Question 1

In the same passage on the Uniform Civil Code, choose the correct verb phrase to complete "the women movement __________ and debated the desirability and feasibility of a Uniform Civil Code".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question focuses on the correct tense form in a sentence that describes a long and continued activity. The sentence refers to the women movement and its debate about a Uniform Civil Code over many decades. Choosing the correct verb phrase requires understanding both the time reference already present in the passage and the typical use of perfect tenses in English to link past activity with the present moment. Given Data / Assumptions: - The time phrase For nearly eight decades has already been used before this clause. - The subject is the women movement. - The verb phrase must express discussion and debate continuing up to the present. - The options are discussed, has discussed, had discussed, and had been discussing. Concept / Approach: English uses the present perfect tense to describe actions that began in the past and continue to have relevance in the present. In the sentence For nearly eight decades, the movement has discussed and debated the desirability and feasibility of a Uniform Civil Code, the present perfect has discussed is appropriate because the debate started long ago and is implied to continue or at least still matter today. Simple past discussed would place the action in a finished past, and past perfect forms would require a further reference point in the past, which is not present here. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the time phrase For nearly eight decades, which suggests a period continuing up to now. Step 2: Test simple past discussed: For nearly eight decades, the movement discussed and debated. This sounds as if the debate is over. Step 3: Test present perfect has discussed: For nearly eight decades, the movement has discussed and debated. This indicates ongoing relevance and fits naturally. Step 4: Test past perfect had discussed: This would require another past time reference, such as before independence, but the sentence does not include such a marker. Step 5: Test past perfect continuous had been discussing: This again needs a specific later past event for contrast, which is absent. Step 6: Conclude that has discussed is the only option that matches both grammar and meaning. Verification / Alternative check: We can compare with typical sentences: For many years, activists have demanded reform. For several decades, scientists have studied climate change. In both examples, the present perfect expresses long duration leading up to the present. Replacing have demanded with demanded would change the nuance. In the passage, the author wants to stress that the debate on the Uniform Civil Code is not just a closed chapter but a continuing issue. Therefore, the present perfect form has discussed and debated is the most accurate choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, discussed, is wrong because simple past does not reflect the ongoing relevance suggested by for nearly eight decades. Option C, had discussed, is wrong because the past perfect tense normally links one past action to an even earlier one, which is not the case here. Option D, had been discussing, is wrong because it implies that the continuous action of discussing had finished before another past point that the passage does not mention. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick the past perfect forms simply because they sound more complex or advanced. However, advanced exams reward accurate use of tense rather than unnecessary complexity. Whenever a sentence presents a long duration up to the present without a contrasting later past event, the present perfect is the natural choice. Noticing the phrase for nearly eight decades is the key signal that points towards has discussed rather than pure past forms. Final Answer: The correct answer is has discussed.

Question 2

In the same passage on the Uniform Civil Code, choose the correct word to complete the clause "and has ended up ___________ a simple question — what is the value of uniformity?".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze item tests knowledge of collocations and the natural combination of verbs with objects in formal English. The sentence says that after many years of debate, the movement has ended up blank a simple question, followed by the question itself. The word we choose must therefore express the act of presenting or putting forward a question. Understanding the typical collocation in English will guide us to the correct option. Given Data / Assumptions: - The relevant part of the sentence is: has ended up blank a simple question. - The object is a simple question, specifically what is the value of uniformity. - The options are holding, positioning, posturing, and posing. - The passage uses formal argumentative language. Concept / Approach: In English, when we talk about bringing a question or problem to attention, we usually use the verb pose. Phrases such as pose a question, pose a challenge, or pose a problem are very common. The other verbs offered have different primary meanings. Holding a question is not a standard expression. Positioning a question would sound strange and more physical than intellectual. Posturing is related to adopting an attitude or pose in a social sense. Therefore the best match with question as object is posing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate the sentence with each option: has ended up holding a simple question. This sounds odd and incomplete. Step 2: Try has ended up positioning a simple question. This gives a physical image of placing something and does not fit the abstract sense. Step 3: Try has ended up posturing a simple question. Posturing is normally intransitive and refers to behaviour, not to actions on questions. Step 4: Try has ended up posing a simple question. This is a familiar and idiomatic English phrase. Step 5: Confirm that pose a question is a widely accepted collocation in academic and journalistic writing. Step 6: Therefore, choose posing as the only natural and grammatically correct option. Verification / Alternative check: We can check by looking at similar examples: The report poses an important question about accountability. The incident poses serious challenges for policymakers. In each case, pose combines with an abstract noun to express the act of presenting an issue or question. Replacing pose with hold, position, or posture would make the sentence ungrammatical or at least highly unnatural. Because the passage is discussing an ongoing debate and the final question that emerges from it, the phrase ended up posing a simple question fits both the tone and grammar. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, holding, usually means carrying or keeping something in the hands or in possession. It does not naturally combine with question in this context. Option B, positioning, suggests physically placing something in a location, which does not match the abstract action of presenting a question. Option C, posturing, is related to attitudes or behaviour, especially when someone shows off or takes an artificial stance, and it rarely takes a question as its direct object. Common Pitfalls: A common trap in cloze tests is that learners may focus on individual word meanings but ignore collocations. Several verbs may seem possible when considered alone, but only one will form a standard phrase with the given noun. Remembering frequent combinations such as pose a question, raise an issue, and hold a belief helps greatly in these questions. Exam setters often include distractors that share a root meaning with the correct word, such as posturing, but which do not create natural phrases with the key noun. Final Answer: The correct answer is posing.

Question 3

In the passage on judicial pronouncements and the Uniform Civil Code, select the correct verb phrase to complete "Is it for the integrity of the nation that uniformity in laws is required, as some judicial pronouncements ___________?".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is part of the same argumentative passage and tests verb agreement and tense choice in a relative clause. The clause refers to what some judicial pronouncements have done over a period of time. The author is discussing an ongoing public legal debate, not a single isolated event. Therefore, the choice of tense must reflect repeated or continuing suggestions made by various court rulings rather than one fixed moment in the past. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject of the clause is some judicial pronouncements, which is plural. - The main clause is in a present oriented question form: Is it for the integrity of the nation that uniformity in laws is required. - The options are have suggested, had been suggesting, suggests, and suggested. - The passage describes a long running discussion that is still relevant. Concept / Approach: First, we must ensure subject verb agreement. The phrase some judicial pronouncements is plural, so any correct verb in present tense must also be plural, for example, suggest, not suggests. Second, we must choose a tense that connects past judicial behaviour to the current debate. Present perfect have suggested is ideal for this, because it expresses that in various rulings up to now, courts have suggested something. Simple past suggested would be possible but would sound more like a completed action not strongly connected with the present ongoing debate. Past perfect continuous had been suggesting would require a specific later past reference, which is absent. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check option A: have suggested. This agrees with the plural subject and uses present perfect, showing continued relevance. Step 2: Check option B: had been suggesting. This form implies that the suggestions stopped before another past event, which the sentence does not mention. Step 3: Check option C: suggests. This is singular and does not agree with the plural subject some judicial pronouncements. Step 4: Check option D: suggested. While grammatically possible, it does not highlight the ongoing nature of the debate as clearly as the present perfect does. Step 5: Consider the whole passage tone, which treats the debate as continuing to this day. Step 6: Conclude that have suggested best fits the grammar and meaning. Verification / Alternative check: We can paraphrase the sentence: Is uniformity in laws required for the integrity of the nation, as some judicial pronouncements have suggested over the years. This wording sounds natural and clearly connects past court statements with the current question. If we use suggested without have, the connection with the present becomes slightly weaker. If we use suggests, the verb does not agree with the plural subject. Thus, present perfect plural have suggested is the most accurate and idiomatic choice for this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, had been suggesting, is wrong because it implies that the process of suggesting had stopped at some point in the past, which the passage does not indicate. Option C, suggests, is wrong because it is singular and cannot agree with the plural subject some judicial pronouncements. Option D, suggested, is less suitable because it treats the judicial suggestions as a finished past event, while the author is clearly presenting them as part of an ongoing argument. Common Pitfalls: Some students pick the past perfect or past perfect continuous form whenever they see a complex literary passage, assuming that a more complicated tense is always better. This is not true. The key is to understand the time relationship. When the passage talks about something that happened at an indefinite time in the past but continues to matter now, the present perfect is usually best. Remember also to check subject verb agreement carefully, especially in clauses that follow words like some or many, which signal plurality. Final Answer: The correct answer is have suggested.

Question 4

In the same passage, choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase "that abstract entity which is not exactly _______ the top of your mind as your husband throws you out on the street".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze item focuses on idiomatic preposition use in a common English expression. The phrase used in the passage is at the top of your mind, meaning at the front of your thoughts or as your main concern. The author explains that the abstract idea of integrity of the nation is not what a person is thinking about when facing domestic crisis. To answer correctly, we need to recognise and complete this fixed expression with the appropriate preposition. Given Data / Assumptions: - The partial phrase is not exactly blank the top of your mind. - The options are in, for, at, and of. - The sentence describes what is or is not the main focus of a person thoughts. - We assume familiarity with common idioms like at the back of my mind and at the top of my mind. Concept / Approach: In standard idiomatic English, at the top of your mind means something that you are thinking about very actively and which is your first priority. The preposition at is used with several idioms related to positions in figurative mental space, such as at the back of my mind and at the front of my mind. The other prepositions in, for, and of do not appear in this fixed phrase. Therefore, the solution is to identify the correct idiom and choose the preposition at that completes it. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert in: not exactly in the top of your mind. This sounds unidiomatic and incorrect in English. Step 2: Insert for: not exactly for the top of your mind. This does not provide any clear meaning. Step 3: Insert at: not exactly at the top of your mind. This matches a recognised idiomatic expression. Step 4: Insert of: not exactly of the top of your mind. This is grammatically wrong. Step 5: Compare with related idioms like at the back of my mind and decide that at is the consistent choice. Step 6: Confirm that the phrase at the top of your mind conveys the intended contrast between abstract national integrity and immediate personal crisis. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by creating a few similar sentences: Climate change is at the top of the government agenda. When you are hungry, food is at the top of your mind. In each case, at the top of functions as a set phrase indicating highest priority. Using other prepositions such as in or of breaks the idiom and sounds incorrect. Returning to the passage, the author says that for a woman thrown out of her house, the abstract idea of integrity of the nation is not at the top of her mind. This wording clearly requires at as the preposition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, in, is wrong because in the top of your mind is not a recognised phrase in English. Option B, for, is wrong because for the top of your mind does not express any meaningful relation between the parts of the phrase. Option D, of, is wrong because of the top of your mind cannot function correctly after not exactly in this structure. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often overthink cloze questions and imagine new combinations that are not used by native speakers. In preposition questions, especially in idiomatic expressions, it is usually safer to recall standard fixed phrases rather than constructing grammar from scratch. Remembering pairs such as at the top of, at the back of, and at the heart of can provide a reliable guide. In exam practice, build a personal list of such idioms and review them regularly to avoid confusion when similar items appear. Final Answer: The correct answer is at.

Question 5

In this English grammar error detection question, identify which part of the sentence "Photosynthesis is possible because of sun" contains an error.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence combines a scientific term, photosynthesis, with a simple grammatical structure. The scientific idea is correct, but the language contains a small error that exam setters want you to notice. The sentence reads Photosynthesis is possible because of sun. The task is to find which part of the sentence is not grammatically acceptable in standard English and would need correction in formal writing. Given Data / Assumptions: - The full sentence is: Photosynthesis is possible because of sun. - It is divided into parts as follows: Part 1 Photosynthesis is, Part 2 possible, Part 3 because of sun, and Part 4 No error. - Only one part contains an error. - The scientific fact, that photosynthesis depends on the sun, is assumed to be correct. Concept / Approach: The error in this sentence is not about science but about the use of articles in English. When we refer to the sun as the unique star of our solar system, we normally use the definite article the, as in the sun. The phrase because of sun is therefore incomplete. The correct form should be because of the sun. We must identify which numbered part contains this incorrect phrase. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part 1: Photosynthesis is. This is a correct subject verb combination introducing the topic. Step 2: Examine part 2: possible. This adjective correctly completes the verb phrase is possible. Step 3: Examine part 3: because of sun. Here we see the missing article the before sun. Step 4: Understand that unique objects in nature, such as the sun, the moon, and the earth, usually take the definite article. Step 5: Part 4 claims no error, but we have identified one, so part 4 cannot be correct. Step 6: Conclude that part 3 is the error containing segment. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the sentence correctly as Photosynthesis is possible because of the sun. This version sounds natural and follows the standard article rule. A second check is to compare with similar expressions: Life on earth is possible because of the sun. The earth orbits the sun. In all such sentences, we use the definite article. Using only sun without the article would sound incomplete or incorrect in formal written English. This confirms that the error is located in part 3, and the correction is to add the before sun. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong as an answer because Photosynthesis is is a correct opening and does not contain an error. Option B is wrong because the adjective possible is correctly placed after the linking verb is. Option D is wrong because the sentence is not error free; it requires a correction in part 3. Common Pitfalls: Students may become distracted by the scientific term photosynthesis and look for problems in that word, but the exam is concerned with English grammar, not science. Another common mistake is to overlook small words like articles because they seem minor. In reality, articles are a frequent source of errors in competitive exams. Training yourself to check for the, a, and an whenever there is a singular countable noun or a unique object can significantly improve your accuracy in these questions. Final Answer: The correct answer is Part 3: "because of sun."

Question 6

In this English grammar error detection question, identify the part of the sentence "Every effect we see, hear or speak in our outside or physical world has a specific cause that have its origin in the inner or mental world" which contains a grammat…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence expresses a philosophical idea about cause and effect, but the exam focuses on subject verb agreement and correct auxiliary usage. The sentence reads Every effect we see, hear or speak in our outside or physical world has a specific cause that have its origin in the inner or mental world. The general meaning is acceptable, but there is a grammatical problem related to the verb phrase that have its origin. Given Data / Assumptions: - The subject in the main clause is Every effect, which is singular. - The main verb is has a specific cause. - A relative clause follows: that have its origin in the inner or mental world. - Only one part of the sentence contains an error. Concept / Approach: The relative pronoun that in the clause that have its origin refers back to the singular noun cause. Therefore, the verb in this relative clause must also be singular, which means has, not have. The phrase its origin further confirms that the writer sees the cause as a singular entity. When subject and verb disagreement occurs in such structures, exams expect you to detect the mismatch. The incorrect plural auxiliary have appears in part 3 of the sentence division. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the noun that the relative pronoun that refers to. It refers to cause in the phrase a specific cause. Step 2: Recognise that cause is a singular noun, because it is preceded by a, indicating one specific cause. Step 3: Observe the verb in the relative clause: have its origin. Step 4: Note that have is the plural form, while the singular form for third person is has. Step 5: See that the phrase its origin also shows the singular nature of the subject. Step 6: Conclude that the correct form should be has its origin, so the error lies in the part that currently uses have. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the sentence as: Every effect we see, hear or speak in our outside or physical world has a specific cause that has its origin in the inner or mental world. This corrected version reads smoothly and maintains singular subject verb agreement throughout. As another check, if we changed the noun to causes, the relative clause would change to that have their origin. Since the sentence uses the singular cause and its, the matching auxiliary must be has, not have. Thus part 3 contains the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is wrong as an answer because the phrase Every effect we see, hear or speak in our outside is awkward but not grammatically incorrect in terms of agreement. Option B is wrong because or physical world has a specific cause that is structurally sound and continues the thought correctly. Option D is wrong because the sentence is not error free; the auxiliary verb in the relative clause must be corrected. Common Pitfalls: Long sentences with relative clauses and several verbs can easily confuse learners. They might incorrectly match have with the nearest plural seeming word, such as effects, and forget that the relative pronoun connects to cause. A useful technique is to isolate the relative clause and read it with its noun: the cause has its origin. This reveals the correct form. Regular practice with sentences that include that, which, and who can strengthen your ability to track subject verb agreement across complex structures. Final Answer: The correct answer is Part 3: "have its origin in the inner or mental world."

Question 7

In this English grammar and usage question, fill in the blank in the sentence "______ worst is yet to come" with the most appropriate article.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a classic article usage question based on a well known expression in English: The worst is yet to come. Articles in English, especially the definite article the, are often used before superlative adjectives like best, worst, tallest, and so on. The sentence here is incomplete and asks you to choose the correct word to complete it, testing your understanding of superlative forms and their typical article patterns. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is: blank worst is yet to come. - The blank must be filled by one of the options The, An, A, or None. - The word worst is a superlative adjective derived from bad. - We consider standard English idioms and grammar rules. Concept / Approach: In English, superlative adjectives usually take the definite article the. Examples include the best day, the highest mountain, and the worst experience. The phrase the worst is yet to come is also a set expression that means the most difficult or unpleasant part of a situation has not happened yet. An and A are used with singular countable nouns starting with vowel and consonant sounds respectively, and None means no article at all. Since worst is a superlative that refers to a specific extreme stage of events, it normally takes the. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify worst as a superlative form that describes the lowest or most negative degree of something. Step 2: Recall the general rule that superlatives in English usually require the definite article the. Step 3: Test option A: The worst is yet to come. This sounds natural and matches the common idiom. Step 4: Test option B: An worst is yet to come. This is incorrect because an cannot be used before a consonant sound and superlative in this way. Step 5: Test option C: A worst is yet to come. This is also wrong because superlatives do not take the indefinite article a. Step 6: Test option D: Worst is yet to come. While sometimes an article can be dropped in headlines, in standard grammar this expression takes the. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by comparing to similar expressions: The best is yet to come, The hardest part is yet to begin. In each case, the superlative phrase starts with the. If we remove the, the sentences sound incomplete or forced. Moreover, many speakers recognise The worst is yet to come as an idiom used in literature, films, and everyday speech, always with the definite article. Therefore, option A correctly completes both the grammar rule and the idiomatic usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, An, is wrong because an is used before vowel sounds in singular countable nouns, not before superlative adjectives such as worst. Option C, A, is wrong because the indefinite article is not used with superlative forms when they function as noun phrases, as in the worst or the best. Option D, None, is wrong because omitting the article breaks the usual structure of this idiom in normal prose. Common Pitfalls: Some learners become confused by short sentences and think that articles are optional. Others may think that since worst seems almost like a noun here, it might behave differently. However, superlatives in English are very regular in their need for the definite article, especially when they refer to a specific stage or event. Remember that expressions like the worst, the best, and the most important normally retain the before them in exam style sentences. Final Answer: The correct answer is The.

Question 8

In this vocabulary question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word "Turbulence" as it is commonly used in English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Turbulence is a word that appears in both everyday and technical contexts, such as air travel, politics, and physics. In ordinary English, it usually conveys a sense of disturbance, disorder, or violent movement. Exams frequently ask for synonyms that capture this emotional or physical unrest. In this question, we must pick the option that matches the central idea of turbulence, not its opposite. Given Data / Assumptions: - The target word is Turbulence. - The options are Agitation, Calmness, Repose, and Stillness. - The question seeks a meaning that fits general usage, such as turbulent weather or political turbulence. - Only one option is a true synonym; the others are antonyms or unrelated. Concept / Approach: Turbulence suggests a state in which things are in violent or chaotic motion. For example, a plane experiences turbulence when the air is rough and unstable. Political turbulence refers to unrest or instability in a country. Agitation is the only option that conveys a similar idea of disturbance or unrest. Calmness, repose, and stillness all express quiet, peace, or the absence of movement, which are opposite to the concept of turbulence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the typical sentence: The aircraft hit severe turbulence. This describes rough, shaking motion. Step 2: Examine option A, Agitation, which means disturbance, excitement, or nervous movement, very close to the idea of turbulence. Step 3: Examine option B, Calmness, which means peace and lack of disturbance. Step 4: Examine option C, Repose, which refers to rest, relaxation, or tranquillity. Step 5: Examine option D, Stillness, which means absence of motion and complete quiet. Step 6: Since turbulence implies disturbance and unrest, and Agitation matches this idea, option A is the best synonym. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by substitution. In the sentence The region is going through political turbulence, we can replace turbulence with agitation to get The region is going through political agitation, which is meaningful and close in sense. If we substitute calmness, repose, or stillness, we get sentences that mean the exact opposite of the intended idea. For instance, political calmness would describe a peaceful period, not an unstable one. This confirms that Agitation is the correct synonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, Calmness, is wrong because it describes a peaceful, undisturbed state, the opposite of turbulence. Option C, Repose, is wrong because it refers to rest and relaxation, which again contrasts with turbulence. Option D, Stillness, is wrong because it means no movement at all, while turbulence is about intense movement and disturbance. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students know the basic sense of the word but confuse themselves by overthinking. They may imagine technical meanings from physics, where turbulence has a precise mathematical definition, and forget the everyday usage. For exam purposes, it is usually safe to focus on the general language meaning unless the question clearly indicates a specific field. Also, in synonym questions with three clear opposites and one matching word, the single matching word is usually correct, so you should be confident selecting it after a quick check. Final Answer: The correct answer is Agitation.

Question 9

In this vocabulary question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the word "Quiescent" as it is used in standard English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Quiescent is a less common but important adjective in advanced English, often used in scientific, literary, and formal writing. It describes something that is quiet, inactive, or at rest, not currently showing signs of activity or development. Competitive exams like to test such words because they appear in academic texts and reports. In this question, you must choose the option that comes closest in meaning to quiescent. Given Data / Assumptions: - The word to interpret is Quiescent. - The options are Dull, Questionable, Bright, and Alive. - The context is general English, not a special technical field. - Only one option should match the idea of inactivity or rest. Concept / Approach: Quiescent comes from a Latin root meaning to rest. When something is quiescent, it is inactive or dormant. For example, a quiescent volcano is one that is not erupting at present. Among the options given, Dull is the closest in ordinary vocabulary, because it can indicate lack of activity, energy, or excitement. Questionable means doubtful or suspicious and does not relate to activity level. Bright refers to light or intelligence. Alive refers to living or full of activity. Therefore, Dull is the best available match for quiescent in this list. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the typical dictionary definition of quiescent as inactive, quiet, or at rest. Step 2: Examine option A, Dull, which can describe something lacking energy, excitement, or vividness, which is close to inactive. Step 3: Examine option B, Questionable, which carries the idea of something being doubtful or open to suspicion, not related to rest. Step 4: Examine option C, Bright, which suggests light, colour, or intelligence, and is nearly opposite in tone to quietness. Step 5: Examine option D, Alive, which directly indicates life, activity, and energy, opposite to quiescent. Step 6: Since only Dull has a sense close to inactivity, select it as the most appropriate synonym. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can place quiescent and Dull in similar sentences. For example, The market remained quiescent for months can be paraphrased as The market remained dull or inactive for months. Another example is The disease is in a quiescent stage, meaning it is not active. In these contexts, Questionable, Bright, or Alive would change the meaning completely. Dull, while not a perfect technical synonym, aligns with the sense of low activity, which is what the exam requires here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, Questionable, is wrong because it talks about doubt and suspicion, not about activity or rest. Option C, Bright, is wrong because it suggests vivid energy or intelligence, which is almost the opposite of quiescent. Option D, Alive, is wrong because it clearly points to strong life and activity, whereas quiescent means the absence of visible activity. Common Pitfalls: Some students see the letter sequence qui and mistakenly connect it with question, leading them towards Questionable. This is a false association based on spelling rather than meaning. Another risk is choosing bright or alive because they sound positive, but synonym questions are about meaning match, not positive or negative tone. It is always better to recall at least a rough definition of the word from reading practice and then choose the nearest option, which in this case is Dull. Final Answer: The correct answer is Dull.

Question 10

In the passage about photography as a way to stop time, choose the correct form of the adjective to complete the sentence "Photography is the _____________ we can get to stopping time".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze passage uses poetic language to describe photography as a way of freezing moments. The sentence in focus is Photography is the blank we can get to stopping time. The blank must be filled with a word that completes the comparison in a grammatically correct and meaningful way. The phrase the blank we can get to stopping time suggests a superlative idea, so we must look for the adjective form that fits this structure. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence structure is Photography is the blank we can get to stopping time. - The options are close, closest, closeness, and closely. - The is already placed before the blank, signalling that a noun or superlative adjective may follow. - The intended meaning is that photography is the best or nearest way to stop time. Concept / Approach: The phrase the closest we can get to something is a standard English expression meaning the nearest possible approach. The presence of the before the blank and the comparison implicit in can get to stopping time point clearly to the superlative adjective closest. Close by itself is a positive degree adjective. Closeness is a noun meaning nearness. Closely is an adverb. Therefore, the word that both fits the grammar and expresses the idea of maximum nearness is closest. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert close: Photography is the close we can get to stopping time. This is ungrammatical because close here needs a superlative form. Step 2: Insert closest: Photography is the closest we can get to stopping time. This sounds natural and expresses the intended meaning. Step 3: Insert closeness: Photography is the closeness we can get to stopping time. This construction is not idiomatic and does not follow a common pattern. Step 4: Insert closely: Photography is the closely we can get to stopping time. This is clearly incorrect because closely is an adverb. Step 5: Recognise that only the superlative adjective closest forms a correct and idiomatic expression after the. Step 6: Choose closest as the word that completes both the grammar and the poetic idea. Verification / Alternative check: We can test with similar constructions: This is the closest we can get to a perfect solution. This is the closest you will come to flying without wings. These examples show the common pattern the closest we can get to. Replacing closest with close, closeness, or closely would make them incorrect. Returning to the passage, photography is being presented as the nearest possible experience to freezing time. Hence, the correct and idiomatic phrase is Photography is the closest we can get to stopping time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, close, is wrong because it is not in the required superlative form after the, and the structure the close we can get is not used in English. Option C, closeness, is wrong because it is a noun, and the phrase requires a superlative adjective for a natural reading. Option D, closely, is wrong because it is an adverb, and the sentence needs an adjective to describe the state of being near to stopping time. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes forget to look at the word the before the blank and focus only on the meaning of close. Any time you see the plus a word that compares degree, you should consider whether a superlative is needed. The pattern the nearest, the farthest, and the closest we can get to is extremely common in English and worth memorising. Recognising this pattern quickly can save time and avoid mistakes in cloze tests and reading comprehension passages. Final Answer: The correct answer is closest.

Question 11

In the same passage about photography and memory, select the correct verb form to complete the phrase "the photo album is the most potent time machine ever ____________, one that transports you to a curated past".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze item focuses on the correct past participle form in a passive construction. The sentence reads The photo album is the most potent time machine ever blank, one that transports you to a curated past. The idea is that among all devices humans have created, the photo album is the most powerful time machine. In English, the phrase ever built is a standard way to describe something as the greatest of all things that have been constructed. Given Data / Assumptions: - The structure around the blank is is the most potent time machine ever blank. - The options are build, built, building, and builds. - We recognise that ever often accompanies a past participle in sentences like the best film ever made. - The intended meaning is that at any time in history, no time machine created has been more potent. Concept / Approach: In English, we say the best book ever written, the largest ship ever built, and the most beautiful song ever sung. In each case, the past participle form of the verb appears after ever to form a reduced relative clause. Built is the past participle of build. The other forms are either base form build, present participle building, or present tense builds, none of which correctly fit this pattern. Therefore, we must choose built to complete the passive sense implied by ever built. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that build has the forms build, built, built for base, past, and past participle. Step 2: Compare with similar examples: the greatest monument ever built, the strongest bridge ever made. Step 3: Test option A: The time machine ever build. This is ungrammatical because build is not in the correct form. Step 4: Test option B: The time machine ever built. This matches the known pattern and sounds natural. Step 5: Test option C: The time machine ever building. This does not create a meaningful passive construction. Step 6: Test option D: The time machine ever builds. This changes the meaning completely and does not fit the structure after most potent. Verification / Alternative check: We can expand the reduced clause for clarity: the most potent time machine that has ever been built. Here, built clearly functions as the past participle in a passive perfect construction. When clauses are reduced, the auxiliary has been is often dropped, leaving ever built on its own. This is exactly what is happening in the passage. Substituting any other form breaks the underlying grammar. Thus, the only correct choice is built. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, build, is wrong because the base form cannot serve as a passive participle in this context. Option C, building, is wrong because it is the present participle and would suggest an ongoing action, which is not the intended meaning. Option D, builds, is wrong because it is a present tense verb and would need a subject, not fit after ever in this structure. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes forget that certain fixed expressions combine ever with a past participle. When you see ever followed by a verb in such comparative structures, you should look for the past participle form and think of the full relative clause that has been omitted. Recognising patterns like ever built, ever seen, and ever written is very helpful in cloze passages, as they repeat frequently across reading materials and exam questions. Final Answer: The correct answer is built.

Question 12

In the same passage, choose the correct conjunction to complete "everything exists ________ you choose to remember it, one that lets you revisit not just people and places and ages, but the hidden crannies of your own memory".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question tests the use of the conjunction as to express manner or way. The passage describes how a photo album contains memories in the exact way you choose to recall them. The sentence states that everything exists blank you choose to remember it. We must select the word that conveys the idea of manner or form in which something exists in memory. Given Data / Assumptions: - The incomplete clause is everything exists blank you choose to remember it. - The options are so, to, at, and as. - The context is memory and the way photos preserve moments. - We need a conjunction that can introduce a clause of manner. Concept / Approach: The phrase exists as you choose to remember it means that something exists in the same form or manner in which you decide to recall it. As is commonly used to express manner: do as you like, write as you speak. So usually introduces result, to functions mainly as a preposition or infinitive marker, and at is a preposition of place or time. Therefore, as is the only option that logically and grammatically connects exists with the clause you choose to remember it in this sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert so: everything exists so you choose to remember it. This suggests a purpose clause and changes the meaning. Step 2: Insert to: everything exists to you choose to remember it. This is grammatically incorrect. Step 3: Insert at: everything exists at you choose to remember it. This is not a valid construction. Step 4: Insert as: everything exists as you choose to remember it. This expresses the idea of manner or form correctly. Step 5: Recognise that as you choose to remember it means in the way you choose to remember it. Step 6: Conclude that as is the only suitable conjunction. Verification / Alternative check: We can expand the idea in a more explicit sentence: In the album, every moment exists exactly in the way you choose to remember it. The shorter version everything exists as you choose to remember it is the natural cloze answer. We can also compare with other examples: Life appears as you see it, or The story unfolds as the director imagines it. In each case, as introduces a clause that describes manner. Using so, to, or at in these sentences would produce incorrect or awkward English. Thus, as is clearly the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, so, is wrong because it normally introduces a clause of result or purpose, as in so that, not a clause of manner in this construction. Option B, to, is wrong because it functions as a preposition or infinitive marker, and cannot correctly link exists and you choose to remember it. Option C, at, is wrong because it is used for place or time, not for describing how something exists in memory. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students see the word so and quickly associate it with that in a so that structure, forgetting that the full phrase is required for correct grammar. In cloze passages, writers often remove only one word from a multiword expression, and the remaining part no longer fits. It is important to read the whole sentence and interpret the meaning, not just match patterns mechanically. Remember that as is a very flexible conjunction that can show time, cause, and especially manner, which is the function required in this sentence. Final Answer: The correct answer is as.

Question 13

Continuing the same passage, choose the correct word to complete "one that lets you revisit ________ just people and places and ages, but the hidden crannies of your own memory".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze item tests a very common correlative structure in English: not just A, but also B. The sentence describes how the photo album lets you revisit more than just the obvious things like people, places, and ages. It extends the meaning to the hidden corners of memory. Therefore, the blank before just people should be filled by the first part of this paired structure, making the entire phrase not just people and places and ages, but the hidden crannies of your own memory. Given Data / Assumptions: - The fragment to complete is lets you revisit blank just people and places and ages, but the hidden crannies of your own memory. - The options are nor, none, no, and not. - The phrase continues with but, suggesting a contrast or extension. - We look for a word that naturally forms a correlative pair with but in this context. Concept / Approach: In English, writers often use the pattern not just A, but B to emphasise that there is more than the basic element. Here, A is people and places and ages, and B is the hidden crannies of your own memory. The word that completes the pair is not. The word nor is used in neither nor structures. None is a pronoun, and no is a determiner used before nouns, but they do not fit in this correlative phrase in the given sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert nor: revisit nor just people and places. This is ungrammatical, since nor is not used this way. Step 2: Insert none: revisit none just people and places. This does not create any known structure. Step 3: Insert no: revisit no just people and places. This combination is incorrect and awkward. Step 4: Insert not: revisit not just people and places and ages, but the hidden crannies of your own memory. This is a clear and common structure. Step 5: Recognise the full expression not just A, but B, which is widely used in English writing. Step 6: Conclude that not is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by writing the full correlative phrase: The book talks not just about history, but about culture as well. This is directly parallel to the sentence in the passage. Replacing not with any of the other options breaks the correlative relation and produces either nonsense or a completely different meaning. Therefore, the only word that both fits the structure and preserves the intended emphasis is not. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, nor, is wrong because it is used with neither, as in neither A nor B, not with just and but. Option B, none, is wrong because it is a pronoun used independently, not as part of this correlative linking pattern. Option C, no, is wrong because it is placed before nouns to mean not any, and it cannot combine with just in this position. Common Pitfalls: A common confusion arises between not and no. Both are negative words, but they serve different grammatical roles. Not often modifies verbs or adjectives and forms part of multiword structures like not only, not just, but also. No directly modifies nouns, as in no time or no money. Remembering which one appears in fixed expressions like not just A, but B will help you avoid errors in cloze passages and sentence completion questions. Final Answer: The correct answer is not.

Question 14

In the same passage, choose the correct possessive form to complete the phrase "but the hidden crannies of ________ own memory and the strange landscape of emotions that lies beyond".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze item tests understanding of possessive pronouns in English. The sentence speaks directly to the reader and says that the photo album allows you to revisit not just outer events but also the hidden crannies of blank own memory. Because the subject addressed is you, we must select the correct possessive form that connects you with own memory. This is a straightforward, but important, grammar point. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase to complete is the hidden crannies of blank own memory. - The options are your, you, yourself, and yourselves. - The context is second person address, as the passage uses you earlier. - The structure own memory requires a possessive determiner before own. Concept / Approach: In English, possessive determiners like my, your, his, her, our, and their come before nouns to show ownership or association. When own is added, as in your own memory, it emphasises that the memory belongs personally to the person addressed. You is a subject or object pronoun, yourself and yourselves are reflexive pronouns. None of these, except your, can function correctly before own memory in this position. Therefore, the correct word must be your. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert your: the hidden crannies of your own memory. This sounds natural and grammatically correct. Step 2: Insert you: the hidden crannies of you own memory. This is ungrammatical because you cannot directly modify a noun in this way. Step 3: Insert yourself: the hidden crannies of yourself own memory. This is clearly incorrect, as reflexive pronouns do not precede own in this structure. Step 4: Insert yourselves: the hidden crannies of yourselves own memory. This is also incorrect and awkward. Step 5: Recognise that own usually comes after a possessive determiner, as in my own, your own, or our own. Step 6: Conclude that your is the only grammatically acceptable choice. Verification / Alternative check: We can check by listing typical patterns: my own decision, your own story, her own house, their own ideas. In each case, a possessive determiner precedes own. Replacing my or your with you or yourself would make these phrases ungrammatical. Returning to the passage, the writer is clearly speaking to the reader and wants to emphasise that the memories belong personally to you. Thus, the phrase your own memory is both idiomatic and accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, you, is wrong because it is a pronoun used as subject or object, not as a determiner before a noun. Option C, yourself, is wrong because reflexive pronouns usually follow a verb or preposition, as in you can do it yourself, not before own memory. Option D, yourselves, is wrong for the same reason and is also plural, while the passage addresses the reader in a general singular sense. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse possessive determiners with pronouns that look similar, such as your and you or their and they. A quick test is to see whether the word stands alone or comes before a noun. If it must come before a noun, a possessive determiner is needed. In phrases with own, this rule is even stronger, since own nearly always follows my, your, his, her, our, or their. Keeping this pattern in mind makes such cloze questions straightforward to solve. Final Answer: The correct answer is your.

Question 15

In this English idioms question, select the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiomatic expression "be left stranded" as it is used in everyday situations.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the English idiomatic expression "be left stranded". Idioms often have meanings that are different from the literal meanings of the words. Competitive exams in English frequently check how well you can recognise such idioms in real life contexts, such as travel problems, emergencies, or social situations where people suddenly find themselves without help. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is "be left stranded". You have to select the option that explains the meaning of the idiom, not translate it word by word. The context is general everyday English usage. Concept / Approach: To solve idiom questions, you should focus on how the idiom is actually used in sentences. "Be left stranded" is commonly used when a person is stuck somewhere, for example at an airport, station, or on a road, because transport or help is not available. It can also be used more generally for any situation where a person is stuck without support. It does not talk about blame, hair, or a single lifeline, but about being stuck and helpless. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key idea in the idiom "be left stranded". It suggests being stuck without help or means to move. Step 2: Compare this idea with each option and see which one captures this meaning most clearly. Step 3: Option A talks about being unable to leave a place or situation because there is no help or transport. This matches the idea of being stranded. Step 4: The other options either talk about appearance, blame, or responsibility, which do not match the idiom. Step 5: Therefore, choose the option that directly reflects being stuck without help. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by remembering common phrases such as "The passengers were left stranded at the airport when the flight was cancelled". In that sentence, the meaning is clearly that they could not leave because there was no arrangement. This matches option A exactly, confirming that it is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B refers to a bad hair day, which is about personal appearance and not about being stuck. Option C focuses on having a single thing to hold on to, which is about dependence rather than being stuck. Option D talks about blame, which is unrelated to the idea of being stranded. Option E describes extra responsibility, again not the same as being stuck without help. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to be influenced by one or two words such as "left" or "stranded" and imagine an emotional meaning rather than the established idiomatic meaning. Another pitfall is guessing based on partial familiarity with the phrase "left with only one option", which is different from "left stranded". Always think of how native speakers use the expression in real life situations. Final Answer: The correct meaning of the idiom is To be unable to leave a place or situation because there is no help, transport, or support available.

Question 16

In this English idioms question, select the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the idiomatic phrase "all thumbs" when used to describe a person.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of the idiomatic phrase "all thumbs". Idioms like this are often used in spoken and written English to describe someone's behaviour or ability in a colourful way. Knowing such expressions is very important for competitive exams, interviews, and real life communication because they appear in newspapers, conversations, and literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is "all thumbs". You must choose the option that correctly explains the idiomatic meaning. The context is description of a person, especially in relation to the use of hands. Concept / Approach: Literally, thumbs are only two fingers on the hand, but if someone is "all thumbs", the image is that all the fingers behave like thumbs, that is, clumsy and not very useful for fine work. The idiom is used when a person finds it difficult to handle delicate tasks like sewing, fixing electronics, or using tools. It does not refer to cheering, education level, or formal permission. The key idea is physical clumsiness with the hands. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase "all thumbs" and think of situations where it is used in English. Step 2: Recall examples such as "He is all thumbs in the kitchen" which clearly describe a clumsy person who drops things or cannot handle utensils properly. Step 3: Compare each option with this idea of clumsiness. Step 4: Option A directly states "Physically awkward and clumsy, especially when using the hands", which exactly captures the idiom. Step 5: Reject options that talk about cheering crowds, permission, illiteracy, or general phone use, as they do not match the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by checking how dictionaries define the idiom. They consistently mention awkwardness with the hands or being very clumsy. This reconfirms that option A is accurate. In real life, this idiom is often used in a slightly humorous tone to describe someone who cannot fix or assemble things properly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B speaks of a cheering crowd, which has no connection to clumsy hands. Option C refers to permission, which is a completely different concept. Option D describes an illiterate person, but literacy is about reading and writing, not manual clumsiness. Option E mentions mobile phone use, which is a modern activity and not part of the traditional meaning of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink idioms and link them to modern contexts, such as excessive phone usage, simply because thumbs are used for typing on phones. However, idioms usually come from older usage and retain their original meanings. Always focus on established dictionary meanings rather than personal guesses based on one word. This helps you avoid confusion in exam situations. Final Answer: The idiom "all thumbs" means Physically awkward and clumsy, especially when using the hands.

Question 17

In this English vocabulary question, select the single word that best substitutes the phrase "a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of one word substitutes, a very important area in English vocabulary for competitive exams. You are asked to choose the word that correctly represents "a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas". Such a group is usually at the front of progress, innovation, and change in fields like technology, art, politics, or social movements. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase given describes people who are at the front of new developments and ideas. The options provided are "Vanguard", "Sycophant", "Stooge", "Zealot", and "Mediocrity". You must match the phrase with the most appropriate English word. Concept / Approach: In vocabulary questions like this, you should carefully analyse the key idea in the phrase. The phrase clearly points to leadership in innovation and progress. The word "vanguard" is commonly used for the forefront of an action or movement. Other options have negative or unrelated meanings, so they can be eliminated by understanding their definitions. Good vocabulary preparation involves not only learning meanings, but also typical usage in sentences and contexts. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the central idea in the phrase: being at the front of new developments. Step 2: Recall the meaning of "vanguard". It refers to the foremost part of an army or movement, especially those leading in new ideas or trends. Step 3: Check "sycophant". This means a person who flatters someone in power for personal gain. Step 4: Check "stooge". This is a person who is used by someone else as a tool, often in a dishonest or comic manner. Step 5: Check "zealot". This means a person who is fanatically devoted to a cause, not necessarily someone leading new developments. Step 6: "Mediocrity" refers to average quality, not leadership in innovation. Step 7: Only "vanguard" fits the idea of a leading group in new developments. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by remembering common phrases like "the vanguard of the movement" or "the vanguard of technological progress". In both examples, the vanguard clearly refers to those at the forefront. No other option is used in such expressions. This confirms that "vanguard" is the correct answer for the phrase given in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Sycophant" is wrong because it is about flattering behaviour, not leadership. "Stooge" is wrong because it implies being controlled or used by someone else. "Zealot" stresses extreme enthusiasm or fanaticism, not necessarily being at the front of new ideas. "Mediocrity" is also wrong because it suggests average or inferior quality, the opposite of the cutting edge implied by the phrase. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is selecting a word just because it sounds sophisticated or uncommon without knowing its meaning. Some students may also confuse "zealot" with leadership, thinking strong passion equals being a leader, but the word does not guarantee innovation or progress. Always base your choice on precise meanings and common collocations you have seen in reading practice. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Vanguard.

Question 18

In this English vocabulary question, select the single word that best substitutes the description "eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The question tests your understanding of precise English vocabulary and one word substitutes. You must identify a word that captures the full idea of being eager or quick to argue or fight and being aggressively defiant. Such a word is often used in descriptions of hostile behaviour, quarrelsome attitudes, or confrontational personalities in literature, newspapers, and psychological descriptions. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase describes a person who quickly becomes argumentative or violent. The behaviour is not just firm, but aggressively defiant. The options are "Truculent", "Docile", "Pliable", "Pliant", and "Submissive". Concept / Approach: Good vocabulary skills involve recognising subtle differences between words. "Truculent" is the standard word used for someone who is fiercely aggressive, ready to fight, and defiantly hostile. The other words describe people who are gentle, easily controlled, or flexible, which is the opposite of the meaning given in the phrase. Therefore, we must match the idea of aggressive defiance with the correct word from the list. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on key ideas in the phrase: eager to argue, ready to fight, and aggressively defiant. Step 2: Recall the meaning of "truculent". It refers to someone who is aggressively defiant, hostile, and likely to argue or fight. Step 3: Consider "docile". This means calm, gentle, and easy to control, which is the exact opposite of aggressive defiance. Step 4: Consider "pliable" and "pliant". Both mean easily bent or easily influenced, again suggesting softness, not aggression. Step 5: "Submissive" refers to someone who easily yields to others, which does not fit the idea of quickness to argue or resist. Step 6: Only "truculent" matches the mood and strength of the description given. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling that "truculent" is often used in phrases like "a truculent attitude" or "a truculent teenager", where the sense is of someone who challenges authority, snaps back, and is hard to manage. None of the other words you would naturally use in such contexts. This cross check confirms that "truculent" is the most accurate one word substitute. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Docile" is wrong because it means quiet and easily managed. "Pliable" and "pliant" both suggest flexibility and readiness to be shaped by others, which is far from aggressive resistance. "Submissive" describes someone who accepts authority and does not resist, which is again opposite to being defiant. Thus all these options contradict the aggressive tone of the phrase. Common Pitfalls: Many students confuse difficult words simply based on their sound or because they have seen them only once or twice. Another mistake is not paying enough attention to the emotional tone of the phrase, such as aggressiveness or defiance. Building strong vocabulary requires reading extensively, learning words in context, and repeatedly revising them with examples. This will reduce confusion between near synonyms and antonyms in exams. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Truculent.

Question 19

In this English grammar improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part of the sentence: "The base of the cooking vessels would have a thick coating of carbon deposit and (clean) it was a pain."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of correct verb forms and sentence structure in English. The sentence describes a habitual situation where the base of cooking vessels has a thick layer of carbon, and the action of cleaning it is difficult. You need to decide which form of the verb will make the sentence grammatically correct and natural in standard English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The original sentence is: "The base of the cooking vessels would have a thick coating of carbon deposit and (clean) it was a pain." You must choose the correct form of "clean" to complete the sentence. The sentence describes cleaning as an activity that is difficult or painful. Concept / Approach: When we talk about an activity in general, especially as the subject of a clause, we often use the gerund form of a verb, that is, the verb plus "-ing". In the structure "and cleaning it was a pain", "cleaning" functions as a noun, describing the action. Using "cleaned" or "cleans" here would break the structure and lead to incorrect grammar. Therefore, understanding the function of gerunds is key to solving this question correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify what role the word after "and" must play. It should name an activity that is difficult. Step 2: Recognise that the clause "cleaning it was a pain" needs a gerund "cleaning" as the subject of the verb "was". Step 3: Option C "cleaning" gives exactly this gerund form. Step 4: Option A "cleaned" would create "and cleaned it was a pain", which is ungrammatical because "cleaned" is a past tense or past participle, not a subject. Step 5: Option B "cleans" is present simple and cannot function logically in that position. Step 6: "No improvement" is wrong because the bracketed base form "clean" is not correct in the given structure. Step 7: Option E "to clean" also changes the structure and sounds less natural than the gerund in this parallel construction. Verification / Alternative check: A good way to verify is to focus on the part after "and" only. Say "Cleaning it was a pain" aloud. It sounds natural and grammatically correct. Try replacing "cleaning" with "cleaned" or "cleans" and you will notice that the sentence becomes awkward and incorrect. Therefore, the gerund form is the most appropriate and standard choice in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Cleaned" would normally need a subject and an object, for example, "I cleaned it", so it does not work as the subject of "was". "Cleans" is simple present tense and again cannot be used as the subject in this way. "No improvement" is incorrect because the base form "clean" does not fit the structure. "To clean" introduces an infinitive clause, which would make the sentence "and to clean it was a pain". This is possible but less natural and does not match the parallel style of the sentence as well as "cleaning". Common Pitfalls: Students often ignore whether the verb is acting as a noun or as part of a tense. Gerunds are frequently tested in competitive exams because many sentences require verb forms that function as subjects or objects. To avoid mistakes, always check whether the word is naming an activity or showing an action in time. If it names an activity, the "-ing" form is usually required. Final Answer: The correct improvement is cleaning.

Question 20

In this English grammar improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part of the sentence: "It (has been pointed) out that the Facebook postings that people make are not a real reflection of who they are."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your understanding of English verb forms in passive constructions. The sentence discusses what has been observed or highlighted about Facebook posts and how they may not truly represent people. You must decide whether the bracketed part "has been pointed" is correct or if one of the alternatives expresses the intended meaning more accurately. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "It has been pointed out that the Facebook postings that people make are not a real reflection of who they are." The phrase "has been pointed out" is a passive construction with the dummy subject "It". The tense required is present perfect passive, indicating that this pointing out has already happened and is relevant now. Concept / Approach: In English, the structure "It has been pointed out that..." is a standard way to introduce information that others have already highlighted. It uses the present perfect passive tense: has been + past participle. The verb "point" takes the past participle "pointed". Therefore, "has been pointed out" is grammatically correct. Any change that breaks this structure or uses an incorrect form of "be" or the past participle will be wrong. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence requires a passive structure with "it" as a formal subject. Step 2: Present perfect passive is formed as "has been" plus the past participle of the verb. Step 3: For the verb "point", the past participle is "pointed", so the correct form is "has been pointed out". Step 4: Option A "has being pointed" uses "being", which is incorrect in present perfect passive and sounds ungrammatical. Step 5: Option B "has been point" uses the base form "point" instead of the past participle and is incorrect. Step 6: Option C "has been pointing" would be present perfect continuous, which does not fit with "out that" and is not used in this reporting expression. Step 7: Option E "had been pointed" changes the tense to past perfect and does not match the general statement being made. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by considering similar sentences such as "It has been reported that..." or "It has been observed that...". All use the same pattern: has been + past participle. In formal writing, "It has been pointed out that..." is widely used to introduce a comment or criticism. This confirms that the original bracketed phrase is already correct and should not be changed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A uses "being", which is used in continuous passive forms like "is being pointed out", not in present perfect passive. Option B omits the past participle and is clearly wrong. Option C suggests an action continuing over time and sounds unnatural in this fixed expression. Option E shifts the tense to past perfect, suggesting an earlier past reference, which is not needed when stating a generally valid observation. Common Pitfalls: Students often get confused between "being" and "been" in passive structures. Remember that "been" is used in perfect tenses, while "being" appears in continuous forms. Another common mistake is altering correct fixed expressions because they sound unfamiliar. When you see phrases like "It has been said", "It has been noted", or "It has been pointed out", recognise them as standard patterns and avoid unnecessary changes. Final Answer: The best choice is no improvement, so the correct form is "It has been pointed out that the Facebook postings that people make are not a real reflection of who they are."

English Questions