Question 1

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 …

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Introduction / Context: Here, the question tests whether you can recall a specific characteristic associated with dyslexic individuals, as described in the passage. The author discusses handedness and coordination, and the question focuses on how many dyslexic people use their hands for writing and other tasks. This helps you practise picking out detailed factual information from a descriptive paragraph. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states: Many dyslexics are left handed or able to write with either hand. It mentions confusion between left and right. The question asks: People suffering from dyslexia are often __________. Options: right handed, far sighted, ambidextrous, only left handed, and colour blind. Concept / Approach: Ambidextrous means able to use both hands equally well, especially for tasks like writing. The passage clearly says that many dyslexics are left handed or can write with either hand, directly referring to ambidexterity. The question uses often, so the answer must capture a common tendency, not an absolute rule. Among the options, only ambidextrous correctly summarises the idea of using either hand comfortably. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Return to the sentence that mentions left handedness and the ability to use either hand. Step 2: Interpret able to write with either hand as being ambidextrous. Step 3: Notice that the passage says many dyslexics are left handed or ambidextrous, not that they are only left handed. Step 4: Choose ambidextrous as the option that best captures the characteristic described as common among dyslexic individuals. Verification / Alternative check: Right handed is not specifically mentioned as common. Far sighted and colour blind relate to eye problems; the passage does not mention visual acuity issues, but focuses on perceptual processing. Only left handed is too narrow, because the passage adds that many can write with either hand. Thus, ambidextrous is the only option that combines the ideas of using both hands and matches the wording able to write with either hand. Why Other Options Are Wrong: right handed: The passage does not say dyslexic people are typically right handed. far sighted: Relates to vision and focusing on distant objects; not discussed here. only left handed: Ignores the important phrase or able to write with either hand, which mentions a second group of dyslexic people. colour blind: Involves difficulty distinguishing colours; not mentioned as part of dyslexia. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose only left handed because they remember left handedness being mentioned, but they overlook the additional phrase about writing with either hand. Others may mistakenly treat dyslexia as a purely eye based disorder and get distracted by far sighted or colour blind. This question reminds you that dyslexia is about how the brain processes written symbols, not about simple eyesight defects, and that careful reading of every phrase matters. Final Answer: Correct option: ambidextrous.

Question 2

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 …

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Introduction / Context: This question asks you to recall what the passage says about the duration of dyslexia. The author discusses when the condition may appear and how long it might last, emphasising that it is not simply a short term learning problem. Understanding this helps you answer the question about whether dyslexia disappears early or can continue later in life. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states that learning to speak may be delayed beyond infancy. It then says: The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. The question asks you to complete the statement: Dyslexia may ___________. Options include be noticed during infancy, last till childhood, persist into adulthood, end when one goes to school, and disappear in a few months. Concept / Approach: The key phrase is It may persist into adulthood. Persist means continue to exist, especially for a long time. The passage is clear that dyslexia is not simply a childhood phase that automatically ends when reading is first taught. Instead, with proper recognition and specialised teaching, dyslexic individuals can learn to read, but the underlying condition can remain through adult life. Therefore, the correct completion of the statement is persist into adulthood. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Re read the sentences around the description of how long dyslexia lasts. Step 2: Identify the exact sentence: It may persist into adulthood. Step 3: Match this phrase with the options and find persist into adulthood. Step 4: Choose this option because it repeats the passage precisely and captures the intended time span. Verification / Alternative check: The passage does not claim that dyslexia ends when a child goes to school or that it only lasts through childhood. It also does not say that it disappears in a few months. While learning to speak may be delayed beyond infancy, the condition itself may continue into adult years. This makes persist into adulthood the only choice directly supported by the text. Why Other Options Are Wrong: be noticed during infancy: The passage talks about delayed speech beyond infancy, but that does not answer how long the condition may last. last till childhood: Suggests that dyslexia stops after childhood, which the passage does not say. end when one goes to school: Clearly contradicted by the line that it may persist into adulthood. disappear in a few months: Not mentioned and unrealistically short for a complex condition like dyslexia. Common Pitfalls: Some students rely on assumptions that many childhood learning problems disappear with schooling, so they are tempted to choose options that mention childhood or school. Others get misled by details about infancy and confuse early signs with duration. Comprehension questions require you to base your answer only on the information explicitly stated in the passage, which in this case points very clearly to persistence into adulthood. Final Answer: Correct option: persist into adulthood.

Question 3

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 …

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Introduction / Context: This question explores one of the serious consequences of dyslexia described in the passage. The author points out that not only the perceptual difficulty but also the reaction of adults around the child can worsen the situation. You must identify exactly what failure on the part of parents and teachers can compound or intensify the problem for dyslexic children. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states: However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognise the condition. It further explains that this failure can easily lead to emotional problems. Dyslexic children may not understand why they cannot keep up with classmates. The question asks: The problem of perception can be compounded by the failure of parents and teachers to what. Options: provide treatment, recognize the condition, correct the child at infancy, understand the child, and change the school. Concept / Approach: The word compounded here means made worse or more serious. The passage directly links this worsening of the difficulty to adults not recognising that the child has dyslexia. Without recognition, the child may be labelled lazy or careless instead of being given appropriate instruction. So the answer must reflect the idea of recognising or identifying the condition, not just treating or understanding the child in a general way. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Re locate the sentence that discusses how the problem can be compounded. Step 2: Identify the phrase: the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognise the condition. Step 3: Compare recognise the condition with the answer choices and see that one option matches it exactly. Step 4: Select recognize the condition as the correct completion of the statement. Verification / Alternative check: Even if parents try to help but do not recognise that dyslexia is present, they may apply the wrong methods, blame the child, or push too hard. Simply providing treatment is impossible unless the condition is first recognised. Correcting the child at infancy or changing the school are not mentioned by the passage and may not address the real problem. The core idea is that awareness and recognition are the starting points for appropriate support. Why Other Options Are Wrong: provide treatment: Treatment is important, but the passage emphasises failure to recognise the condition, not failure to provide treatment. correct the child at infancy: Suggests disciplining or training the child early, which is not what the author is recommending. understand the child: While understanding is helpful, the passage is specific that recognition of dyslexia is the key factor. change the school: Not mentioned at all; changing schools without recognising dyslexia would not solve the underlying issue. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes generalise the idea and select provide treatment or understand the child because they sound positive. However, comprehension questions reward precise reading. The author uses the phrase failure to recognise the condition, so your answer must mirror that phrase closely. Always look back at the text instead of relying on your own assumptions about what good parents or teachers should do. Final Answer: Correct option: recognize the condition.

Question 4

Synonym: in the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word. RATIONAL

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Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose the best synonym for the word rational. Synonym questions are designed to test how accurately you know word meanings, especially in the context of reasoning and judgement. Rational is frequently used in discussions about decision making, problem solving, and scientific thinking. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: rational. Options: TIDY, AGREEABLE, LAUDABLE, LOGICAL, and EMOTIONAL. You must choose the word closest in meaning, not just any positive sounding adjective. Rational usually describes thought processes, decisions, or arguments that follow reason and logical principles. Concept / Approach: Rational comes from the same root as reason. It describes something based on clear thinking, facts, and logic rather than on emotion or impulse. Among the options, logical is directly associated with reasoned thinking. Tidy refers to neatness, agreeable to pleasantness, laudable to praiseworthiness, and emotional to feelings, often in contrast to rational behaviour. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the usual usage of rational in sentences like a rational decision, rational explanation, or rational argument. Step 2: Connect rational with reason, careful thought, and a logical process. Step 3: Compare each option with this sense and see which one overlaps most strongly. Step 4: Select LOGICAL because it best captures the idea of following consistent rules of reasoning. Verification / Alternative check: Try replacing rational with each option in a sample sentence: He gave a rational explanation. He gave a logical explanation still sounds correct. But He gave a tidy explanation or He gave an agreeable explanation do not express the same meaning. Emotional is often used in contrast, as when we say emotional reaction versus rational reaction, confirming that logical is the correct synonym and emotional is close to an antonym in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: TIDY: Relates to cleanliness or order in physical space, not mental reasoning. AGREEABLE: Means pleasant, acceptable, or friendly, not necessarily reasonable. LAUDABLE: Means deserving praise, which is about moral evaluation, not about method of thinking. EMOTIONAL: Focuses on feelings rather than reason; it usually contrasts with rational behaviour. Common Pitfalls: Some students may choose laudable because rational decisions are often praiseworthy, but that is only sometimes true and not part of the core meaning. Others might be misled by agreeable because rational arguments can be agreeable, but again, they are not the same concept. The safe exam strategy is to link rational directly with reason and logic, which leads you to logical as the best synonym. Final Answer: Correct option: LOGICAL.

Question 5

Antonym: in the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word. INTERIM

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to find the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word interim. Interim is frequently used in news reports and official contexts to describe a temporary arrangement, such as an interim government or interim report. Identifying its opposite helps confirm that you understand its time related sense. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: INTERIM. Options: PROVISIONAL, TENTATIVE, PERMANENT, INTERVAL, and TEMPORARY. You are to select the word that means the opposite of interim. Interim generally means temporary, meant to last only until a more permanent solution is in place. Concept / Approach: Since interim means temporary or for the time being, its antonym must express the idea of lasting or continuing indefinitely. Permanent is the standard opposite of temporary. Provisional and tentative are close synonyms of interim, not opposites. Interval refers to a gap between events, while temporary is again similar in meaning to interim. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that interim arrangements are in place only for a limited time. Step 2: Identify that a state that is not interim would be designed to last, that is, permanent. Step 3: Examine all options and mark PROVISIONAL and TENTATIVE as similar in meaning to temporary. Step 4: Choose PERMANENT as the direct opposite of interim. Verification / Alternative check: Think of pairs used in real life: interim government versus permanent government; interim solution versus permanent solution. These pairs appear naturally in media language and official documents. You would not say interim versus provisional as opposites, because both describe temporary measures. This confirms PERMANENT as the only true antonym among the options provided. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PROVISIONAL: Means temporary or conditional, very close in meaning to interim. TENTATIVE: Suggests hesitation or lack of finality, often used for plans or decisions that are not yet confirmed, again similar to interim. INTERVAL: Refers to a gap between two events in time, not a state that contrasts with temporary. TEMPORARY: Almost a direct synonym for interim, not an opposite. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes get confused because they see many time related words and may choose interval or provisional without carefully checking the relationship. Always decide whether a word has similar meaning or truly opposite meaning. Since interim equals temporary for the time being, you must choose permanent to get the correct antonym. Final Answer: Correct option: PERMANENT.

Question 6

Spelling: four words are given, out of which only one word is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt word.

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Introduction / Context: This spelling question focuses on a group of commonly misspelt English words that involve the vowel combination ie or ei. Many learners find these patterns tricky, so exams often test whether you can recognise the correct version among several confusing choices. Given Data / Assumptions: Words presented: Breif, Percieve, Relieve, Cheif, and Recieve. Only one is spelt correctly in standard English. The others are common incorrect forms of real words. You must select the word that corresponds to a correctly spelt English word. Concept / Approach: The key pattern here is the rule often remembered as i before e except after c, though there are many exceptions. Brief, perceive, relieve, chief, and receive are frequently miswritten. Among the options, Relieve is the correct spelling of the verb meaning to ease pain, worry, or a burden. The other options each contain a common error in the order of the vowels or in the consonant structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the intended real words behind each option: Breif for brief, Percieve for perceive, Relieve as itself, Cheif for chief, and Recieve for receive. Step 2: Recall the correct standard spellings: brief, perceive, relieve, chief, and receive. Step 3: Compare each option with the correct form and see which one matches exactly. Step 4: Identify Relieve as correctly spelt and mark it as the answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can cross check using the ie and ei rule. Perceive and receive are spelled with ei after c: perceive, receive. Chief and brief are spelled with ie: chief, brief. Relieve follows the same pattern: ie after l. Among the options, only Relieve follows a correct known pattern and is the accepted dictionary form of a common verb. The others all break either the rule or the actual standard spelling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Breif: Incorrect ordering of vowels; the correct spelling is brief. Percieve: Vowels are misordered; the correct spelling is perceive. Cheif: Again, vowels are misordered; the correct spelling is chief. Recieve: Incorrect; the correct form is receive with ei after c. Common Pitfalls: Because all these words are genuine English words in their correct forms, students may feel that more than one option looks familiar. The best strategy is to slow down, imagine each word as you have seen it in books or on screen, and apply the i before e rule carefully. Over time, exposure to correct standard spellings helps you trust your visual memory and choose Relieve confidently as the only correct option here. Final Answer: Correct option: Relieve.

Question 7

Error spotting: in the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the option marked No error. The King Juan Carlos of Spain (A) / arriv…

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Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of correct article usage with titles and proper names in English. The sentence mentions a specific monarch, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and you must identify which part, if any, is grammatically incorrect. Error spotting questions demand that you be sensitive to small but important details in structure. Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: The King Juan Carlos of Spain arrived in London today for a three day visit. Part (A): The King Juan Carlos of Spain. Part (B): arrived in London today. Part (C): for a three day visit. Part (D): No error. The title is King and the proper name is Juan Carlos, followed by of Spain. Concept / Approach: In English, when you use a title directly before a proper name, you normally do not use the definite article the. You say King Juan Carlos, Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Nehru, not The King Juan Carlos or The Queen Elizabeth when the name follows the title. The definite article is used when the name is not given, as in the king of Spain or the queen of England. Therefore, The King Juan Carlos of Spain is incorrect, and the error is in part (A). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on part (A) and recall standard patterns for titles and names. Step 2: Recognise that the correct phrase should be King Juan Carlos of Spain without the article the before King. Step 3: Check parts (B) and (C) for any obvious tense, preposition, or article errors; they are correct: arrived in London today for a three day visit. Step 4: Conclude that the only clear error is in part (A), where the article the should be omitted. Verification / Alternative check: Consider parallel examples: King Charles of the United Kingdom visited, not The King Charles of the United Kingdom visited. You can say the king of Spain visited, but once you introduce the proper name, the article drops. The rest of the sentence is standard: arrived in London today correctly uses the simple past and the preposition in, and for a three day visit uses the correct preposition and number expression. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (B): arrived in London today is correct and idiomatic. Part (C): for a three day visit is acceptable; in very formal writing some writers use three day visit or three day long visit, but this is not considered an error in exam English. Part (D): No error is wrong because an error has been identified in part (A). Common Pitfalls: Some students overlook article usage around names, focusing instead on obvious tense or preposition mistakes. Others think three day visit must be three days visit, but in English it is correct to use a compound adjective like three day before a noun. Whenever you see a title plus proper name, quickly check whether the article the is required. In this structure, it is not, so you correctly mark part (A) as containing the error. Final Answer: Correct option: A.

Question 8

Error spotting: in the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the option marked No error. Many people die (A) / with cholera (B) / …

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your knowledge of the correct preposition used with the verb die when you mention a specific disease. Choosing the correct preposition is important for natural and accurate English, especially in formal or medical contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: Many people die with cholera every year. Part (A): Many people die. Part (B): with cholera. Part (C): every year. Part (D): No error. The intended meaning: Many people lose their lives because of cholera every year. Concept / Approach: In standard English, when you want to mention the cause of death and it is a disease, you normally use the preposition of or from, such as die of cholera or die from cholera. The phrase die with cholera sounds as if the person simply had cholera at the time of death, not that cholera caused the death. For exam purposes, the correct expression is die of cholera. Therefore, the error lies in part (B), where the preposition with should be replaced by of. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at each part of the sentence and determine whether it follows standard English usage. Step 2: Realise that Many people die (A) is correct, and every year (C) is also correct. Step 3: Focus on with cholera (B) and recall that the usual collocation is die of a disease. Step 4: Conclude that part (B) contains the error because it uses the wrong preposition. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar expressions: die of cancer, die of malaria, die of pneumonia. You might also see die from wounds or die from complications, but die with a disease is generally not used to express cause of death in standard written English. Hence, sentence correction books and exam keys consistently treat with cholera in this context as wrong and require of cholera instead. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (A): Many people die is grammatically and semantically correct. Part (C): every year is a correct adverbial phrase of frequency and time. Part (D): No error is incorrect because there is an identifiable preposition error in part (B). Common Pitfalls: Some learners try to translate directly from their first language where an equivalent of with may be used, so they do not notice anything wrong with with cholera. Others suspect every year and attempt to change it unnecessarily. For preposition questions, remind yourself of fixed expressions such as suffer from, recover from, and die of when diseases are mentioned. This habit will help you quickly identify the error in similar exam items. Final Answer: Correct option: B.

Question 9

Error spotting: in the following question, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the option marked No error. I was (A) / at loss (B) / and did not kno…

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Introduction / Context: This question examines your familiarity with common English idiomatic expressions, specifically at a loss. When describing confusion or uncertainty, English uses a fixed phrase that must include the article a. Leaving it out makes the phrase ungrammatical or at least very unnatural in standard usage. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: I was at loss and did not know what to do. Part (A): I was. Part (B): at loss. Part (C): and did not know what to do. Part (D): No error. Intended meaning: I was confused or puzzled and did not know what action to take. Concept / Approach: The standard expression in English is at a loss, meaning uncertain, puzzled, or not knowing what to do. The article a is an essential part of the idiom. Therefore, at loss is incorrect. The rest of the sentence I was and did not know what to do is correct. As a result, the error must be in part (B), where at loss should be corrected to at a loss. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the common idiom that the sentence appears to be using. Step 2: Recall that the correct form is at a loss, not at loss. Step 3: Check parts (A) and (C) for any tense or structure errors; both are fine. Step 4: Conclude that part (B) is where the error lies because it omits the necessary article a. Verification / Alternative check: Test the sentence mentally after correction: I was at a loss and did not know what to do. This sounds perfectly natural and is commonly used in spoken and written English. Checking phrasebooks or dictionaries of idioms confirms that at a loss is the recognised expression meaning perplexed or uncertain. There is no variation at loss that carries the same idiomatic sense. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (A): I was is correct as the subject and auxiliary verb for a past state. Part (C): and did not know what to do is correctly formed and logically follows from being at a loss. Part (D): No error is incorrect because we have identified a clear idiom error in part (B). Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes forget the small but important article in idiomatic phrases such as in a hurry, in a fix, or at a loss. They re create them as in hurry or at loss, which sound odd to native speakers. Error spotting questions frequently target these subtle forms. To avoid such mistakes, try to memorise idioms as complete units rather than as separate words. Final Answer: Correct option: B.

Question 10

Sentence completion: the sentence given below has a blank. Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The king was moved with ______ for the beggar.

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Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question focuses on choosing the correct word based on meaning and collocation. The sentence describes the emotional response of a king towards a beggar. You must select the noun that naturally follows moved with and matches the context of compassion or sympathy. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: The king was moved with ______ for the beggar. Options: pity, piety, pithy, privy, and pride. The scene suggests that the king sees the poor condition of the beggar and feels an emotion. The verb phrase moved with usually introduces feelings like pity, compassion, or emotion. Concept / Approach: Pity means a feeling of sadness and compassion for the suffering or misfortunes of others. This fits perfectly with the image of a king responding to a beggar. Piety refers to religious devotion, pithy describes speech that is short and meaningful, and privy means having knowledge of something secret. Pride is a feeling of deep satisfaction or self respect, which does not match the tone of concern for a beggar. Therefore, pity is the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the phrase moved with indicates a strong emotion. Step 2: Connect the beggar with feelings of compassion rather than religious devotion or secret knowledge. Step 3: Test each option in the sentence: moved with pity, moved with piety, moved with pithy, moved with privy, moved with pride. Step 4: Recognise that only moved with pity for the beggar sounds natural and conveys the intended meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Consider standard collocations: filled with pity, moved with pity, moved to pity are all common expressions. Piety usually collocates with words like religious, devotion, or act, as in a life of piety. Privy normally occurs in phrases such as privy to information. Pithy describes remarks or statements, and pride would be more appropriate when the object is an achievement or personal quality, not a suffering beggar. This confirms pity as the only option that fits both grammar and meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: piety: Refers to religious devotion; the sentence is about emotional compassion, not worship or religious feeling. pithy: An adjective meaning brief and full of meaning, usually used about comments or style of speech, not about feelings towards a person. privy: Means sharing in a secret or having confidential knowledge; it cannot logically complete moved with privy for the beggar. pride: Pride in a beggar would sound odd, and moved with pride suggests self satisfaction, not sympathy. Common Pitfalls: Because the options look similar in spelling, some students may confuse pity and piety. It is important to associate pity with compassion and piety with religious devotion. Exam setters intentionally choose similar looking words to test whether you know their precise meanings. Reading widely and paying attention to collocations such as moved with pity helps build strong vocabulary for such questions. Final Answer: Correct option: pity.

Question 11

Sentence completion: the sentence given below has a blank. Choose the option that best completes the sentence. A big dictionary ________ ________ the table near the door.

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Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question checks two basic aspects of English grammar: subject verb agreement and correct preposition for location. The subject is a big dictionary, and you must choose the verb and preposition that accurately describe its position in relation to the table near the door. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: A big dictionary ________ ________ the table near the door. Options: are on, is over, is on, is up, and lies under. The dictionary is a single object, so the verb form must be singular. The table near the door is the surface where the dictionary is located. Concept / Approach: The noun dictionary is singular, so it requires a singular verb such as is, not are. When describing that an object rests on the surface of something, the common preposition is on. The most natural phrase is is on the table. Is over could sometimes describe position above, but over does not always mean resting on, and is up is not a standard expression for location in this context. Lies under describes a different position completely, underneath the table rather than on it. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Choose the correct singular verb for the singular subject a big dictionary, which is is. Step 2: Choose the location preposition that describes something resting on top of a surface, which is on. Step 3: Combine them to form is on and place them in the blank: A big dictionary is on the table near the door. Step 4: Check that the sentence now sounds natural and grammatically correct. Verification / Alternative check: Test each option. Are on would give A big dictionary are on the table, which breaks subject verb agreement. Is over the table could mean the dictionary is hanging or positioned above the table, not resting on it, and still sounds odd. Is up the table would be unidiomatic in this context. Lies under the table changes the meaning and does not match the likely intent of the question, which is to use the simple pattern is on the table. Therefore is on is the only fully correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: are on: Uses the plural verb are with a singular subject, which is incorrect. is over: Can sometimes be used, but it usually suggests above or covering something rather than being placed on a surface in neutral description. is up: Does not collocate with the table in standard English; we do not say something is up the table in this sense. lies under: Changes the meaning to beneath the table, which is not implied in the original incomplete sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overcomplicate simple preposition questions by thinking of unusual meanings for words like over or up. In basic descriptive sentences, on is the straightforward choice when an item rests on a table, desk, or shelf. Always check subject verb agreement first and then pick the most natural preposition to describe location. Final Answer: Correct option: is on.

Question 12

Sentence completion: the sentence given below has a blank. Choose the modal verb phrase that best completes the sentence. Mr. Sen is absent today. He _____ sick.

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of modal verbs used to express deduction or logical conclusion about a present situation. Mr. Sen is absent today, and the speaker is trying to guess the reason. The choice of modal verb shows how certain the speaker feels about the explanation. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Mr. Sen is absent today. He _____ sick. Options: has to be, could have been, might be, must have been, should have been. The first sentence describes a present fact: Mr. Sen is absent today. The second sentence offers a probable explanation for this absence. Concept / Approach: When we make a strong logical guess about why something has happened, we often use must have plus past participle, as in He must have been sick or He must have forgotten. Here, the absence is already a fact, and the speaker is reasoning backward about what condition earlier in the day led to this absence. Thus the form must have been sick expresses a strong degree of certainty about a past cause of a present absence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the speaker is drawing a conclusion about the likely reason for Mr. Sen s absence. Step 2: Recall that must have plus past participle is used for strong logical deductions about the past. Step 3: Fit must have been into the sentence: He must have been sick. Step 4: Check that this expresses a natural, strongly probable explanation of the present fact that he is absent. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the other options. Has to be sick would normally be used in He has to be sick to be absent so often, which is about necessity, not deduction about a specific day. Could have been sick suggests a possibility in the past but does not directly explain the current absence as strongly. Might be sick uses present time, but the structure Mr. Sen is absent today. He might be sick is also possible English; however, many exam keys focus on the pattern must have been for a more definite logical conclusion from the observed fact. Should have been sick is incorrect because we do not usually say someone should have been sick as a reason for being absent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: has to be: Expresses obligation or necessity, not a guess about a cause. could have been: States only a weak possibility without strongly linking it as the reason for the known absence. might be: Uses present reference and is less precise in explaining a known current absence on a specific day. should have been: Suggests expectation rather than actual deduction; it would imply that being sick was the correct thing to do, which is not intended. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse must be with must have been and do not clearly separate deductions about the present from deductions about the past. A useful guideline is: must be for a present continuous situation (He must be working now), and must have been for a past situation that explains a current result (He must have been sick, so he stayed home). Applying this rule helps you choose must have been in this question. Final Answer: Correct option: must have been.

Question 13

Idiom: in each of the following questions, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Feather in one's cap

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This idiom question tests whether you know the figurative meaning of the expression feather in one's cap. Idioms often come from old customs or cultural practices and their meanings cannot be guessed simply by translating the individual words. You must remember the established sense used in modern English. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: feather in one's cap. Options: Discrimination, A new and additional distinction, Hunting, Bird watching, A serious failure. The idiom is applied when someone gains an honour, achievement, or credit that adds to their reputation. Concept / Approach: Historically, warriors or hunters sometimes wore feathers in their caps as marks of bravery or success. Over time, the phrase feather in one's cap came to mean a notable achievement or honour that adds to a person's prestige. It is a positive expression, highlighting something that makes someone proud. The option that best captures this is A new and additional distinction, that is, an extra credit or honour on top of what they already had. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the context where this idiom is used, such as Winning the award is another feather in her cap. Step 2: Understand that it refers to a notable achievement that improves a person's record or reputation. Step 3: Compare the options and identify which one refers to an honour or distinction. Step 4: Select A new and additional distinction as the most accurate paraphrase of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each option meaning into a sample sentence. Earning a gold medal was a real feather in his cap becomes Earning a gold medal was a new and additional distinction for him, which preserves the sense. The same sentence cannot sensibly be completed with Discrimination, Hunting, Bird watching, or A serious failure without changing the meaning entirely. This confirms that the idiom expresses something to be proud of, not something negative or unrelated like bird watching. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Discrimination: Refers to unfair treatment or, in a positive sense, the ability to judge, but it does not convey the idea of an honour. Hunting: A literal activity involving chasing animals; not the figurative meaning of the idiom. Bird watching: Again, a literal hobby, chosen only because of the word feather, but unrelated to achievement. A serious failure: The exact opposite of what a feather in one's cap represents. Common Pitfalls: Because the idiom mentions a feather, some learners mistakenly associate it with birds, bird watching, or hunting. However, the historical image is that of a decorated cap symbolising success. The safe method for idioms is to remember them with example sentences, not by literal word association. In exams, always choose the option that fits the idea of an additional honour, which in this question is clearly A new and additional distinction. Final Answer: Correct option: A new and additional distinction.

Question 14

Idiom: in each of the following questions, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Donkey's years

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This idiom question focuses on the informal British English expression donkey's years. It is commonly used in conversation to refer to a very long period of time. Knowing such idioms helps in understanding dialogues and passages in exams and in everyday usage. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: donkey's years. Options: A decade, A long time, A century, Since school days, A few minutes. The expression is informal and implies a vague but very long duration, not a precise number of years. Concept / Approach: Donkey's years is used to mean a very long time, often with a sense of exaggeration. For example, I have not seen him for donkey's years means I have not seen him for a very long time. It does not refer specifically to ten years, one hundred years, or any fixed period such as school days. Therefore, the option A long time accurately captures the idiomatic sense without forcing a specific number. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall where you might have heard this idiom, usually in sentences like We have known each other for donkey's years. Step 2: Understand that the speaker is simply saying for a very long time, not stating an exact count of years. Step 3: Compare each option and identify which one expresses an indefinite, extended period. Step 4: Choose A long time as the best explanation of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Test the options by substitution. I have not visited that place for donkey's years becomes I have not visited that place for a long time, which feels natural and keeps the meaning. Replacing it with for a decade or for a century would misrepresent the idiom, because the phrase is not tied to ten or one hundred years. Since school days is too specific and A few minutes is completely opposite in sense. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A decade: Fixes the time period at ten years, which is not implied by the idiom. A century: Suggests one hundred years, an even more specific and extreme measure, not what the phrase normally intends. Since school days: Refers to a period starting from a particular life stage, not simply a long duration. A few minutes: Directly contradicts the idea of a very long time. Common Pitfalls: Some learners try to attach a precise duration to idioms because they see words like years or decades. However, donkey's years is intentionally vague, used to exaggerate long intervals in casual speech. The safest approach is to choose definitions that keep this vagueness, such as a long time, and avoid answers that give an exact numeric length unless the idiom clearly refers to one. Final Answer: Correct option: A long time.

Question 15

In this English vocabulary and idioms question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "leave no stone unturned", which is commonly used when someone makes every possible effort to achieve a goal.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of an English idiom, which is a fixed expression whose meaning is not always obvious from the individual words. The idiom given here is "leave no stone unturned". Such idiom based questions are common in competitive exams because they check not only your vocabulary but also whether you understand natural, everyday English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: You are given the idiom "leave no stone unturned". Four alternative meanings are offered as options. You must choose the option that correctly expresses the sense in which this idiom is normally used. You should rely on standard English usage as found in newspapers, books, and spoken communication. Concept / Approach: Idioms are set phrases whose meanings are often metaphorical. The literal picture here is of someone turning over every stone in an area while searching carefully for something. From this image, the figurative meaning has developed: to make every possible effort, to try all available methods, or to explore all options in order to achieve a result. In exams, the best option is usually the one that captures this full idea, not a partial or unrelated meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the idiom carefully: "leave no stone unturned". Imagine the literal meaning of checking under every stone during a search.Step 2: Recall whether you have seen this idiom in articles, speeches, or textbooks, and what it meant in those contexts.Step 3: Compare each option with that remembered meaning. Focus on whether the option suggests making thorough, determined efforts.Step 4: Notice that "Try every possible way to achieve something" matches the idea of checking under every stone while searching.Step 5: Confirm that the other options do not express this full sense of effort and therefore can be rejected. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify your choice by using the idiom in your own example sentence, such as "The police left no stone unturned in their search for the missing child". If you substitute the chosen meaning, the sentence would read "The police tried every possible way in their search", which still makes perfect sense. This confirms that the option correctly captures the idiom's meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "Behave smartly in front of others", talks about behaviour and appearance, not effort. Option C, "Start constructing something new", has no connection with searching or trying different ways. Option D, "Waste no time in daily activities", mentions time management rather than thorough effort. None of these reflect the idea of exploring all possible methods to reach a goal. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to guess from one or two words in the idiom without considering the whole phrase. Another pitfall is to choose an option that sounds positive or impressive, even if it does not match the true idiomatic meaning. Always think of common example sentences and replace the idiom with the option to see whether the meaning still fits smoothly. Final Answer: The correct answer is Try every possible way to achieve something, because the idiom "leave no stone unturned" means to make every possible effort and to explore all available options when trying to reach a goal.

Question 16

In this one word substitution question, choose the single English word that can correctly replace the description "a child born after the death of the father".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the topic of one word substitutions, where you are given a descriptive phrase and asked to choose a single word that accurately captures the entire description. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they test your vocabulary range and your familiarity with precise English terms used in formal and literary contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: The description given is "a child born after the death of the father". Four options are provided as possible one word substitutes. You must select the option that is accepted in standard English dictionaries for this specific situation. The context is neutral and formal, so the correct word will usually be one used in legal, social, or literary discussions. Concept / Approach: One word substitution questions check your ability to map a detailed definition to the exact word that represents it. The key is to identify the central concept in the description and match it to the technical or conventional term. Here the central idea is about something happening "after death". The term that English uses for events, publications, or recognitions that occur after a person has died is "posthumous". When it relates to a child, "posthumous child" means a child born after the father's death. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the essential idea in the description: the father has already died when the child is born.Step 2: Recall words connected with death and timing, such as "postmortem", "posthumous", and "premature".Step 3: Remember that "posthumous" is used for events happening after someone's death, for example a posthumous award or posthumous publication.Step 4: Check each option and test whether it fits the entire description, not just one part of it.Step 5: Confirm that "Posthumous" is the only option that precisely describes a child whose father has died before the child's birth. Verification / Alternative check: To verify the choice, imagine a formal sentence: "He is a posthumous child". This is a common and correct expression in English. The meaning clearly matches the description. If you try inserting other options into the same sentence, the sentences either become incorrect or change the meaning entirely, which confirms that "Posthumous" is the right answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Post dated", is used for cheques or documents whose date has been set later than the actual date of signing. It has no connection with birth after a father's death. Option B, "Premature", means happening earlier than the expected time, as in a premature baby or premature decision, which is the exact opposite of "after death". Option C, "Paternal", simply means related to the father and does not imply the timing of birth relative to his death. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse "posthumous" with similar sounding words like "postmortem" or think that "paternal" must be correct because it refers to the father. However, you must match the full definition, including the timing "after the death of the father", not just the idea of fatherhood. Always be careful to read every word of the description before you choose the one word substitute. Final Answer: The correct answer is Posthumous, because in English a posthumous child is a child born after the death of the father, which exactly matches the description given in the question.

Question 17

In this one word substitution question, select the correct English word that describes "a person who completely abstains from alcohol" and does not drink alcoholic beverages at all.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is from the one word substitution section of English vocabulary. You are given a descriptive phrase and asked to choose the single word that accurately represents the idea. Here, the description is "a person who completely abstains from alcohol". Such questions are important in exams because they test the precision of your vocabulary and your familiarity with common formal terms. Given Data / Assumptions: The description is "a person who completely abstains from alcohol". Four options are presented as possible substitutes. You must choose the word that correctly refers to someone who never drinks alcoholic beverages. The correct word will be a standard dictionary term used in social and health related discussions. Concept / Approach: One word substitution tasks require you to capture the core concept expressed in many words and match it with a concise, standard term. The key phrase here is "completely abstains from alcohol". In English, the word used for such a person is "teetotaller" in British spelling, or "teetotaler" in American spelling. It refers specifically to someone who has taken a pledge of total abstinence from alcohol and does not drink at all. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main idea in the description: total avoidance of alcohol.Step 2: Recall words commonly connected with alcohol use, such as "drunkard", "alcoholic", and "teetotaller".Step 3: Observe that "drunkard" and "alcoholic" describe people who consume alcohol excessively, not those who avoid it.Step 4: Remember that "teetotaller" explicitly describes a person who refuses to drink any alcoholic beverage.Step 5: Confirm that "Teetotaller" fits the full definition and therefore is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify your choice by placing each option into a sample sentence: "He is a ______ by conviction." If you say "He is a teetotaller by conviction", the sentence clearly means he does not drink alcohol. If you try "drunkard" or "alcoholic" in this sentence, the meaning changes to someone who drinks too much, which is the opposite of the given description. This confirms that "Teetotaller" is the correct word. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "Drunkard", refers to a person who frequently drinks alcohol and is often drunk, the direct opposite of abstaining. Option C, "Alcoholic", is used for someone who is addicted to alcohol, usually needing professional help. Option D, "Imposter", is someone who pretends to be another person or fakes an identity and has nothing to do with alcohol consumption or abstinence. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to pick a word that seems familiar or connected to alcohol, without checking whether it refers to use or abstinence. Another pitfall is confusion over spelling, since "teetotaller" may look unusual. In exam conditions, focus on the exact meaning of the root idea "total abstinence" and connect it with the word that reflects this abstinence, not any word that simply belongs to the alcohol theme. Final Answer: The correct answer is Teetotaller, because this word is used in English to describe a person who completely abstains from alcohol and does not consume alcoholic drinks at all.

Question 18

In this one word substitution question, choose the correct English word that is used for "a person who is able to use both hands with equal skill".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One word substitution questions aim to test your precise vocabulary. You are given an explanatory phrase and asked to pick the single word that carries the same meaning. In this case, the description is "one who is able to use both hands". This is a familiar concept in English, especially in sports, medicine, and everyday description of people's abilities. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase describes a person who can use both hands equally well. Four possible single word substitutes are provided. You need to identify the standard English term for such a person. The answer should be a widely accepted dictionary word. Concept / Approach: To solve one word substitution questions, focus on the key idea and then recall the technical or widely used term. Here the key idea is equal ability in both hands. The English word for this is "ambidextrous". It comes from Latin roots meaning "both right" or "both favourable hands", indicating that the person can perform tasks efficiently with either hand. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core idea: equal use of both right and left hands.Step 2: Think of contexts where this idea is used, such as cricket, tennis, or drawing, where some people can bat or write with both hands.Step 3: Recall vocabulary from reading: "ambidextrous" is commonly used to describe such people.Step 4: Compare each option with the idea. Only one option mentions both hands implicitly through its root meaning.Step 5: Confirm that "Ambidextrous" is the correct and exact word for someone who can use both hands equally well. Verification / Alternative check: To check your answer, place the candidate word into a sentence: "She is ambidextrous and can write with both her right and left hands." This sentence is meaningful and correct. If you substitute other options, such as "sinister" or "amateur", the sentence becomes awkward or completely wrong, showing that they do not match the description. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "Sinister", originally meant "left" in Latin but in modern English it has the sense of something evil or threatening. It does not mean "using both hands". Option C, "Ambivalent", refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something, not to physical ability with hands. Option D, "Amateur", simply refers to someone who does an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. None of these options express equal skill with both hands. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse "ambidextrous" with "ambivalent" because both start with "ambi". However, "ambi" in "ambivalent" relates to two different feelings, while in "ambidextrous" it refers to both hands. Always connect the word not just to its sound, but to the meaning you have learned from examples and context in your reading. Final Answer: The correct answer is Ambidextrous, the standard English word used for a person who can use both hands with equal skill and efficiency.

Question 19

In this sentence improvement question from English usage, you must choose the best replacement for the underlined phrase in the sentence "In case of a natural calamity the shortage of essential things must be overcome in a short time" so that the se…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to improve a sentence by choosing the most appropriate word or phrase from the given options. In competitive exams this is called sentence improvement or sentence correction. The sentence given is "In case of a natural calamity the shortage of essential things must be overcome in a short time". You must decide which alternative makes the sentence more appropriate in standard English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The situation described is a natural calamity, such as a flood, earthquake, or cyclone. The original phrase is "essential things". Options provided include "commodities", "consignments", "material", and "No improvement". The aim is to choose the word that best fits the context of public supply and crisis management. Concept / Approach: Sentence improvement questions check whether you are aware of standard collocations, or natural word combinations, used in formal English. When talking about food, medicine, and daily necessities during disasters, newspapers and official reports typically use expressions like "essential commodities", not "essential things". Therefore the idea is to replace the vague word "things" with a more appropriate and precise noun. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the whole sentence and understand its meaning: during a natural calamity there is a shortage of basic necessities.Step 2: Identify the underlined phrase "essential things" and note that it sounds informal and vague.Step 3: Consider the alternatives and ask which word is used in formal English for goods of daily use like food, medicine, fuel, and other necessities.Step 4: Recognise that "commodities" is often used in official language with the adjective "essential" as in "essential commodities".Step 5: Replace "essential things" with "essential commodities" and check whether the sentence now reads more naturally and formally. Verification / Alternative check: After substitution, the sentence becomes "In case of a natural calamity the shortage of essential commodities must be overcome in a short time". This sounds like a typical line from a government report or news article and clearly refers to goods required for survival. If you substitute the other options, the meaning becomes less clear or less idiomatic. This confirms that "commodities" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Consignments" refers to shipments or batches of goods sent from one place to another, not specifically to basic necessities. It does not collocate naturally with "essential" in this context. "Material" is too general and often refers to raw substances or fabric, not directly to food items and medicines for public distribution. "No improvement" would keep the vague phrase "essential things", which is not the best or most formal expression in a competitive exam standard sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes select "No improvement" when they see a generally understandable sentence, but competitive exams demand the most appropriate formal wording. Another pitfall is to confuse "commodities" with "consignments" because both are connected with goods. Remember that "essential commodities" is the standard phrase used in government notifications, legal acts, and news language when referring to basic goods needed in emergencies. Final Answer: The correct answer is commodities, because the standard expression in formal English is "essential commodities", which precisely refers to basic goods needed by people during and after a natural calamity.

Question 20

In this sentence improvement question, you must choose the most appropriate preposition to replace the underlined expression in the sentence "She decided to go there, though her husband cautioned her on it" so that the sentence sounds natural and gr…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is from the sentence improvement section of English grammar. You are given a sentence that is almost correct, but the underlined part may not be the most natural or idiomatic expression. The sentence is "She decided to go there, though her husband cautioned her on it". Your task is to choose the preposition that best fits the verb "cautioned" in this context, making the sentence sound correct in standard English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The main clause is "She decided to go there". The contrasting clause is "though her husband cautioned her on it". The options suggest different prepositions: "against", "for", "about", or no change. The sense is that the husband warned her not to go. Concept / Approach: Sentence improvement with prepositions tests knowledge of collocations, the natural combinations of verbs and prepositions in English. The verb "caution" is commonly followed by "against" when you warn someone not to do something. For example, "The doctor cautioned him against smoking". Therefore we must choose the preposition that correctly expresses a warning or advice not to take that action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the meaning of the whole sentence. The wife has decided to go somewhere, but the husband has warned her.Step 2: Identify the verb and preposition combination "cautioned her on it".Step 3: Recall common usage such as "caution someone against something" when giving a warning.Step 4: Try substituting each option: "cautioned her against it", "cautioned her for it", and "cautioned her about it".Step 5: Notice that "cautioned her against it" correctly expresses a warning not to do the action, while the other options do not match this sense as precisely. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, rewrite the sentence with the chosen preposition: "She decided to go there, though her husband cautioned her against it". This sounds like a natural sentence from a story. If you try "cautioned her for it", it suggests he scolded her after she did something, which does not match the idea of preventing an action. "Cautioned her about it" can mean giving general information, but in exam patterns "caution against" is the exact collocation for a warning not to do something. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "for", is incorrect because "caution for" is used for giving a warning as a punishment in some legal or disciplinary contexts, not for warning before an action. Option C, "about", can sometimes be used when giving information or advice about dangers, but in sentence correction questions examiners usually expect the stronger and more specific collocation "caution against" when someone is being advised not to do a particular thing. Option D, "No improvement", keeps the unnatural phrase "cautioned her on it", which is not the standard collocation here. Common Pitfalls: Students often feel that "about" sounds acceptable and therefore select it, but competitive exam standards prefer the most accurate and idiomatic form. Another common error is to overlook the nuance of "against" as showing direct opposition to the action. Always remember that in exam style English "caution someone against something" is the best choice for expressing a warning not to proceed with a proposed action. Final Answer: The correct answer is against, so the improved sentence reads, "She decided to go there, though her husband cautioned her against it", which is grammatically correct and idiomatic.

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