Question 1

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one word substitute for the given definition: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a one word substitution question based on legal and general English vocabulary. The description given refers to a punishment that is imposed when someone violates a law, rule, or contract. Such punishment is often financial (a fine) or may involve other sanctions. Recognising the correct term is important for exams, contracts, and legal reading. Given Data / Assumptions: • Phrase: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract. • Context: Legal or contractual consequences. • Options: penalty, reprieve, grace, amnesty. • Only one option denotes the actual punishment itself. Concept / Approach: The word penalty directly refers to the punishment or disadvantage suffered as a result of breaking rules or laws. For example, a traffic penalty or a penalty for late payment. Reprieve, grace, and amnesty all refer to relief from punishment rather than the punishment itself. Therefore, the best one word substitute for the definition is penalty. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the phrase describes a consequence applied after a violation of law or contract. Step 2: Recall that penalty is the standard term for such a punishment, especially in legal, sports, and financial contexts. Step 3: Examine reprieve, which means a delay or cancellation of a punishment, especially the death penalty. Step 4: Examine grace, which often means kindness, mercy, or a period of extra time during which penalties are not enforced. Step 5: Examine amnesty, which means an official pardon for people who have committed political offences. Step 6: Conclude that only penalty refers to the punishment itself, matching the definition exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Test the word in a realistic sentence: There is a penalty for breaking the terms of the contract. This sentence fits naturally and matches the definition. If you replace penalty with reprieve, grace, or amnesty, the meaning changes: There is a reprieve for breaking the contract is incorrect, because reprieve is relief from punishment, not the punishment. This confirms that penalty is the right answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reprieve is wrong because it is the postponement or cancellation of punishment, often granted by authorities. Grace is wrong because it implies favour, mercy, or a grace period, which softens or delays penalties rather than defining them. Amnesty is wrong because it cancels punishment for a group of offenders; it is the opposite of imposing a punishment. None of these words name the punishment itself. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to confuse legal terms that refer to punishment with those that refer to mercy or forgiveness. Candidates may recognise reprieve or amnesty as legal-sounding words and choose them blindly. Always read the definition carefully and note whether it refers to the punishment itself or to relief from punishment. In this case, the key phrase imposed for breaking a law signals that we need a word like penalty. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Penalty.

Question 2

In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given. Out of the four alternatives, select the correctly spelt word. Target word meaning: extremely cruel, wicked, or shocking.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions test your visual memory of correct English word forms. The target word here is commonly used to describe something very bad or shocking, such as an atrocious crime or atrocious behaviour. You must select the spelling that matches standard dictionary usage. This is important for accurate writing in exams, essays, and professional communication. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: atrocious. • All four options are close variants of the same sound pattern. • Only one option matches the correct dictionary spelling. • The meaning is not being tested directly, but it can help you recall the word. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of this adjective is atrocious, with the sequence a-t-r-o-c-i-o-u-s. The suffix -cious is common in English adjectives like suspicious, delicious, and vicious. Incorrect spellings here mainly manipulate the vowels, adding or changing letters. Recognising common suffix patterns like -cious helps you eliminate the wrong options quickly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the word is pronounced with a shus ending, which is usually spelt -cious in English. Step 2: Check option b, atrocious, which ends with -cious and matches this pattern exactly. Step 3: Examine option a, atrocias, which ends with -as and does not resemble any standard English adjective ending. Step 4: Examine option c, atroceous, which incorrectly inserts an extra e and breaks the usual -cious pattern. Step 5: Examine option d, atroacious, which uses -acious instead of -cious; this is not the standard spelling of the word. Step 6: Conclude that atrocious is the correctly spelt form. Verification / Alternative check: Think of similar words with the same ending: vicious, malicious, delicious, and suspicious all use the -cious spelling. Atrocious fits neatly into this pattern. If you check a trusted dictionary or recall reading the word in newspapers or books, you will recognise the spelling atrocious as standard. The other variations look odd and do not match common spelling patterns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Atrocias (option a) lacks the -cious ending and resembles no accepted English form of the word. Atroceous (option c) tries to imitate the sound but introduces an unnecessary e after c, creating a nonstandard and confusing pattern. Atroacious (option d) incorrectly uses -acious, which appears in words like audacious but is not used for this word. Therefore, all three are misspellings. Common Pitfalls: Many learners struggle with English vowel combinations and may overthink the spelling by adding extra vowels. A helpful strategy is to memorise groups of words that share common endings, such as -cious and -tious. When you see a question like this, quickly match the sound with the most familiar and consistent pattern. For atrocious, that pattern is clearly -cious, leading you to the correct option. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is atrocious.

Question 3

In the following question, four spellings of the same word are given. Out of the four alternatives, select the correctly spelt word. Target word meaning: having a full, shapely, and attractively curved figure.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question focuses on the adjective used to describe a person, usually a woman, with an attractively curved figure. The task is to identify the correct dictionary spelling of the word from four similar looking options. Accurate spelling is essential for professional writing and for scoring full marks in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: curvaceous. • All four options attempt to represent the same sound pattern. • Only one option matches the correct English spelling. • The suffix and placement of vowels are the main points of difference. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is curvaceous, with the sequence c-u-r-v-a-c-e-o-u-s. It uses the common adjective ending -eous, as seen in words like courageous and outrageous. The incorrect options tamper with this pattern by altering or misplacing the vowels. Knowing typical English suffixes like -eous makes it easier to recognise the correct form. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the key parts of the word are curve and the ending -aceous / -eous sound. Step 2: Remember that in standard English, the accepted spelling is curvaceous, where the letters -aceous are arranged as a-c-e-o-u-s. Step 3: Check option b, curvaceous, which matches this known spelling pattern exactly. Step 4: Examine option a, curvacias, which ends in -cias and does not form a valid English adjective here. Step 5: Examine option c, curvaceuse, which uses -euse, a French influenced spelling not used for this English word. Step 6: Examine option d, curveaceous, which incorrectly inserts an extra e after v and breaks the standard structure. Step 7: Conclude that curvaceous is the only correctly spelt form. Verification / Alternative check: Think of related words: spacious, gracious, and audacious all have regular, recognisable endings. Curvaceous follows a similar pattern. If you recall how this word appears in magazines, novels, or dictionaries, you will recognise curvaceous with the letters v-a-c-e-o-u-s in sequence. The other variants look unusual and do not match typical English spelling rules. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Curvacias is wrong because it lacks the -eous or -acious structure and appears incomplete. Curvaceuse is wrong because it uses a foreign-looking ending and does not match standard English morphology. Curveaceous is wrong because the extra e after v disrupts the root curve and makes the word unnecessarily complicated. None of these forms appears in standard English dictionaries for this meaning. Common Pitfalls: Learners often overcomplicate spellings when they hear complex sounds, adding extra vowels or mixing up common suffixes. A practical approach is to familiarise yourself with frequent adjective endings such as -ous, -ious, -eous, and -acious. When faced with multiple options, choose the one that matches these known patterns and looks most familiar from your reading experience. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is curvaceous.

Question 4

The sentence below contains three labelled parts X, Y, and Z. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent sentence. Base sentence: Now I just have to keep my ____ and not let that scrawny ____ with ge…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to arrange labelled sentence parts in a logical and grammatically correct order. You are given a base sentence with three blanks and three fragments labelled X, Y, and Z. Your task is to decide in which order these fragments should be placed so that the resulting sentence is natural and meaningful in English. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base sentence: Now I just have to keep my ____ and not let that scrawny ____ with gelled ____ edge in front of me. • X: place. • Y: guy. • Z: hair. • Options: YZX, XYZ, ZXY, XZY (referring to the order in which X, Y, and Z are inserted). Concept / Approach: To form a correct sentence, each blank must be filled with the word that is grammatically and logically appropriate in that position. In normal English, we say keep my place, scrawny guy, and gelled hair. Therefore, the correct pattern is: keep my place, that scrawny guy, with gelled hair. Matching this to the labels X (place), Y (guy), and Z (hair), the order of insertion into the three blanks is X, Y, Z, which corresponds to option XYZ. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the first blank after my. The phrase keep my ____ is commonly followed by place, as in keep my place in the queue. Step 2: Therefore, X (place) fits the first blank best. Step 3: Look at the second blank: that scrawny ____. The natural collocation is that scrawny guy, so Y (guy) fits here. Step 4: Check the third blank: with gelled ____. We normally say gelled hair, so Z (hair) belongs in the last blank. Step 5: Combine the decisions: first blank = X, second blank = Y, third blank = Z, giving the order X Y Z. Step 6: Match this order to the answer choices and see that option b, XYZ, is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Read the fully assembled sentence: Now I just have to keep my place and not let that scrawny guy with gelled hair edge in front of me. This sentence is grammatically correct and describes a realistic situation, such as waiting in a line. If you try other orders, such as YZX, you get odd combinations like keep my guy or scrawny hair, which are clearly wrong. This confirms that XYZ is the only logical order. Why Other Options Are Wrong: YZX would produce keep my guy, that scrawny hair, and with gelled place, all of which are nonsensical. ZXY would yield keep my hair and that scrawny place, again ungrammatical. XZY would give keep my place and not let that scrawny hair with gelled guy edge in front of me, which is also incorrect because scrawny hair is not the focus here and gelled guy is not a standard phrase. None of these arrangements produce a natural sentence. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to rely only on the sound of the combinations without checking grammar or typical phrases. Another pitfall is to hurry and guess based on the first blank alone. Always check each blank in order and think about common collocations such as keep my place, scrawny guy, and gelled hair. Recognising these patterns will help you quickly identify the correct arrangement in similar questions. Final Answer: The most logical order is X Y Z, so the correct option is XYZ.

Question 5

The sentence below contains three labelled parts X, Y, and Z. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent sentence. Base sentence: The idea of a standard time ____ has become so integral to our ____ t…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your ability to arrange labelled sentence parts into a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence. The topic is the idea of standard time and how familiar it has become in our daily lives. You need to examine how each labelled part connects logically and syntactically to the others to form a smooth, coherent statement. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base framework: The idea of a standard time ____ has become so integral to our ____ that we often take it for ____ and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena. • X: zone has become so integral to our • Y: lives that we often take it for • Z: granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena • Options: ZYX, XYZ, YZX, YXZ (each showing a possible order of X, Y, Z). Concept / Approach: We want a sentence that flows naturally: The idea of a standard time zone has become so integral to our lives that we often take it for granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena. After the phrase The idea of a standard time, the word zone must appear, and then we move on to our lives, and finally to take it for granted. Matching this with the labelled parts, we see that the order must be X, then Y, then Z. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the subject phrase: The idea of a standard time ____. Step 2: Among the options, only X begins with zone has become so integral to our, which correctly follows standard time. Step 3: Now we have: The idea of a standard time zone has become so integral to our ____. Step 4: The next phrase should mention lives to complete so integral to our lives, which is found in Y: lives that we often take it for. Step 5: Attach Y after X to get: zone has become so integral to our lives that we often take it for ____. Step 6: The remaining part must complete take it for granted and extend the idea, which is exactly what Z provides: granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena. Step 7: Therefore, the correct order is X Y Z, corresponding to option b, XYZ. Verification / Alternative check: Assemble the full sentence with the chosen order: The idea of a standard time zone has become so integral to our lives that we often take it for granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena. This sentence is grammatically correct and logically consistent. If you try another order, such as YZX, the sentence fragments break and the grammar becomes flawed, which confirms that XYZ is the only correct arrangement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ZYX would start after the phrase as granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena, which cannot logically follow The idea of a standard time. YZX would produce lives that we often take it for granted and assume it to be a part of natural phenomena zone has become so integral to our, clearly incorrect. YXZ similarly disrupts the natural progression from zone to lives to granted. None of these produce a smooth or meaningful sentence. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on one or two fragments and ignore the complete flow of the sentence. Some students also overlook clue words like zone, lives, and granted, which clearly follow one another in a logical chain. To avoid errors, always read the entire sentence mentally after inserting each alternative and ensure that the result is both grammatically correct and meaningful. Final Answer: The correct logical order of the labelled parts is X Y Z, so the correct option is XYZ.

Question 6

In the following question, a sentence has been given in the Active voice. Out of the four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in the Passive voice. Sentence: Varun ate six rotis at dinner.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of transformation between Active and Passive voice. The given sentence is in the Active voice, where the subject Varun performs the action of eating six rotis. To change it to the Passive voice, the object six rotis must become the subject of the new sentence, while keeping the meaning and tense intact. Given Data / Assumptions: • Active sentence: Varun ate six rotis at dinner. • Tense: Simple past (ate). • Subject: Varun. • Object: six rotis. • Adverbial phrase: at dinner. • We must convert it to Passive voice while preserving the simple past tense and sense. Concept / Approach: The general rule for converting a simple past tense Active sentence to Passive is: object + was/were + past participle of the verb + by + subject. Since six rotis is plural, we must use were, and the past participle of eat is eaten. The phrase at dinner can be placed at the beginning for emphasis: At dinner, six rotis were eaten by Varun. This structure follows all necessary voice change rules. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object of the Active sentence: six rotis. Step 2: Move this object to the subject position in the Passive sentence: Six rotis ... Step 3: Maintain the simple past tense using were + eaten for a plural subject: were eaten. Step 4: Introduce the agent with by + Varun to indicate who performed the action. Step 5: Preserve the adverbial phrase at dinner and position it naturally, for example, at the beginning: At dinner, six rotis were eaten by Varun. Step 6: Confirm that this matches option b exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Compare the Active and Passive sentences in meaning: Active: Varun ate six rotis at dinner. Passive: At dinner, six rotis were eaten by Varun. Both sentences state that during dinner, Varun consumed six rotis. The tense, number, and participants remain the same. Option a uses was ate, which is incorrect because the plural subject requires were and the main verb must be in past participle form, eaten. Options c and d are not in the Passive voice; they change the tense or structure entirely. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, At dinner, six rotis was ate by Varun, is grammatically wrong because the plural subject six rotis requires were, and the form ate is not the past participle. Option c, At dinner, Varun had eaten six rotis, is still in Active voice and also changes the tense to past perfect. Option d, At dinner, had Varun eaten six rotis, is an interrogative form in the past perfect tense, again not Passive. None of these correctly follow the Active to Passive transformation rule for the simple past. Common Pitfalls: Learners often forget to use the correct auxiliary verb for plural subjects or confuse the simple past form with the past participle. Another common mistake is to change the tense unnecessarily while transforming the voice. Always follow the pattern: object + was/were + past participle + by + subject, and check that the tense and number agree with the original sentence. Final Answer: The correct Passive voice sentence is: At dinner, six rotis were eaten by Varun.

Question 7

In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct speech. Out of the four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect speech. Sentence: "What is your name?" she asked him.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to convert a question from Direct speech to Indirect (reported) speech. The original sentence is a present tense question about identity: "What is your name?" she asked him. In Indirect speech, we must adjust pronouns, word order, and tense according to the rules of reported questions, while keeping the meaning unchanged. Given Data / Assumptions: • Direct speech: "What is your name?" she asked him. • Reporting verb: asked (past tense). • Question word: What. • Verb in the original question: is (present simple of be). • We must produce a reported question, not a direct question, in the past context. Concept / Approach: When converting a Wh-question to Indirect speech, we keep the question word (What) but change the word order to that of a statement (subject + verb). Since the reporting verb is in the past tense, we usually backshift the tense of the reported clause from present simple (is) to past simple (was). The pronoun your becomes his, referring to him. The question mark is dropped, and no auxiliary do or inversion is used in the reported clause. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting verb and note its tense: asked (past tense). Step 2: Keep the question word what at the beginning of the reported clause. Step 3: Change the word order from What is your name? to what his name was, using subject + verb pattern. Step 4: Change your to his, because she is talking to him and reporting his own name. Step 5: Backshift the tense from is to was because the reporting verb is in the past: asked. Step 6: Combine everything: She asked him what his name was. Step 7: Confirm that this matches option d exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Compare each option with the rules of reported speech: Option a uses is, which does not backshift the tense and is less acceptable in formal exam settings. Option b uses has been, which changes the meaning to a present perfect time frame, not needed here. Option c keeps the question order what is his name, which is incorrect because reported questions require statement order. Option d uses what his name was, with correct pronoun and backshifted tense, making it the best choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, She asked him what his name is, keeps the present tense and is sometimes used in spoken English, but exams typically prefer tense backshift in reported speech when the reporting verb is in the past. Option b, She asked him what his name has been, suggests a continuous or recent past situation, which is not implied by the simple question. Option c, She asked him what is his name, incorrectly retains inversion (verb before subject), which is not used in Indirect questions. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often forget to change the word order from question style to statement style or ignore tense backshift rules. Another common mistake is not adjusting pronouns correctly. To avoid these errors, remember the pattern: reporting verb + object + question word + subject + verb (with tense backshift if needed). Applying this consistently will help you solve most Direct/Indirect speech questions. Final Answer: The correct Indirect speech is: She asked him what his name was.

Question 8

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Blank focus: ________ the base of psychiatrists is low in relation to the need…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question forms part of a cloze passage about mental health services and the shortage of psychiatrists. You are given one specific blank and must choose the conjunction that best connects the ideas logically and grammatically. The sentence explains that because the number of psychiatrists is low compared to the need, trained general practitioners must be used as the first line of contact. Therefore, a conjunction expressing cause and reason is required. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence fragment: ________ the base of psychiatrists is low in relation to the need, the use of trained general practitioners as the first line of contact assumes importance. • Options: Since, Why, As soon as, Where. • The passage discusses a shortage (low base) and its implication (use of general practitioners). Concept / Approach: The sentence is clearly causal: the low base of psychiatrists leads to the importance of general practitioners. Among the options, since is a conjunction that can introduce a reason, similar to because. Why is used to ask questions and cannot introduce such a clause here. As soon as introduces a time relationship, not cause. Where is used for location, not reason. Therefore, the correct conjunction is Since. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the meaning: Because there are not enough psychiatrists, general practitioners must play a greater role. Step 2: Identify that a reason conjunction like since or because is needed at the beginning of the sentence. Step 3: Examine option a, Since, which correctly introduces a reason clause. Step 4: Examine option b, Why, which is normally used in questions (Why is he late?) and does not fit as a conjunction here. Step 5: Examine option c, As soon as, which denotes time, as in As soon as he arrived, we left. It does not convey causation. Step 6: Examine option d, Where, which relates to place or condition, not to cause. Step 7: Conclude that Since is the only option that logically and grammatically fits. Verification / Alternative check: Read the full sentence with Since: Since the base of psychiatrists is low in relation to the need, the use of trained general practitioners as the first line of contact assumes importance. This is clear and correctly shows cause and effect. If you try the other options, the sentence either becomes ungrammatical or loses its intended meaning. For example, As soon as the base of psychiatrists is low does not make sense because low is a state, not an event. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Why cannot begin a declarative sentence like this and is reserved for interrogative contexts. As soon as introduces a time clause and would require an event that happens suddenly, which is not the case with a general shortage. Where is used with locations or conditional descriptions, not as a causal conjunction. None of these convey the idea of because, which is what the sentence needs. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse as soon as with as, assuming any phrase starting with as expresses cause. Others may be tempted by where due to its use in some abstract conditions, but here the logic is clearly about reason, not place or condition. Whenever the sentence structure shows a problem followed by its solution or consequence, look for conjunctions like since, because, or as (in the sense of because). In this passage, since is the most appropriate choice. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is Since, giving: Since the base of psychiatrists is low in relation to the need, the use of trained general practitioners as the first line of contact assumes importance.

Question 9

In the same passage on mental health services, fill in the blank with the most appropriate word. Sentence focus: Some studies show many of them are not confident ________ with their training to detect, diagnose and manage mental illnesses.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze test question continues the passage about primary and district-level mental health services. The sentence refers to general practitioners who may not feel fully prepared by their training. The blank requires a degree word that completes the phrase not confident ________ with their training in a natural and grammatically correct way. Understanding collocations with confident is key here. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence fragment: Some studies show many of them are not confident ________ with their training to detect, diagnose and manage mental illnesses. • Options: lot, enough, very, much. • The structure suggests we need a word indicating sufficiency of confidence. Concept / Approach: In English, the common phrase is confident enough when we want to indicate that a person has sufficient confidence to perform a task. The negative form not confident enough means their confidence is insufficient. Lot, very, and much do not fit directly after confident without additional words. For example, we say very confident, but not not confident very with their training. So, enough is the only word that correctly completes this pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the collocation not confident ________ with their training. Step 2: Recall that we usually say confident enough to do something, meaning sufficiently confident. Step 3: Substitute option b, enough: not confident enough with their training. This gives the sense that their training does not give them sufficient confidence. Step 4: Test option a, lot: not confident lot with their training is ungrammatical and incorrect. Step 5: Test option c, very: not confident very with their training is also ungrammatical; very should come before confident, not after it. Step 6: Test option d, much: not confident much with their training sounds awkward and unidiomatic. Step 7: Conclude that enough is the only suitable choice. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar examples: She is not confident enough in her English to give a speech; They are not confident enough with the new software to use it independently. These sentences match the same pattern: not confident enough with / in something. The word enough follows confident and precedes the prepositional phrase. Replacing enough with any of the other options makes the sentence sound incorrect or incomplete. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lot is wrong because it would require a structure like a lot or a lot of, not simply lot after confident. Very is wrong because it is an adverb that normally goes before an adjective (very confident), not after it. Much is wrong because we use much with verbs (do not like it much) or with uncountable nouns, but not directly after confident in this pattern. None of these fit the collocation not confident enough. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to see very and think of common phrases like very confident, without noticing the position of the blank. Another error is to overlook the preposition with their training which indicates that we are talking about sufficient confidence in relation to a skill set. Remember that enough commonly follows adjectives when we talk about sufficiency: good enough, strong enough, confident enough. Recognising this pattern makes the correct answer clear. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is enough, giving: many of them are not confident enough with their training to detect, diagnose and manage mental illnesses.

Question 10

Continuing the same passage, select the correct word to fill the blank. Sentence focus: ________ a concerted effort, primary care physicians can be trained to help people with mild and severe problems.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues the cloze passage discussing how primary care physicians can support mental health services. The blank appears before the phrase a concerted effort, and you must choose the preposition or connector that best completes the sentence. The idea is that if there is a strong, coordinated effort, these doctors can be trained to help patients with a range of problems. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence fragment: ________ a concerted effort, primary care physicians can be trained to help people with mild and severe problems. • Options: To, For, But, With. • The overall meaning: Given or by means of a concerted effort, training becomes possible. Concept / Approach: The natural way to introduce a phrase like a concerted effort when talking about the means or condition for something is with with. The expression with a concerted effort means by making a strong, coordinated effort. To, for, and but do not create a standard expression in this context. Therefore, the correct word is With. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: If there is a concerted effort, then training primary care physicians is possible. Step 2: Recognise that English often expresses such conditions with with + noun, as in with hard work, you can succeed. Step 3: Substitute option d, With, to obtain: With a concerted effort, primary care physicians can be trained... Step 4: Test option a, To: To a concerted effort sounds unnatural and ungrammatical here. Step 5: Test option b, For: For a concerted effort does not fit at the beginning of this sentence in the sense required. Step 6: Test option c, But, which is a conjunction used for contrast, not for introducing the means or condition. Step 7: Conclude that With is the only word that correctly and naturally completes the phrase. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar sentences: With proper planning, the project can succeed; With enough practice, you can master this skill. In each case, with + noun introduces the condition or means that makes the result possible. Applying the same structure to the passage gives a smooth and idiomatic sentence: With a concerted effort, primary care physicians can be trained to help people with mild and severe problems. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To is wrong because it normally introduces purpose (to succeed) or movement (to the city) and does not form a standard phrase with a concerted effort in this position. For might introduce purpose or benefit (for a cause), but starting the sentence with For a concerted effort, primary care physicians... is ungrammatical in this sense. But is wrong because it introduces contrast and requires two clauses, which is not the case here. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes ignore collocations and focus only on grammar labels like preposition or conjunction. However, English fluency depends heavily on common phrase patterns such as with an effort, with great dedication, and with support. Recognising that with a concerted effort is a natural and common expression helps you immediately identify the correct answer. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is With, giving: With a concerted effort, primary care physicians can be trained to help people with mild and severe problems.

Question 11

Continuing the same passage, choose the correct word to fill the blank. Sentence focus: severe problems, ________ from anxiety disorders to depression, psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance use.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question focuses on a common phrase used to describe a spectrum of conditions. The sentence describes how severe problems cover various mental health issues, from anxiety disorders to depression, psychoses, and conditions linked to alcohol and substance use. You must select the verb that best introduces this range of examples in formal English. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence fragment: severe problems, ________ from anxiety disorders to depression, psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance use. • Options: ranging, coming, distancing, longing. • The meaning is to show that the problems extend across a spectrum from one type to another. Concept / Approach: The standard English expression for describing a spectrum is ranging from ... to .... It neatly introduces the idea that the problems extend over a set of types. The other verbs do not form any natural phrase in this context. Coming from, distancing from, or longing from are not used in this structure. Therefore, ranging is the only acceptable choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the sentence is listing different mental health problems and wants to show a range between them. Step 2: Recall the common expression ranging from A to B to describe such lists. Step 3: Substitute option a, ranging, into the sentence: severe problems, ranging from anxiety disorders to depression, psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance use. Step 4: Test option b, coming: severe problems, coming from anxiety disorders to depression is not a standard phrase. Step 5: Test option c, distancing: severe problems, distancing from anxiety disorders to depression does not make sense here. Step 6: Test option d, longing, which does not logically connect with problems and types of disorders. Step 7: Conclude that ranging is the only verb that makes the sentence grammatical and meaningful. Verification / Alternative check: Check similar patterns: The shop sells items ranging from books to electronics; His hobbies range from music to mountain climbing. In each case, ranging from introduces a spectrum. Applying the same pattern to mental health problems fits perfectly: problems ranging from anxiety disorders to depression and other conditions. This confirms that ranging is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Coming would suggest origin or arrival but is not used with from ... to to describe a range. Distancing implies moving away from something and lacks meaning in this context. Longing denotes desire or yearning, which is unrelated to the description of a list of disorders. None of these forms a recognised collocation with from ... to when listing examples. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may quickly choose coming because it often appears with from, but they ignore the full pattern from ... to, which strongly signals ranging. In cloze passages, it is crucial to read the entire phrase, not just the word immediately after the blank. Recognising fixed expressions like ranging from ... to ... will help you answer many such questions correctly. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is ranging, giving: severe problems, ranging from anxiety disorders to depression, psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance use.

Question 12

In the same passage, choose the correct word to fill the final blank. Sentence focus: psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance ________.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question completes the passage about mental health, focusing on serious conditions linked to alcohol and drugs. The sentence mentions psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance ________. You must select the noun that fits best both in meaning and in common medical or social usage when discussing mental health issues related to alcohol and drugs. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence fragment: psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance ________. • Options: abuse, eating, sale, withdrawal. • The context is mental health problems and disorders. Concept / Approach: The widely used phrase in public health and psychiatry is alcohol and substance abuse, which refers to harmful or excessive use of these substances. Eating, sale, and withdrawal all have different meanings and do not match the standard expression for this context. The passage clearly refers to health conditions caused by harmful use, so abuse is the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence is listing causes of mental health problems: anxiety, depression, psychoses, and substance-related conditions. Step 2: Recall the common term alcohol and substance abuse used in health discussions. Step 3: Substitute option a, abuse, into the sentence: psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance abuse. Step 4: Test option b, eating: alcohol and substance eating has no meaningful interpretation. Step 5: Test option c, sale: conditions arising from alcohol and substance sale refers to economic activity, not health effects. Step 6: Test option d, withdrawal: while withdrawal is a medical term related to stopping use, the usual combination is withdrawal from alcohol and substances, not arising from alcohol and substance withdrawal in this broad listing. Step 7: Conclude that abuse is the only option that fits both grammatically and conceptually. Verification / Alternative check: Consider how mental health organisations phrase similar issues: mental health problems related to alcohol and substance abuse, treatment for alcohol and substance abuse, and prevention of alcohol and substance abuse. These examples confirm that abuse is the standard term. The other nouns either misrepresent the meaning or break the collocation entirely. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Eating is wrong because it describes consumption of food, not drugs or alcohol in the context of harmful use. Sale is wrong because it concerns commercial transaction, not the act of using substances in a harmful way. Withdrawal is wrong because it refers specifically to the symptoms experienced when a user stops taking a substance; while related, it is not the general term used in a broad list of causes like anxiety disorders, depression, and psychoses. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates might be tempted by withdrawal because it appears in discussions of substances, but they fail to see that the passage is listing broad categories of problems tied to ongoing harmful use, not the specific process of stopping. When reading cloze passages, you must think about common phrases used in the relevant domain. In mental health, alcohol and substance abuse is a very familiar expression, making the answer straightforward. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is abuse, giving: psychoses and conditions arising from alcohol and substance abuse.

Question 13

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". Sentence: I took the shortest (1)/ way…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question evaluates your understanding of correct prepositional usage in English. The sentence describes taking a route through a small park near a palace. One part of the sentence contains a grammatical error, and you must identify which numbered segment is wrong. Such questions are common in competitive exams to test fine points of grammar and usage. Given Data / Assumptions: • Full sentence: I took the shortest (1)/ way through the (2)/ little park close the palace. (3)/ No Error (4). • Segment (1): I took the shortest. • Segment (2): way through the. • Segment (3): little park close the palace. • Segment (4): No Error. Concept / Approach: The phrase little park close the palace is incorrect because in English we need a preposition before the noun palace to express nearness. The correct phrase is close to the palace. The rest of the sentence I took the shortest way through the little park is grammatically fine. Therefore, the error is located in part (3), where the preposition to is missing between close and the. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part (1), I took the shortest. This is acceptable as the beginning of a comparative phrase. Step 2: Examine part (2), way through the. This connects naturally with part (1) to form I took the shortest way through the ..., which is correct. Step 3: Examine part (3), little park close the palace. Here, close is used as an adjective meaning near, but it normally takes the preposition to when followed by a specific noun: close to the palace. Step 4: Recognise that the correct construction should be little park close to the palace. Step 5: Conclude that part (3) contains the error because of the missing preposition to. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the corrected sentence: I took the shortest way through the little park close to the palace. This version sounds natural and is grammatically correct. Parts (1) and (2) now fit neatly with the corrected part (3). Since all other segments are sound, the error must indeed be in segment (3). Therefore, option c, representing part (3), is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (1) is fine because the comparative expression the shortest way is standard. Part (2) is fine because through the correctly introduces the location of the path. Part (4) does not refer to any sentence segment but is the no-error option, which cannot be chosen because we have identified a clear grammatical mistake. Hence, options a, b, and d are incorrect. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to misread close as a verb and become confused about verb tense, but here it clearly functions as an adjective meaning near. Another pitfall is to focus only on verb forms and ignore prepositions, even though prepositional errors are widely tested. To improve accuracy, always pay attention to common adjective + preposition combinations like close to, good at, interested in, and responsible for. Final Answer: The error is in part (3); the phrase should be little park close to the palace.

Question 14

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". Sentence: As it came to a stop (1)/ th…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your awareness of correct spacing and word division in English. The sentence describes a vehicle coming to a stop and the conductor calling out loudly. One part of the sentence contains a clear error in the way words are written. Your job is to identify which numbered segment includes this mistake. Given Data / Assumptions: • Full sentence: As it came to a stop (1)/ the conductor called (2)/ overin a loud voice. (3)/ No Error (4). • Segment (1): As it came to a stop. • Segment (2): the conductor called. • Segment (3): overin a loud voice. • Segment (4): No Error. Concept / Approach: The phrase overin a loud voice is incorrect because two separate words, over and in, have been incorrectly joined together as overin. The intended phrase is called over in a loud voice or simply called out in a loud voice. In the structure given, the best correction is to separate over and in, making it over in a loud voice. Therefore, the error is in part (3). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part (1): As it came to a stop. This is grammatically correct and forms a proper dependent clause. Step 2: Examine part (2): the conductor called. This is also correct and works as the main clause subject and verb. Step 3: Examine part (3): overin a loud voice. This contains a spelling/spacing error where two separate words have been joined. Step 4: Recognise that called over in a loud voice is a natural collocation meaning shouted or announced loudly. Step 5: Therefore, part (3) should read over in a loud voice, with over and in as separate words. Step 6: Conclude that the error is in segment (3), corresponding to option c. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the corrected sentence: As it came to a stop, the conductor called over in a loud voice. This reads naturally and is free from spelling or spacing mistakes. Parts (1) and (2) were already correct; once part (3) is fixed, the entire sentence is grammatically and orthographically sound. Thus, there is a definite error, and the no-error option (4) cannot be chosen. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (1) uses a correct expression to describe the vehicle coming to rest. Part (2) correctly introduces the subject (the conductor) and the reporting verb (called). Part (4) is the no-error option, which is wrong here because we have clearly identified an error in part (3). Therefore, options a, b, and d are not correct. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may overlook spacing errors if they read too quickly or focus only on grammar and ignore the visual form of the words. Exams often include such orthographic mistakes to test careful reading. Always check that each written unit is a valid English word and that common phrasal structures like called over in are written as separate words, not merged incorrectly. Final Answer: The error is in part (3); overin should be written as two words: over in a loud voice.

Question 15

In the following question, you are given a sentence with a blank that must be filled with an appropriate word or phrase. Select the correct alternative out of the four options and mark your answer carefully. Moving to the city was eye-__________ for…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In this English vocabulary question, the candidate must choose the correct word to complete an idiomatic expression. The focus is on understanding the common phrase eye opening, which is often used to describe an experience that reveals new facts or realities and changes the way a person thinks. The sentence describes a very traditional, straitlaced country girl who moves to the city, so the blank must be filled with a word that completes a familiar English expression and fits the context of sudden awareness. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: Moving to the city was eye-__________ for the straitlaced country girl. The girl is straitlaced, which means very strict, conservative, and traditional in morals and behaviour. Options given: clearing, freeing, saving, opening. The required answer must form a standard English expression and suit the context. Concept / Approach: The phrase eye opening is a well known English collocation. It refers to an experience that reveals surprising facts, widens someone's perspective, or makes a person aware of realities that they did not understand earlier. When a person from a strict rural background moves to a big city, the new lifestyle, culture, and pace of life can reveal many unexpected things, so the experience can be described as eye opening. The approach is to recall common idioms and check which option correctly completes the phrase eye opening while remaining grammatically and semantically appropriate. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the pattern in the sentence is eye-__________, which suggests a familiar idiom or fixed expression.Step 2: Recall the common English expression eye opening, which means surprising, revealing, or enlightening.Step 3: Test the options: eye clearing, eye freeing, eye saving, and eye opening. Only eye opening is a standard phrase.Step 4: Check the context. For a straitlaced country girl, city life is likely to be surprising and revealing, which fits the meaning of eye opening.Step 5: Conclude that opening is the only option that forms a natural expression and matches the context. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify the answer by replacing the blank with each option. Eye clearing is not a recognized idiom and sounds unnatural in this context. Eye freeing and eye saving also do not appear in standard English usage as established expressions. Eye opening, however, is frequently used in spoken and written English to describe an enlightening or surprising experience. Therefore, opening passes both the idiom test and the context test, confirming that it is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Clearing: Eye clearing is not a standard collocation, and clearing does not naturally describe a revealing experience for a straitlaced girl. Freeing: Eye freeing does not exist as an idiom and sounds awkward, even though freedom could be related to city life. Saving: Eye saving suggests protection from harm or damage to the eyes, which does not match the idea of a surprising city experience. These options fail to form a known idiom and do not convey the intended meaning. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may overthink the sentence and try to connect freeing or saving with emotional liberation or rescue. However, competitive exam questions on idioms usually test fixed expressions rather than creative interpretations. Another common mistake is to focus only on the adjective that seems positive without checking whether the full phrase is natural English. The safest strategy is to rely on known idioms and collocations such as eye opening rather than inventing new combinations of words in the exam hall. Final Answer: The correct word that completes the idiomatic expression is opening, forming the phrase eye opening.

Question 16

In the following question, you are given a sentence with a blank that must be filled with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four options and mark your answer. With a blood test, the physician was able to ___________ the …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests basic vocabulary and collocation in formal English, especially common verbs used with medical tests and diagnoses. The sentence talks about a physician using a blood test to establish whether a woman is pregnant. The task is to select the verb that naturally and correctly follows this context in standard English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: With a blood test, a physician was able to ___________ the pregnancy of the woman. The action describes what a doctor does with the help of a diagnostic test. Options: term, confirm, firm, confer. We assume standard, formal, modern English usage in a medical or general context. Concept / Approach: The usual verb used when a test or examination shows that a condition is true is confirm. We say confirm a diagnosis, confirm a suspicion, or confirm a pregnancy. The idea is that something that was previously uncertain is now supported by evidence. The other options are visually similar words but do not fit grammatically or semantically in this context. The approach is to recall typical collocations used in medical English and eliminate near lookalike but incorrect words. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the meaning of the sentence: the doctor uses a blood test to establish that a pregnancy exists.Step 2: Recall which verb is conventionally used with pregnancy and diagnosis. We commonly say confirm pregnancy.Step 3: Test option confirm in the blank: was able to confirm the pregnancy. This sounds natural and accurate.Step 4: Test the remaining options. Term, firm and confer do not produce a meaningful or idiomatic sentence in this structure.Step 5: Conclude that confirm is the only suitable verb that matches both meaning and standard usage. Verification / Alternative check: We can cross-check by thinking of parallel examples: A scan can confirm a fracture, a test can confirm infection, and an ultrasound can confirm multiple fetuses. In all such cases, confirm is the verb that connects evidence with conclusion. Medical professionals and laypersons alike use confirm in this way. None of the other options is found in such collocations. Therefore, the choice of confirm is strongly supported by real language patterns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Term: To term something means to call it by a particular name, as in term a policy successful. It does not fit with pregnancy in this structure. Firm: As a verb, firm usually takes the form firm up, meaning to make solid or stable, and is not used with pregnancy. Confer: To confer means to grant or to discuss, often used with honours or degrees, or to confer with someone. It does not express verifying a condition through a test. Thus these options do not convey the intended sense of verifying a pregnancy. Common Pitfalls: Students may get confused by the similarity in spelling and sound between confirm, firm, and confer, especially under exam pressure. A common mistake is to choose confer because it looks formal, but it is semantically inappropriate here. Another pitfall is to forget about collocations and to focus only on dictionary meanings. In competitive exams, recognising which verb naturally goes with a noun is as important as knowing individual word meanings. Final Answer: The correct verb in context is confirm, as in confirm the pregnancy.

Question 17

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is similar in meaning to the given word and mark your answer carefully. Exemption.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests knowledge of synonyms. The target word is exemption, which appears often in legal, financial, and administrative contexts. Candidates must identify which option has the nearest meaning to exemption. A strong understanding of related terms such as immunity, liability, responsibility, and accountability is essential for high scoring in competitive English sections. Given Data / Assumptions: Key word: exemption. Options: Immunity, Accountability, Liability, Responsibility. The task is to find the closest synonym in standard English. We assume the word is used in the sense common in law, tax, or rules. Concept / Approach: Exemption means freedom from an obligation, duty, rule, payment, or liability. For example, a student may get exemption from an exam, or certain goods may enjoy tax exemption. The word immunity has a very similar idea of being protected from something, such as legal action, disease, or an obligation. By contrast, accountability, liability, and responsibility all point toward having duties or being answerable for something, which is the opposite direction. The approach is to map the central idea of freedom from duty to the best matching word among the choices. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the main meaning of exemption as release from a duty, rule, or payment.Step 2: Examine option Immunity. Immunity means protection from something unpleasant such as legal prosecution or infection, which closely matches freedom from liability.Step 3: Examine option Accountability. This refers to being answerable for actions, which implies a duty rather than freedom.Step 4: Examine option Liability. This means legal responsibility or financial obligation, which is something from which exemption may be granted, not a synonym for exemption.Step 5: Examine option Responsibility. This again expresses a duty or obligation, the opposite of exemption. Thus Immunity is the only close synonym. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of phrases like tax exemption and legal immunity. Both express protection from normal obligations or penalties. One can say A has diplomatic immunity from prosecution, which is similar in effect to A has an exemption from prosecution. However, one would not say A has accountability from prosecution or A has responsibility from tax. This check confirms that Immunity is the nearest equivalent in meaning and usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Accountability: This suggests that a person must explain and justify actions, the opposite of being exempt. Liability: This is the state of being legally responsible, exactly the thing from which exemption may free someone. Responsibility: This indicates a duty or obligation, which again contrasts with the idea of exemption. These words imply burden and duty, while exemption implies removal of burden. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to confuse liability and exemption because they often appear in similar legal or financial sentences. Students sometimes choose liability, thinking of legal terms without checking the exact direction of meaning. Another pitfall is to read too quickly and choose any familiar word without mentally substituting it into common phrases like exemption from duty or exemption from tax. Always check whether the synonym can be used in similar sentence patterns. Final Answer: The word that is closest in meaning to exemption is Immunity.

Question 18

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is similar in meaning to the given word and mark your answer carefully. Perverse.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This synonym question checks how well a candidate understands nuanced negative adjectives that describe character and behaviour. The target word perverse is often used in serious writing to describe a stubborn, unreasonable, or morally wrong attitude. The options include both positive and negative words, so the candidate must identify not only the right polarity but also the closest shade of meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Key word: Perverse. Options: Agreeable, Nefarious, Compliant, Willing. The word appears in contexts such as perverse decision, perverse pleasure, or perverse behaviour. The exam requires the nearest meaning, not a loose association. Concept / Approach: Perverse commonly means showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable, unacceptable, or morally wrong. It can also suggest corruption or wickedness. Among the options, nefarious means extremely wicked or morally bad, usually used for actions and schemes. The other three are positive or neutral: agreeable, compliant, and willing indicate cooperation or readiness, which contradicts the essence of perversity. Therefore the approach is to focus on moral negativity and wrongness to locate the correct synonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of perverse as deliberately behaving in a wrong, unreasonable, or morally objectionable way.Step 2: Examine option Nefarious. This word refers to something extremely wicked or criminal, especially an action or plan.Step 3: Compare the senses. A perverse act may be morally twisted or wicked, which is close to the notion of nefarious behaviour.Step 4: Check the remaining options: Agreeable means pleasant, Compliant means obedient, and Willing means ready or eager, all of which clash with the idea of stubborn wrongness.Step 5: Conclude that Nefarious is the nearest synonym to Perverse among the given choices. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the choice by using each option in example phrases. Consider perverse pleasure and nefarious pleasure; both involve an unhealthy or morally bad kind of enjoyment. On the other hand, agreeable pleasure, compliant pleasure, or willing pleasure do not convey the idea of something twisted or wrong. Similarly, a perverse decision and a nefarious decision both can suggest moral corruption, while agreeable or compliant decisions sound positive or neutral. This comparison supports Nefarious as the most appropriate synonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Agreeable: This describes something pleasant or acceptable, often used for people who are easy to get along with. It is almost the opposite of perverse. Compliant: This refers to a person who agrees or obeys readily, whereas a perverse person is often stubbornly contrary. Willing: This simply means ready or eager to do something and does not carry moral judgement or twisted behaviour. None of these express the moral and behavioural negativity implied by Perverse. Common Pitfalls: One common error is to associate perverse only with sexual content due to its usage in popular media and to overlook its broader sense of stubborn wrongness. Another pitfall is to think of perverse as merely unusual and therefore to hesitate between several options. In exams, however, the focus is on its negative, morally questionable aspect, which lines up best with nefarious. Careful reading and familiarity with high frequency adjectives can prevent such confusion. Final Answer: The word that is closest in meaning to perverse in this context is Nefarious.

Question 19

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word and mark your answer carefully. To maneuver.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The base verb is to maneuver, which in English can mean to move carefully or skillfully, or to handle a situation in a clever, strategic way. The options include verbs that are similar in sense and one that contrasts in terms of motion and activity. The task is to identify the option that most clearly expresses the opposite idea. Given Data / Assumptions: Key expression: to maneuver. Options: To manipulate, To proceed, To cease, To machinate. We interpret maneuver in the sense of moving or operating with skill and flexibility. The exam requires the strongest opposite among the listed alternatives. Concept / Approach: To maneuver typically involves controlled movement or careful handling. It may refer to physical movement, such as maneuver a vehicle, or strategic action, such as maneuver through a difficult negotiation. The opposite of such active, deliberate movement is not more movement but complete stopping or ending of movement. Among the given options, to cease clearly means to stop or bring to an end. The other verbs, manipulate and machinate, actually refer to clever or scheming action and thus are close in spirit to maneuver. To proceed simply means to move ahead, which is still movement rather than its absence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that to maneuver means to move carefully, to guide, or to handle a situation with skill.Step 2: Examine option To manipulate. This means to control or influence someone or something, often in a clever or unfair way, which is similar, not opposite.Step 3: Examine option To machinate. This means to plot or scheme, again close to strategic manoeuvring.Step 4: Examine option To proceed. This means to go forward or continue, which still involves movement and activity.Step 5: Examine option To cease. This means to stop or come to an end, which directly opposes the idea of active movement or strategic action found in maneuver. Therefore, To cease is the best antonym. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, imagine instructions for driving a car. One might say maneuver the car into the parking space, which requires continuous controlled movement. The opposite command in terms of action would be cease movement or stop the car, not proceed or manipulate the car. Similarly, in social situations a leader might maneuver to gain support, whereas if the leader ceased to act, there would be no maneuver at all. These examples show that cease is the most natural opposite in both physical and figurative contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To manipulate: This implies skilful, sometimes unfair control, which is very close to the strategic meaning of maneuver and cannot be an antonym. To proceed: This simply means to go forward or continue, and does not signal the opposite of careful movement. To machinate: This means to scheme or plot in a secret or complex way, again reinforcing the idea of clever manoeuvring instead of opposing it. All three maintain the idea of action and strategy instead of negating it. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick proceed because they focus only on the literal motion sense of maneuver and think of opposite directions rather than presence versus absence of action. Another pitfall is confusing antonyms with unrelated words; some may choose manipulate or machinate simply because they are less familiar. A reliable strategy is to express the base verb in a simple phrase like start moving and then consider which option could rewrite the phrase as stop moving. That line of reasoning leads clearly to cease. Final Answer: The word that is most opposite in meaning to to maneuver is To cease.

Question 20

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word and mark your answer carefully. To avert.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question focuses on verbs commonly used in formal writing and news reports. The verb to avert is often used with accidents, crises, and disasters, and it means to prevent something bad from happening. The candidate must identify the verb that moves in the opposite direction of preventing harm and instead suggests helping or supporting an event or outcome. Given Data / Assumptions: Key verb: to avert. Options: To aid, To deter, To forestall, To preclude. We consider standard meanings in modern English usage. The focus is on semantic opposition, not on grammatical form. Concept / Approach: To avert means to ward off, to prevent, or to avoid something, especially something harmful or unpleasant. For example, one may avert a crisis or avert danger. Among the options, deter, forestall, and preclude all carry the idea of preventing or stopping something. That makes them near synonyms of avert rather than opposites. Only aid suggests giving help or support, which can allow an event to occur rather than prevent it. Therefore the correct strategy is to group the prevention verbs together and pick the word that expresses assistance instead. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that to avert means to prevent something bad from taking place.Step 2: Examine To deter. This means to discourage or prevent someone from taking an action, which is similar to avert.Step 3: Examine To forestall. This means to prevent or obstruct something by taking action ahead of time, again matching avert.Step 4: Examine To preclude. This means to make something impossible, especially by taking advance action, and so is close to avert.Step 5: Examine To aid. This means to help, assist, or support. Instead of preventing an event, aid can make it more likely to occur, which is the opposite of averting it. Verification / Alternative check: Consider an example sentence: The timely intervention of the police averted a riot. If we replace averted with deterred, forestalled, or precluded, the meaning remains similar because the riot is prevented. However, if we say the intervention aided a riot, the meaning completely reverses and implies the riot was helped or made easier. This demonstrates that aid is the clear antonym, since averting an event and aiding an event pull in opposite directions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To deter: This verb means to discourage or prevent a person from taking some action, reinforcing the idea of prevention, not opposing it. To forestall: This describes stopping something from happening by acting in advance, again parallel to avert. To preclude: This means to rule out or make something impossible, which is almost a dictionary level synonym of avert in many contexts. None of these offer help or support and therefore cannot be antonyms. Common Pitfalls: Because three options are close synonyms, some students may hesitate and try to choose the strongest one among them, forgetting that the question asks for an opposite, not a synonym. Another mistake is not fully internalising the meaning of aid and seeing it only as a general positive word instead of a verb that actively helps an outcome. Reading the keyword in a simple sentence such as avert danger versus aid danger can make the contrast clearer and guide correct choice. Final Answer: The word that is most opposite in meaning to to avert is To aid.

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