Question 1

In this jumbled sentence question, the three labelled parts are: A) had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food, B) meant the end of firewood, which, C) the kerosene stove also. Select the most logical order of these parts to form a co…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to reorder jumbled sentence fragments into a coherent and meaningful English sentence. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they check both grammar and logical flow of ideas. The fragments describe the impact of the introduction of the kerosene stove on the use of firewood for cooking. Given Data / Assumptions: Part A: "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food" Part B: "meant the end of firewood, which" Part C: "the kerosene stove also" You must choose the order that forms a smooth and grammatically correct sentence. Concept / Approach: To solve jumbled sentence questions, start by identifying the logical subject and the likely beginning of the sentence. Then, see which parts link grammatically and logically. Here, the sentence is about the introduction of the kerosene stove and its effect on firewood. The phrase "the kerosene stove also" looks like the subject and must come at the beginning. The phrase "meant the end of firewood, which" naturally leads into a clause describing firewood. Finally, "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food" explains how long firewood had been dominant. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the probable beginning. Part C, "the kerosene stove also", looks like the subject phrase and is a natural starting point. Step 2: See which fragment can follow C. "The kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which" makes sense, so B should come after C. Step 3: The clause "which meant the end of firewood, which" needs a relative clause to explain something about firewood. Part A "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food" describes firewood, so A should follow B. Step 4: Combine them as CBA: "The kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food." Step 5: Check grammar, tense, and sense. The sentence is grammatically correct and logically clear. Verification / Alternative check: Test other sequences quickly. BAC would give "meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food the kerosene stove also", which is grammatically wrong. CAB would start with "the kerosene stove also had ruled...", which does not match the idea of the kerosene stove ending the rule of firewood. Thus, alternative orders do not convey the intended meaning correctly. The CBA order stands out as smooth and meaningful. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (CAB) produces an awkward and ungrammatical sentence. Option B (BCA) begins with "meant the end of firewood", but there is no subject before "meant". Option D (BAC) and Option E (ACB) both break the logical sequence and either misplace the subject or leave relative clauses hanging. Only CBA respects both grammar and logical order of ideas. Common Pitfalls: Students often try to arrange based on tense alone or length of fragments. A better strategy is to locate the main subject and main verb first, then attach dependent clauses and relative clauses in a way that keeps the sentence natural. Pay attention to pronouns like "which" and "who" because they must follow the nouns they refer to. Here, "which" clearly refers to "firewood", guiding us towards the correct placement of Part A after Part B. Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order is CBA.

Question 2

In this spelling question, four different spellings of the same word are given. Select the correctly spelt form of the word meaning "showing an unhealthy obsession or excessive concern".

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of correct English spelling. Spelling questions are common in many competitive exams because they check not only memory but also your familiarity with standard written English. The word in focus here is "obsessive", which is used to describe someone who is excessively preoccupied with a particular idea, activity, or person. Given Data / Assumptions: You are given four main variants: "obsesive", "obsessiv", "obsessive", and "obsesiv", along with one extra incorrect option. Only one spelling is standard and accepted in formal English. The base word is "obsess", and the adjective form is built from it. Concept / Approach: To identify the correct spelling, it helps to know the base verb "to obsess" and the related noun "obsession". The adjective is formed by adding "ive" to the base "obsess". Thus, the correct spelling is "obsessive", with double "s" in the middle and the final "ive" ending. Options that drop a letter, change the ending, or distort the base form are incorrect. Learning word families like obsess, obsession, obsessive can help you reliably choose correct spellings in exams. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the root word, which is "obsess". Step 2: Recall the noun form "obsession" and adjective "obsessive". Both keep the double "s" after the "b". Step 3: Examine option C "obsessive". It keeps the full base "obsess" and adds the adjective suffix "ive". Step 4: Check option A "obsesive". It has only one "s" after "b", so it is wrongly spelt. Step 5: Check option B "obsessiv". It lacks the final "e" required by the "ive" ending. Step 6: Check option D "obsesiv". It omits both an "s" and the final "e", so it is completely wrong. Step 7: Option E "obessive" misplaces the letters and does not match the base word "obsess". Verification / Alternative check: You can verify from memory by recalling phrases such as "obsessive behaviour", "obsessive thoughts", or "obsessive fan". In all these real life usages, the printed form is "obsessive". Seeing the word used in reliable sources like textbooks, newspapers, and dictionaries reinforces the correct pattern. None of the other given spellings look familiar in standard written English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A misses one "s", which breaks the clear link to the base word "obsess". Option B truncates the adjective ending, stopping at "v". Option D changes both the number of consonants and the ending, and option E rearranges letters, producing a nonstandard form. None of these appear in dictionaries as correct spellings of the adjective. Common Pitfalls: A frequent problem is that learners rely on pronunciation instead of visual memory when choosing spellings. Since the double "s" is not strongly heard, many guess a single "s". To avoid this, practise spelling by writing and revising entire word families, and pay special attention to double consonants in English words like "necessary", "occasion", and "obsessive". Over time, correct spellings will start to look visually natural, and incorrect ones will stand out as strange. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is obsessive.

Question 3

In this English vocabulary question, select the single word that best substitutes the phrase "courteousness and refinement of manner".

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Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of one word substitutes connected with behaviour and manners. The phrase "courteousness and refinement of manner" refers to polished, polite, and cultured social behaviour, especially in conversation and interaction. You must choose the word that exactly captures this meaning in formal English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase to be replaced is "courteousness and refinement of manner". The options are "Urbanity", "Plaudit", "Adulation", "Profanity", and "Boastfulness". Only one of these words refers to polished manners and cultured behaviour. Concept / Approach: "Urbanity" is an English noun that denotes polished, refined, and courteous behaviour, especially associated with people from cities or cultivated backgrounds. The other options have very different meanings. "Plaudit" is a form of praise, "adulation" refers to excessive admiration, "profanity" means offensive or vulgar language, and "boastfulness" is about bragging. Matching the core idea of refined manners with the precise word leads you to the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the central idea of the phrase: politeness plus refinement in social behaviour. Step 2: Recall the meaning of "urbanity". It refers to courteous, refined, and elegant manners. Step 3: Evaluate "plaudit". It means an expression of praise or approval, not a manner of behaving. Step 4: Evaluate "adulation". This word refers to exaggerated or excessive praise, again unrelated to refinement of manner. Step 5: Evaluate "profanity". It means language that is rude, offensive, or irreligious and is the opposite of refined behaviour. Step 6: Evaluate "boastfulness". This is the habit of talking proudly about oneself and is considered bad manners, not refinement. Step 7: Only "urbanity" fits both courteousness and refinement of manner. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling collocations like "his urbanity impressed everyone at the party" or "she spoke with wit and urbanity". In both cases, the word implies grace, politeness, and polished social behaviour. None of the other options naturally collocate with manners or refinement. This reinforces that "urbanity" is the correct one word substitute for the phrase in the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Plaudit" and "adulation" focus on praising someone; they do not describe how a person behaves. "Profanity" is clearly negative, linked to bad language, and is the direct opposite of refinement. "Boastfulness" describes arrogant self praise and would be considered rude rather than courteous. Therefore, all these options fail to convey the idea of refined manners that the question demands. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick a word simply because it has a positive tone, without matching it precisely to the phrase. Others may not have seen the word "urbanity" often and may feel uncertain about it. A good strategy is to learn vocabulary in word families with examples and context. For instance, connect "urban" with city, "urbane" with sophisticated, and "urbanity" with refined behaviour. This mental chain helps you remember meanings accurately. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is Urbanity.

Question 4

In this idioms question, select the alternative that best explains the meaning of the expression "to have an axe to grind" when used about a person's actions or opinions.

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Introduction / Context: This question assesses your understanding of the idiomatic expression "to have an axe to grind". Idioms in English often carry meanings that cannot be understood simply by translating the individual words. This idiom is widely used in newspapers, debates, and discussions when someone is suspected of having a hidden or personal motive behind what they are saying or doing. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom is "to have an axe to grind". You must choose the explanation that matches its established idiomatic meaning. The expression is about motive, not about real axes or physical preparation. Concept / Approach: Historically, the idiom suggests a person who appears to be doing something neutral, like sharpening an axe, but actually has a personal interest in getting others to help or support them. In modern usage, if someone has an axe to grind, it means they are promoting an opinion or action because it benefits them personally. Therefore, the correct option must refer to a private reason or personal agenda, rather than general preparation or hard work. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the idea of motive. The idiom is used when we suspect that the person has some personal stake. Step 2: Read option A: "To have a private reason or personal interest for doing something." This directly states a hidden or personal motive. Step 3: Read option B: this refers to improving skills for future challenges, which is neutral and not about hidden interests. Step 4: Read option C: this suggests preparing for a fight, which may be serious but not necessarily driven by a private agenda. Step 5: Read option D: this focuses on getting ready for work or a project, again without the nuance of selfish motive. Step 6: Read option E: this is about multitasking, not personal motives. Step 7: Conclude that only option A captures the idea of a private or selfish reason behind an action. Verification / Alternative check: You can recall example sentences such as "The minister's comments on policy seem to show that he has an axe to grind" or "She joined the committee with an axe to grind." In both sentences, the idea is that the person has some personal interest, maybe political or financial, behind their actions. None of the options except A can be substituted into such sentences without changing the meaning drastically, which confirms that A is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B refers to sharpening skills, which may sound similar to sharpening an axe but misses the essential idea of a hidden motive. Option C talks about preparing for a fight, which is too literal and unrelated to personal interest. Option D is about readiness for work or projects and is neutral in motive. Option E introduces the concept of multitasking, which does not appear in the idiom at all. Hence these options are misleading or irrelevant. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to interpret idioms literally, especially when tools or actions are mentioned, such as axes, grinding, or sharpening. Another pitfall is to focus on only one part of the phrase and guess based on half remembered meanings. The safest method is to recall how the idiom is used in real sentences and in what contexts it appears, for example in discussions about bias, politics, and conflicting interests. Final Answer: The idiom "to have an axe to grind" means To have a private reason or personal interest for doing something.

Question 5

In this repaired English vocabulary question, select the word which is closest in meaning to the definition "a standard or principle by which something is judged or decided".

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Introduction / Context: The original question text only said "Select the synonym of" and was incomplete. Applying the recovery first policy, we repair the stem to test a clear and meaningful concept. Now the question asks you to select the word that best matches the definition "a standard or principle by which something is judged or decided". This type of vocabulary question is very common in English sections of competitive exams and tests your understanding of exact word meanings. Given Data / Assumptions: The repaired definition is "a standard or principle by which something is judged or decided". The options are "Fortuitous", "Contingent", "Criterion", "Arbitrary", and "Digression". Only one of these words correctly fits the given definition. Concept / Approach: The key is to match the definition with the precise dictionary meaning of each option. "Criterion" is the standard word for a rule or principle used to judge or evaluate something, for example admission criteria or selection criteria. The other words belong to different idea groups: chance, dependence, randomness, and wandering from the topic. Understanding such subtle differences is essential for scoring well in vocabulary questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the main idea: a standard or principle used for judgment or decision making. Step 2: Consider "criterion". It means a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. This exactly matches the definition. Step 3: Consider "fortuitous". It means happening by chance or accident, not a standard of judgment. Step 4: Consider "contingent". It means dependent on certain conditions or circumstances, again not a judging standard. Step 5: Consider "arbitrary". It means based on random choice or personal whim rather than a fixed standard, almost the opposite of a clear criterion. Step 6: Consider "digression". It means a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing, unrelated to standards or principles. Step 7: Since only "criterion" fits, it must be the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling common usage such as "The main criterion for selection is merit" or "Several criteria are used to rank the candidates". In all such contexts, "criterion" or its plural "criteria" clearly refers to a standard or principle for judgment. None of the other words can be substituted into these sentences without making them meaningless or incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Fortuitous" deals with luck and chance events, not standards. "Contingent" describes dependence on conditions, not a measuring rule. "Arbitrary" is about decisions made without standards, the opposite idea. "Digression" refers to moving away from the main topic in writing or speech. Since the question is about a standard or principle, these options clearly do not fit. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse advanced vocabulary words when they see them out of context. Some may pick "arbitrary" simply because it appears in formal English, without checking its meaning. Others may not recognise that "criterion" is the singular form and "criteria" is the plural, leading to uncertainty. To avoid such errors, regularly revise important academic words and learn them with clear example sentences and collocations. Final Answer: The correct synonym for the given definition is Criterion.

Question 6

In this active and passive voice question, the sentence "Jayesh has sent the email" is given in active voice. Select the alternative that correctly expresses the same idea in passive voice.

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Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of transforming a sentence from active voice to passive voice while keeping the tense and meaning intact. The given sentence "Jayesh has sent the email" is in present perfect tense. You must select the passive form that correctly shows what has happened to the object "the email". Voice change questions are very common in exams and are based mainly on correct use of tense and auxiliary verbs. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: "Jayesh has sent the email." Subject: Jayesh. Verb phrase: has sent (present perfect). Object: the email. We must convert this to passive voice without changing the tense. Concept / Approach: The general rule for changing active to passive is: object + appropriate form of "be" + past participle of the main verb + by + subject. For present perfect tense, the pattern becomes: has or have + been + past participle. So "has sent" in active changes to "has been sent" in passive. The subject "Jayesh" moves to the end after "by", and the object "the email" comes to the beginning as the new subject of the passive sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the tense: "has sent" shows present perfect tense. Step 2: Identify object: "the email" will become the subject in the passive sentence. Step 3: Apply the structure: "The email has been sent..." where "has been" is the correct auxiliary for present perfect passive. Step 4: Add the past participle of "send", which is "sent". Step 5: Finally add "by Jayesh" to indicate who performed the action. Step 6: The full passive sentence becomes: "The email has been sent by Jayesh." Verification / Alternative check: Check agreement of tense and meaning. Both the active and passive sentences should indicate that the action is completed and relevant to the present. "Has been sent" mirrors "has sent" in tense, while "was sent" would shift the meaning to a simple past action. Rewrite the active and passive forms side by side and see that the time reference is the same. This confirms that option A is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B "has had been sent" is grammatically incorrect because it mixes auxiliary verbs unnecessarily. Option C "was sent" changes the tense to simple past and loses the present relevance. Option D "was send" is grammatically wrong because "send" should be "sent" as the past participle. Option E "is being sent" represents present continuous passive and indicates an action in progress, not a completed one. None of these accurately reflect the meaning of the original sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to include "been" in perfect passive forms and write "has sent" or "has be sent" by mistake. Another common error is changing the tense accidentally when shifting from active to passive. To avoid this, always identify the tense before transforming the sentence and apply the correct passive structure for that tense, such as "has been" for present perfect or "had been" for past perfect. Final Answer: The correct passive voice form is The email has been sent by Jayesh.

Question 7

In this direct and indirect speech question, the sentence "Anil says, \"I am glad to be here this morning\"" is given in direct speech. Select the option that best expresses the same idea in indirect speech.

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Introduction / Context: This question examines your understanding of converting direct speech into indirect speech when the reporting verb is in the present tense. The direct sentence is "Anil says, I am glad to be here this morning". When the reporting verb "says" is in the present tense, the reported clause usually keeps its tense if the situation is still true at the time of reporting. You must choose the indirect form that correctly follows this rule and maintains the meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct sentence: "Anil says, I am glad to be here this morning". Reporting verb: "says" (present simple). Reported speech: "I am glad to be here this morning". We assume the situation is still current at the time of speaking. Concept / Approach: When the reporting verb is in the present tense and the statement refers to something that is still valid, the tense of the reported speech usually does not change. Therefore, "am" remains "is". Also, when "here" still refers to the same place, it can remain "here" in indirect speech. The conjunction "that" is often used after "says". The correct indirect speech should therefore be "Anil says that he is glad to be here this morning". Options that change the tense unnecessarily or change "here" to "there" and "this" to "that" may not fit the assumed context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Replace the first person pronoun "I" in the direct speech with "he" to match the subject Anil. Step 2: Since the reporting verb is "says" in present tense and the statement is still true, keep the present tense "am" as "is" in indirect speech. Step 3: Add the conjunction "that" after "says" to introduce the reported clause. Step 4: Decide on place and time words. As the speaker and listener are assumed to be in the same place and on the same morning, "here this morning" can remain unchanged. Step 5: The sentence becomes: "Anil says that he is glad to be here this morning." Verification / Alternative check: Check the options against this logic. Options A and D use "there that morning", which is more appropriate when the speaker and listener are in a different place or reporting at a later time. Option B changes the reporting verb to "was saying" and shifts everything into the past, which is not given in the question. Option C uses "was glad", also moving the statement into the past, which is unnecessary when "says" is present. Option E matches the reasoning and maintains the original sense and timing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options A and D incorrectly change the place and time reference to "there that morning" without any context that demands such a shift. Option B changes both the reporting verb and the reported speech tense, which alters the meaning. Option C mixes present reporting "says" with past "was glad", which is inconsistent and suggests that Anil is no longer glad. Only option E keeps the time frame and context aligned with the original direct speech. Common Pitfalls: Learners often apply backshifting rules mechanically without considering the tense of the reporting verb and the reality of the situation. Backshift is necessary when the reporting verb is in the past, but not always when it is in the present. Another common error is to change all deictic words like "here" and "this" automatically, even when the context suggests no change. It is important to think logically about who is speaking, where, and when. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech is Anil says that he is glad to be here this morning.

Question 8

In this sentence completion question, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "Either you are a mind reader or it is a __________________ that you called me just as I was keying your phone number."

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of vocabulary and contextual usage in English. The sentence describes a surprising situation where someone calls at exactly the same time as their number is being dialled. You must choose the word that best fits the meaning of this situation and completes the sentence naturally. Such questions are common in competitive exams to check practical understanding of word meanings in real life contexts. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "Either you are a mind reader or it is a __________________ that you called me just as I was keying your phone number." The options include "coincidence", "correlation", "union", "happening", and "miracle". The context is a surprising but everyday event, not necessarily supernatural. Concept / Approach: The key idea is that two events occur at the same time by chance: the speaker is dialling the number, and the other person calls. The natural word for such an event is "coincidence", which means a remarkable occurrence of events or circumstances without any apparent causal connection. The other options either refer to a relationship between variables, a joining together, a general event, or a supernatural event, and do not fit as well in normal conversational English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the emotion in the sentence. The speaker is pleasantly surprised. Step 2: Focus on the phrase "just as I was keying your phone number". This points to two actions occurring at the same time. Step 3: Think of a word that describes such chance timing. "Coincidence" is commonly used when two related things happen together by chance. Step 4: Check "correlation". It is a technical term used in statistics for a relationship between two variables, not for such daily events. Step 5: "Union" suggests joining or marriage, which does not fit this context. Step 6: "Happening" is a general word for an event and is too vague. Step 7: "Miracle" suggests something supernatural, which is too strong for a simple phone call coincidence, though it might be used humorously. The best neutral and common word is "coincidence". Verification / Alternative check: Imagine how native speakers would express this situation in conversation. They would usually say "What a coincidence" rather than "What a correlation" or "What a happening". Even if someone jokingly says "What a miracle", exams prefer the standard, neutral term that fits most contexts. Reading the sentence aloud with each option will show that "coincidence" sounds the most natural and correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Correlation" is mostly used in scientific or statistical contexts and does not fit casual speech here. "Union" implies a formal joining or association, not just two actions happening together by chance. "Happening" is too general and does not capture the element of surprise. "Miracle" is exaggerated and usually reserved for events that seem impossible or supernatural, which is not implied in a simple phone call example. Common Pitfalls: Some students mix up "coincidence" and "correlation", thinking both mean any relationship between events. However, "correlation" is technical and does not imply chance in the same conversational way. Another pitfall is to be attracted to dramatic words like "miracle" without checking whether the tone of the sentence justifies such intensity. Always match the option to the realistic context of the sentence. Final Answer: The word that best completes the sentence is coincidence.

Question 9

In this idioms question, select the alternative that best explains the meaning of the expression "great minds think alike" as it is used in everyday English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on the popular English expression "great minds think alike". Idioms like this often appear in casual conversation, films, books, and even exam passages. Knowing their correct meaning helps you understand context and respond appropriately in real life as well as in competitive exams. The idiom is generally used in a light and positive way when two people come up with the same idea at almost the same moment. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom is "great minds think alike". The options all try to explain or interpret this phrase. We assume a normal conversational context where people are reacting to similar thoughts or suggestions. Concept / Approach: In everyday usage, when two friends propose the same plan or suggestion at nearly the same time, one of them may say "great minds think alike" in a friendly, humorous way. It is a compliment that jokingly suggests that because both had the same idea, both must have great minds. It does not claim that philosophers always agree, nor does it make deep philosophical claims about truth. The correct option must reflect the simple, conversational use of the phrase. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on how this idiom is used in daily conversation. Step 2: Read option A: it says the expression is used when two people have the same opinion at the same time. This matches real life usage. Step 3: Option B claims that clever people always think rationally, which is unrelated to the idiom. Step 4: Option C turns the phrase into a serious philosophical claim about one truth and philosophers, which is not how the idiom is used. Step 5: Option D talks about friendship between scientists and philosophers, which again does not match the expression. Step 6: Option E suggests a negative attitude towards others, whereas the idiom is usually positive and playful. Step 7: Therefore, option A is the only choice that reflects the real meaning and tone of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine two students suggesting the same answer in a group study session. One might say "great minds think alike" and smile. This supports option A, since it captures the light hearted recognition of shared thought. The other options cannot fit naturally into such situations, which confirms that they are misinterpretations or overcomplications of the idiom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B confuses the idiom with a general statement about intelligence and rational thinking. Option C invents a philosophical rule about truth that the idiom never claims. Option D brings in scientists and philosophers without any connection. Option E adds a tone of superiority and dismissal that is not present in the normal use of the phrase. All these distort the simple conversational meaning of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Some learners search for deep or hidden meanings in idioms and forget how they are used in everyday speech. Others may focus on the word "great" and assume that the phrase must contain some serious theory about intelligence. The safe approach is to remember actual dialogues or examples where you have heard the idiom and match the options to that usage. Examiners usually test the standard conversational meaning, not any special interpretation. Final Answer: The idiom "great minds think alike" is used when two people express the same idea or opinion at the same time.

Question 10

In this antonym question, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to the phrasal verb "to rake" in the sense of gathering or pulling things together.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The verb "to rake" in this context means to gather, pull together, or collect things such as leaves, soil, or small objects by drawing a rake or similar tool across a surface. You must select the verb whose meaning is opposite to this idea of collecting or drawing together. Given Data / Assumptions: The base meaning of "to rake" here is to gather together, as in raking leaves. The options given are "to harrow", "to scatter", "to scour", "to enfilade", and "to scrape". We must choose the word that reverses the sense of bringing things together. Concept / Approach: An antonym should present a clear opposite action. If "to rake" means to pull things into a pile, its opposite is to spread them apart. Among the options, "to scatter" specifically means to throw or spread things far apart in different directions. The other options either describe different agricultural actions, cleaning or searching, or have technical military meanings and do not give a direct opposite to gathering into a heap. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fix the idea of "to rake" as gathering leaves or objects into a pile. Step 2: Look for an option that represents spreading things out rather than collecting them. Step 3: "To scatter" means to throw, drop, or spread things over a wide area so that they are no longer together. Step 4: "To harrow" is an agricultural term for breaking up soil and is not strictly the opposite of gathering objects. Step 5: "To scour" means to scrub or search thoroughly, which does not oppose the act of collecting. Step 6: "To enfilade" is a military term about firing along the length of a line of troops and is unrelated here. Step 7: "To scrape" is similar to raking in some contexts and not an opposite action. Verification / Alternative check: Visualise a garden where someone has raked leaves into a neat pile. The opposite action would be for someone to kick the pile and scatter the leaves all over the lawn. In that mental picture, "scatter" is clearly the opposite of "rake". None of the other options describe this reversal so directly, which confirms that "to scatter" is the true antonym here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "To harrow" changes the condition of the soil rather than describing collection or dispersion of objects. "To scour" suggests scrubbing or searching, which may involve movement but not the specific idea of spreading apart what has been collected. "To enfilade" has a technical military meaning and does not relate to everyday actions with objects on the ground. "To scrape" involves moving a tool across a surface, and in many contexts it is similar to raking, not opposite to it. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose words that simply sound technical or complex, rather than focusing on the core meaning and its opposite. Another mistake is to ignore the specific sense of the word given in the question. Since "to rake" can have other meanings, such as criticising someone, the context here must be understood as gathering, which points directly to "scatter" as the antonym. Always anchor your choice to the given meaning, not to any vague association with the word. Final Answer: The antonym of "to rake" in the sense of gathering is to scatter.

Question 11

In this grammar improvement question, choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed verb in the sentence: "When I (go) to Paris, I shall visit the Eiffel Tower."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of correct tense usage in time clauses introduced by "when". The sentence talks about a future visit to Paris and a planned activity there. English grammar has specific rules about using present tense after certain conjunctions, even when the main action refers to the future. You must decide whether the bracketed verb "go" should be changed or left as it is. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "When I go to Paris, I shall visit the Eiffel Tower." The conjunction "when" introduces a time clause. The main clause uses future time: "I shall visit the Eiffel Tower." You need to choose the best form for the verb in the "when" clause. Concept / Approach: In English, future time in subordinate clauses introduced by "when", "before", "after", "as soon as", and similar conjunctions is usually expressed with the present simple tense, not with "will" or "shall". Therefore, "When I go to Paris" is correct, even though the action will happen in the future. The future auxiliary "shall" or "will" is used in the main clause, as in "I shall visit the Eiffel Tower." Changing "go" to "shall go" or "will be going" in the "when" clause would break this standard rule. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that "when I go to Paris" is a time clause. Step 2: Recall the rule: in time clauses referring to the future, use present simple instead of future auxiliaries. Step 3: Check the given form "go". It is present simple and fits the rule exactly. Step 4: Option A "shall go" incorrectly uses future auxiliary in the time clause. Step 5: Option B "will be going" is future continuous and again is not used after "when" in standard formal English. Step 6: Option C "have to go" changes the meaning and suggests obligation, not simply future time. Step 7: Option E "went" shifts the sentence into past reference and does not match "shall visit". Step 8: Therefore, "go" is already correct and no improvement is needed. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences such as "When she arrives, we will start the meeting" or "When you finish your homework, you can watch television". In each case, the time clause uses the present simple, while the main clause can use "will". Applying this pattern, "When I go to Paris, I shall visit the Eiffel Tower" clearly follows the standard structure. Any attempt to insert "shall" or "will" inside the "when" clause would sound unnatural in exam level English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Shall go" and "will be going" violate the normal rule for future time clauses after "when". "Have to go" introduces a sense of compulsion, which is not part of the original meaning. "Went" changes the time frame to the past and makes the sentence inconsistent. Therefore, all of these options are inferior to the original construction with present simple "go". Common Pitfalls: Students often apply the idea that future actions require "will" or "shall" everywhere, without remembering exceptions in subordinate clauses. This leads to incorrect forms like "When I will go" or "When she will arrive". To avoid this, practise recognising clauses introduced by "when", "before", "after", and similar words, and train yourself to use present simple in those clauses whenever they refer to the future. Final Answer: The correct choice is no improvement, so the sentence should remain "When I go to Paris, I shall visit the Eiffel Tower."

Question 12

In this vocabulary question, select the synonym of the word "digression", which refers to a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of English synonyms. The word "digression" is often used in discussions of speeches, lectures, or written texts to describe a shift away from the main topic. You must pick the option that is closest in meaning to this idea. Vocabulary questions like this are important in exams because they check not only word meanings but also your familiarity with academic and literary language. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "digression". The options are "Meandering", "Candid", "Categorical", "Unequivocal", and "Concise". You need to choose the word that best matches a departure from the main subject. Concept / Approach: "Digression" refers to a temporary shift away from the main line of argument or narrative. It suggests wandering off the main path. The word "meandering" captures this idea of wandering or going off in a winding, indirect route, both literally and figuratively. The other options refer to honesty, clarity, or firmness of statement and do not refer to leaving the main topic. Therefore, "meandering" is the closest synonym in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fix the meaning of "digression" as a side track away from the main subject. Step 2: Consider "meandering". This word originally describes a river or path that winds and curves, and by extension describes speech or writing that wanders from the point. Step 3: Consider "candid". It means open and honest, especially about something difficult, which does not relate to leaving the topic. Step 4: Consider "categorical". It means explicit and direct, the opposite of wandering. Step 5: Consider "unequivocal". This also means clear and leaving no doubt, again unrelated to digression. Step 6: Consider "concise". It means brief and to the point, almost the opposite of digressive or meandering. Step 7: Only "meandering" expresses the idea of wandering away from a straight line or main topic. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a lecturer who starts to tell a long personal story unrelated to the main topic. You could say, "This is an interesting digression" or "The lecture started to meander". Both words describe a departure from the main subject. You would not describe such a story as categorical, unequivocal, or concise. This comparison shows that "meandering" fits the sense of digression best. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Candid" relates to honesty and openness, not topic changes. "Categorical" and "unequivocal" describe the degree of certainty or clarity of a statement, not whether it stays on topic. "Concise" describes being brief and focused, almost the opposite of digression. Therefore, none of these options give the sense of wandering off the main subject that "digression" carries. Common Pitfalls: Students may focus on whether a word sounds academic or formal instead of matching the meaning exactly. Another common error is confusing the positive connotations of clarity or honesty with the neutral or slightly negative idea of digression. The safest strategy is to link "digression" with "side track" and then find the option that best reflects that sense of wandering away. Final Answer: The synonym of "digression" is Meandering.

Question 13

In this sentence completion question on everyday manners, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "Excusing yourself before standing to leave is part of proper table ____________."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of vocabulary related to manners and social behaviour. The sentence describes a polite action at the dining table, namely excusing yourself before you stand up to leave. You must choose the word that correctly names the conventional rules of polite behaviour in such settings. This kind of vocabulary is often tested in exams because it appears in general reading, personality development topics, and interview discussions. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "Excusing yourself before standing to leave is part of proper table ____________." The options include "etiquette", "usage", "dignity", "habit", and "culture". The context is dining manners and polite behaviour at the table. Concept / Approach: The set of accepted rules for polite behaviour in society, especially in formal situations like dining, is called "etiquette". We speak of table etiquette, office etiquette, and telephone etiquette. The other options refer to language customs, personal worth, repeated actions, or broad cultural practices, and do not directly name the system of rules of politeness. Therefore, the correct answer must be "etiquette". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase "proper table". This normally collocates with "etiquette". Step 2: Recall that "etiquette" means the customary code of polite behaviour in society or particular contexts. Step 3: Option A "etiquette" fits directly and gives the standard phrase "table etiquette". Step 4: Option B "usage" usually refers to language usage or how something is used, not specifically to manners. Step 5: Option C "dignity" means self respect or honour, which is more about a personal quality than a set of rules. Step 6: Option D "habit" refers to any repeated behaviour, good or bad, without focusing on social rules. Step 7: Option E "culture" is a broad term for customs, arts, and social institutions, and is too general here. Verification / Alternative check: Consider common phrases used in finishing school courses, hospitality training, or parenting guides. They regularly talk about "table etiquette", such as how to hold cutlery, when to start eating, and how to speak politely during meals. The sentence in the question fits perfectly into such discussions. None of the other options form equally natural and widely used collocations with "table". Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Usage" would sound incomplete and vague in this context. "Dignity" refers more to self respect and does not name specific rules. "Habit" could describe simply what someone does, whether polite or rude, so it lacks the sense of correct behaviour. "Culture" covers a wide variety of practices and is not the specific technical term for rules of politeness. Therefore, they all fail to capture the precise idea that the sentence requires. Common Pitfalls: Some learners might think of "culture" because table manners vary from culture to culture, but the word "culture" itself is too broad. Others might pick "habit" because they think of repeated behaviour, but the sentence speaks of "proper" behaviour, which points to established social rules. Always pay attention to common collocations and fixed phrases in English, as these often guide you to the right answer in such questions. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is etiquette, giving the phrase "proper table etiquette".

Question 14

In this spelling question, four different spellings are given. Select the correctly spelt word that refers to an ordinary non military person or someone who is not in the armed forces.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question assesses your spelling skills in English. The task is to identify the correctly spelt word among several incorrect options. The correct answer, "civilian", is a commonly used term that refers to any person who is not a member of the armed forces or police. Spelling accuracy is essential in exams, formal writing, and professional communication. Given Data / Assumptions: You are given the spellings "deriesion", "apalled", "civilian", "sacluded", and "civillian". Only one of these is correctly spelt in standard English. The question is about general vocabulary, not about specialised technical terms. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling "civilian" is built from the base "civil" plus the suffix "ian". The word is widely used in news reports, law, and everyday speech to distinguish non military people from soldiers or officers. The other options are misspellings of different words: "derision", "appalled", "secluded", or doubled wrong forms. Recognising familiar words and their typical visual patterns is the key to solving such questions quickly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at option C "civilian". This word is well known and clearly spelt with one "l" and one "i" after "civ". Step 2: Check the meaning. "Civilian" refers to a person who is not serving in the armed forces or police, which is a common English word. Step 3: Examine option A "deriesion". The standard word is "derision", so this spelling is incorrect. Step 4: Examine option B "apalled". The correct spelling is "appalled" with double "p" and double "l". Step 5: Examine option D "sacluded". The correct form is "secluded", which is spelt differently. Step 6: Examine option E "civillian". This incorrectly doubles the letter "l". The standard spelling has only one "l". Step 7: Therefore, the only correctly spelt word among the options is "civilian". Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the correctness of "civilian" by recalling phrases like "civilian casualties", "civilian life", and "civilian clothes", all of which appear frequently in newspapers and news broadcasts. None of the other forms would be recognised in such contexts. Visual familiarity with the correct spelling helps you confidently reject the wrong variants. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Deriesion" misplaces vowels and does not match the standard word "derision". "Apalled" misses one "p" and one "l" compared to "appalled". "Sacluded" changes both vowels and consonants from the correct "secluded". "Civillian" adds an unnecessary extra "l". None of these forms are accepted in standard English dictionaries or formal writing. Common Pitfalls: Many learners are confused by double consonants and vowel positions in English words. They may add or remove letters randomly. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to read widely, pay attention to spellings in reliable sources, and practise writing commonly confused words. Over time, your visual memory of correct forms like "civilian" will become strong enough that incorrect variants will look obviously wrong. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word in the list is civilian.

Question 15

In this English grammar question, you must improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct noun phrase. Sentence: "Please pass me that (scissors)."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of countable and uncountable noun forms in English, specifically how to correctly refer to objects that usually appear in pairs, such as scissors, trousers, and spectacles. The sentence given is "Please pass me that (scissors)." You are asked to improve only the bracketed part, which means you must select the grammatically correct and natural expression in everyday English. Given Data / Assumptions: - The base sentence is: "Please pass me that (scissors)." - The word "scissors" is typically used in the plural form in English. - The task is to choose the best replacement for the bracketed word from the options. - Only the bracketed part should change; the rest of the sentence remains the same. Concept / Approach: Some nouns that refer to tools or clothing are plural in form and are treated as plural nouns, even though they refer to a single object. Examples include "scissors", "trousers", "jeans", and "spectacles". When we want to refer to one unit of such an object, we often use the phrase "a pair of" followed by the plural noun, for example "a pair of trousers" or "a pair of scissors". Therefore, for polite requests like "Please pass me that ...", the correct and natural phrase is "that pair of scissors". The question focuses on choosing a grammatically accurate expression that fits this standard pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "scissors" is almost always plural in form and usage. Step 2: Understand that to refer to one unit, English commonly uses "a pair of" with such plural-only nouns. Step 3: Check each option and see which one gives a grammatical and natural noun phrase. Step 4: Identify that "pair of scissors" maintains correct agreement between "pair" (singular) and "scissors" (plural form used after "pair of"). Step 5: Confirm that this phrase fits perfectly into the sentence, giving "Please pass me that pair of scissors." Verification / Alternative check: We can quickly test the sentence with each option. "Please pass me that scissor" sounds odd because "scissor" is not generally used as a singular countable noun in standard English. "Please pass me that pair of scissor" is incorrect because "scissor" should remain in its plural form after "pair of". "No improvement" would leave "scissors" without "pair of", which is unnatural in this structure since "that scissors" is not normally used. In contrast, "Please pass me that pair of scissors" is both natural and grammatically correct. This confirms that "pair of scissors" is the best replacement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option "scissor" is wrong because "scissor" is not typically used as a singular noun in this context. Option "pair of scissor" is incorrect because it mixes a singular noun with "pair of", which requires a plural form. "No improvement" is incorrect because the given phrase in brackets is incomplete and unnatural in the context. Therefore, none of these alternatives express standard English usage. Common Pitfalls: Students often assume that every object must have a simple singular form, so they try to use "a scissor" or "one scissor". This leads to errors because certain nouns in English only appear in plural form, even when they refer to a single item. Another common mistake is forgetting that after "a pair of", the following noun remains plural. Being aware of plural-only nouns and the correct use of "a pair of" helps avoid these errors. Final Answer: The correct improvement of the bracketed part is "pair of scissors", giving the full sentence "Please pass me that pair of scissors."

Question 16

In this English grammar question on sentence rearrangement, you must choose the correct order of the parts P, Q, and R to complete the sentence: "Do people take ________ ________ ________?" with parts P: "rejection of every candidate?", Q: "the trou…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your ability to rearrange sentence fragments in English so that they form a clear, grammatically correct, and meaningful sentence. You are given three labelled parts P, Q, and R, and you must select the correct sequence that completes the question beginning with "Do people take". Such questions are common in competitive exams to test understanding of logical order, connectors, and sentence flow. Given Data / Assumptions: - Stem: "Do people take ________ ________ ________?" - Part P: "rejection of every candidate?" - Part Q: "the trouble to go and" - Part R: "vote only to register their" - We must join Q, R, and P to form a single coherent interrogative sentence. - No extra words can be added; only the order can be changed. Concept / Approach: When rearranging parts of a sentence, we look for logical and grammatical connections: which phrase comfortably follows the opening, which part contains a verb, and which part logically concludes the sentence. The question begins "Do people take", which naturally expects a noun phrase like "the trouble" or "the time" next. So part Q ("the trouble to go and") is the best immediate continuation. After this, we need a phrase that shows what they do when they take the trouble: that is part R ("vote only to register their"), which introduces a purpose or result. Finally, part P ("rejection of every candidate?") completes the object of "register their", giving the final meaning about expressing rejection. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start from the given beginning: "Do people take". Step 2: Choose the most natural phrase to follow. "the trouble to go and" (Q) fits best, giving "Do people take the trouble to go and". Step 3: Next we need an action that follows "to go and". "vote only to register their" (R) logically comes after Q. Step 4: The phrase "register their" requires an object, which is provided by "rejection of every candidate?" (P). Step 5: Combine all: "Do people take the trouble to go and vote only to register their rejection of every candidate?" This is grammatically correct and meaningful. Verification / Alternative check: Testing each of the given sequences confirms our choice. Sequence QRP gives "Do people take the trouble to go and vote only to register their rejection of every candidate?" which is a natural and coherent question. Other sequences, such as RQP or RPQ, place "vote only to register their" immediately after "Do people take", which sounds incomplete and awkward, or they make the placement of the object and purpose phrase illogical. Therefore, only QRP produces a fully acceptable sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: RQP would read "Do people take vote only to register their the trouble to go and rejection of every candidate?", which is clearly ungrammatical. RPQ leads to a similar breakdown of meaning and incorrect word order. PRQ and PRQ-type sequences do not allow "the trouble to go and" to follow "Do people take" naturally, and they also misplace the object of "register their". Because the sentence becomes confusing and ungrammatical, these options are incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on the meaning of individual parts and ignore grammatical constraints like subject-verb agreement and the need for objects after particular phrases. Another common mistake is to assume that the part ending with a question mark must necessarily come last but then ignore whether the preceding parts form a logical structure. The best strategy is to first identify which phrase can directly follow the stem, and then build the sentence step by step, checking for both grammar and sense. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is "QRP", forming the sentence "Do people take the trouble to go and vote only to register their rejection of every candidate?"

Question 17

In this English vocabulary question, you must select the correctly spelled English word from the given options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to recognise correct English spelling. Spelling questions are frequent in competitive exams because they assess your familiarity with common word forms and your exposure to written English. Among the four options provided, three contain deliberate spelling errors, while one is correctly spelled. Your task is to identify the correctly spelled word. Given Data / Assumptions: - Four options are given as possible English words. - Only one option is correctly spelled in standard English usage. - The options are: "alackrity", "refileing", "bufoons", and "condense". - You are not asked for meanings, but understanding common words often helps detect spelling mistakes. Concept / Approach: A good approach to spelling questions is to look for familiar base words and check if they match the most common standard spelling you have seen in quality texts. Many exam questions take real English words and slightly distort them by adding or changing letters. For instance, "alacrity" (meaning eagerness) is a real word, but "alackrity" is not. Similarly, "buffoons" is the correct spelling for foolish persons, not "bufoons". Recognising which base word each option is trying to represent makes it easier to identify the correct spelling. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine "alackrity". It appears to be a distorted version of "alacrity". The presence of "ck" instead of "cr" shows that this spelling is incorrect. Step 2: Examine "refileing". It looks like a misspelling of "refiling" or "refiling" (from "re-file"). The combination "fileing" is wrong, as the usual pattern is "filing" (dropping the silent e). Step 3: Examine "bufoons". This resembles the word "buffoons". Standard spelling is "buffoons" with double f, so "bufoons" is incorrect. Step 4: Examine "condense". This is a standard English verb meaning "to make more compact or concentrated" and appears in dictionaries with this exact spelling. Step 5: Conclude that "condense" is the only correctly spelled word among the options. Verification / Alternative check: If you consult a standard English dictionary, you will find entries for "alacrity", "buffoon", and "condense", but not for "alackrity", "bufoons", or "refileing" as they are written here. Only "condense" exactly matches a correct dictionary form. This confirms that the correct answer is the word whose spelling is accepted in formal writing and common usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "alackrity" is incorrect because the correct word is "alacrity", with the sequence "acr" rather than "ackr". "refileing" is incorrect because in English verbs ending with a silent e typically drop the e before adding "-ing", producing "refiling" instead of "refileing". "bufoons" is wrong because the real plural form is "buffoons", with double f. These small deviations in letters are typical traps used in spelling questions to test attention to detail. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to rely only on pronunciation, because many incorrect spellings still look and sound plausible, especially under exam pressure. Another pitfall is over-correction, where students think a perfectly simple word like "condense" looks too easy and therefore must be wrong. Regular reading of quality English texts, noting word patterns like doubled consonants, dropped silent letters, and common suffix rules, can significantly improve spelling recognition and performance in such questions. Final Answer: The correctly spelled word among the options is "condense".

Question 18

In this English vocabulary question on one-word substitutions, choose the single word that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "involving immoral or dishonourable actions and motives".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of one-word substitutions and finer shades of meaning in English adjectives. You are given a descriptive phrase, "involving immoral or dishonourable actions and motives", and asked to choose a single word that best captures this sense. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they test both vocabulary depth and the ability to distinguish between similar sounding or related words. Given Data / Assumptions: - Phrase to be replaced: "involving immoral or dishonourable actions and motives". - Options: "redoubt", "scrupulous", "immaculate", and "sordid". - Only one option must closely match the negative moral sense expressed in the phrase. - The correct answer should describe behaviour or motives that are morally dirty, shameful, or corrupt. Concept / Approach: The key words in the phrase are "immoral" and "dishonourable". These point to actions that are unethical, shameful, or corrupt. We should therefore look for an adjective that describes morally degraded or dirty behaviour. Among the options, "sordid" is well known for meaning morally foul, base, or involving dirty motives. The other options either describe positive moral qualities or have meanings unrelated to morality. Understanding these nuances allows us to select the most accurate word. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Evaluate "redoubt". This is a noun, not an adjective, and it refers to a defensive fort or stronghold, so it is unrelated to morality. Step 2: Evaluate "scrupulous". This adjective describes a person who is extremely careful to avoid doing wrong, often very honest and morally upright. Step 3: Evaluate "immaculate". This means perfectly clean, spotless, or free from any flaw; in moral contexts it can mean completely pure. Step 4: Evaluate "sordid". This adjective means dirty or squalid in physical senses, and in moral senses it means dishonourable, shameful, or involving corrupt motives. Step 5: Match the phrase "involving immoral or dishonourable actions and motives" with "sordid", which directly captures the idea of morally dirty and dishonourable behaviour. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can try to substitute each option into example sentences. "He was involved in sordid deals" clearly means he engaged in morally shameful or corrupt activities. In contrast, "scrupulous deals" would imply careful honesty, the exact opposite. "Immaculate deals" would suggest perfect cleanliness or flawlessness, again opposite to immoral actions. "Redoubt" cannot even function grammatically in that sentence. Thus, only "sordid" fits both meaning and usage as a one-word replacement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "redoubt" is a noun related to fortifications and has nothing to do with moral behaviour. "scrupulous" describes someone who is extremely careful to do what is right, so it is a positive moral adjective rather than a negative one. "immaculate" suggests purity and perfection, not corruption or dishonour. All three therefore oppose or ignore the idea of immoral or dishonourable motives, making them unsuitable as substitutes for the given phrase. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to choose a word based only on vague familiarity or sound, rather than on precise meaning. Some students may wrongly associate "immaculate" with something intense or dramatic and therefore think it is close to the phrase, even though its meaning is completely positive. Others might confuse "scrupulous" with "unscrupulous", which has the opposite meaning. Building a strong vocabulary requires not just memorising words but also paying attention to context and whether the word carries a positive, negative, or neutral connotation. Final Answer: The best one-word substitute for the phrase is "sordid", which means involving immoral, dishonourable, or corrupt actions and motives.

Question 19

In this English sentence rearrangement question, choose the correct order of the parts P, Q, and R to complete the sentence: "The reference ________ ________ ________." where P: "is simultaneously a matter", Q: "to the size of a vulnerable community…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to reorganise sentence fragments into a logically and grammatically correct sentence. Such questions are common in exams to assess understanding of sentence structure, connectors, and the logical flow of ideas. Here, the sentence concerns a "reference" that has both quantitative and legal-ethical dimensions, and you must order the parts P, Q, and R to produce a coherent statement. Given Data / Assumptions: - Fixed beginning: "The reference". - Part P: "is simultaneously a matter". - Part Q: "to the size of a vulnerable community". - Part R: "of legal as well as political and ethical perspective". - Exactly one arrangement of Q, P, and R should form a natural and meaningful sentence about the nature of this reference. Concept / Approach: To solve rearrangement questions, we look for grammatical dependencies and logical progression. Prepositional phrases like "to the size of a vulnerable community" (Q) and "of legal as well as political and ethical perspective" (R) typically attach to a noun or verb phrase. The phrase "is simultaneously a matter" (P) is clearly a verb phrase that must come after the subject "The reference". Therefore, "The reference" should first be followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies what the reference is about, and then by P and an additional phrase that explains in what sense it is a matter. This approach helps us test all options systematically. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Notice that "The reference is simultaneously a matter" (The reference + P) is grammatically possible, but still incomplete, because "a matter" usually demands "of" something. Step 2: Observe that Q, "to the size of a vulnerable community", naturally follows "The reference" as it explains what the reference is directed to. Step 3: Combine "The reference" and Q: "The reference to the size of a vulnerable community" gives a complete noun phrase. Step 4: Now add P: "is simultaneously a matter", which is the verb phrase describing this reference. Step 5: Finally, add R after P: "of legal as well as political and ethical perspective", which completes the idea of what kind of matter it is. Verification / Alternative check: The full sentence under the order QPR reads: "The reference to the size of a vulnerable community is simultaneously a matter of legal as well as political and ethical perspective." This is grammatically correct and logically meaningful: it states that such a reference is not only a numerical issue but also a matter involving law, politics, and ethics. Other orders fail this test. For example, PRQ gives "The reference is simultaneously a matter to the size of a vulnerable community of legal as well as political and ethical perspective", which is awkward and ungrammatical; the prepositions do not link properly. RPQ and QRP similarly disturb the natural flow of prepositional phrases and the main verb. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option RPQ leads to "The reference of legal as well as political and ethical perspective is simultaneously a matter to the size of a vulnerable community", which makes "reference of perspective" a strange collocation and misuses the preposition "to". Option QRP places "to the size of a vulnerable community of legal as well as political and ethical perspective" after "The reference", which incorrectly implies that the community itself is of legal perspective. Option PRQ makes the sentence grammatically tangled and semantically unclear. Hence, only QPR maintains correct preposition usage and clear meaning. Common Pitfalls: Students often attempt to solve such questions purely by intuition, without carefully checking prepositions and how they connect to nouns and verbs. Another common mistake is to assume that the part beginning with "of" must come immediately after "a matter", even if it breaks the earlier phrase unnaturally. The safe method is to build the sentence from the subject, check how each phrase logically attaches, and only then decide the order. Reading the sentence aloud can also highlight awkward or incorrect groupings. Final Answer: The correct arrangement of the parts is "QPR", giving the sentence "The reference to the size of a vulnerable community is simultaneously a matter of legal as well as political and ethical perspective."

Question 20

In this English grammar error-spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains an error: "To the whale, its(A) tail is the sole(B) mean of propulsion.(C) No error(D)".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error-spotting questions check your ability to detect grammatical and usage mistakes in sentences. Here, the sentence talks about how a whale moves through water. You must identify which labelled segment, A, B, C, or D, contains the error, or choose "No error" if the sentence is correct. This type specifically focuses on correct use of singular and plural forms in standard English expressions. Given Data / Assumptions: - Full sentence: "To the whale, its(A) tail is the sole(B) mean of propulsion.(C) No error(D)". - Part A: "its" - Part B: "tail is the sole" - Part C: "mean of propulsion" - Part D: "No error" - The sentence is intended to express that the whale uses only its tail in order to move or propel itself. Concept / Approach: The key idea here involves the expression "means of propulsion". In English, when we refer to an instrument, method, or way of doing something, we often use the plural form "means", even if it grammatically looks plural and is used for a single method. For example, we say "a means of transport", "by all means", and "a means of communication". The word "mean" without s is rarely used in this sense and would be incorrect in this fixed expression. Therefore, the error is in the use of "mean" instead of "means". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check Part A: "its". The pronoun "its" correctly refers back to "the whale" and is possessive, not "it's", so this part is correct. Step 2: Check Part B: "tail is the sole". This phrase correctly states that the tail is the only or sole instrument. There is no grammatical issue in this segment. Step 3: Check Part C: "mean of propulsion". The usual collocation in English is "means of propulsion", "means of transport", and so on. "mean of propulsion" is not standard usage. Step 4: Recognise that "means" is a special noun that retains the same form for singular and plural in such expressions. Step 5: Conclude that Part C contains the error and should read "means of propulsion". Verification / Alternative check: We can reframe the sentence using standard expressions: "To the whale, its tail is the sole means of propulsion." This corrected sentence is fully idiomatic in English and clearly means that the tail is the only means by which the whale moves forward. A dictionary check for fixed expressions will confirm "means of propulsion" as normal usage. No other part of the sentence presents any grammatical or usage issues, so only Part C must be marked as the error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A "its" correctly uses the possessive pronoun for "the whale". Writing "it's" here would be wrong, but that is not what appears. Part B "tail is the sole" is properly formed and matches subject-verb agreement. Part D "No error" would be correct only if no mistakes were present, but we have identified an error in Part C. Therefore, the only segment that needs correction is Part C. Common Pitfalls: Many learners are misled by the plural-looking form "means" and assume that when referring to one method, they must switch to "mean", which seems more singular. However, in standard English, the word "means" functions as both singular and plural in this context. The phrase "a means of" is therefore correct, not "a mean of". Being aware of such fixed expressions is essential for success in error-spotting questions, as they often test common idiomatic usage rather than purely mechanical grammar rules. Final Answer: The error is in part "C", where "mean of propulsion" should be corrected to "means of propulsion".

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