural. does: On its own is incomplete; the full phrase does not know is already present, so choosing does alone does not specify an improvement. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to treat collective nouns as plural by default and attempt to force do instead of does. Another error is to overthink the tense and choose had because it sounds more complex. In competitive exams, always check whether the original sentence is already correct before changing anything; here, No improvement is the precise and safe choice. Final Answer: Correct option: No improvement.

Question 18

Improvement of sentence: a part of the following sentence is considered incorrect. Choose the alternative that best improves the sentence. If no improvement is needed, choose the option marked No improvement. Practically every part of the coconut tr…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your sensitivity to natural English expressions involving quantifiers, especially phrases like practically every. It asks whether the phrase Practically every part of the coconut tree is used by man needs to be improved or whether it is already idiomatic and correct. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Practically every part of the coconut tree is used by man. Underlined phrase: Practically every part. Options: each, most, any, No improvement, and almost every. Intended meaning: Almost all the different parts of the coconut tree can be used by people. Concept / Approach: The expression practically every is a standard and natural way of saying almost every in English. It emphasises that the number of exceptions is very small. In this sentence, it correctly conveys that nearly all parts of the coconut tree are useful. The grammar and sense are already correct, so No improvement is the appropriate choice. While almost every would be acceptable in everyday conversation, the exam wants you to recognise that the original phrase is not wrong. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the meaning of the sentence: almost all parts of the coconut tree have some use. Step 2: Recognise that practically every is a common collocation meaning almost every. Step 3: Test each option in the sentence: Each part, most parts, any part, and almost every part. Step 4: Conclude that Practically every part is both natural and grammatically correct, so No improvement is needed. Verification / Alternative check: If we replace Practically every with Almost every, the meaning remains very similar, but that does not make Practically every wrong. In competitive exams, you must choose an improvement only when the original is incorrect, awkward, or clearly inferior. Here, Practically every part of the coconut tree is used by man is a sentence you can find in textbooks and articles describing the usefulness of coconut trees. Why Other Options Are Wrong: each: Each part of the coconut tree is used by man suggests that there are no exceptions at all, which is stronger than the original and may not be true. most: Most part is grammatically wrong; it should be most parts, and even then it loses the emphasis created by practically every. any: Any part of the coconut tree is used by man is incorrect because not every single part may be used. almost every: Acceptable in meaning, but the original is already correct and idiomatic, so no change is required in this exam pattern. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes feel compelled to change the sentence because an alternative appears more familiar, such as almost every. However, sentence improvement questions often include perfectly correct original sentences to test if you can confidently choose No improvement. Always check for real grammatical or idiomatic errors before selecting a replacement. Final Answer: Correct option: No improvement.

Question 19

Reading comprehension: read the passage about dyslexia carefully and then answer the question that follows. Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question is based on a passage explaining the nature of dyslexia. The passage carefully defines what dyslexia is and how it affects reading and language perception. The question checks whether you can identify the exact description used by the author and distinguish it from similar sounding but incorrect alternatives. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage begins with the sentence: Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. It describes difficulties in perceiving letters, numbers, and sounds correctly. It also explains that dyslexia may be inherited and may last into adulthood but can be managed with specialised teaching methods. The question asks you to complete the sentence: Dyslexia, often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence, is a __________. Options include conceptual disorder, pathological disease, perceptive disorder, perceptual disorder, and psychological illness. Concept / Approach: The key to this question is to match the wording in the options with the exact phrase used in the passage. The author specifically calls dyslexia a perceptual disorder. Perceptual refers to perception, that is, the way the brain interprets sensory information such as letters, numbers, and sounds. Other options may sound similar but do not match the precise term used by the writer. Exams often test whether you can pay attention to such details rather than simply guessing from general knowledge. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Re read the first line of the passage, which defines dyslexia. Step 2: Note the exact phrase: Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. Step 3: Compare this phrase with the answer choices and identify the one that repeats perceptual disorder accurately. Step 4: Choose Perceptual disorder because it is word for word what the passage uses. Verification / Alternative check: Conceptual disorder would suggest a problem with concepts or ideas rather than basic perception. Perceptive disorder is incorrect because perceptive describes being sensitive or insightful, which is not the focus here. Pathological disease suggests a more general medical illness pattern, and psychological illness focuses on emotional or mental states, neither of which matches the specific phrase in the passage. The writer clearly emphasises that dyslexia is related to how printed information is perceived, which is why perceptual is the correct adjective. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Conceptual disorder: The passage does not say that the concepts are faulty; it says the perception of letters and numbers is faulty. Pathological disease: Suggests a general disease process, but the author chooses a more precise label. Perceptive disorder: Grammatically odd and not a standard term for this condition. Psychological illness: Focuses on emotional or mental health conditions rather than perceptual processing of written symbols. Common Pitfalls: Some students choose psychological illness or pathological disease because they know dyslexia is a condition relating to the brain. However, the question expects you to stick closely to the text and not to reinterpret it in broader medical terms. The safest strategy in such comprehension questions is always to look back at the exact wording in the passage and choose the option that matches it precisely. Final Answer: Correct option: Perceptual disorder.

Question 20

Reading comprehension: read the passage about dyslexia carefully and then answer the question that follows. Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a specific symptom of dyslexia as described in the passage. The author lists characteristic reading difficulties, and you must recall the exact way letters and numbers appear to a dyslexic reader. This tests careful reading of details and not confusing similar visual terms such as inverted, blurred, or reversed. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states that letters and numbers appear in an unusual way to a person with dyslexia. Examples given: b seems to be d, quite appears as quiet, and from as form. The question asks completed phrase: letters and figures often appear __________. Options: inverted, blurred, reversed, clustered, and faded. Concept / Approach: The key is to match the symptom described in the passage with the correct descriptive word. When b seems to be d or when from is read as form, the order or orientation of characters is switched, not simply blurred or faded. The author explicitly says letters and numbers often appear reversed. Reversed means that positions are swapped or mirrored, which fits the examples exactly. Inverted, blurred, and clustered all suggest different types of visual problems that are not mentioned in the text. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the part of the passage describing how dyslexic readers see letters and numbers. Step 2: Read the line: Letters and numbers often appear reversed. Step 3: Observe the examples given, such as b turning into d, which is a reversal, not a blur or fading. Step 4: Select Reversed because it is the exact word used in the passage and fits the examples perfectly. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option. Blurred would suggest that the letters are not sharp or are out of focus, which the passage does not say. Inverted usually means turned upside down, which again is not the situation described. Clustered would mean bunched together. Reversed accurately captures situations like reading quite as quiet, where letters change order or orientation. Therefore, reversed is the only answer that aligns with both the exact wording and the given examples. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Inverted: Implies upside down or turned around vertically, not the simple swapping that occurs in dyslexia examples. Blurred: Suggests visual clarity problems, which the passage does not mention. Clustered: Means grouped too closely together, which is not described. Faded: Indicates reduced darkness or colour of the letters, also not mentioned anywhere in the passage. Common Pitfalls: Some students may pick inverted because it sounds technical or visual, or blurred because they associate reading difficulty with poor eyesight. The passage, however, is about perception and processing of symbols, not about eye defects. Reading questions demand precision: you must look for the exact word used and avoid guessing based on your own assumptions about dyslexia. Final Answer: Correct option: Reversed.

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