Question 1

In this antonym question, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to "primed" in the sense of prepared or ready.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests your understanding of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The word "primed" in everyday English usually means "prepared", "ready", or "in the right condition for immediate use". For example, a primed pump is ready to work, and a primed student is ready to answer questions. You are asked to identify the word whose meaning is most opposite to this idea of readiness. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "primed" meaning ready or prepared. The options are "fit", "able", "unready", "prepped", and "prepared". Only one of these expresses clear lack of readiness. Concept / Approach: An antonym must reverse the central meaning of the given word. Since "primed" stresses readiness, the antonym should express unreadiness or lack of preparation. Among the options, "unready" directly states that something or someone is not ready. The other words either match the original meaning or are near synonyms. Therefore, careful attention to meaning rather than just sound or familiarity is necessary to choose correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fix the meaning of "primed" as "prepared" or "ready". Step 2: Look at "unready". It clearly means "not ready" or "not prepared". Step 3: Check "fit". This usually means physically healthy or suitable, which is close to being ready, not opposite. Step 4: Check "able". It means capable, again related to being ready to do something rather than the opposite. Step 5: Check "prepped". It is a colloquial short form of "prepared" and is actually a synonym of "primed". Step 6: Check "prepared". This is almost identical in meaning to "primed". Step 7: Since "unready" is the only option that expresses the opposite concept, it is the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Try replacing "primed" with each option in a sample sentence: "The students were primed for the exam." If we insert "unready", the meaning reverses: "The students were unready for the exam." This is a genuine opposite. Using "fit", "able", "prepped", or "prepared" all keep or even strengthen the original idea of readiness. This check confirms that "unready" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Fit" often indicates health or suitability, which supports readiness rather than opposing it. "Able" expresses capacity or capability and again does not show lack of readiness. "Prepped" is informal but clearly means prepared, almost identical to "primed". "Prepared" is a direct synonym. Because an antonym must reverse the meaning, none of these serve as a true opposite of "primed". Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students misread antonym questions as synonym questions and automatically choose a word that sounds similar in meaning. Another common mistake is to pick words that feel unfamiliar or complex, assuming the exam setters always hide answers in less common vocabulary. However, in many cases, the correct antonym is simple and direct, as here with "unready". Always focus on meaning, not on how fancy the word looks. Final Answer: The antonym of "primed" in the sense of prepared or ready is unready.

Question 2

In this active and passive voice question, the sentence "I had to stop all my work to complete this project." is given in active voice. Select the option that best expresses the same idea in passive voice.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to change a sentence from active voice to passive voice while preserving both meaning and tense. The original sentence "I had to stop all my work to complete this project." focuses on the subject "I" and describes a necessity in the past: it was necessary for me to stop my work. When converting to passive, the focus shifts from the person performing the action to the work that had to be stopped, while keeping the idea of necessity intact. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: "I had to stop all my work to complete this project." Subject: "I". Object: "all my work". Modal-like structure: "had to stop" (past necessity). Purpose clause: "to complete this project". The goal is to produce a passive sentence that expresses the same necessity about the work, not to merely rephrase in active voice. Concept / Approach: In passive constructions with "have to" or "had to", we use the pattern: object + had to be + past participle. Here, "all my work" is the object that will become the subject in passive voice. The verb "stop" turns into "be stopped". The phrase "to complete this project" remains as a purpose clause and does not need to change in voice. The agent "by me" can be omitted because it is obvious from context and not essential to the meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify object in active voice: "all my work". This will become the subject in passive voice. Step 2: Identify the necessity structure "had to stop". In passive voice, this becomes "had to be stopped". Step 3: Keep the purpose clause "to complete this project" unchanged at the end of the sentence. Step 4: Combine these elements to form "All my work had to be stopped to complete this project." Step 5: Check options. Option A exactly matches this correct passive construction. Step 6: Verify that the tense (past necessity) and meaning (work had to be stopped) have both been preserved. Verification / Alternative check: Examine the other options. Option C simply restates the original active sentence with a slight change of word order; it is not passive at all. Option B changes the modal from "had to" to "must", which changes the time reference and strength of necessity. Option D uses "had been stopped", which describes a completed past state, not an obligation in the past. Option E changes the structure and may suggest that the stopping of work and completing the project were two separate events, rather than expressing necessity. Therefore, only option A is a clean passive version of the original sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B incorrectly uses "must" instead of "had to", altering the tense and tone. Option C does not change voice at all and keeps the sentence active. Option D uses past perfect passive ("had been stopped"), suggesting that all work was already stopped before some other past event, which is not what the original sentence says. Option E is grammatically possible but shifts the emphasis away from necessity and into a more descriptive narrative of two events. For exam purposes, it is not the best equivalent transformation. Common Pitfalls: Students often pick options that look grammatically correct without checking whether the voice has actually changed. Another common error is ignoring the modal "had to" and switching to "must" or "should", which changes the meaning. To avoid such mistakes, always follow a clear process: identify subject, verb, and object, then use the correct passive pattern, and finally compare the tense and meaning with the original sentence. Final Answer: The correct passive voice transformation is All my work had to be stopped to complete this project.

Question 3

In this antonym question, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to "pilferer", that is, a petty thief.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The word "pilferer" refers to someone who steals small amounts or petty items, usually secretly and repeatedly. It is a type of thief. In this antonym question, you are asked to choose the word whose meaning is most opposite to this, that is, a word that represents an individual or group whose role is to prevent or punish theft rather than commit it. Such questions help test your understanding of both word meanings and real world roles. Given Data / Assumptions: "Pilferer" means a petty thief, someone who steals small things. The options are "sniper", "punk", "lifter", "police", and "robber". We must choose the best opposite in normal social and legal contexts. Concept / Approach: In vocabulary questions about opposites, the antonym does not always have to be a direct logical opposite, but rather the most appropriate contrast in meaning or role. A pilferer breaks the law by stealing; the group that is socially and legally responsible for catching thieves and preventing theft is the police. Therefore, "police" functions as the best conceptual opposite to "pilferer". Other options are either types of wrongdoers or slang terms without an opposite role relationship. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fix the meaning of "pilferer" as "a petty thief". Step 2: Consider "police". This word refers to the official law enforcement body that works to catch thieves and protect property. Step 3: Compare with "sniper". A sniper is a specialist shooter, often in military or criminal contexts, and is not the opposite of a thief. Step 4: Compare with "punk". "Punk" is informal slang that can refer to a troublemaker or youth subculture but has no clear semantic relationship as an opposite to "pilferer". Step 5: Compare with "lifter". In slang, "lifter" can also mean "thief", especially a shoplifter, so it is similar in meaning, not opposite. Step 6: Compare with "robber". A robber is another kind of thief, typically using force or threat, so again this is similar, not opposite. Step 7: Only "police" clearly stands in opposition to the role of a thief in society. Verification / Alternative check: Think of the simple pairings we use in everyday life: thief–police, criminal–police officer, lawbreaker–law enforcer. We do not naturally pair thief with sniper or thief with punk as opposites. In a story, if a pilferer is introduced, the natural opposite character is the police officer trying to catch him. This narrative and real world understanding confirms that "police" is the most suitable antonym among the given choices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Sniper" is a different type of dangerous person but not a law enforcer. "Punk" is vague slang and does not systematically oppose the idea of thief. "Lifter" and "robber" are both near synonyms for thieves and thus clearly not antonyms. Choosing any of these would show misunderstanding of the role based contrast the question is asking for. Common Pitfalls: Some students may look for a purely dictionary based direct opposite and feel unsure because no option is labelled "law enforcer". Others may be attracted to "lifter" or "robber" simply because they recognise them as crime words and do not carefully read that the question asks for an antonym, not a synonym. Always check whether the question is asking for a similar meaning (synonym) or opposite meaning (antonym) before you start eliminating options. Final Answer: The best antonym of "pilferer" among the options is police.

Question 4

In this one word substitute question, select the single word that best replaces the phrase "to take someone somewhere suddenly and quickly".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One word substitute questions check whether you know precise verbs and nouns that replace longer descriptive phrases. The phrase here is "to take someone somewhere suddenly and quickly". In English, there is a specific verb that captures this idea, often used in expressions like "whisk someone away". It combines the sense of speed with a certain lightness or suddenness in movement. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase to be replaced is "to take someone somewhere suddenly and quickly". The options are "rush", "whisk", "fly", "flit", and "escort". Only one of these verbs is commonly used with a person as object in this specific sense. Concept / Approach: The key features of the phrase are: taking a person, moving them from one place to another, and doing so quickly and suddenly. The verb "whisk" in this context means to take or move someone or something quickly and often secretly or unexpectedly, as in "The bodyguards whisked the minister away" or "He whisked her off to Paris for the weekend". Other verbs like "rush" or "fly" indicate speed but are not as commonly used with a direct object in this exact sense. "Escort" suggests formal accompaniment, often slowly and respectfully, which conflicts with the suddenness implied. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look for a verb that collocates naturally with "someone away" or "someone off". Step 2: "Whisk" is commonly used in phrases like "whisk someone away", meaning to take them somewhere quickly and often unexpectedly. Step 3: "Rush" usually means to move quickly but is more often used without a direct object ("He rushed to the station") or with things ("rush an order"), and it lacks the nuance of whisking someone away. Step 4: "Fly" can be used figuratively but typically means to travel by air or move quickly yourself; "fly someone somewhere" is possible but does not capture the idea of sudden removal. Step 5: "Flit" means to move lightly and quickly, but it is usually intransitive ("butterflies flit from flower to flower") and not used in standard English as "flit someone away". Step 6: "Escort" means to accompany, often for protection or ceremony, and can even be slow and formal, which is very different from sudden and quick removal. Step 7: Therefore, "whisk" is the only option that naturally matches the phrase in meaning and usage. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: "The security team whisked the celebrity away from the crowd" or "He whisked her off to a surprise dinner". Replacing "whisked" with "rushed", "flew", "flitted", or "escorted" changes the tone or makes the sentence unidiomatic. This confirms that "whisk" is the precise one word substitute intended by the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Rush" focuses on speed but not on taking someone away suddenly in an idiomatic way. "Fly" mainly refers to air travel or self movement. "Flit" is intransitive and usually relates to light, quick movements of small objects or creatures. "Escort" stresses formality and protection rather than sudden, quick removal. Hence none of these options fully capture the phrase "to take someone somewhere suddenly and quickly". Common Pitfalls: Students often select a verb simply because it indicates speed, like "rush", without checking whether it is used in the particular pattern described. Collocations, that is, common word pairings, are very important in English. Learning verbs along with the typical phrases they occur in ("whisk someone away", "rush to work", "escort a guest") helps you choose more accurately in such questions. Final Answer: The best one word substitute for the given phrase is whisk.

Question 5

In this jumbled sentence question, the three labelled parts are: P) were an investor, Q) trying to maximize India's long-run, R) economic growth. Starting with "Imagine the government", select the most logical order of P, Q and R to complete the sen…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Jumbled sentence questions check your ability to put sentence fragments into a logical and grammatically correct order. Here you are given a sentence beginning, "Imagine the government", followed by three labelled parts P, Q, and R. You must decide in which order these parts should come to form a smooth, meaningful sentence about economic policy and long term growth. Given Data / Assumptions: Opening fixed part: "Imagine the government". P: "were an investor," Q: "trying to maximize India's long-run" R: "economic growth" You must choose the correct order of P, Q, R from the options. Concept / Approach: To solve such questions, look for grammatical links and meaning. After "Imagine the government", we expect a verb phrase describing what the government would be or do. P starts with "were an investor," which naturally follows "Imagine the government". Q begins with "trying to maximize India's long-run", which needs an object such as "economic growth" to complete the idea. R provides exactly that object. Therefore, the most logical order is P first, then Q, then R, forming the sentence: "Imagine the government were an investor, trying to maximize India's long-run economic growth." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach each fragment to the given start "Imagine the government" and see which one fits immediately. Step 2: "Imagine the government were an investor," (P) is a complete and natural clause. So P should come first. Step 3: After P, we need to add more information about what this imagined investor government is doing. Q, "trying to maximize India's long-run", naturally expands this idea. Step 4: Q is incomplete by itself because "India's long-run" must be followed by a noun that indicates what is being maximized. Step 5: R, "economic growth", completes Q and gives us the full noun phrase "India's long-run economic growth". Step 6: Putting them together, we get: "Imagine the government were an investor, trying to maximize India's long-run economic growth." Step 7: This corresponds to the order P-Q-R, which is option B. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other orders quickly. PRQ would give "Imagine the government were an investor, economic growth trying to maximize India's long-run", which is ungrammatical. QRP would start with "trying to maximize India's long-run economic growth were an investor", which cannot follow "Imagine the government" properly. RPQ would begin "economic growth were an investor", which clearly does not make sense with the subject. QPR or other rearrangements similarly break grammar or logic. Only PQR produces a smooth and meaningful sentence about policy and growth. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any order that does not start with P creates an incomplete or incorrect clause after "Imagine the government". Similarly, separating Q and R breaks the noun phrase "India's long-run economic growth" and leaves parts hanging. Because English syntax prefers adjectives and describing phrases to appear before the main noun, Q must precede R. Therefore, only P followed by Q followed by R is acceptable. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on meaning and ignore grammar, or vice versa. Some students may choose an order simply because it "sounds" complex. The correct approach is to check both grammar (subject-verb agreement, completeness of phrases) and meaning (logical flow of the idea). Practising with many jumbled sentences and always identifying the core subject, verb, and object is an effective way to improve at this type of question. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is PQR, giving the sentence: "Imagine the government were an investor, trying to maximize India's long-run economic growth."

Question 6

In this vocabulary question, select the synonym of the word "genre", which refers to a particular style or category of art, literature, or music.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The word "genre" is widely used in discussions of books, films, music, and other forms of art. It refers to a particular style or category that shares similar characteristics, such as "horror genre", "romantic genre", or "jazz genre". This question asks you to choose the synonym that best matches this meaning. Knowing such terms is important for reading reviews, exam passages, and general cultural discussions. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "genre". The options are "celebrity", "common man", "category", "pleasant", and "audience". You must choose the word closest in meaning to "a particular style or class of artistic work". Concept / Approach: "Genre" and "category" both refer to types or classes into which things can be organised. In the arts, a genre is a category defined by style, form, or content. The other options refer to a famous person, an ordinary person, a description of how something feels, or a group of viewers or listeners. None of those match the idea of a type or class of artwork, so they cannot be synonyms of "genre" in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fix the meaning of "genre" as "a category or type of art, literature, or music with distinctive features". Step 2: Look at "category". This word means any class or division of people or things sharing particular characteristics, which aligns closely with "genre". Step 3: Consider "celebrity". This refers to a famous person and does not describe types of artistic works. Step 4: Consider "common man". This phrase refers to an average person and is unrelated to styles or types of art. Step 5: Consider "pleasant". This is an adjective describing something enjoyable, not a type or category. Step 6: Consider "audience". This refers to people watching or listening to something, not to the type of that something. Step 7: Clearly, "category" is the only option that is semantically close to "genre". Verification / Alternative check: Try using the options in example sentences. "This novel belongs to the fantasy genre" can be paraphrased as "This novel belongs to the fantasy category", which sounds natural. Replacing "genre" with "celebrity", "common man", "pleasant", or "audience" makes the sentence meaningless. This simple substitution test confirms that "category" is the best synonym in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Celebrity" and "common man" refer to people, not to categories of creative works. "Pleasant" describes a feeling or quality and has nothing to do with classification. "Audience" refers to the group that consumes art or performances rather than to the type of work itself. Because the question is clearly about the classification of art forms, these options do not fit and are therefore incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be unfamiliar with the spelling and pronunciation of "genre" and think it refers to a person or mood. Others may overthink and look for a less obvious answer even when a simple one like "category" fits perfectly. To avoid such errors, it is useful to remember common phrases like "film genre", "literary genre", and "music genre", and to connect them with the idea of a category or type. Final Answer: The synonym of "genre" in this context is category.

Question 7

In this idioms question, select the alternative that best explains the meaning of the expression "up a blind alley" as it is used in everyday English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiom "up a blind alley" is commonly used in English to describe a course of action that is pointless or leads nowhere. It suggests that someone is putting effort into an approach that cannot succeed, similar to walking into a dead end street where there is no way through. Understanding such idioms is essential for interpreting newspaper articles, essays, and exam passages correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is "up a blind alley". The options describe various ideas, including hiding something, not warning someone, taking risks, following an action leading to a bad outcome, and trying at something that cannot succeed. You must select the explanation that best matches the established idiomatic meaning. Concept / Approach: A blind alley is literally a street that has no exit at the far end; you can walk in but you must come back out the same way. Metaphorically, being "up a blind alley" means pursuing a line of action, investigation, or reasoning that will not produce any useful result. The emphasis is on the fact that the chosen approach will not lead to the desired outcome, no matter how much effort is put in. Therefore, the meaning must relate to an unsuccessful or wrong direction rather than general danger, secrecy, or love of thrills. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the image of a dead end or blind alley, which suggests no way forward. Step 2: Read option D: "following a course of action that is certain to lead to an undesirable outcome". This describes going down a path that will not end well, which matches the idiom well. Step 3: Read option E: "trying hard at something that cannot possibly succeed". This is also close to the idea, but it focuses more on the effort and less on the mistaken course of action. Step 4: Compare D and E. Option D captures both the notion of a path and the inevitability of an undesirable result, which is more precise. Step 5: Option A, "hiding something intentionally", and option B, "not warning a person in danger", have no connection to dead ends or failed paths. Step 6: Option C about enjoying thrills through risk taking is unrelated to the idea of a futile or mistaken direction. Step 7: Therefore, option D is the best explanation of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: "The police investigation turned out to be up a blind alley" or "If you keep arguing on that point, you are going up a blind alley". In both cases, the focus is on an approach that will not yield useful results. Paraphrasing these as "following a course of action that is certain to lead to an undesirable outcome" is accurate. Option E is close but does not emphasise the idea of a mistaken path as strongly as D does, which is why D is more suitable in the exam context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A talks about deliberate concealment and not about a wrong route. Option B concerns failure to warn, which involves inaction rather than pursuing the wrong path. Option C focuses on thrill seeking and risk, which are unrelated to the idiom. Option E is semantically similar but less precise than D because not every impossible task is described as a "blind alley"; sometimes the issue is not that the task is impossible, but that the chosen approach is wrong. Option D captures both the course of action and the inevitable negative result. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may choose an option that seems dramatic or negative without matching it closely to the imagery of an alley with no exit. Another mistake is to confuse "blind alley" with "turning a blind eye", which has a different meaning (deliberately ignoring something). To avoid such confusions, always picture the literal image behind the idiom and then relate it to the situation described in the options. Final Answer: "Up a blind alley" means following a course of action that is certain to lead to an undesirable outcome.

Question 8

In this spelling question, four options are given. Select the correctly spelt English word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions measure how well you recognise correct English spellings among several similar looking wrong forms. The word "tapestry" refers to a thick woven textile with pictures or designs, used as a wall hanging or upholstery. It is also used metaphorically, for example "the tapestry of life". You must choose the correctly spelt word from the options provided. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are "tapestry", "emannates", "insissted", "coalese", and "tappestry". The task is to identify which one of these spellings is standard and correct in English. The other alternatives are distorted forms of different English words. Concept / Approach: The best method is to look for a familiar word that you have seen in books, articles, or reliable sources. "Tapestry" is a common noun used in art and literature contexts. The others appear to be incorrect versions of "emanates", "insisted", "coalesce", and a misspelt variant of "tapestry" with an extra "p". Even if you do not know each target word, noticing extra letters, doubled consonants, and strange vowel combinations can help you reject wrong spellings. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at option A "tapestry". It is a known word spelled t-a-p-e-s-t-r-y. Step 2: Think of common usages such as "a medieval tapestry", "colourful tapestry", or "the rich tapestry of culture" to confirm that this spelling looks correct. Step 3: Check option B "emannates". The correct form of the verb is "emanates" (e-m-a-n-a-t-e-s), with a single "n" in the middle, so this option is wrong. Step 4: Check option C "insissted". The correct spelling is "insisted" with one "s" in the middle, not two. Step 5: Check option D "coalese". This looks like a failed attempt at "coalesce", which is spelled c-o-a-l-e-s-c-e, not "coalese". Step 6: Check option E "tappestry". This adds an unnecessary extra "p" and does not match the standard form. Step 7: Thus, "tapestry" is the only correctly spelt word in the list. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine reading an art history book. You are likely to see "tapestry" used many times, especially in discussions of medieval and Renaissance culture. You would not see "tappestry". Similarly, if you search your memory for the words behind the other wrong options, you will recall "emanates", "insisted", and "coalesce" with different spellings than those given. This mental comparison confirms that "tapestry" is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Emannates" doubles the "n" unnecessarily. "Insissted" doubles the "s" in the wrong place. "Coalese" rearranges letters incorrectly and omits "sc" from the true spelling "coalesce". "Tappestry" alters the correct pattern by adding an extra "p". None of these forms correspond to accepted spellings in standard English dictionaries. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink and avoid choosing the most familiar looking word because they suspect a trick. However, exam setters often include one normal word and several misspellings. Another pitfall is relying on how a word sounds; English spelling does not always match pronunciation, so visual familiarity through reading is essential. Regular reading and writing practice is the best way to cement correct forms like "tapestry" in your mind. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is tapestry.

Question 9

In this sentence completion question, choose the word that best completes the sentence: "His success is worthy of ______________."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of fixed expressions and collocations in English. The sentence "His success is worthy of ____________" is a common pattern used to praise someone whose achievements deserve to be followed or matched by others. The most natural and formal word that fits this pattern is "emulation". Recognising such standard pairings of words helps greatly in exams and in formal writing. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "His success is worthy of ______________." The options are "copying", "aping", "simulation", "emulation", and "duplication". The context is clearly positive praise of success, not criticism or mockery. Concept / Approach: The phrase "worthy of emulation" is a standard, formal collocation in English. "To emulate" means to match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation that shows respect and admiration. It is a more refined word than "copy" or "ape", which can sound crude or negative. "Simulation" and "duplication" are usually used for technical or mechanical contexts, not for praising success. Therefore, the best choice is "emulation", which fits both the meaning and the tone of the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase "worthy of", which suggests something deserving respect or admiration. Step 2: Consider "emulation". It means respectful imitation with the aim of matching someone's qualities or success. Step 3: Option A "copying" is informal and neutral; it lacks the nuance of admiration and can sometimes sound negative. Step 4: Option B "aping" usually has a negative tone, suggesting silly or mindless imitation. Step 5: Option C "simulation" is used for models, virtual environments, or acting as if something is real; it does not fit moral praise. Step 6: Option E "duplication" refers to exact copying of objects or documents and is again too mechanical for describing human success. Step 7: Only "emulation" combines the ideas of imitation and respect, making it the best fit. Verification / Alternative check: Consider common phrases from formal writing: "His conduct is worthy of emulation", "Her dedication is worthy of emulation by young professionals", "These leaders set an example worthy of emulation". In each case, "emulation" conveys respectful imitation. Replacing it with "copying" or "aping" makes the sentence less formal and may even sound rude. This confirms that "emulation" is the collocation expected in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Copying" is too plain and does not convey the respectful tone implied by "worthy of". "Aping" is clearly negative and suggests thoughtless mimicry, not admirable success. "Simulation" refers to creating an imitation of a situation or system for training or research, not to following a person's success. "Duplication" is typically used in technical contexts such as copying files or documents. None of these alternatives deliver the positive, respectful sense needed. Common Pitfalls: Some students may choose "copying" because it seems closest in basic meaning, but they overlook the formal tone of "worthy of". Others may be unfamiliar with "emulation" and avoid it simply because it is less common in everyday speech. To avoid such mistakes, build your vocabulary by paying attention to common exam phrases and editorial language, where expressions like "worthy of emulation" are frequently used. Final Answer: The sentence should read: "His success is worthy of emulation."

Question 10

In this error spotting question, the sentence is divided into parts labelled (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the part that contains an error: "My younger sister (A) / is much smarter (B) / then me. (C) / No error (D)".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions are designed to test your command of basic grammar and usage. Here, the sentence "My younger sister is much smarter then me." has been divided into four labelled parts. You must identify which part contains a grammatical error. The focus in this sentence is on the correct use of "than" and "then" in comparative constructions. Given Data / Assumptions: Part A: "My younger sister" Part B: "is much smarter" Part C: "then me." Part D: "No error" The intended meaning is a comparison of intelligence between the speaker and his or her younger sister. Concept / Approach: In English, "than" is a conjunction used in comparisons, as in "taller than me" or "smarter than you". "Then" refers to time or sequence, as in "first we went to the market, then we went home". Because the sentence is clearly a comparison (smarter than someone), the correct word is "than", not "then". Therefore the error lies in the part where "then me" appears. The rest of the sentence is grammatically fine in everyday English, even though in very formal writing some would prefer "smarter than I am". For exam purposes, correcting "then" to "than" is the key point. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence: "My younger sister is much smarter then me." Step 2: Identify that the structure "smarter ... me" is a comparative construction. Step 3: Recall that comparisons require "than", not "then". Step 4: Check Part A: "My younger sister". This is a grammatically correct noun phrase. Step 5: Check Part B: "is much smarter". This is a correct comparative predicate. Step 6: Check Part C: "then me." Here, "then" is incorrectly used in place of "than". Step 7: Conclude that Part C is the only part containing an error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence in correct form: "My younger sister is much smarter than me." You can also make it slightly more formal: "My younger sister is much smarter than I am." In both versions, "than" is the correct word. Replacing "then" with "than" removes the error, while all other parts remain unchanged. This confirms that the mistake is restricted to Part C. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A correctly introduces the subject. Part B correctly uses the verb "is" and the comparative adjective "smarter" with the modifier "much". Part D saying "No error" is wrong because we have clearly identified an error in Part C. There is no second grammatical error in the sentence that would justify choosing "More than one part has an error". Common Pitfalls: A common weakness for learners is confusion between "than" and "then" because they sound similar. Many people also worry unnecessarily about whether to say "than me" or "than I". While very formal grammar prefers "than I", modern standard English widely accepts "than me", especially in spoken language. Exam questions at this level typically focus on the obvious misuse of "then" in a comparative context, not on the subtle stylistic choice between "than me" and "than I". Final Answer: The error is in Part C: then me., where "then" should be replaced by "than".

Question 11

In this error spotting question, the sentence is divided into parts labelled (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the part that contains an error: "Those sort of people (A) / are always nice (B) / to you on your face. (C) / No error (D)".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question focuses on agreement between demonstratives ("this", "that", "these", "those") and nouns like "sort" and "people". The sentence "Those sort of people are always nice to you on your face." sounds natural to some learners but is grammatically incorrect in standard English. You must identify which labelled part contains the error. Given Data / Assumptions: Part A: "Those sort of people" Part B: "are always nice" Part C: "to you on your face." Part D: "No error" The sentence is describing a type of people who behave nicely in front of you, but not necessarily behind your back. Concept / Approach: When we use "sort of" or "kind of" with plural nouns, the correct demonstrative is "these" or "those" paired with a plural form of "sort" or "kind". There are two common correct patterns: "that sort of person" (singular) and "those sorts of people" (plural). In the given sentence, "those sort of people" mixes a plural demonstrative "those" with a singular noun "sort", creating a disagreement. Therefore, the error lies in Part A. It should be "that sort of person" (if speaking generally) or "those sorts of people" (if emphasising many kinds of such people). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look carefully at Part A: "Those sort of people". Step 2: Recognise that "those" is plural, while "sort" is singular. This is a mismatch. Step 3: Recall the correct patterns: "that sort of person" (singular) or "those sorts of people" (plural). Step 4: Check Part B: "are always nice". The verb "are" matches the plural noun "people", so this part is correct. Step 5: Check Part C: "to you on your face." This is a colloquial way of saying "to your face", but grammatically it is acceptable in the context of the exam. Step 6: Since only Part A breaks the correct pattern of demonstrative plus noun, it must be identified as the error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence correctly in two ways: "That sort of person is always nice to your face" (general singular) or "Those sorts of people are always nice to your face" (plural). Notice how we either keep both elements singular ("that" and "sort") or both plural ("those" and "sorts"). The exam sentence mixes "those" with "sort", which does not match either standard pattern, confirming that Part A is incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part B uses the plural verb "are" correctly with the plural subject "people". Part C, though slightly informal, does not introduce a grammatical error. Part D "No error" is wrong because we have clearly found an error in Part A. There is no evidence of a second error that would justify the choice "More than one part has an error". Common Pitfalls: Learners often get used to hearing incorrect phrases like "those sort of things" in casual speech and assume they are acceptable in formal English. Exams, however, expect you to know the standard forms. To avoid such mistakes, pay attention to patterns like "this kind of book / these kinds of books" and "that type of machine / those types of machines" and practise them until they feel natural. Final Answer: The error is in Part A: Those sort of people, which should be corrected to a form like "those sorts of people".

Question 12

In this passage based cloze question, choose the word that best completes the phrase at the beginning of the passage: "__________ so long ago, virtually everyone seemed ..."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze test question is taken from a passage discussing the Brexit referendum. The sentence begins: "__________ so long ago, virtually everyone seemed _____________ that a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe." You are asked to choose the correct word to complete the phrase "__________ so long ago". You must pay attention to common English expressions and the overall meaning of the passage. Given Data / Assumptions: The fragment in focus is "__________ so long ago, virtually everyone seemed ...". The options are "Not", "Far", "So", "Nor", and "Hardly". The passage is describing a time in the recent past when most people felt confident that Britain would stay in the European Union. The context suggests that this confidence existed not a very long time ago. Concept / Approach: A very common English phrase to indicate a recent time is "Not so long ago". It means "recently" or "a short time ago". This expression fits naturally at the beginning of a reflective sentence about public opinion before a major political event. The other options do not form a standard expression when combined with "so long ago". Therefore, recognising the fixed phrase "Not so long ago" is the key to answering this question correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full fragment: "__________ so long ago, virtually everyone seemed ..." Step 2: Try "Not so long ago". This forms a very common expression meaning "a short time ago", which fits the idea that public opinion recently appeared stable. Step 3: Try "Far so long ago". This does not make sense in English and is not a recognised phrase. Step 4: Try "So so long ago". This is repetitive and ungrammatical. Step 5: Try "Nor so long ago". "Nor" is used after a negative clause, but there is no previous negative statement here. Step 6: Try "Hardly so long ago". Although "hardly" can be used with time, the normal phrase would be "hardly any time ago" or "hardly a year ago", not "hardly so long ago". Step 7: Conclude that only "Not" creates the familiar and meaningful phrase "Not so long ago". Verification / Alternative check: Consider the full sentence from a typical editorial: "Not so long ago, virtually everyone seemed confident that a sizeable majority of British voters would reaffirm their faith in a united Europe." This flows naturally and is exactly how many writers describe the shift in opinion leading up to the Brexit vote. Replacing "Not" with any of the other options produces awkward or incorrect sentences. This confirms that "Not" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Far" does not work with "so long ago" without additional words like "from now". "So" by itself cannot start this phrase and leaves the time reference unclear. "Nor" requires a preceding negative clause, which is absent. "Hardly" does not combine idiomatically with "so long ago". As cloze tests usually aim to check knowledge of fixed expressions, any nonstandard combination should be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Some students may ignore the idea of fixed phrases and try to force a literal word like "So" into the blank because they see it repeated later in the passage. Others may be tempted by "Hardly" because it also expresses a small amount of time, but they forget that it must be part of a different structure. To avoid these traps, always recall common editorial phrases and think in terms of whole expressions rather than isolated words. Final Answer: The fragment should read Not so long ago, so the correct option is "Not".

Question 13

In this passage based cloze question, choose the word that best completes the phrase "virtually everyone seemed _____________" in the Brexit passage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question continues the Brexit related passage: "Not so long ago, virtually everyone seemed _____________ that a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe." You must choose the word that accurately expresses the attitude of "virtually everyone" in this context. The passage is referring to the belief that most voters would choose to remain in the European Union. Given Data / Assumptions: The fragment in focus is "virtually everyone seemed _____________ that a sizeable majority of British voters ... would reaffirm...". The options are "satisfied", "positive", "presumptuous", "confident", and "hesitant". The phrase "virtually everyone seemed ___ that..." is followed by a clause describing an expected future action. The tone is about belief and expectation, not about arrogance or hesitation. Concept / Approach: In such contexts, the common expression is "seemed confident that..." which means they strongly believed that something would happen. The word "confident" fits naturally with a that-clause expressing a prediction. "Satisfied that" is also possible but usually refers to contentment with an existing result, not expectation about a future vote. "Positive that" is used in informal speech, but in formal editorial style "confident that" is more idiomatic. "Presumptuous" has a negative meaning, suggesting overstepping bounds, and "hesitant" is the opposite of strong belief. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the whole fragment: "virtually everyone seemed _____________ that a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith...". Step 2: Try "seemed confident that". This is a common phrase showing strong belief about a future outcome. Step 3: Try "seemed satisfied that". This normally suggests being content with something that has already happened, which does not match a future vote. Step 4: Try "seemed positive that". While not impossible, it is less formal; editorial style usually prefers "confident". Step 5: Try "seemed presumptuous that". This is grammatically odd and does not pair naturally with a that-clause. Step 6: Try "seemed hesitant that". Hesitation contradicts the idea that "virtually everyone" believed the vote would go a certain way. Step 7: Conclude that "confident" is the best and most natural fit. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine an editorial line: "Not so long ago, virtually everyone seemed confident that a sizeable majority of British voters would reaffirm their faith in a united Europe." This reads smoothly and matches what many commentators believed before the Brexit result surprised them. Replacing "confident" with "satisfied", "presumptuous", or "hesitant" changes the meaning or produces unidiomatic phrasing. "Positive" is close but less commonly used in formal writing in this exact pattern than "confident". Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Satisfied" suggests contentment with an existing situation, not expectation of a future vote. "Positive" in this specific slot is not as natural in formal cloze passages, and exam setters typically prefer "confident that" in such contexts. "Presumptuous" has a negative moral judgment meaning "arrogant" or "overstepping proper bounds", and does not fit with "seemed ... that". "Hesitant" is the opposite of strong belief, so using it would contradict the idea that practically everyone expected a Remain victory. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may treat "positive" and "confident" as fully interchangeable and choose at random. Others may be misled by "satisfied" because they think being satisfied with polls equals being sure of the result, but grammatically "seemed satisfied that" is less common here. The safest approach in exam cloze tests is to rely on standard collocations: "seemed confident that" is a very frequent and natural pattern when expressing belief about a future event. Final Answer: The passage should read "virtually everyone seemed confident that a sizeable majority of British voters would reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe."

Question 14

In this passage based cloze question, choose the word that best completes the clause "a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question completes another part of the Brexit passage: "Not so long ago, virtually everyone seemed confident that a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe." You must choose the auxiliary that correctly fits the reported belief about a future event as seen from a past viewpoint. Given Data / Assumptions: The clause in focus is "a sizeable majority of British voters ____________ reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe". The options are "would", "will", "should", "surely", and "might". Earlier in the sentence we have "seemed confident that", which introduces a that-clause about what people expected to happen. The Brexit referendum was in the future at that time, but is now being discussed as a past expectation. Concept / Approach: When we report what people expected or believed about the future from a past point in time, we commonly use "would" instead of "will". For example, "Everyone thought that the team would win" (not "will win") when describing past expectations. Here, "seemed confident that ... would reaffirm" is the correct reported structure. "Should" expresses duty or moral obligation rather than simple prediction. "Surely" is an adverb and cannot fill the auxiliary position before the base verb "reaffirm". "Might" expresses a weak possibility, which conflicts with "seemed confident that". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the earlier phrase "seemed confident that", which introduces a reported prediction about the future. Step 2: In reported speech about the future from a past perspective, "would" is the natural auxiliary, as in "thought that it would happen". Step 3: Try the sentence with "would": "seemed confident that a sizeable majority of British voters would reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe." This is grammatically correct and semantically accurate. Step 4: Try "will": "seemed confident that ... will reaffirm". Mixing past "seemed" with "will" sounds less natural in formal writing because "will" is anchored to the present speaker's point of view, not to the past viewpoint described. Step 5: Try "should": this would suggest obligation, as if voters ought to reaffirm their faith, not that people expected they actually would. Step 6: Try "surely": this is an adverb and cannot directly precede the bare infinitive "reaffirm" in this slot. Step 7: Try "might": it expresses only a weak possibility and clashes with "seemed confident", which suggests strong belief. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: "They were confident that the team would win", "Analysts believed that inflation would fall", "People expected that the talks would succeed." In all these examples, "would" expresses future in the past. Replacing "would" with "will" or "might" changes the time reference or the strength of expectation. Returning to the Brexit passage, "would reaffirm" is the only form that fits both tense and meaning correctly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Will" is sometimes used in informal speech, but in careful written English and exam cloze tests, it is considered incorrect here because of the past reporting verb "seemed". "Should" introduces a sense of duty, not prediction, which is not what the passage conveys. "Surely" cannot function as an auxiliary verb and does not form a grammatical clause by itself. "Might" suggests weak possibility, which contradicts the strong confidence described earlier. Therefore, these options are inconsistent with the passage's tone and grammar. Common Pitfalls: Many students instinctively choose "will" when talking about future events and do not adjust for reported speech from a past time. Others may be confused by "should" and treat it as a weak synonym for "would", which it is not. To avoid such mistakes, remember the pattern: past reporting verb + "that" + subject + "would" + base verb for future in the past. This structure appears frequently in editorials and exam passages about expectations that were later proven wrong, as in this Brexit example. Final Answer: The clause should read "a sizeable majority of British voters would reaffirm their faith and confidence in a united Europe."

Question 15

In this passage about Britain leaving the European Union, choose the word that best completes the phrase "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is based on a passage describing the British referendum decision to leave the European Union. The focus is on selecting the most appropriate adjective to describe how a once unlikely possibility has turned into a concrete reality. It tests your understanding of collocations, tone, and the subtle differences in meaning between similar negative adjectives such as "ominous", "grim", "dire", and "haunting". Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase in the passage is "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality". The context is political and social, referring to Britain voting to leave the European Union. We must choose the word that best fits both meaning and common usage in English. Concept / Approach: To solve vocabulary questions like this, you should look at: The general emotional tone of the passage (here, serious and somewhat negative). Common collocations in English, that is, which adjectives usually go with the noun "reality". The precise meanings of near synonyms and how strong or specific their connotations are. We want a word that conveys an unpleasant, harsh truth that people must now accept. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the surrounding sentence: "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality". This shows movement from unlikely to unpleasant fact. Step 2: Recall common expressions: English often uses "grim reality" to describe a harsh or discouraging situation that people must face. Step 3: Check "ominous": it usually describes a sign or warning of something bad that is still in the future, not a reality that has already arrived. Step 4: Check "dire": it describes extremely serious or urgent conditions, more often used with "consequences", "need", or "warning" than with "reality". Step 5: Check "haunting": it usually conveys something emotionally disturbing or unforgettable, often linked with memories, images, or sounds. Step 6: "Grim reality" is a fixed and natural-sounding collocation for an unwelcome truth that people must now confront. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by substituting each option in the sentence: "a very grim reality" sounds idiomatic and is widely used. "A very ominous reality" is awkward because "ominous" refers to signs, not to an established reality. "A very dire reality" is understandable but not a common phrase. "A very haunting reality" shifts the meaning toward emotional after-effects, which does not match the straightforward political result described in the passage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ominous: Suggests a warning of future danger, not a present, established fact. Dire: Often modifies "consequences" or "emergency" rather than "reality", so it feels less natural here. Haunting: Emphasizes lingering emotional impact rather than the harsh factual nature of the situation. Common Pitfalls: Students often pick any negative-sounding word without considering collocation and nuance. Another common mistake is to focus only on the political seriousness and choose the strongest word, even if usage is unnatural. Always check how the noun and adjective normally appear together in authentic English usage. Final Answer: The best word to complete the phrase is grim, because "grim reality" is the standard expression for a harsh truth that people must now face.

Question 16

In this passage on the Brexit referendum, choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence "A small majority of voters ________ to take Britain out of the European Union in the referendum held on June 23."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of tense and subject verb agreement in a descriptive passage about the Brexit referendum. The writer is commenting on a relatively recent political event and wants to emphasise its continuing relevance in the present. You must decide which verb form best fits this meaning and agrees with the grammatical subject of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: The clause to complete is "A small majority of voters ________ to take Britain out of the European Union (EU) in the referendum held on June 23." The subject is the noun phrase "A small majority of voters". The event is the voting in the referendum on a specific date in the recent past. The passage presents the result as a present and ongoing reality. Concept / Approach: Two concepts are central here: Subject verb agreement: In standard English, when a fraction or majority expression ("a majority", "a small minority") is the subject, the verb usually agrees with the main noun "majority", which is singular. Choice of tense: Present perfect is used to describe recent past actions connected to the present. Simple past or past perfect are used differently. So we must choose a form that matches a singular subject and reflects a recent action whose effects clearly continue in the present. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the grammatical subject: "A small majority of voters". The head noun is "majority", which is singular. Step 2: For a singular subject, standard agreement requires "has", not "have". Step 3: Consider tense. Present perfect "has opted" links the past action (the referendum) to its present result (Britain is now on the path to leaving the EU). Step 4: Check "had opted": this is past perfect and would require another past event to compare with, which is not present here. Step 5: Check "will opt": future tense is incorrect because the referendum has already happened. Step 6: Check "have opted": grammatically possible with a plural subject, but the head noun is "majority", so singular agreement is preferred in formal written English. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each option into the sentence: "A small majority of voters has opted to take Britain out..." sounds natural and matches a commentary style article written after the event. "Have opted" conflicts with the singular head noun. "Had opted" suggests an earlier completed action relative to another past event, which the passage does not set up. "Will opt" clearly clashes with the stated date in the past. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Had opted: Incorrect sequence of tenses; there is no later past reference point to justify past perfect. Will opt: Uses future tense even though the referendum has already taken place. Have opted: Treats the subject as plural, focusing on "voters" instead of "majority"; formal written usage usually follows the singular "majority". Common Pitfalls: Many learners are distracted by the nearby plural noun "voters" and incorrectly choose a plural verb. Others think any past event must use simple past or past perfect. In commentary writing about political decisions, present perfect is very common because it highlights that the decision still shapes current reality. Final Answer: The correct verb form is has opted, which agrees with the singular "majority" and expresses a recent action with ongoing consequences.

Question 17

Select the correctly spelled English word from the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question checks whether you can recognise the standard English spelling of common words. Examinations often mix one correct spelling with several distractors that look similar but contain extra letters, missing letters, or incorrect vowel combinations. Being able to spot such errors is important for accurate writing in competitive exams and formal communication. Given Data / Assumptions: Four options are given: "pamflet", "montaage", "illusary", and "stroller". Only one of these is spelled correctly in standard English. No additional context is needed; the task is pure spelling recognition. Concept / Approach: To solve spelling questions, you can: Draw on your reading experience of newspapers, books, and reliable web sources. Break the word into familiar roots or syllables. Notice common spelling patterns in English, such as "ph" for the sound /f/ in "pamphlet". Words taken from other languages (especially French or Latin) often keep specific letter combinations that you may have seen before in print. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine "pamflet". The correct word for a small booklet is "pamphlet", with "ph" instead of "f". So "pamflet" is incorrect. Step 2: Look at "montaage". It clearly resembles "montage", which is a film and art term. The extra "a" makes it wrongly spelled. Step 3: Consider "illusary". The correct adjective derived from "illusion" is "illusory", with "o" before "r", not "a". Step 4: Check "stroller". This is a common English word for a baby carriage or a person who strolls. It is correctly spelled with double "l". Verification / Alternative check: You can quickly verify using familiar related forms: "Pamphlet" is how it appears in textbooks and pamphlets themselves. "Montage" is common in film studies ("a rapid montage of scenes"). "Illusory" appears in phrases like "illusory promises". "Stroller" for a baby's pushchair is written exactly as in option D. Only "stroller" matches the standard dictionary spelling without alteration. Why Other Options Are Wrong: pamflet: Wrong because it replaces "ph" with "f" and removes the "h". montaage: Incorrect double vowel in the middle; standard English uses "montage". illusary: Incorrect vowel; the accepted form is "illusory". Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to trust how a word sounds instead of how it is conventionally spelled, especially in words borrowed from French, where letters like "ph" and silent "e" are common. Another pitfall is to overlook double consonants or extra vowels added to confuse you. Regular reading of quality English material naturally improves your spelling memory and reduces such errors. Final Answer: The only correctly spelled word is stroller.

Question 18

Rearrange the parts of the sentence to form a meaningful sentence about the Finance Minister supervising an event.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your ability to rearrange jumbled sentence parts to form a grammatically correct and logically meaningful sentence. The sentence describes the Finance Minister, under whose supervision something has taken place, and mentions that the minister has not made any definite statement. Understanding relative clauses and word order is essential here. Given Data / Assumptions: The base sentence is: "The Finance Minister, under P-whose supervision this Q-has not made any definite statement R-has taken place," with three segments: P: "whose supervision this" Q: "has not made any definite statement" R: "has taken place," We must find the correct order of P, Q, and R after "The Finance Minister, under". Concept / Approach: The main ideas needed are: Use of relative clause introduced by "whose" to give extra information about a noun. Correct placement of the clause "under whose supervision this has taken place" between commas as non essential information. Ensuring that the main clause "has not made any definite statement" is complete and makes sense after the descriptive clause. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed opening: "The Finance Minister, under ...". After "under", the natural structure is "whose supervision this has taken place". Step 2: To build that phrase, we first need P "whose supervision this", followed by R "has taken place,". Together they create "under whose supervision this has taken place," which is a complete prepositional relative clause. Step 3: This entire clause should be enclosed in commas because it adds extra information about the Finance Minister. Step 4: After closing the clause, the main predicate about the minister must follow: "has not made any definite statement". That material comes from Q. Step 5: So the full correct sentence is: "The Finance Minister, under whose supervision this has taken place, has not made any definite statement." Verification / Alternative check: Check each suggested order: PRQ: Gives "under whose supervision this has taken place, has not made any definite statement", which is grammatical and meaningful. RPQ: Starts "under has taken place, whose supervision this...", which is clearly ungrammatical. QRP: Puts the main verb phrase immediately after "under", breaking the prepositional phrase and making the sentence awkward. QPR: Also disrupts the natural flow of "under whose supervision this has taken place". Only PRQ maintains correct grammar and logical flow. Why Other Options Are Wrong: RPQ: Places "has taken place" directly after "under", which cannot function properly with "under" and breaks the relative clause. QRP: Begins the predicate too early and leaves the "under" phrase incomplete and nonsensical. QPR: Splits the relative clause incorrectly and does not match standard English structure. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on meaning and ignore grammar, or they try to start the main clause too early, without fully completing the relative clause. A safer method is always to identify where the relative pronoun like "whose" appears and to ensure that its phrase forms a continuous block that can be placed between commas. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is PRQ, giving "The Finance Minister, under whose supervision this has taken place, has not made any definite statement."

Question 19

Select the synonym of the word "metropolitan" in the sense of being related to a city or sophisticated urban life.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to find the synonym of "metropolitan". The word "metropolitan" usually refers to something connected with a large city, especially in contrast to rural areas. It can also carry a nuance of being polished or sophisticated in manners typical of large urban centres. You have to choose the option that best captures this sense. Given Data / Assumptions: The key word is "metropolitan". Options given are "idyllic", "arcadian", "bucolic", and "urbane". We assume the exam is using the common meaning of "metropolitan" linked to cities and city style. Concept / Approach: The approach to synonym questions is: Recall the core meanings and typical usage of the target word. Check which option has a similar core meaning and not merely a weak association. Be careful with words that describe the opposite setting, such as countryside versus city. "Metropolitan" is often contrasted with "rural", "rustic", or "pastoral". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand "metropolitan": it relates to a large city, a metropolis, and often suggests sophistication, modernity, and urban culture. Step 2: Look at "idyllic". It describes a place that is peaceful and charming in a simple, often rural way. This is generally opposite to busy city life. Step 3: Consider "arcadian". This word refers to an idealized rural or pastoral setting, again strongly connected to countryside simplicity. Step 4: Examine "bucolic". It also means rustic or relating to the pleasant aspects of country life. Step 5: Finally, look at "urbane". It describes a person as polished, refined, and sophisticated, typically in the way someone from a big city might be. Step 6: Among these, "urbane" shares the idea of city based refinement that lies inside the idea of "metropolitan". Verification / Alternative check: Think of pairs: "metropolitan" versus "rural" or "bucolic". The three options "idyllic", "arcadian", and "bucolic" all clearly belong to the rural, countryside family of meanings. "Urbane", however, comes from "urban" and strongly suggests city culture and manners. Therefore it aligns best with the sense of "metropolitan" used in competitive exams when contrasted with a village or rural background. Why Other Options Are Wrong: idyllic: Suggests simple, peaceful rural beauty, the opposite of crowded metropolitan life. arcadian: Refers to an ideal rustic paradise, again connected to the countryside. bucolic: Directly means relating to pleasant country life and shepherds, not cities. Common Pitfalls: A common misconception is to treat "metropolitan" only as "large and pleasant" and then choose any positive sounding adjective. But vocabulary questions depend on precise context: metropolitan areas form the opposite of bucolic, pastoral regions. Remember to connect "metro" with "urban" and keep rural related adjectives clearly separate in your mind. Final Answer: The correct synonym for "metropolitan" in this context is urbane.

Question 20

Choose the most appropriate adjective to complete the sentence "He succeeded in proving his point with ________ logic."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question checks your understanding of collocation and meaning. The sentence describes someone who "succeeded in proving his point" and credits this success to a certain kind of logic. Your task is to choose the adjective that best fits both the meaning and the strength of this success. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "He succeeded in proving his point with ________ logic." The options are: diabolical irrefutable rational analytical We assume the writer wants to emphasise how strong and convincing the logic was. Concept / Approach: You should analyse: The outcome: he "succeeded in proving his point", so the logic was convincing. The connotations of each adjective and whether they match this positive outcome. Natural collocations: which adjective commonly appears with the noun "logic". A natural phrase in English is "irrefutable logic" meaning logic that cannot be disproved. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider "diabolical". This word usually means evil or extremely bad, and when used with "plan" or "crime" it has a negative sense. "Diabolical logic" would suggest something wicked, not simply convincing. Step 2: Check "irrefutable". It means that something cannot be disproved or argued against. "Irrefutable logic" directly explains why he succeeded in proving his point. Step 3: Examine "rational". It means based on reason or logic, but it does not specifically say how strong or unanswerable the logic is. Step 4: Look at "analytical". It means careful and systematic examination of details. While "analytical logic" is understandable, it is not a common phrase and does not emphasise the final victory in the argument. Step 5: Among all, "irrefutable" most clearly explains the success described in the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute each word into the sentence: "Diabolical logic" suggests something sinister, not suitable in a neutral or positive context. "Rational logic" is somewhat repetitive because logic is by nature rational. "Analytical logic" sounds technical but not idiomatic. "Irrefutable logic" is a standard expression meaning logic that no one could successfully challenge. Therefore, "irrefutable" is the best fit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: diabolical: Carries an evil or extremely negative sense, which does not match the neutral exam sentence. rational: Too general and does not capture the idea that no one could refute the argument. analytical: Focuses on method rather than persuasive power and is not a typical collocation here. Common Pitfalls: Students may choose "rational" because they see the link between reason and logic, but they miss the nuance of success and finality. Others may be attracted to the more difficult sounding "analytical" without thinking about natural usage. In vocabulary questions, always think about which word best captures the exact shade of meaning and which phrase you have actually seen used in real English texts. Final Answer: The most appropriate word is irrefutable, giving the phrase "irrefutable logic".

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