Question 1

Complete the sentence by choosing the correct phrasal verb: "The young woman broke _____ on hearing the news of her husband's death."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of English phrasal verbs, particularly those describing emotional reactions. The sentence refers to a young woman's response to devastating news about her husband's death. You must identify which particle combines with broke to form a natural and meaningful phrasal verb in this emotional context. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: The young woman broke _____ on hearing the news of her husband's death. The options are: up down off in We assume that the sentence describes an intense emotional reaction, such as crying uncontrollably or losing self control. Concept / Approach: In English, to break down, when used about a person, means to lose control emotionally and often to start crying, usually because of shock, grief, or stress. This fits the context of hearing about a death. Other combinations like break up, break off, and break in have different meanings: ending a relationship, stopping something, or entering a conversation or place. Therefore, broke down is the correct phrasal verb here. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the emotional situation. The news is extremely tragic, so a strong emotional reaction is expected. Step 2: Recall the phrasal verb break down, which means to collapse emotionally and often cry. Step 3: Insert down into the blank: The young woman broke down on hearing the news of her husband's death. This expresses emotional collapse naturally. Step 4: Test broke up. Break up is used for ending relationships or breaking something into pieces, not for emotional collapse in this context. Step 5: Test broke off. This usually means stopped something suddenly, like broke off the conversation, which does not fit the sentence. Step 6: Test broke in. Break in often involves entering a place forcibly or interrupting, which again does not match the situation. Step 7: Therefore, down is the only suitable choice. Verification / Alternative check: Consider typical usage: On hearing the bad news, she broke down and cried. This pattern is very common and appears in both fiction and news reports. In contrast, broke up is usually used in sentences like They broke up after years of marriage, which is entirely different. This comparison confirms that broke down is the intended phrasal verb where intense grief leads to emotional collapse. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Up is wrong because break up describes separation or a relationship ending, not the emotional reaction of crying from grief. Off is wrong because break off describes suddenly stopping an activity or relation, not emotional breakdown. In is wrong because break in means forcibly enter or interrupt and carries a completely different physical or conversational meaning. None of these reflect the idea of grief induced breakdown. Common Pitfalls: Phrasal verbs are confusing because the meaning often cannot be guessed from the individual words. Break up, break down, and break in all involve break, but their meanings are quite different. Learners sometimes mix them up when under exam pressure. The best prevention is to study phrasal verbs in groups with example sentences and pay special attention to emotional verbs like break down, choke up, and burst into tears. Final Answer: The correct phrasal verb is broke down, so the sentence should read: The young woman broke down on hearing the news of her husband's death.

Question 2

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "All moonshine" as used in English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of an English idiom, all moonshine. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be guessed directly from the individual words. In exams, idiom questions check whether you understand how native speakers actually use such phrases in everyday or literary contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom is: All moonshine The options are: Glowing Far from reality Celestial About the moon We must select the option that conveys the intended figurative meaning. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, all moonshine is used to refer to something that is unreal, baseless, or without any truth. It suggests that a statement or story is just fancy talk or imagination and not grounded in reality. The literal image of moonlight, which is soft, vague, and insubstantial, is used metaphorically to describe ideas that have no solid basis. Therefore, the meaning far from reality best matches this idiom. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the expression is idiomatic and not about astronomy or physical light. Step 2: Recall that in older English usage, calling something moonshine often meant it was nonsense or empty talk. Step 3: Examine Glowing. This relates to shining or emitting light and does not contain any sense of unreality. Step 4: Examine Far from reality. This phrase directly suggests that something is unreal, false, or not based on facts. Step 5: Examine Celestial. This means relating to the sky or heaven and remains in the literal space instead of conveying figurative meaning. Step 6: Examine About the moon. This option is purely literal and does not capture any idiomatic nuance. Step 7: Since all moonshine is used to dismiss statements as nonsense or entirely unrealistic, Far from reality is the correct interpretation. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: His promises of instant riches are all moonshine. Here, the speaker means that the promises are not to be believed and have no basis. Replacing all moonshine with far from reality keeps the meaning: His promises are far from reality. On the other hand, saying His promises are glowing or celestial does not make logical sense in this context, which confirms the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Glowing is wrong because it describes brightness or praise, not unreality. Celestial is wrong because it relates to the heavens or sky, which is not the metaphorical sense used here. About the moon is wrong because it treats the idiom as a literal reference to the moon, which it is not. All moonshine refers to lack of substance or truth, not to anything physically connected with the moon. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to interpret idioms literally and choose options that mention the subject in the phrase itself, such as the moon here. Another pitfall is to be distracted by poetic sounding words like celestial. To avoid such errors, try to recall whether you have seen the expression used in context and what attitude it carried there. For all moonshine, the attitude is dismissive, suggesting something is nonsense or unreal. Final Answer: The idiom all moonshine means Far from reality.

Question 3

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "At a snail's pace" as used in English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This idiom question tests your understanding of a very common English expression, at a snail's pace. It is frequently used in everyday conversations, news reports, and descriptions of slow processes. Knowing such idioms helps you both understand native speakers and express yourself more vividly in English. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom is: At a snail's pace The options are: Quietly Quickly Continuously Slowly The task is to select the option that matches the figurative meaning of the phrase. Concept / Approach: A snail is a small creature that moves extremely slowly. The idiom at a snail's pace uses this image to describe anything that progresses very slowly. It does not refer to how noisy or continuous the action is, only to its speed. Therefore, slowly is the obvious and precise match. The other options either contradict the idea or refer to different aspects of behaviour. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key idea in the idiom. A snail symbolises slow movement. Step 2: Recall typical usage: Traffic was moving at a snail's pace, meaning it was moving extremely slowly. Step 3: Examine Quietly. This refers to the level of noise and does not capture the idea of slowness. Step 4: Examine Quickly. This is the direct opposite of what the idiom intends to express. Step 5: Examine Continuously. This refers to something happening without stopping, not to how fast it happens. Step 6: Examine Slowly. This matches the image of a snail and reflects the intended meaning of the idiom. Step 7: Therefore, Slowly is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Check by substituting in an example: The project is progressing at a snail's pace. If we restate this as The project is progressing very slowly, the meaning remains the same. None of the other options can replace at a snail's pace in such sentences without changing the sense completely. This confirms that slowly captures the metaphor correctly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Quietly is wrong because it describes sound, not speed. Quickly is wrong because it expresses high speed, while the idiom expresses low speed. Continuously is wrong because it talks about continuity, not the rate or speed of the action. The idiom is specifically about slowness, which only the option slowly accurately conveys. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may overthink idioms and suspect a trick, but here the image is straightforward: snails are slow. Another pitfall is confusing different metaphorical expressions involving animals or creatures, such as as slow as a snail, like a tortoise, or at a snail's pace. All of these highlight slowness. Regular exposure to such phrases in reading and listening helps reinforce their meanings and prevents confusion under exam pressure. Final Answer: The idiom at a snail's pace means Slowly.

Question 4

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrasal verb "Call on" as used in everyday English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests your understanding of the phrasal verb call on. Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a particle or preposition that together create a new meaning, which is often not obvious from the individual words. Here, you must select the meaning that matches common usage of call on in social and formal contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: We have the phrasal verb: Call on The options are: Telephone Seek help Pay a visit Order We focus on the common meaning used in general English. Concept / Approach: Call on can have a few meanings depending on context, but one common sense is to visit someone, especially in a polite or formal way, for example to call on a neighbour or to call on a client. In classroom contexts, it can also mean to ask someone to speak. Among the given options, the meaning pay a visit best reflects this social or formal usage. The other options either relate to a different verb (to call meaning phone) or a different idiom. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical sentences: I will call on you this evening or The doctor called on the patient in the hospital. Step 2: Understand that in such examples, call on means to visit face to face, not to phone. Step 3: Examine Telephone. This matches the simpler verb call (to call someone), but call on specifically suggests visiting, not telephoning. Step 4: Examine Seek help. While call on can sometimes mean to request help, that is usually expressed in extended phrases like call on someone for support, and is not the primary social meaning tested in such questions. Step 5: Examine Pay a visit. This exactly captures the idea of going to see someone, which is the most widely tested meaning of call on in exam questions. Step 6: Examine Order. This refers to giving commands and does not align with the phrasal verb call on in standard usage. Step 7: Therefore, Pay a visit is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Replace call on with pay a visit in a typical sentence: The manager will call on the new client tomorrow becomes The manager will pay a visit to the new client tomorrow, which preserves the meaning. If we replace it with telephone, the sense of a personal visit disappears. Exam patterns in English papers usually treat call on as equivalent to pay a visit, especially in idiom based questions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Telephone is wrong because that meaning usually appears without on, for example, I will call you, not I will call on you, when we talk about phoning. Seek help is not the standard direct meaning, although extended phrases can exist. Order is wrong because it belongs to a different verb phrase, such as call to order or call out orders, and does not reflect the meaning of call on. Hence only pay a visit is appropriate here. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse call, call up, call for, and call on, all of which have different meanings. It is easy to choose telephone because we often say I will call you, meaning I will phone you. However, adding on in call on changes the meaning to visiting in person. The best way to avoid confusion is to learn phrasal verbs with example sentences rather than translating individual words. Final Answer: The phrasal verb call on most commonly means Pay a visit.

Question 5

Choose the correct one-word substitution for the phrase "one who sets type for books, newspapers, etc." in the context of printing and publishing.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of one-word substitutions in the specific field of printing and publishing. The description refers to a person whose job is to arrange and set type (letters and characters) for printed material such as books and newspapers. You must identify the technical term used in the printing industry for this role. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase given is: One who sets type for books, newspapers, etc. The options are: Typist Editor Composer Compositor We assume traditional printing terminology, where typesetting was done manually or mechanically. Concept / Approach: In classical printing, a compositor is the person who arranges movable type into pages before printing. The word comes from compose, in the sense of putting together lines of type. A typist is someone who types text on a keyboard, not the one who sets type for printing plates. An editor works on the content, making corrections and improvements, but does not physically set the type. Composer sounds similar but generally refers to someone who creates music or literary works, not printing layouts. Therefore, compositor is the correct technical term. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the field: typesetting and printing, not general office work or music. Step 2: Examine Typist. A typist uses a typewriter or keyboard to enter text, usually for documents or data entry. This is not the same as setting type in a printing press. Step 3: Examine Editor. An editor improves and corrects written material, checking grammar, style, and accuracy. Editors do not handle the technical layout of type blocks in traditional printing. Step 4: Examine Composer. Although related to the verb compose, in common usage a composer is a person who writes music. It is not the standard word for a typesetter. Step 5: Examine Compositor. In the printing trade, a compositor is specifically the worker who sets the type and arranges it into lines and pages for printing. Step 6: Therefore, Compositor is the correct one-word substitution. Verification / Alternative check: Reference to traditional printing manuals and histories shows frequent mentions of compositors working at composing sticks and type cases. Typists, by contrast, work in offices and are associated with typing letters and reports. Editors review manuscripts, and composers write music scores. This clear division of roles confirms that compositor is the only option that fits the exact description in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Typist is wrong because typing is the act of keying in text, not the arrangement of metal type for printing. Editor is wrong because it names the person who corrects and prepares the text, not the one who physically sets it in type. Composer is wrong because it usually refers to a music creator, and even in broader sense it is not the recognised term for a print typesetter. Only compositor directly denotes the person who sets type for printed material. Common Pitfalls: Many students are tempted by composer because it looks similar to compose and might be misread as someone who composes pages. However, in publishing jargon, compositor is the correct technical word. Another pitfall is assuming typist must be right because it mentions type, but the question is about printing, not keyboard typing. Paying attention to domain specific vocabulary helps avoid these traps in one-word substitution questions. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is Compositor.

Question 6

Choose the correct one-word substitution for "land covered by water on three sides".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This general knowledge and vocabulary question asks for the geographical term that describes a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides and connected to a larger landmass on the fourth side. Knowing such basic geographical terms is important for school level science and competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The description is: Land covered by water on three sides. The options are: Island Mainland Strait Peninsula We assume standard definitions from geography textbooks. Concept / Approach: A peninsula is a piece of land that extends into a body of water and is surrounded by water on three sides, while still connected to the main landmass on one side. An island is surrounded by water on all sides. Mainland refers to the primary large portion of a continent or country. A strait is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. Therefore, peninsula is the only term that fits the given description exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of peninsula: a land area nearly surrounded by water but connected to a larger landmass on one side. Step 2: Compare this with the phrase land covered by water on three sides. This matches the picture of a peninsula. Step 3: Examine Island. An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water on all sides, so it does not match three sides only. Step 4: Examine Mainland. This refers to the main continuous land part of a country or continent, not a smaller piece jutting into water. Step 5: Examine Strait. A strait is a narrow waterway connecting two larger water bodies, often lying between two land masses. It is not a piece of land at all. Step 6: Examine Peninsula. This precisely describes land almost surrounded by water, commonly on three sides, such as the Indian peninsula. Step 7: Therefore, Peninsula is the correct one-word substitution. Verification / Alternative check: Textbook examples include the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Indian Peninsula, each projecting into surrounding seas while attached to the larger continental landmass. If the land were completely encircled by water, like Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka island, it would be called an island instead. These examples confirm that peninsula is reserved for the three sides water, one side land situation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Island is wrong because it involves water on all sides, not three. Mainland is wrong because it describes the main continuous land area, not a smaller projection into the sea. Strait is wrong because it refers to a water body, not a land form. Only peninsula matches land covered by water on three sides while being attached on one side. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse island and peninsula because both are surrounded by water to some extent. A simple memory aid is that an island floats alone (completely surrounded), while a peninsula sticks out but still touches the rest of the land. Another pitfall is not knowing what strait means and mistakenly choosing it. Remember that strait always refers to water, not land. Final Answer: The correct geographical term is Peninsula.

Question 7

Choose the correct one-word substitution for "a drug or other substance that produces sleep".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose a one-word term for a substance that produces sleep. Such words are often used in medicine, pharmacology, and literature. The correct answer should specifically highlight the sleep inducing effect rather than general dulling or other medical properties. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase is: A drug or other substance that produces sleep. The options are: Soporific Depressant Narcotic Antiseptic We assume common English definitions used in standard dictionaries. Concept / Approach: Soporific is the precise word used to describe something that causes or tends to cause sleep or drowsiness. Depressant is a broader term for a drug that lowers the activity of the central nervous system, which may not always focus only on sleep. Narcotic is used for drugs that relieve pain and can cause stupor, but has a legal and medical range of meanings not limited to sleep. Antiseptic refers to a substance that prevents infection, not sleep. Therefore, soporific best fits the definition given in the question. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key part of the phrase: produces sleep. Step 2: Examine Soporific. It directly means tending to induce drowsiness or sleep. Even a boring lecture can be described as soporific because it makes people sleepy. Step 3: Examine Depressant. This is a general medical term for a substance that lowers the rate of vital body functions. It may relax or calm but is not defined solely by its ability to produce sleep. Step 4: Examine Narcotic. This refers to drugs that relieve pain and may cause stupor or unconsciousness. The focus is on pain relief and altered consciousness, not specifically on normal sleep. Step 5: Examine Antiseptic. This refers to a substance that prevents infection by stopping the growth of microorganisms and has nothing to do with sleep. Step 6: Therefore, among the options, Soporific most accurately captures the idea of a sleep producing substance. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by using the words in example sentences. A medical textbook might say The doctor prescribed a mild soporific to help the patient sleep, which directly links soporific with sleep. Depressant drugs may be described in terms of slowing heart rate or reducing anxiety, and narcotics in terms of strong pain relief and addiction risk. Antiseptic is used in contexts like antiseptic cream, focusing on infection control. This comparison confirms that soporific is the targeted term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Depressant is wrong because not every depressant is intended primarily to make you sleep; some reduce anxiety or agitation without inducing deep sleep. Narcotic is wrong because it emphasises pain relief and stupor and does not specifically denote a normal sleep producing agent. Antiseptic is clearly unrelated because it deals with killing germs rather than affecting the nervous system. Only soporific directly and primarily refers to something that induces sleep. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse narcotic, sedative, and soporific since all can be associated with drowsiness. The key is that soporific directly describes a sleep inducing effect, while narcotic and depressant are broader categories with additional meanings. Another pitfall is picking a familiar word like depressant without checking if it matches the exact definition given. Reading the phrase carefully and matching it to the most precise term prevents such mistakes. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is Soporific.

Question 8

Improve the underlined part of the sentence, if necessary: "The rays of the sun that is setting glimmer like golden threads."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question focuses on correct and elegant noun phrase construction in English. The original sentence is The rays of the sun that is setting glimmer like golden threads. The underlined part describes the sun, and you must select the best grammatical and stylistic alternative that fits the sentence naturally. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: The rays of the sun that is setting glimmer like golden threads. The options for replacing the underlined description are: the sunset glimmers the set sun glimmering the setting sun glimmer No improvement We assume the intended meaning is to describe rays coming from the sun at the time it is setting. Concept / Approach: We want a noun phrase that clearly connects rays with the sun that is in the process of setting. The phrase the rays of the setting sun is concise and idiomatic. In this structure, setting directly modifies sun. Option C is designed so that when inserted into the sentence, it produces The rays of the setting sun glimmer like golden threads. The other alternatives either break the sentence structure or create grammatical problems. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the problem in the original sentence. The clause the sun that is setting is a relative clause, and while not entirely wrong, it is awkward and less elegant than using the participle setting as an adjective. Step 2: Aim for the noun phrase the setting sun, which is a common and natural collocation in English poetry and description. Step 3: Insert Option C into the base pattern: The rays of the setting sun glimmer like golden threads. Here, setting modifies sun and rays remains the subject of glimmer. Step 4: Examine Option A. If we use the sunset glimmers, the sentence would turn into The rays of the sunset glimmers like golden threads, which is both unidiomatic and ungrammatical because sunset is not a source of rays in the same way. Step 5: Examine Option B. The set sun glimmering would produce The rays of the set sun glimmering like golden threads, which becomes a fragment or forces a change in the main verb structure. Step 6: Examine Option D. No improvement would keep the slightly clumsy phrase the sun that is setting, missing the opportunity to use the concise and standard phrase the setting sun. Step 7: Therefore, Option C is the best improvement because, when applied properly, it yields a smooth and grammatically correct sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Read the improved sentence in full: The rays of the setting sun glimmer like golden threads. This sentence is grammatically sound, uses a familiar descriptive phrase, and clearly indicates that the rays come from the sun at sunset time. It avoids the less elegant relative clause that is setting. Compare this with the original, and you will notice the improvement in flow and clarity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The sunset glimmers is wrong in this context because it forces us to talk about rays of the sunset, which is not a natural phrase, and also disturbs subject verb agreement. The set sun glimmering is wrong because it leaves the main verb structure incomplete or forces a different construction. No improvement is wrong because while the original is understandable, it is not as idiomatic as the setting sun structure. Option C, when used to form the setting sun, gives the expected and elegant expression. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on the underlined words without mentally substituting each option into the complete sentence. This can make an option seem incorrect when it actually works well in context. Another pitfall is failing to recognise standard descriptive phrases like the setting sun that appear often in literature. Reading widely in English helps you develop a sense for such natural collocations. Final Answer: The best improvement gives the sentence: The rays of the setting sun glimmer like golden threads.

Question 9

Improve the underlined part of the sentence, if necessary: "Will you lend me few rupees for the taxi fare?"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question examines correct use of quantifiers with countable nouns and the distinction between lend and borrow. The sentence Will you lend me few rupees for the taxi fare? is slightly incorrect and needs a small but important adjustment to sound natural and grammatically correct in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: Will you lend me few rupees for the taxi fare? Options: lend me any rupees lend me a few rupees borrow a few rupees No improvement We assume the speaker politely requests a small amount of money for taxi fare. Concept / Approach: For countable plural nouns such as rupees, a few is used to express a small positive quantity, while few alone often suggests an insufficient or disappointingly small number. In a polite request, a few rupees is appropriate. Also, the correct verb here is lend, because the listener is expected to give money temporarily. Borrow is used from the point of view of the person taking the money and needs a different subject. Therefore, the correct phrase is lend me a few rupees. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the quantifier few. With countable nouns, a few indicates some, while few without a article often implies hardly any. Step 2: In this polite question, the speaker is simply asking for a small sum and does not wish to stress scarcity. So a few rupees is the natural choice. Step 3: Insert a before few: Will you lend me a few rupees for the taxi fare? This sounds correct and polite. Step 4: Examine lend me any rupees. Any is not suitable here because the context is a specific small amount, not a general possibility. Step 5: Examine borrow a few rupees. This changes the perspective. The construction would have to be May I borrow a few rupees? and would not fit the original pattern of the sentence. Step 6: Examine No improvement. Keeping few rupees without a would be unnatural in this context. Step 7: Therefore, lend me a few rupees is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar structures: Could you lend me a few books? or Please lend me a few minutes. In all of these, a few is used with plural countable nouns to indicate a small, but not negative, number. If you said lend me few books, it would sound as if almost none are being given. This confirms that adding a before few is necessary for normal polite requests. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lend me any rupees is wrong because any is mostly used in negative statements or questions about possibility, such as Do you have any money? not as a polite measure of small quantity. Borrow a few rupees is wrong in this structure because the subject would then need to be I, as in May I borrow a few rupees? No improvement is wrong because the original sentence does not use the quantifier correctly in context. Only lend me a few rupees preserves the intended meaning with correct grammar. Common Pitfalls: Learners often forget the subtle but important difference between few and a few. Another common confusion is between lend and borrow. Remember that we lend something to someone and borrow something from someone. In polite requests where the speaker asks another person to give money temporarily, the pattern Will you lend me a few rupees? is the correct and natural form. Final Answer: The improved sentence should read: Will you lend me a few rupees for the taxi fare?

Question 10

Improve the underlined comparative structure in the sentence: "The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, more cold you feel."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests your knowledge of the correlative comparative structure in English, which is commonly expressed as the more..., the more... The original sentence The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, more cold you feel is nearly correct but missing an important article before more cold. You must select the option that completes the standard pattern. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, more cold you feel. Options: the colder the most cold colder No improvement We assume the intended meaning is that increased height leads to increased feeling of cold. Concept / Approach: In English, we express related comparatives using the pattern: The + comparative adjective, the + comparative adjective. For example, The higher you go, the cooler it becomes. Here, higher is the first comparative, and the second part requires the comparative adjective colder preceded by the. The phrase more cold is not idiomatic; we normally use colder. Therefore the correct completion is the colder, matching the pattern the higher..., the colder... Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the comparative pair: higher (first clause) and cold (second clause). Step 2: Recall the pattern: The higher you climb, the colder you feel. Step 3: Replace more cold with the colder to bring the sentence in line with standard English: The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, the colder you feel. Step 4: Examine Option A, the colder. This exactly fits the needed structure. Step 5: Examine Option B, the most cold. This is a superlative form and not used in the correlative comparative structure. Step 6: Examine Option C, colder. Without the, it breaks the pattern the higher..., the colder..., and sounds incomplete. Step 7: Examine Option D, No improvement. This would keep the incorrect phrase more cold in place. Step 8: Therefore, the correct improvement is the colder. Verification / Alternative check: Read the improved sentence: The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, the colder you feel. This is natural and matches similar examples, such as The faster you drive, the more dangerous it becomes, or The earlier you sleep, the fresher you feel. In each case, the comparative adjective or phrase is preceded by the in both halves of the sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The most cold is wrong because most cold is a superlative, which is used to compare one thing with all others, not to express a graded relationship between two changes. Colder without the is wrong because the established pattern uses the with both comparatives. No improvement is wrong because more cold is not the usual comparative form; colder is preferred in standard English. Common Pitfalls: Many learners incorrectly say more cold instead of colder in comparative structures, especially when translating from their native language. Another pitfall is forgetting to use the in the correlative comparative pair. A useful memory trick is to treat the as part of the comparative structure: The + comparative, the + comparative, as in The older I get, the wiser I become. Final Answer: The sentence should be improved to: The higher you climb a Himalayan peak, the colder you feel.

Question 11

Decide whether the sentence "They were all astonished at the team's dramatic success in the competition." needs any improvement; if not, choose "No improvement".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question examines whether the given sentence is already correct and idiomatic or whether one of the suggested alternatives is better. The sentence describes a group of people reacting to their team's dramatic success in a competition. You must read it carefully and compare it with the alternatives. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: They were all astonished at the team's dramatic success in the competition. Options: were astonished at all had all astonished by had been all astonished on No improvement We assume a normal past tense narrative about a completed event. Concept / Approach: The phrase were all astonished at is a standard way of expressing collective surprise about something. The preposition at is correctly used with astonished when referring to the cause of surprise. The noun phrase the team's dramatic success in the competition is also well formed. We must check if any suggested alternative improves grammar or clarity. In this case, all alternatives introduce grammatical errors, so the original is best. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the structure They were all astonished at. The verb were matches the plural subject they, and the adverb all correctly indicates that every member of the group shared the reaction. Step 2: The preposition at is correctly used to introduce the cause of astonishment: at the team's dramatic success in the competition. Step 3: Now test Option A, were astonished at all. This changes the word order to They were astonished at all, which removes the emphasis on all of them and is unidiomatic. Step 4: Test Option B, had all astonished by. They had all astonished by the team's dramatic success is grammatically wrong, because astonished would need to be a passive form (had all been astonished) and the preposition by is not the usual choice here. Step 5: Test Option C, had been all astonished on. They had been all astonished on the team's dramatic success is incorrect, because on is not the right preposition, and the word order feels awkward. Step 6: Since the original sentence is grammatically correct and idiomatic, and all alternatives introduce errors, Option D, No improvement, is the right choice. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with standard patterns: They were all surprised at the news or They were all shocked at his behaviour. In both examples, we use were all + adjective + at + cause. The question sentence mirrors this exact pattern: were all astonished at the team's dramatic success. Therefore, the structure is appropriate and natural. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A disturbs the natural placement of all and weakens the meaning. Option B incorrectly uses the past perfect without the necessary passive auxiliary been and uses by where at is more natural. Option C combines an unnecessarily complex tense with the wrong preposition on, making the sentence clumsy. None of these options improve clarity or correctness. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes feel that exams always require a change and hesitate to choose No improvement. However, many questions are designed to test whether you recognise a sentence that is already correct. Another pitfall is getting confused by the placement of all. In English, we often say They were all astonished, which is exactly what the original sentence does correctly. Final Answer: The sentence is already correct, so the right choice is No improvement.

Question 12

Improve the underlined prepositional phrase in the sentence: "She is bent to taking revenge against her attacker."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question focuses on a fixed English expression involving the adjective bent. The sentence She is bent to taking revenge against her attacker uses an incorrect preposition. You must identify the correct prepositional phrase that naturally follows bent when it means determined or strongly inclined. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: She is bent to taking revenge against her attacker. Options: bent upon bent in bent for No improvement We assume the intended meaning is that she is determined to take revenge. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, the usual phrase is bent on or bent upon doing something, meaning strongly determined or resolved to do it. The preposition to is not used in this expression. Among the given options, bent upon is the closest correct choice. Bent in and bent for are not used with this meaning, and leaving the sentence as it is would keep the incorrect to. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the meaning: She is strongly determined to take revenge on her attacker. Step 2: Recall the standard expression: bent on or bent upon doing something. For example, He is bent on mischief. Step 3: Replace bent to with bent upon: She is bent upon taking revenge against her attacker. This sounds natural and idiomatic. Step 4: Examine Option A, bent upon. This fits the pattern bent upon + gerund, giving a correct phrase. Step 5: Examine Option B, bent in. This does not form a recognised phrase and is grammatically odd in this context. Step 6: Examine Option C, bent for. This also does not collocate with bent in the sense of determined. Step 7: Examine Option D, No improvement. This would keep the incorrect preposition to in place. Step 8: Therefore, Option A, bent upon, is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar examples: She is bent on winning the prize, or They are bent upon gaining power. Both bent on and bent upon are used with gerunds (verb-ing forms) to show determination. If we say bent to winning, it sounds wrong to a native speaker. Substituting bent upon in the question sentence aligns it with these standard patterns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bent in is wrong because it does not connect meaningfully with taking revenge. Bent for is wrong because the phrase bent for something usually relates to a preference or tendency in a different structure, and even then it is rare. No improvement is wrong because the phrase bent to taking revenge is not idiomatic English. Only bent upon correctly expresses determination. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes think that any preposition after an adjective might be acceptable, especially if it resembles patterns in their first language. Another pitfall is assuming that to must follow any expression of intention. However, English often uses fixed preposition patterns that must be memorised, such as interested in, fond of, and bent on or bent upon. Studying these collocations with examples reduces confusion. Final Answer: The sentence should be improved to: She is bent upon taking revenge against her attacker.

Question 13

Based on the given passage about self-reliance and personal effort, choose what the author appears to highlight most strongly.

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Introduction / Context: This is a reading comprehension question based on a philosophical passage that discusses self reliance, envy, imitation, inner power, and personal effort. The author explains that each person has a unique role and that genuine satisfaction comes only when one puts heart and hard work into one's own tasks. You must identify which option best captures the main idea the author highlights. Given Data / Assumptions: Key ideas from the passage include: Envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide. A person must accept himself for better or worse as his portion. No good can come to a person except through his own toil on his own plot of ground. The power in each person is new in nature and only he can discover it by trying. A man is relieved and happy when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; what he does otherwise gives him no peace. The options are: Being contented with the status quo Knowing oneself better Working hard and sincerely Waiting for better opportunities Concept / Approach: We must decide which option summarises the central emphasis of the passage. While the passage certainly touches on knowing oneself and on inner power, it repeatedly stresses personal toil, putting one's heart into one's work, and the idea that genuine relief and joy come only from having done one's best. Therefore, working hard and sincerely on one's own tasks is the main highlighted message. The other options either miss the emphasis on effort or contradict the passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that the passage rejects envy and imitation, saying envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide. This pushes the reader away from comparing and copying others. Step 2: The text goes on to say that no kernel of nourishing corn can come to a man but through his toil on his own plot of ground. This image directly connects personal effort with real reward. Step 3: The passage further states that the power within each person is new in nature and only discovered by trying, implying that effort and action are essential. Step 4: Crucially, the author declares that a man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best. This clearly praises sincere, wholehearted work. Step 5: Compare options. Being contented with the status quo suggests passive acceptance without striving, which conflicts with the emphasis on toil and trying. Step 6: Knowing oneself better is important in the passage, but it is connected to acting and working on one's own ground, not just introspection. Step 7: Working hard and sincerely summarises the repeated stress on toil, putting one's heart into work, and doing one's best to gain peace. Step 8: Waiting for better opportunities contradicts the call to use the plot of ground already given and to rely on present effort rather than waiting. Step 9: Therefore, the author most strongly highlights working hard and sincerely on one's own tasks. Verification / Alternative check: If we imagine summarising the passage in one sentence for a friend, we might say: The author is telling us to stop envying others and instead trust our own unique powers, working hard and sincerely on our own tasks, because only our own heart felt effort brings true satisfaction. This paraphrase aligns directly with option C. While self knowledge and uniqueness are themes, they are always tied to action and work, not to mere contemplation or passivity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Being contented with the status quo is wrong because the passage does not advocate passive contentment; it emphasises toil and effort on one's own ground. Knowing oneself better is incomplete because the passage goes beyond self knowledge to insist on trying, toiling, and putting one's heart into work. Waiting for better opportunities is clearly opposed to the message, since the author says that good can come only through toil on the ground already given, not from external chances arriving later. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to focus on only one attractive phrase, such as the power which resides in him is new in nature, and assume that the passage is mainly about self understanding. However, careful reading shows that this inner power must be expressed through work, and that real relief comes only when one has done one's best. To avoid such errors, always look at repeated ideas and the author's final emphasis when choosing a main theme. Final Answer: The author appears to highlight Working hard and sincerely as the central message.

Question 14

According to the passage about self-reliance and work, when is a man said to be "relieved and gay"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question refers to a specific line in a philosophical passage on self reliance and personal effort. The passage explains what truly brings peace and joy to a person. You are asked to identify exactly when, according to the author, a man is relieved and gay (happy and light-hearted). Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states clearly that: "A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best." It then adds that what he has said or done otherwise will give him no peace. The options are: When he has untapped potential When he has put his heart into his work and has done his best When destiny smiles at him When he achieves his goal Concept / Approach: This is a direct detail question, not an inference question. The correct answer must closely match the wording used in the passage. The author does not base relief and happiness on destiny or on the mere achievement of goals, but on heartfelt effort and doing one's best. Therefore, the option that repeats this idea is correct. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the exact sentence from the passage: A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best. Step 2: Compare this line with the options to find the one that matches in meaning. Step 3: Option A, When he has untapped potential, does not appear in the passage. In fact, untapped potential suggests something not yet used, which would not bring relief according to the author. Step 4: Option B, When he has put his heart into his work and has done his best, closely repeats the author's line and therefore must be correct. Step 5: Option C, When destiny smiles at him, introduces the idea of fate or luck, which the passage does not emphasise. Step 6: Option D, When he achieves his goal, focuses on the result rather than the quality of effort. The author stresses doing one's best, not merely achieving an outcome. Step 7: Therefore, Option B is the accurate answer. Verification / Alternative check: We can confirm the author's viewpoint by looking at the sentences that follow. The passage adds that what a man does otherwise, that is, without putting his heart into his work, will give him no peace. This reinforces that inner peace and happiness come from wholehearted effort, not from success, destiny, or unused abilities. This supports the choice of Option B as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong because untapped potential refers to abilities not yet used; the passage suggests that unused potential does not bring relief. Option C is wrong because the passage does not mention destiny smiling or luck; instead it emphasises personal toil and self reliance. Option D is wrong because achieving a goal without putting one's heart into the work would still leave the person without peace, according to the passage; the author focuses more on sincerity and effort than on external success. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to choose answers that reflect general motivational themes, such as success or destiny, instead of paying attention to the exact details in the passage. Another pitfall is to assume that relief must come only with visible achievement, whereas the author clearly states that inner satisfaction is tied to heartfelt effort and doing one's best, regardless of the final outcome. Always match the option directly with the passage wording in detail oriented questions. Final Answer: According to the passage, a man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and has done his best.

Question 15

Read the following comprehension passage carefully and then answer the question by choosing the best option out of the four alternatives.  There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitat…

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Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question is based on a philosophical passage that discusses self reliance, inner power, and sincere work. The specific line being tested is the author's comment that "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards". To answer correctly, you must connect this statement with the options and understand what kind of people, according to the author, cannot be instruments of divine work. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states that each person has a unique power residing within him. The author argues that this power is discovered only when a person actually tries and works on his own plot of ground. The passage explicitly says: "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards." The options mention cowards, stubborn people, weaklings, and "all of these". We assume the question refers directly to the phrase used in the passage. Concept / Approach: In comprehension questions, when the stem asks "According to the author", you should rely on the literal wording and clear implications of the passage, not on your personal opinion. Here, the author is describing how divine work or higher purpose shows itself in the world. He insists that only those who put their heart into their work, act bravely, and faithfully express the divine idea within them can manifest God's work. The one group he explicitly excludes is "cowards". Therefore, the correct answer must match that exact term rather than some broader or different group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the relevant line in the passage: "but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards."Step 2: Observe that the word "cowards" is specifically used by the author; no other group is named in this clause.Step 3: Understand the meaning: a coward is someone who is afraid to act, afraid to speak truth, or afraid to express the divine idea within.Step 4: Compare the options. Only option A repeats the exact word "Cowards".Step 5: Reject options that add new categories like "stubborn people" or "weaklings", which the passage does not mention in this context. Verification / Alternative check: Re read the surrounding sentences: the author says that when a man puts his heart into his work, he is relieved and joyful, but when he acts half heartedly, his genius deserts him and no muse or hope supports him. This reinforces the idea that courage, not cowardice, is required to manifest God's work. However, the question is not asking about all possible disqualifications; it is asking what the author specifically says God will not use, which is "cowards". Thus, the literal text confirms the answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "Stubborn people", is not mentioned in the passage in relation to God's work. A person might be stubborn yet still courageous and sincere. Option C, "Weaklings", suggests physical or emotional weakness, but the author does not say that physical weakness alone prevents someone from manifesting divine work. Option D, "All of these", would imply that the passage explicitly rejects cowards, stubborn people, and weaklings together, which it does not. Only "cowards" appears in the original sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes over interpret philosophical passages and assume that if cowards are rejected, then stubborn or weak people must also be rejected. However, comprehension questions reward careful reading, not guesswork. Another pitfall is to pick "All of these" when more than one option sounds negative. To avoid this, always look for exact phrases or clearly supported ideas in the text. Here, only "cowards" is explicitly named as unfit to manifest God's work. Final Answer: According to the author, God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.

Question 16

Read the following comprehension passage carefully and then answer the question by choosing the best option out of the four alternatives.  There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitat…

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Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a key idea in the passage: the unique inner power that each individual possesses. The author emphasises that this power is "new in nature" and that no one except the person himself truly knows what he can do until he actually attempts to act. The question asks you to identify what exactly is known only to the person and must be acted upon in order to be fully discovered. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage states: "The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried." The options mention untapped potential, destiny, the power residing in him, and the joy of success. The author connects knowledge of this inner power with actual effort and experience. We assume the question is asking for the phrase that matches the wording and idea of the passage most precisely. Concept / Approach: The author is stressing self knowledge that comes from action. He is not talking about a fixed destiny mapped out in advance, nor simply the emotional joy of success. Instead, he highlights a unique "power which resides" in each person. Only that person can discover the true extent and nature of this power by trying, by working on his own "plot of ground". Therefore, the correct answer must echo that specific phrase rather than paraphrasing it in a way that changes the focus. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the exact sentence in the passage that directly answers the question.Step 2: Note that it says, "The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do."Step 3: Observe the condition that he himself does not fully know this power until he has tried, which connects knowledge with action.Step 4: Compare this with option C, "The power which resides in him." This is the precise phrase used in the passage.Step 5: Check that the other options either change the idea too broadly or introduce concepts (like destiny or success joy) that are not the central focus of that sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Option A, "His untapped potential", is conceptually similar but more general and does not capture the author's exact wording. Option B, "His destiny that lies in the future", suggests a fixed future path rather than a power discovered by personal effort. Option D, "The joy of achieving success", refers to a feeling that comes after accomplishment, not to the inner capacity itself. Only option C directly reflects the passage's language and meaning: a unique power residing in the person, discovered through action. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A may tempt students because "untapped potential" sounds like inner power, but the passage specifically emphasises "the power which resides in him", not just potential in a vague sense. Option B incorrectly shifts focus to fate or destiny, which the passage does not mention. Option D talks about "the joy of achieving success", which is an emotional result, not the inner power the author wants us to recognise and trust. Therefore, none of these alternatives matches the author's description as accurately as option C. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to choose an answer that captures the general idea but ignores the precise wording and emphasis of the passage. Exam questions often reward those who pay attention to the exact sentence that answers the question. Another pitfall is to be attracted by positive sounding words like "destiny" or "joy", which may feel inspiring but are not actually what the author is emphasising. Careful reading and matching of key phrases prevent these errors. Final Answer: The thing that only the person truly knows and must act in order to discover fully is the power which resides in him.

Question 17

Read the following comprehension passage carefully and then answer the question by choosing the best option out of the four alternatives.  There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitat…

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Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question focuses on the word "manifest" as it appears in the sentence "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards." To answer correctly, you need to understand how "manifest" is used in context, not just rely on a vague memory of the word. The passage talks about God's work becoming visible in the world through brave, sincere action, and that idea guides the correct meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: The key sentence is: "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards." The word "manifest" is being used as a verb here, with "made manifest" functioning like "made visible" or "shown". The options offered are: Display, Hide, Shout, Try. We assume the author is describing how God's work appears or is revealed to others. Concept / Approach: In English, "to manifest" something means to show it clearly, to display it, or to make it evident. When the author says "his work made manifest", he is referring to God's work being shown in the world through the actions of people. The idea is that cowardly behaviour cannot be a clear expression of divine work. Therefore, the closest synonym in the options is "display", since this also means to show or reveal something so that it can be seen or recognised by others. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Replace "manifest" in the sentence with each option and check the sense: "God will not have his work made display by cowards" is not grammatical, but "made visible / displayed" is the intended meaning.Step 2: Recognise that "Display" is the word that comes closest to "show clearly" or "make evident".Step 3: Consider option B, "Hide". That would produce the opposite meaning, suggesting that cowards hide God's work, which is not what the author is directly saying.Step 4: Option C, "Shout", implies raising one's voice, which has nothing to do with the idea of work appearing in the world.Step 5: Option D, "Try", refers to making an attempt, which is unrelated to the meaning of "manifest". Therefore, option A is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Look at other common uses of "manifest": "The symptoms manifested themselves suddenly," meaning the symptoms became visible or apparent. "His fear was manifest in his eyes," meaning his fear was clearly shown. In each example, "manifest" aligns closely with "display" or "show plainly". It never means "hide", "shout", or "try". Therefore, in the passage, God's work being "made manifest" clearly refers to it being displayed or revealed to the world through human action. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "Hide", is the direct opposite of "manifest". To manifest is to make something evident, while to hide is to conceal it. Option C, "Shout", is about loud speech, which is unrelated to the abstract idea of divine work appearing in human life. Option D, "Try", refers to attempting something and does not capture the notion of visibility or clarity. None of these options fit the sentence as naturally as "display" does when you consider the intended sense. Common Pitfalls: Some students may confuse "manifest" with "protest" or think of "manifesto", which is a written declaration. While related in origin, in this passage "manifest" is clearly used in the sense of "be made evident". Another pitfall is to focus only on the religious context and overcomplicate the meaning, instead of using straightforward vocabulary knowledge. Remember that many exam questions are testing basic synonyms even when the passage is philosophical. Final Answer: In this passage, "made manifest" means that God's work is made visible or shown clearly, so the correct answer is Display.

Question 18

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have an error. Read the sentence carefully and choose the part that contains an error. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error".  He turned and walked / away, his head nearly a / …

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your understanding of correct prepositional phrases in English, especially those used to compare relative height or level. The sentence is trying to say that his head was higher than the heads of others. However, the phrase used, "a foot up the others", is grammatically and idiomatically wrong. You must identify which part of the sentence contains this incorrect expression. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is divided into four parts for analysis. Part 1: "He turned and walked" Part 2: "away, his head nearly a" Part 3: "foot up the others." Part 4: "No Error" The intended meaning is that his head was almost a foot higher than the heads of the others. Concept / Approach: When we talk about one thing being physically higher than another by a certain measure, we usually use the preposition "above" or "higher than", not "up". Correct constructions include "a foot above the others" and "a foot higher than the others". The phrase "up the others" is incorrect in standard English; it sounds incomplete and ungrammatical. Therefore, the error lies in the third segment of the sentence, where the wrong preposition is used. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the sentence as a whole to understand the intended sense: his head is noticeably higher than the others.Step 2: Check part 1, "He turned and walked" – this is a correct and complete clause.Step 3: Check part 2, "away, his head nearly a" – this prepares for a measurement and does not contain an error by itself.Step 4: Focus on part 3, "foot up the others." Here, "up" is used where "above" or "higher than" is expected.Step 5: Recognise that the correct phrase should be "a foot above the others" or "a foot higher than the others." Hence, the error is in part 3. Verification / Alternative check: Try rewriting the sentence correctly: "He turned and walked away, his head nearly a foot above the others." Now read each part again. Parts 1 and 2 remain unchanged, but part 3 is corrected. This confirms that the logical and grammatical problem is in the phrase "foot up the others", which is not standard English. The rest of the sentence follows normal structure and does not require change. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "He turned and walked", is a perfectly normal past tense description of movement. Option B, "away, his head nearly a", correctly introduces the idea of a measurement ("a foot"). Option D, "No Error", cannot be correct because we have clearly identified a faulty preposition in part 3. Only option C contains the specific phrase "foot up the others.", where "up" is wrong and must be replaced by "above" or "higher than". Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may overlook the small preposition "up" because they focus more on verbs and nouns. Others may mistakenly believe that "up" is acceptable in casual speech when describing height. However, in formal and exam standard English, comparative height is expressed with "above" or "higher than". To avoid such errors, pay special attention to prepositions whenever measurements or comparisons are involved. Final Answer: The incorrect part is "foot up the others." in segment 3, which should be changed to "a foot above the others."

Question 19

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have an error. Read the sentence carefully and choose the part that contains an error. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error".  He parked the / car front of the house and / head…

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Introduction / Context: This error spotting question examines your knowledge of common prepositional phrases used to describe location. The sentence describes where the car was parked in relation to the house. The standard expression in English is "in front of the house", but the sentence omits an essential word, making the phrase incorrect. Your task is to identify the segment where this error occurs. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is: "He parked the car front of the house and headed down the street." It is divided into four parts for analysis. Part 1: "He parked the" Part 2: "car front of the house and" Part 3: "headed down the street." Part 4: "No Error" The intended phrase is the very common prepositional phrase "in front of the house". Concept / Approach: English uses a fixed prepositional phrase "in front of" to indicate a position directly before something. You cannot omit the preposition "in" and say "car front of the house"; that is ungrammatical. The correct description should be "He parked the car in front of the house." Thus, the error is in the second segment, where "in" is missing before "front". The rest of the sentence is structurally correct and sounds natural once this phrase is fixed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the sentence aloud: "He parked the car front of the house and headed down the street."Step 2: Notice that "car front of the house" sounds incomplete; something seems to be missing before "front".Step 3: Recall the standard phrase "in front of the house". This immediately reveals that the preposition "in" has been omitted.Step 4: Assign the error to the segment that contains this phrase, which is part 2: "car front of the house and".Step 5: Rewrite the sentence correctly: "He parked the car in front of the house and headed down the street." Now the sentence is idiomatic and fully grammatical. Verification / Alternative check: Check each part separately. Part 1, "He parked the", is a correct beginning of a transitive verb phrase. Part 3, "headed down the street.", is a correct and complete clause describing subsequent action. Only part 2 contains the incorrect phrase. You can also compare with other familiar expressions like "in front of the shop", "in front of the school", where "in front of" always stays together. This confirms that the missing word "in" is a genuine grammatical mistake and not a stylistic choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, "He parked the", correctly sets up the object "car" and does not contain any error. Option C, "headed down the street.", is a standard expression for walking or moving along a street and is grammatically sound. Option D, "No Error", cannot be correct because we have clearly found a missing preposition in part 2. Therefore, only option B, which contains "car front of the house and", is incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Because "in front of" is such a familiar phrase, some learners read it automatically even when a word is missing and therefore fail to notice the error. Others might be unsure whether "in" is compulsory and may think "front of the house" is acceptable, especially if influenced by casual speech. For exam purposes and standard written English, always use the full phrase "in front of" when describing position directly before something. Final Answer: The incorrect part is "car front of the house and" in segment 2, which should be "car in front of the house and".

Question 20

In the following sentence, a blank has been left which must be filled with the most appropriate word. Choose the option that best completes the sentence.  At the meeting, the school counsellor will _________ me on some of my career options.

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Introduction / Context: This fill in the blank question checks your ability to choose the correct verb that collocates naturally with "school counsellor" and "career options". In English, counsellors typically give guidance, suggestions, or professional opinions. The most suitable verb to express this action is "advise". The other options either do not fit grammatically or do not convey the correct meaning in this context. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "At the meeting, the school counsellor will _________ me on some of my career options." The subject is "the school counsellor". The object is "me", and the prepositional phrase "on some of my career options" describes the topic. Options are: advise, speak, say, listen. We assume the counsellor's role is to guide the student regarding career decisions. Concept / Approach: The verb "advise" means to give someone suggestions, recommendations, or guidance, especially in a professional or expert capacity. It fits perfectly with "on some of my career options", because we commonly say "advise me on my career" or "advise me on what to do". The other verbs require different structures: "speak" usually takes "to" as a preposition, "say" does not take a personal object with "on", and "listen" needs "to", not "on". Thus, only "advise" both matches the meaning and fits grammatically with the preposition "on" and the object "me". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the counsellor's function: he or she is expected to give guidance about career options.Step 2: Test "advise": "the school counsellor will advise me on some of my career options" – this is natural and correct.Step 3: Test "speak": normally we would say "speak to me about my career options", not "speak me on". The structure in the sentence does not suit "speak".Step 4: Test "say": we would say "say something to me" or "say that...", not "say me on some options". This is ungrammatical.Step 5: Test "listen": the counsellor could "listen to me", but the sentence requires an action directed towards me, not from me. "Listen me on some of my career options" is wrong. Therefore, "advise" is the only suitable choice. Verification / Alternative check: Think of similar sentences: "My teacher advised me on which subjects to choose", "The lawyer advised me on my rights", "The doctor advised me on my diet." All these follow the pattern "advise + object + on + topic". The sentence in the question has exactly the same structure. In contrast, "speak me", "say me", and "listen me" are never used in standard English, which confirms that they cannot be correct answers here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "speak", would need "to": "speak to me", and usually a different preposition like "about", not "on", when describing the topic. Option C, "say", does not take a direct object in this way; we say "say something" or "say to me", not "say me on options". Option D, "listen", describes receiving information rather than giving guidance and would require "to", not "on". Thus, each of these alternatives either breaks grammar rules or fails to express the intended meaning. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse "advise" (verb) with "advice" (noun) and may hesitate to use the correct form. Others might pick "speak" because they associate meetings with people speaking. However, the sentence is clearly about guidance, not just talking. To avoid such errors, remember that professionals like counsellors, doctors, and lawyers typically "advise" clients or students "on" specific matters. Final Answer: The correct completion is: "At the meeting, the school counsellor will advise me on some of my career options."

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