Question 1

In the following vocabulary question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the word Accolade.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of synonyms, specifically for the word "accolade". Vocabulary items like this appear frequently in competitive exams to measure how well candidates understand formal and literary words. You need to choose the option whose meaning is closest to that of "accolade" in common usage, especially in contexts such as awards, honours, and recognition. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Accolade. Option A: Silence. Option B: Mediocrity. Option C: Laurels. Option D: Lowliness. Option E: Punishment. We assume standard dictionary meanings for all options. Concept / Approach: The word "accolade" refers to an award, honour, or expression of praise that recognises achievement or merit. It is often used in phrases like "receive accolades" or "win accolades from critics". The noun "laurels" also refers to honours or awards, coming from the tradition of awarding laurel wreaths to victors. Thus, "laurels" is the closest synonym among the options. The other words either express neutral ideas or negative states that do not match the positive sense of "accolade". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "accolade" means an honour, award, or praise given to someone for achievement. Step 2: Examine option C, "Laurels". This word refers to honours or recognition, often for success in a field. It is used in expressions such as "rest on one laurels". Step 3: Check option A, "Silence". Silence is the absence of sound and has nothing to do with praise or awards. Step 4: Check option B, "Mediocrity". This means average quality, which is almost the opposite of achievement that attracts accolades. Step 5: Check option D, "Lowliness". This refers to humble or low status and is not connected to receiving honours. Step 6: Check option E, "Punishment", which clearly refers to a penalty and is opposed to the idea of honour. Step 7: Conclude that "Laurels" best captures the sense of "accolade". Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences. "The scientist received many accolades for his groundbreaking work" can be rephrased as "The scientist received many laurels for his groundbreaking work" without changing the basic meaning. In contrast, replacing "accolades" with "punishments" or "mediocrity" would be nonsensical. Both "accolades" and "laurels" frequently appear in similar contexts within news articles, biographies, and academic writing, which confirms their close semantic relationship. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Silence" is wrong because staying silent is the absence of comment and does not imply recognition. "Mediocrity" is wrong because it implies ordinary or low quality, which is unlikely to receive accolades. "Lowliness" is wrong because it refers to low social position or humility, again unrelated to the granting of honours. "Punishment" is the direct opposite of reward and praise. None of these options carries the positive idea of public honour that "accolade" expresses. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may confuse "laurels" with "lowliness" due to superficial similarity in spelling or may not have encountered the word "laurels" often. Others may not recall the meaning of "accolade" accurately and guess. To avoid such issues, it is helpful to link "accolade" mentally with contexts like award ceremonies, critical acclaim, and professional achievements. Associating it with "laurel wreaths" and "laurels" also strengthens your memory of the correct synonym. Final Answer: The option that best expresses the meaning of "Accolade" is Laurels.

Question 2

In the following vocabulary question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the word Invective.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of the word "invective", which often appears in discussions about speech, debate, and criticism. Many vocabulary questions in exams focus on such words because they help test comprehension of editorial and literary passages. You must select the option that best captures the meaning of "invective" as it is used in standard English, especially in phrases like "a stream of invective". Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Invective. Option A: Invent. Option B: Expressive. Option C: Abusive. Option D: Invitation. Option E: Polite. We assume standard dictionary definitions of these words. Concept / Approach: "Invective" is a noun that refers to insulting, abusive, or highly critical language directed toward a person or group. It carries a strongly negative tone and suggests harsh verbal attack. Among the given options, "Abusive" is the closest in meaning because it describes language that is insulting or violent in words. The other options either describe neutral or positive concepts or belong to completely different word families and grammatical categories. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "invective" refers to harsh, insulting, or abusive language, often in angry criticism. Step 2: Examine option C, "Abusive". This adjective describes language or behaviour that is insulting and harmful, matching the core sense of "invective". Step 3: Examine option A, "Invent". This is a verb meaning to create or design something new, unrelated to angry speech. Step 4: Examine option B, "Expressive". This means capable of conveying meaning or emotion clearly, and does not imply negativity or insult. Step 5: Examine option D, "Invitation". This refers to a request for someone to attend an event, which is entirely positive and polite. Step 6: Examine option E, "Polite", which is the opposite of the rude tone implied by "invective". Step 7: Conclude that "Abusive" is the only option that fits the meaning of "invective". Verification / Alternative check: Look at typical usage: "The debate degenerated into personal invective" means the speakers started using abusive language instead of reasoned argument. If we replace "invective" with "abusive language", the meaning remains the same. Substituting "expressive", "invitation", or "polite" would destroy the sense of the sentence. This substitution test confirms that "Abusive" is the best synonym among the options provided. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Invent" is wrong because it deals with creating things, not with insulting language. "Expressive" is wrong because expression can be neutral or positive and does not necessarily involve insult. "Invitation" is wrong because it relates to requesting someone presence, a completely different domain. "Polite" is wrong because invective speech is harsh and rude, which is the opposite of politeness. None of these words overlap in meaning with "invective". Common Pitfalls: Students may be misled by superficial similarity between "invective" and "invent", especially if they have not seen "invective" before. Others may be lazy and choose "expressive" because it is vaguely related to speech, without noticing the negative aspect in the question word. To handle such items, always think of a short definition for the target word in your own mind first. For "invective", you might remember "abusive language". Then choose the option that best matches that definition. Final Answer: The option that best expresses the meaning of "Invective" is Abusive, referring to abusive language or criticism.

Question 3

In the following question on antonyms, select the option that is opposite in meaning to the word Elated.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question tests your ability to identify a word that expresses the opposite emotion of "elated". Emotional vocabulary is frequently used in reading comprehension and verbal ability sections, so recognising pairs of near opposites is very helpful. You need to choose the option that best captures a feeling contrary to the joy and excitement suggested by "elated". Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Elated. Option A: Inspired. Option B: Cheered. Option C: Disheartened. Option D: Encouraged. Option E: Animated. We assume standard dictionary meanings for all choices. Concept / Approach: "Elated" means extremely happy, thrilled, or very excited and proud. The opposite of such a high positive state is a low, discouraged, or sad state. "Disheartened" means discouraged and lacking hope or enthusiasm, which is almost the direct emotional opposite of "elated". The other options are all positive words related to enthusiasm or motivation and therefore cannot serve as antonyms. The task is thus to match the emotional direction of each word and pick the one that reverses the meaning of the target word. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "elated" describes someone who is extremely happy or overjoyed. Step 2: Consider option C, "Disheartened". This word describes a person who has lost hope, confidence, or enthusiasm, which is the opposite emotional state. Step 3: Examine option A, "Inspired". This suggests feeling motivated and uplifted, a positive state closely related to being elated, not opposite. Step 4: Examine option B, "Cheered". This means made happier or more hopeful, again a positive mood. Step 5: Examine option D, "Encouraged". This also implies increased confidence and positivity. Step 6: Examine option E, "Animated". This indicates being full of life and energy, another positive, lively state. Step 7: Conclude that "Disheartened" is the only word that expresses a negative state in contrast to "elated". Verification / Alternative check: Imagine two sentences: "She was elated by the news" and "She was disheartened by the news". The first suggests intense joy, the second suggests deep disappointment or discouragement. These states lie at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. If we tried "She was elated by the news" versus "She was inspired by the news", both sentences show positive outcomes and cannot be opposites. This check reinforces that "Disheartened" is the correct antonym in this set. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Inspired", "Cheered", "Encouraged", and "Animated" all express various forms of positive feelings and increased energy or confidence. They may differ slightly in nuance, but none of them convey sadness or loss of spirit. Therefore, they cannot be antonyms of "elated", which is also a strongly positive word. Only "Disheartened" stands in real emotional opposition to "elated". Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes pick a word that is merely different rather than truly opposite in meaning, especially under time pressure. Another mistake is to choose a word they do not know well, hoping that unfamiliarity equals correctness. A better strategy is to mentally assign a simple meaning to the target word first, such as "very happy" for "elated", and then look for a choice that fits "very unhappy" or "discouraged". This approach quickly singles out "Disheartened" as the antonym. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to "Elated" is Disheartened.

Question 4

In the following question on antonyms, select the option that is opposite in meaning to the word Baneful.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question targets the word "baneful", which is often used in higher level English to describe something causing great harm or ruin. Tests of this kind measure whether candidates understand both the meaning and the emotional tone of such adjectives. Your job is to select the option that expresses an opposite idea, not just a different one, in relation to "baneful". Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Baneful. Option A: Harmful. Option B: Cruel. Option C: Disastrous. Option D: Lucky. Option E: Dangerous. We assume that "baneful" has a strongly negative meaning related to harm. Concept / Approach: "Baneful" describes something that is seriously harmful or destructive. It can refer to influences, effects, or actions that cause damage or ruin. Therefore, its antonym should convey the idea of something beneficial, fortunate, or producing good outcomes. Among the options, "Lucky" best captures that positive, beneficial sense. "Harmful", "Cruel", "Disastrous", and "Dangerous" all carry negative or harmful meanings that are similar to "baneful", not opposite. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "baneful" means extremely harmful, destructive, or poisonous in effect. Step 2: Look at option A, "Harmful". This directly overlaps with the meaning of "baneful" and is therefore a synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: Look at option B, "Cruel". Although it is negative, it refers to intentional unkindness rather than general harmful effect. Step 4: Look at option C, "Disastrous". This describes something causing great damage, again similar in effect to "baneful". Step 5: Look at option D, "Lucky". This implies favourable circumstances and good fortune, which contrast with harmful or destructive outcomes. Step 6: Look at option E, "Dangerous". This means likely to cause harm or injury and is close in meaning to "baneful". Step 7: Conclude that "Lucky" is the only option that expresses a positive, beneficial idea opposite to "baneful". Verification / Alternative check: Consider a sentence: "The baneful influence of pollution on health" describes a very harmful impact. To express the opposite situation, one could say "the lucky escape from harmful influence" or "the fortunate influence that improved health". The concept of luck or good fortune directly counters the idea of destructive influence. Substituting "harmful", "disastrous", or "dangerous" in place of "baneful" would maintain the negative tone instead of reversing it, which shows that those are not antonyms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Harmful", "Disastrous", and "Dangerous" all reinforce the sense of risk and damage that "baneful" already carries. "Cruel" is a negative word about behaviour and intention, not about fortune or beneficial results. None of these create an opposite meaning. In contrast, "Lucky" suggests good outcomes and absence of harm, which is precisely what is missing in a baneful situation. Therefore, "Lucky" is the correct antonym in this set. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may quickly pick "Harmful" or "Dangerous" because they recognise a semantic link with "baneful" and forget that the question asks for an antonym, not a synonym. Others may dismiss "Lucky" as too simple. To avoid such errors, always check whether the question is about "same meaning" or "opposite meaning" and then mentally assign a short gloss to the target word. For "baneful", think "very harmful", and then search for an option that means "beneficial" or "fortunate". Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to "Baneful" is Lucky.

Question 5

Rearrange the given parts of the sentence in the correct order: To many women human rights are P: foreign to their culture and Q: of individual and community identity R: challenge deeply held notions.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a sentence rearrangement or para jumble item. You are given a main clause followed by three labelled segments P, Q, and R, and you must decide the order in which these segments should appear to form a clear, grammatically correct, and logically coherent sentence. The topic is human rights and how some women perceive them as challenging deeply held cultural notions. Given Data / Assumptions: Main clause: "To many women human rights are". P: "foreign to their culture and". Q: "of individual and community identity". R: "challenge deeply held notions". Options: PQR, RPQ, QPR, PRQ, RQP. The final sentence must make sense as a whole and preserve standard English word order. Concept / Approach: The main clause ends with "are", so the next word should be a complement describing what human rights are to many women. Segment P, "foreign to their culture and", can immediately follow "are" to complete this idea: "are foreign to their culture and". Next, the structure suggests another verb phrase "challenge deeply held notions of individual and community identity". This means that human rights not only seem foreign but also challenge certain notions. Therefore, segment R should follow, giving "challenge deeply held notions". Finally, segment Q, "of individual and community identity", properly completes the phrase "notions of individual and community identity". This yields the sequence P R Q, corresponding to option PRQ. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach each segment to the main clause and check for immediate grammatical fit. "To many women human rights are foreign to their culture and" (P) is grammatically smooth. Step 2: Note that after P, another verb phrase can logically appear, such as "challenge deeply held notions" (R), to show an additional effect of human rights. Step 3: Combine P and R: "To many women human rights are foreign to their culture and challenge deeply held notions". This is still grammatically correct and meaningful. Step 4: Observe that "notions" naturally takes a prepositional phrase beginning with "of", which is provided by Q: "of individual and community identity". Step 5: Add Q at the end: "challenge deeply held notions of individual and community identity". This completes the sentence logically and grammatically. Step 6: Check the entire sentence: "To many women human rights are foreign to their culture and challenge deeply held notions of individual and community identity." Step 7: Match this sequence P R Q with the listed options and identify it as option PRQ. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other sequences briefly. P Q R gives "foreign to their culture and of individual and community identity challenge deeply held notions", which misplaces Q and makes the sentence ungrammatical. R P Q would start "challenge deeply held notions" immediately after "are", leaving "foreign to their culture" awkwardly placed. Q P R begins with "of individual and community identity" directly after "are", which does not attach properly to the verb without "notions". These alternatives clearly produce incorrect or clumsy sentences. In contrast, PRQ reads smoothly and preserves logical flow. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PQR misplaces Q, producing an incomplete phrase "and of individual and community identity" without a clear noun before "of". RPQ incorrectly begins the complement with "challenge", ignoring the first idea that human rights are foreign to some women culture. QPR starts with a prepositional phrase "of individual and community identity" attached directly to "are", which makes no sense without "notions". RQP and R P Q also fail because they break the link between "notions" and "of individual and community identity" or place segments in illogical order. Thus, only PRQ produces a correct and meaningful sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on the content words "culture", "identity", and "notions" and do not check whether small linking words like "of" and "and" are placed correctly. Another mistake is to assume that any order which sounds slightly meaningful must be correct. In jumbled sentence questions, always check subject verb agreement, natural word groups (such as "notions of identity"), and whether all conjunctions and prepositions have proper partners. This careful checking quickly reveals that PRQ is the only acceptable arrangement. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is PRQ, giving: "To many women human rights are foreign to their culture and challenge deeply held notions of individual and community identity."

Question 6

A sentence has been given in Active / Passive Voice. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same meaning in Passive Voice. The original active sentence is: "Some girls were helping the wounded men."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the transformation between Active and Passive Voice in English grammar. You are given the active sentence "Some girls were helping the wounded men" and asked to choose the option that correctly expresses the same idea in Passive Voice without changing the tense, meaning, or focus of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: The active sentence is: Some girls were helping the wounded men. The subject in the active voice is: some girls. The object in the active voice is: the wounded men. The tense is past continuous (were helping). We must convert this sentence into passive voice, keeping the same tense and basic meaning. Concept / Approach: To change a sentence from active to passive voice, we make the object of the active sentence the subject of the passive sentence. For past continuous tense, the passive structure is: was / were being + past participle of the main verb. In this sentence, helping is the present participle of help. Its past participle is helped. The phrase some girls will appear in the passive as the agent introduced by by, but it can sometimes be omitted when the agent is not important. Here, the exam options include the agent, so we must preserve it correctly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence: the wounded men. This will become the subject in the passive form. Step 2: Keep the tense as past continuous. The past continuous passive uses were being + past participle for a plural subject. Step 3: Change the main verb helping to its past participle helped. Step 4: Place the original subject some girls after the preposition by to show the agent. Step 5: Combine these elements to form the passive: The wounded men were being helped by some girls. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can reverse the passive sentence back to active: The wounded men were being helped by some girls becomes Some girls were helping the wounded men, which matches the original sentence exactly in tense and meaning. This confirms that the transformation is correct. None of the other options, when converted back to active voice, will give us the same original sentence with correct tense and roles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: The wounded men were helping some girls changes the roles; now the wounded men are doing the helping, which reverses the meaning. Option C: The wounded men are being helped by some girls shifts the tense to present continuous, not past continuous, and therefore is incorrect. Option D: The wounded men received help from some girls changes the tense to simple past (received), not past continuous, and loses the sense of ongoing action. Option E: Help was being given to some girls by the wounded men again reverses the roles; the wounded men become the helpers instead of the ones being helped. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to ignore the tense of the original sentence and simply choose any passive-looking option. Another frequent error is to mix up who is performing the action and who is receiving it. Always identify the subject, verb, and object first, then apply the correct passive structure: object + appropriate form of be + past participle + by + original subject. Pay special attention to continuous tenses, which require being in the passive form (were being helped). Final Answer: The correct passive form of the sentence is "The wounded men were being helped by some girls."

Question 7

A sentence has been given in Direct / Indirect Speech. Out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect Speech. The original direct sentence is: "Shyam said, 'My master is eating.'"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of changing a sentence from Direct Speech to Indirect (Reported) Speech. The given direct sentence is "Shyam said, 'My master is eating.'" You must choose the indirect form that is grammatically correct and accurately reflects the time relationship indicated by the reporting verb said and the original present continuous tense is eating. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: "Shyam said, 'My master is eating.'" Reporting verb: said (simple past tense). Reported clause: My master is eating (present continuous tense). No specific time expression such as now, today, or tomorrow is given in the original sentence. We are using standard rules for reported speech in English grammar exams. Concept / Approach: When changing from Direct to Indirect Speech, we usually follow a sequence-of-tenses rule. If the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the tense of the reported clause is often shifted one step back in time. Present continuous (is eating) normally changes to past continuous (was eating). We also remove quotation marks and introduce the reported clause with the conjunction that (which may be omitted in informal speech but is typically kept in exam answers). Pronouns and possessives may need adjustment, but here "my master" naturally becomes "his master" when reported by another speaker about Shyam. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting verb: said (simple past). Step 2: Note the tense of the reported clause: is eating (present continuous). Step 3: Apply the tense change rule: present continuous changes to past continuous, so is eating becomes was eating. Step 4: Change the first person possessive my into his to agree with the subject Shyam. Step 5: Introduce the clause with that and remove quotation marks to get: Shyam said that his master was eating. Verification / Alternative check: Check the final sentence: "Shyam said that his master was eating." This correctly represents that, at the time Shyam spoke in the past, the action of eating was in progress. If we temporarily convert it back to direct speech, we can imagine Shyam saying, "My master is eating." This matches the original sentence and preserves both meaning and time reference, which confirms the correctness of the indirect version. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "Shyam inform that his master is eating." is incorrect because inform should be informed in the past tense and the tense of is eating has not been shifted to was eating. Option B: "Shyam say that his master is eating." keeps say in the present tense, which does not match the original reporting verb said, and also ignores the required tense backshift rule in the exam context. Option C: "Shyam and his master was eating." changes the structure completely and suggests both Shyam and his master were eating, which is not what the original sentence states. Option E: "Shyam said that his master is eating." keeps is eating instead of shifting to was eating, which is usually considered incorrect in formal reported speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense and no special time marker prevents the change. Common Pitfalls: Learners often forget to apply the sequence-of-tenses rule when the reporting verb is in the past. Another common mistake is failing to adjust pronouns and possessives from first person to third person in reported speech. In exam conditions, you should quickly check three things: (1) verb tense shift, (2) pronoun and possessive changes, and (3) removal of quotation marks with proper use of that. Practising these steps regularly will make such transformations easy and error-free. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech form is "Shyam said that his master was eating."

Question 8

In the following question, a word has been written in four different ways out of which only one is correctly spelt. Select the correctly spelt form of the word meaning "the act of killing an important person for political or religious reasons".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question asks you to identify the correct form of a commonly used but often misspelt English word. The word refers to the act of killing an important person, such as a political or religious leader, usually for ideological or financial reasons. Correct spelling is essential in competitive exams because it shows careful attention to detail and a strong command of written English. Given Data / Assumptions: We are testing the spelling of the word pronounced /əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃn/. The word means the act of deliberately killing a famous or important person. Several options include extra or missing letters, especially in the middle of the word. Only one option corresponds to the standard dictionary spelling used in formal English. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling builds from the base "assassin" plus the suffix "-ation". The base word "assassin" has the letter sequence a-s-s-a-s-s-i-n with a double s in the middle. When we add "-ation", we get "assassination" with two double-s clusters: assa-ss-in-ation. Any option that changes the number or order of s letters, or adds unnecessary vowels, will be incorrect. Always identify the root and the suffix to guide your spelling choices. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the base noun "assassin" meaning a person who kills an important figure. Step 2: Add the common noun-forming suffix "-ation", which turns the action into "assassination". Step 3: Check option C "Assassination" and see that it preserves the correct root "assassin" and adds "-ation" without altering the letter sequence. Step 4: Examine option A "Asassination": it has only one "s" after the initial "A", which breaks the double-s pattern in the root. Step 5: Examine option B "Assasination": it misses one "s" in the middle, giving a weaker ss pattern and deviating from "assassin". Step 6: Examine option D "Assaissination": it wrongly introduces an "i" after "ss", creating a non-standard and confusing cluster. Step 7: Examine option E "Assassinattion": it includes a double "t" in "tton", which is not part of the standard spelling. Verification / Alternative check: You can cross-check by understanding related forms: "assassin", "assassinate", "assassination". Each of these keeps the double-s pattern in the middle after the initial "ass". We never see "asassinate" or "assasinate" in correct English. Also, many dictionaries and exam preparation books confirm "assassination" as the only standard spelling. Recognising the pattern "assassin + ation" will help you remember it long-term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A Asassination lacks the required double "ss" after the initial a and therefore does not match the root assassin. Option B Assasination drops one "s" in the central cluster and is a very common but incorrect exam spelling. Option D Assaissination introduces an extra "i" and becomes an unrecognised form with a confusing vowel sequence. Option E Assassinattion adds an extra "t", which is not present in the correct word and breaks the neat "-ation" ending pattern. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often get confused by the repeated "s" letters and try to simplify the spelling by dropping one of them, resulting in incorrect forms like "assasination". A practical strategy is to learn the root assassin and note that both the root and the derivative assassination contain two pairs of consecutive "ss": as-sa-ss-in-ation. Visualising or writing this pattern a few times can help fix the correct spelling in your memory. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is "Assassination".

Question 9

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom / phrase "at somebody's expense".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiom "at somebody's expense" is very common in everyday English, in both literal and figurative senses. Examinations often test this phrase because it appears in newspaper articles, conversations, and literature. Understanding its primary meaning helps you interpret sentences about who pays for something and who may be harmed or embarrassed by someone else's actions. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom under test is: at somebody's expense. We encounter it in contexts like "Dinner was at his expense" and "They made jokes at her expense". The question asks for the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom in general English usage. We assume standard exam focus on the most straightforward meaning used in many sentences. Concept / Approach: The phrase at somebody's expense has two related meanings. The primary, literal meaning is "paid for by someone", as in a trip at the company's expense. The figurative meaning describes a situation where someone is harmed, embarrassed, or loses out while another benefits, as in a joke at someone's expense. In exam-style idiom questions, when you are given simple options, the safest and most widely applicable meaning is usually the literal one, especially when it matches common financial contexts such as travel, food, or facilities being paid for by someone else. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall examples: "All costs were met at the government's expense" clearly means the government paid for everything. Step 2: Compare with option A: "Paid for by someone." This matches the literal meaning exactly and can be used in many such sentences. Step 3: Look at option D: "If one person benefits it is always at the loss of another." This reflects the figurative meaning of gaining at someone's cost, but the word "always" makes it too strong and not accurate in the purely financial sense. Step 4: Option B: "To blame a crime on someone else." describes framing someone, which is not the standard meaning of the idiom. Step 5: Option C: "The unlucky persons who lose a race." has nothing to do with paying for something or being harmed as such. Step 6: Option E: "To make a joke that embarrasses someone." is a specific figurative use (a joke at his expense), but the question asks for the best general meaning, which is broader and financial in many exam contexts. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the sentence: "The company organized a foreign tour at the CEO's expense." Here the only sensible meaning is that the CEO paid for it. If we substitute option A, we get "paid for by the CEO", which fits perfectly. If we try option E or D, the sentence becomes odd because a tour is not usually described mainly in terms of humour or loss. Similarly, in the sentence "He enjoys living at his parents' expense," the phrase clearly refers to money and material support, not just emotional harm. This strongly supports option A as the primary exam answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B describes shifting blame in a criminal context and is unrelated to payment or support. Option C limits the idea to losing a race, which is far too narrow and unrelated to the idiom's established meanings. Option D focuses on the idea that whenever one person benefits another must lose, which is not always true for this phrase and makes it too absolute. Option E captures one specific figurative use (jokes at someone's expense) but does not cover the many sentences where the phrase simply refers to who is paying. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes get attracted to dramatic-sounding options that highlight loss or humiliation, especially when they have seen the idiom used in contexts like "He cracked a joke at my expense." While that figurative use is correct, competitive exams often expect the broader and simpler interpretation first. A good strategy is to ask: can this meaning fit both money-related and harm-related contexts? "Paid for by someone" works well with travel, meals, and living arrangements, while the other options are too narrow or specific. Final Answer: The best expression of the idiom "at somebody's expense" is "paid for by someone".

Question 10

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom / phrase "cock and bull story".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiom "cock and bull story" is widely used in English to criticise an explanation or excuse that sounds unbelievable, overly elaborate, or clearly invented. Exams frequently test this phrase because it appears in newspapers, detective stories, and everyday conversation. Knowing its meaning helps you quickly judge the speaker's attitude toward what is being said. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom under test is: cock and bull story. We assume a conversational or narrative context where someone is describing another person's explanation. The correct meaning should contain the idea of an incredible, fabricated, or ridiculous story, not a genuine one. The options include references to fairy tales, animal stories, morals, bravery, and implausible excuses. Concept / Approach: The phrase "cock and bull story" refers to a highly unlikely story, usually invented on the spot to cover up the truth, provide a false excuse, or dramatise events. It is not a compliment; it suggests the listener does not believe the story. The key ideas are implausibility and use as an explanation or excuse. Therefore, the correct answer must capture both the lack of credibility and the purpose of the story. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage: "When I asked him why he was late, he told me some cock and bull story about being kidnapped by aliens." Step 2: Identify the main features: the story is unrealistic, seems made up, and is used as an excuse. Step 3: Compare with option A: "An implausible story used as an explanation or excuse." This matches the idiom's meaning exactly. Step 4: Option B: "A fairy tale told down generations." describes traditional stories, which may be unrealistic but are not usually called cock and bull stories; they are accepted as tales, not excuses. Step 5: Option C: "A story of animals with hidden morals." is closer to fables like those of Aesop, which teach lessons and are not what this idiom refers to. Step 6: Option D: "The meek can defeat the bully by being clever" is a moral statement, not a definition of the idiom. Step 7: Option E: "A true story narrated in a humorous way." directly contradicts the false and unbelievable nature implied by the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Try using each suggested meaning in a sentence. If we substitute option A, we get: "He gave me an implausible story used as an explanation or excuse." This fits well with how the idiom is used. If we substitute option B, saying "He gave me a fairy tale told down generations," the meaning weakens and does not focus on the speaker's disbelief. Option E would imply the story is true, which clashes with the normal negative tone when someone dismisses an explanation as a cock and bull story. These tests confirm that option A is the most accurate and widely accepted interpretation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B mixes up fairy tales with excuses; "cock and bull story" is not used for folk tales told to children for entertainment. Option C narrows the idea to animal stories with morals, confusing the idiom with fables, which are not necessarily excuses. Option D is a moral message, possibly from a fable, but it is not a definition of the idiom at all. Option E introduces the idea of a true story, which clashes with the core suggestion that the story is unbelievable or made up. Common Pitfalls: Because the words cock and bull suggest animals, some learners mistakenly associate the idiom with animal-based moral stories. However, idioms often cannot be understood literally. A good strategy is to remember typical contexts: we use "cock and bull story" when we do not believe someone's explanation. Linking the expression to disbelief and excuse, rather than to animals or morals, will help you choose the right answer in the exam. Final Answer: The idiom "cock and bull story" means "an implausible story used as an explanation or excuse".

Question 11

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the given definition: "An upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a one-word substitution question, a common type in competitive English exams. You are given a definition and asked to pick the single word that accurately expresses that meaning. Here, the definition is "An upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier." Such vocabulary is often used in descriptions of buildings, railings, and safety structures. Given Data / Assumptions: We must find a word that names an upright bar or post used for support or as part of a barrier. The word should refer to a physical object, not an action or body position. Options include repose, stanchion, recumbent, supine, and girder. Several options relate to posture or rest, not to architectural structures. Concept / Approach: A stanchion is a vertical post or bar that supports a structure or forms part of a barrier, such as the uprights in fences, railings, or safety barriers around machinery. Repose, recumbent, and supine relate to resting or lying down and have no connection with physical posts. A girder is a large horizontal beam used to support loads, not an upright bar. Therefore, stanchion is the only word that fits the given definition exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on key parts of the definition: upright, bar or post, support or barrier. Step 2: Recall that stanchion is a technical term used in construction, architecture, and safety engineering for such upright supports. Step 3: Option B Stanchion clearly matches this meaning and is the standard dictionary term. Step 4: Option A Repose means rest or relaxation, describing a state, not a physical object. Step 5: Option C Recumbent describes a person or object lying down, again not relevant to posts or barriers. Step 6: Option D Supine also refers to lying face upwards and is unrelated to structural supports. Step 7: Option E Girder is indeed a structural element, but it is usually a large horizontal beam, not an upright bar or post as described in the question. Verification / Alternative check: Consider typical usage: "The platform was supported by a row of stanchions." This sentence matches the idea of upright supports. "The railing is fixed to steel stanchions" is another example from engineering texts. If we replace stanchions with repose, recumbent, or supine, the sentence becomes meaningless. Replacing it with girder changes the orientation (horizontal instead of upright) and does not match the definition given in the question. This confirms that stanchion is the correct one-word substitute. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A Repose is a noun meaning a state of rest, sleep, or tranquillity, not a structural element. Option C Recumbent is an adjective describing someone lying down, especially in a relaxed or resting position. Option D Supine also refers to a lying-down posture, particularly lying on the back, and is unrelated to posts or frames. Option E Girder, while a structural component, is typically a large horizontal beam supporting loads above; it does not fit the phrase "upright bar or post forming a support or barrier". Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted by girder because it is associated with construction and support. However, careful reading of the definition shows the emphasis on upright and bar or post, which points to vertical supports. When answering one-word substitution questions, pay close attention to every detail in the description and eliminate options that only partially match. This method will regularly lead you to the precise term like stanchion. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is "Stanchion".

Question 12

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the given definition: "A routine task, especially a household one."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one-word substitution question focuses on everyday vocabulary related to work and tasks in daily life. The definition given is "A routine task, especially a household one." Such words appear frequently in descriptions of domestic life, time management, and personal responsibilities, making them important for comprehension and precise expression. Given Data / Assumptions: We need a noun that means a routine or regular task, particularly in the context of the home. The word should fit sentences like "daily household ______" or "I am tired of my usual ______." The options are chore, servitude, moil, travail, and pastime. Only one of these is widely used in modern English with the exact sense given. Concept / Approach: The word chore is the standard English term for a small, routine job, especially one that has to be done regularly around the house, such as washing dishes, sweeping, or cooking. Servitude refers to the condition of being a servant or slave, moil and travail refer to hard, often exhausting work, and pastime means an activity done for enjoyment, not duty. Thus, only chore accurately matches the idea of a routine household task. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key words "routine task" and "especially a household one". Step 2: Recall that common phrases include "household chores" and "daily chores" to describe regular domestic duties. Step 3: Option A Chore exactly fits this use; it is the standard dictionary definition. Step 4: Option B Servitude describes the state of being forced to serve another person and is much stronger and broader than a simple routine task. Step 5: Option C Moil means to work hard or toil, but it does not specifically refer to routine household duties. Step 6: Option D Travail refers to painful or laborious effort, often in the context of great hardship, not small daily tasks. Step 7: Option E Pastime refers to activities done for fun or relaxation, which is almost the opposite of an unwanted routine duty. Verification / Alternative check: Insert each word into sample sentences: "She spent the morning doing household chores" sounds perfectly natural. "She spent the morning doing household servitude" or "household moil" are awkward and uncommon. "Household pastimes" suggests hobbies, not duties. In everyday speech and writing, chore is almost always the word used for routine household tasks, confirming it as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B Servitude emphasises a condition of slavery or forced labour and is too strong and general for ordinary daily tasks. Option C Moil suggests drudgery or toil but is not specifically tied to routine household work and is rarely used in modern conversation. Option D Travail is used for intense labour or suffering, often in literary or formal contexts, and does not suit the idea of simple routine duties. Option E Pastime refers to activities done for enjoyment, such as hobbies or games, and is the opposite of worklike tasks. Common Pitfalls: Because some options are uncommon or literary, candidates may be tempted to choose them assuming that a rarer word must be correct. However, one-word substitution questions often use everyday vocabulary. The safest approach is to check which word naturally fits into common phrases like "household _____" or "daily _____", and chore clearly passes that test while the other options do not. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is "Chore".

Question 13

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement". Sentence: "Opening the door to her each morning is like…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests your understanding of parallel structure and correct verb forms in English. The sentence compares an action ("Opening the door to her each morning") with another action ("letting a breath of fresh air into my world"). To maintain grammatical and stylistic correctness, both parts of the comparison must use forms that are grammatically compatible and logically parallel. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is: Opening the door to her each morning is like (lets) a breath of fresh air into my world. The phrase "Opening the door to her each morning" is a gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence. The part after "is like" should be a noun or noun-like phrase that can be compared with that gerund phrase. The bracketed verb "lets" is to be improved or replaced if necessary. Concept / Approach: When we use "X is like Y" in English, both X and Y should be similar in grammatical form. Here, X is a gerund phrase: Opening the door to her each morning. Therefore, Y should also be a gerund or noun phrase, not a finite verb. The expression we want is "letting a breath of fresh air into my world", where "letting" functions as a gerund. Using "lets" (a finite verb) after "is like" breaks the structure and makes the sentence ungrammatical. Hence, the correct improvement is to replace "lets" with "letting". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main structure: "Opening the door to her each morning" (subject) + "is like" (linking verb + preposition) + something comparable. Step 2: Recognise that "Opening" is a gerund; the part after "is like" should mirror this nominal form. Step 3: Consider the phrase "letting a breath of fresh air into my world" as a gerund phrase functioning like a noun. Step 4: Check option C "letting" and see that it produces: "is like letting a breath of fresh air into my world", which is grammatical and natural. Step 5: Option A "let" would give "is like let a breath of fresh air", which is incomplete and incorrect in standard English. Step 6: Option B "to let" introduces the infinitive and would give "is like to let a breath of fresh air", which is awkward and not parallel to the gerund "Opening". Step 7: Option D "no improvement" would keep "is like lets a breath of fresh air", which is wrong because "lets" would require its own subject and cannot follow "is like" directly. Step 8: Option E "to have let" introduces a perfect infinitive and changes the time and structure unnecessarily. Verification / Alternative check: Read the corrected sentence aloud: "Opening the door to her each morning is like letting a breath of fresh air into my world." The comparison is smooth, poetic, and grammatically sound. If we tried "is like to let" or "is like let", we immediately feel the sentence stumble. Also, standard usage supports gerund after structures beginning with "is like", such as "Life is like driving on a highway" or "Talking to her is like stepping into sunshine." This pattern confirms that "letting" is the right choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A let leaves the phrase without a subject or correct non-finite form; "is like let" is grammatically incomplete. Option B to let introduces an infinitive that sounds unnatural after "is like" when compared to a gerund subject. Option D no improvement would keep the ungrammatical "is like lets a breath of fresh air", where "lets" cannot function properly in this structure. Option E to have let introduces perfect aspect and changes the sense to a completed action, which is not intended and breaks the parallel structure. Common Pitfalls: Many learners fail to notice the need for parallelism in comparison structures. They may focus only on tense and ignore the form of the verb. A useful rule is: when a sentence starts with a gerund subject like "Opening the door...", look for another gerund after "is like" or similar expressions. Keeping the same non-finite form on both sides of a comparison makes the sentence smooth, grammatical, and stylistically elegant. Final Answer: The bracketed part should be improved to "letting", giving: Opening the door to her each morning is like letting a breath of fresh air into my world.

Question 14

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement". Sentence: "What seeds you (has sow) in the garden of yo…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question focuses on subject–verb agreement and correct verb forms in a somewhat poetic sentence. The sentence uses an extended metaphor comparing thoughts in the mind to seeds in a garden. To answer correctly, you must identify the appropriate verb form that fits both the grammatical structure and the intended meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence is: "What seeds you (has sow) in the garden of your mind determine the quality of life you shall have." The phrase "what seeds you ... in the garden of your mind" functions collectively as the subject of the sentence. The main verb for this subject is "determine", which is correctly in the plural form, suggesting a plural or collective subject. The bracketed part "has sow" is clearly grammatically incorrect and needs correction. Concept / Approach: We need a verb form that fits the pattern "What seeds you ____ in the garden of your mind" and works naturally with "determine the quality of life you shall have." Here, "you sow" is a simple present tense clause, expressing a timeless truth or general principle: the seeds you sow (your thoughts and actions) determine your future. The word has is unnecessary and the base form sow should be used directly after the subject you. Using a gerund or past form would break the intended general, habitual sense of the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the structure: "What seeds you ____ in the garden of your mind determine the quality of life you shall have." Step 2: Recognise that the clause "you sow in the garden of your mind" describes a general action, not a completed or ongoing specific time frame. Step 3: The correct simple present form for the subject you is sow. Step 4: Insert option B: "What seeds you sow in the garden of your mind determine the quality of life you shall have." This Now reads smoothly and expresses a general principle. Step 5: Option A sowing would give "What seeds you sowing in the garden..." which is ungrammatical. Step 6: Option C had sow is incorrect because had should be followed by the past participle sown, and even then "had sown" would shift the meaning to a completed action in the past rather than a general rule. Step 7: Option D no improvement is not possible because "has sow" is clearly wrong; the auxiliary has should be followed by the past participle "sown" and is not needed after you. Step 8: Option E have sown would create "What seeds you have sown in the garden..." which describes past actions and does not sit well with the proverb-like structure of the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Think of similar proverb-style sentences: "What you sow, you reap" or "The habits you develop determine your future." These use simple present forms to state general truths. "What seeds you sow in the garden of your mind determine the quality of life you shall have" fits this pattern perfectly. Also, the plural verb determine agrees naturally with the implied plural subject "what seeds you sow". If we used "have sown", we would be focusing on past actions, which would not match the general, timeless tone of the sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A sowing incorrectly mixes a gerund with a finite clause and does not fit after the subject you. Option C had sow is doubly wrong: had should be followed by a past participle "sown", and the past perfect tense is not needed here. Option D no improvement would retain "has sow", which is grammatically incorrect because has is not properly followed by a past participle, and the subject you does not agree with has in this structure. Option E have sown shifts the sentence into present perfect, indicating completed past actions, which weakens the proverb-like, general truth meaning intended by the writer. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes overuse perfect tenses, especially have + past participle, in sentences that actually require the simple present to express general truths. A good rule is: when a sentence reads like a proverb or universal principle, and there is no reference to a specific time, the simple present tense is usually the safest and most correct choice. Checking the agreement between the subject and the main verb (determine) also helps confirm that "you sow" fits naturally in the structure. Final Answer: The bracketed part should be improved to "sow", giving: What seeds you sow in the garden of your mind determine the quality of life you shall have.

Question 15

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentence parts. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent sentence: "If your ward talks A - well to convince you, be B - social and interpersonal cre…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This para-jumble question presents three labelled parts of a sentence (A, B, and C) and asks you to arrange them into a meaningful and grammatically correct statement. Such questions test your understanding of sentence structure, logical flow, and the natural order of ideas in English. Here, the sentence talks about a ward (child) who speaks persuasively, and a parent's reaction to that behaviour. Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed beginning is: "If your ward talks". Part A: "well to convince you, be" Part B: "social and interpersonal creativity" Part C: "proud that he or she has" We must create a single, coherent sentence using all three parts exactly once. Concept / Approach: First, we should complete the conditional clause that begins with "If your ward talks...". It is natural to complete this as "If your ward talks well to convince you, ...", which suggests that A should immediately follow the opening. Next, the main clause that follows the conditional "If" should begin with an instruction or statement, such as "be proud that he or she has ...". That points to part C. Finally, B "social and interpersonal creativity" fits best after "has", giving the object of the verb. Therefore, the logical order after the fixed opening is A-C-B, making the full sequence "If your ward talks A C B". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach A to the opening clause: "If your ward talks well to convince you, be..." This reads naturally and completes the idea of how the ward talks. Step 2: After "be" we expect an adjective or a phrase beginning with an adjective to describe an attitude. Part C begins with "proud that he or she has", which fits perfectly after "be". Step 3: Place C after A, yielding: "If your ward talks well to convince you, be proud that he or she has ..." Step 4: Now we need a noun phrase to complete "has". Part B "social and interpersonal creativity" fits as the object of "has". Step 5: Put B at the end: "If your ward talks well to convince you, be proud that he or she has social and interpersonal creativity." Step 6: This ordering corresponds to ACB, which is given as option B. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other orders briefly. For ABC we get: "If your ward talks well to convince you, be social and interpersonal creativity proud that he or she has," which is grammatically wrong and awkward. For CBA we begin the main clause with "proud that he or she has", which leaves no place for the essential "be" and makes the sequence illogical. For CAB we get "If your ward talks proud that he or she has social and interpersonal creativity well to convince you, be", which is clearly disordered. This comparison confirms that ACB is the only sequence that yields a natural and correct sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (ABC) forces the phrase "be social and interpersonal creativity proud", which is not a valid English structure. Option C (CBA) begins with "proud that he or she has" immediately after "If your ward talks", leaving "be" in a wrong position and breaking the conditional structure. Option D (CAB) scrambles the logical order of how the ward talks and what quality he or she has, producing a meaningless sentence. Option E (BAC) similarly creates ungrammatical and illogical combinations like "If your ward talks social and interpersonal creativity", which do not make sense. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake in para-jumble questions is to focus only on vocabulary without paying attention to grammar markers such as conjunctions, verbs, and prepositions. Here, words like "be" and "has" signal where adjectives and noun phrases should appear. Another pitfall is ignoring the conditional structure opened by "If". Always complete the conditional clause first, then look for a main clause that follows naturally, just as we did with "be proud that he or she has social and interpersonal creativity". Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order is ACB, giving: "If your ward talks well to convince you, be proud that he or she has social and interpersonal creativity."

Question 16

In the following question, four words are given out of which one word is correctly spelt. Select the correctly spelt word related to the act of judging between opposing parties.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question asks you to identify the correct form of a verb meaning "acts as an arbiter" or "settles a dispute between two parties". Such vocabulary appears in legal, business, and everyday contexts when someone is called upon to make a fair decision. Spelling this word correctly is important for formal writing and examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: We are looking for the correct spelling of the third-person singular form of the verb "arbitrate". The correct base verb is arbitrate, meaning to act as a judge in a dispute. The correct third-person singular present form should be "arbitrates". The options include several variants with extra or misplaced letters. Concept / Approach: The root word is "arbitrate": a-r-b-i-t-r-a-t-e. To form the third-person singular present tense, we simply add "s" to get "arbitrates". No letters are doubled and the internal vowel sequence remains "arbi". Any spelling that alters this pattern or doubles the "t" unnecessarily is incorrect. Recognising the root and standard -s ending helps select the correct form easily. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the base verb "arbitrate" meaning to act as judge, especially to settle disputes. Step 2: Form the third-person singular present: arbitrate → arbitrates. Step 3: Examine option B "arbitrates" and verify that it preserves the root spelling and simply adds "s". Step 4: Option A "arbittrates" doubles the "t", which is not part of the standard spelling. Step 5: Option C "arbetrates" replaces the "i" with "e", breaking the root pattern "arbi". Step 6: Option D "arbettrates" both changes the vowel and doubles the "t", making it doubly incorrect. Step 7: Option E "arbitrattes" adds an extra "t" near the end, again deviating from "arbitrate". Verification / Alternative check: Check usage in an example sentence: "The judge often arbitrates disputes between neighbours." This spelling looks and sounds correct. If we tried "arbittrates" or "arbetrates", the words would look awkward and unfamiliar, and you would not find them in standard dictionaries. Recognising that many English verbs simply take an "s" in the third-person singular present without internal changes reinforces that "arbitrates" is the correct form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A arbittrates erroneously doubles the "t", which is not required in this verb form. Option C arbetrates uses "e" instead of "i", changing the pronunciation and breaking the root "arbit-". Option D arbettrates combines both the wrong vowel and an unnecessary double "t". Option E arbitrattes introduces an extra "t" and deviates from the standard "arbitrate + s" pattern. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink spellings and introduce double consonants where they are not needed, especially in multi-syllable words. A reliable method is to locate the root word in your memory (arbitrate) and simply attach standard tense or person endings to it. If the root does not change, the derived forms should keep the same internal sequence of letters, avoiding random doubling or vowel changes. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is "arbitrates".

Question 17

Four words are given, out of which only one word is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt form of the word meaning "the most perfect example or pure essence of something".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question focuses on a slightly advanced English word that often appears in literature and formal writing. The word refers to the pure, most perfect embodiment of a quality or type. Being able to spell such abstract nouns correctly is important in descriptive and analytical writing, as well as in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The word under test is pronounced /ˌkwɪnˈtɛsəns/ and means "the most perfect example or essence of something". The correct spelling is derived from the Latin roots for "fifth essence". Options show common misspellings that change letters near the end of the word. Concept / Approach: The standard spelling is "quintessence": q-u-i-n-t-e-s-s-e-n-c-e. Notice the double "s" in the middle and the ending "-ence". Many English abstract nouns end with "-ence" or "-ance", and it is easy to confuse the two suffixes. However, in this specific word, dictionaries confirm the "-essence" pattern, giving quintessence. Any version that replaces "-ence" with "-ance" or rearranges letters in the core is incorrect. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the standard form: quintessence. Step 2: Examine option B "Quintessence". It matches the expected sequence: quin + t + essence. Step 3: Option A "Quintessance" uses "-ance" at the end, which is a common but wrong variation. Step 4: Option C "Quaintessence" introduces "quaint" instead of "quin", completely altering the root. Step 5: Option D "Quintassence" replaces "ess" with "ass", breaking the pattern and changing pronunciation. Step 6: Option E "Quintescense" incorrectly adds "scen" instead of "sence", another typical error in words ending with "-ence". Verification / Alternative check: Use the word in a sentence: "She is the quintessence of kindness." This is a standard phrase that you may see in books or articles. If we substituted "quintessance" or "quintassence", the words would look wrong and you would not find them in reliable dictionaries. Recognising the root "essence" within the spelling helps; quintessence literally resembles "quin + essence", further confirming that the ending must be "-essence", not any of the variants shown. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A Quintessance uses "-ance" instead of "-ence" and does not match the standard spelling. Option C Quaintessence begins with "quaint", a different word meaning old-fashioned or charming, making it incorrect as a spelling for "quintessence". Option D Quintassence alters the core "essence" to "assence", which is not recognised in English. Option E Quintescense wrongly inserts "scen" and is a typical spelling mistake seen with words like "presence" and "essence". Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse the endings "-ance" and "-ence", as both are common in abstract nouns. One helpful strategy is to memorise a few key words like presence, essence, and quintessence with "-ence" to set a pattern in your mind. Another tip is to notice internal patterns like "essence" inside the word, which strongly suggests the correct form. Whenever in doubt, think of similar known words and compare their endings. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is "Quintessence".

Question 18

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word "Multitude".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose a synonym for the word "multitude". Words like this often appear in reading comprehension passages, editorial articles, and descriptive writing. Knowing the meaning helps you understand references to large numbers of people, objects, or ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "multitude". We assume the common meaning: a large number of people or things, sometimes even a crowd. The options given are scarcity, minority, mass, radiant, and solitude. Concept / Approach: "Multitude" is used to describe a very large number or quantity, often of people: a multitude of fans, a multitude of problems. The closest simple synonym among the options is "mass", which can refer to a large collection or a great number of things or people. Scarcity and minority indicate small numbers, radiant refers to brightness, and solitude refers to being alone. Thus, only "mass" matches the sense of "multitude". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate "multitude" as "a very large number or crowd". Step 2: Option C "Mass" can be used to describe a large number or quantity, as in "a mass of people" or "mass of evidence". Step 3: Option A "Scarcity" is almost the opposite, meaning a shortage or lack of something. Step 4: Option B "Minority" refers to a smaller part of a whole, again suggesting few, not many. Step 5: Option D "Radiant" describes light, brightness, or joy, and has no numerical meaning. Step 6: Option E "Solitude" describes the state of being alone and is unrelated to large numbers. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example usage: "A multitude of students gathered in the stadium." If we replace "multitude" with "mass", we get "A mass of students gathered in the stadium", which still conveys the idea of many students. Replacing it with "scarcity" or "minority" would reverse the meaning, and "radiant" or "solitude" would make the sentence meaningless. This confirms that "mass" is the best synonym among the given choices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A Scarcity refers to shortage or limited quantity, the opposite of a large number. Option B Minority refers to a smaller group compared to a majority, and therefore does not match the idea of a very large number. Option D Radiant is about brightness or glowing and does not relate to quantity at all. Option E Solitude is the state of being alone, which implies absence of a crowd, not presence of a multitude. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may associate "multitude" with feelings or brightness because it can appear in poetic contexts, but its core meaning is numerical: a large number. When dealing with synonym questions, focus on the main dictionary meaning first. If the primary sense is about quantity, remove options that relate to quality, light, or emotions. This strategy will consistently guide you toward correct matches like "mass". Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of "multitude" is "Mass".

Question 19

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word "Jaded".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests your understanding of the adjective "jaded". The word often appears in descriptions of people who have lost enthusiasm or energy because they have experienced too much of something, such as work, pleasure, or travel. Recognising this word is useful for understanding character descriptions in novels, articles, and essays. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "jaded". We assume the usual meaning in modern English: tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm after overindulgence or prolonged activity. The options are restorative, thrilled, gay, tired, and energetic. Concept / Approach: "Jaded" describes a state of weariness or cynicism caused by too much of something. For example, someone may be jaded by constant partying, travel, or work. Among the options, "tired" is the closest in meaning, capturing the sense of weariness. Restorative means giving strength or energy, thrilled means excited, gay here would mean cheerful or happy, and energetic is the opposite of being worn out. Thus, "tired" is the best synonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate "jaded" as "worn out, tired, or bored, especially after doing too much of something". Step 2: Option D "Tired" directly expresses the idea of weariness. Step 3: Option A "Restorative" is something that restores energy, so it is almost the opposite. Step 4: Option B "Thrilled" means extremely excited or happy, which contrasts sharply with the dullness of being jaded. Step 5: Option C "Gay" in older usage means cheerful or joyful; this is not the same as being jaded. Step 6: Option E "Energetic" means full of energy and vigour, which again is opposite to the idea of being worn out. Verification / Alternative check: Use the word in a sentence: "After years of constant travelling, he felt jaded and no longer enjoyed it." Replacing "jaded" with "tired" keeps the meaning clear: he felt tired of travelling. If we used "thrilled" or "energetic", the sentence would say the opposite of what is intended. "Restorative" or "gay" would also be inappropriate in this context. This test confirms that "tired" is the most suitable synonym among the choices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A Restorative refers to something that revives or refreshes, not a state of weariness. Option B Thrilled expresses intense excitement or joy, which is inconsistent with the dull, worn-out feeling implied by jaded. Option C Gay (in the sense of cheerful) is again a positive, lively emotional state, not one of boredom or fatigue. Option E Energetic describes having a lot of energy, which is the opposite of being drained or jaded. Common Pitfalls: Students may confuse "jaded" with "bored" alone, forgetting the nuance that it usually results from excess. While boredom is part of the meaning, the key idea is overexposure leading to loss of freshness. In synonym questions, you often will not find a perfect one-word match for every shade of meaning, so you must choose the closest general sense. Here, "tired" is the best overall match, and recognising its broad coverage will help you select wisely. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of "jaded" is "Tired".

Question 20

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word "Abettor".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question focuses on the legal or semi-legal term "abettor". This word is often used in law, crime reports, and discussions of wrongdoing. Understanding it is important for interpreting legal language, news articles, and examination passages on crime and justice. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is "abettor". We assume the standard meaning: a person who encourages, assists, or helps another person to commit a crime or wrongdoing. The options are accomplice, adversary, careless, indolent, and spectator. Concept / Approach: An "abettor" (also spelled "abettor" in some jurisdictions) is someone who aids and encourages the commission of a crime. The closest everyday synonym is "accomplice", which refers to a person who helps another to commit a crime or who participates in it. Adversary is an opponent, careless means not taking sufficient care, indolent means lazy, and spectator means one who only watches. Thus, "accomplice" directly matches the role described by "abettor". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate "abettor" as "one who aids or encourages someone in committing an offence". Step 2: Option A "Accomplice" is defined as someone who helps another person to commit a crime. Step 3: Option B "Adversary" refers to an enemy or opponent, not a helper in wrongdoing. Step 4: Option C "Careless" is an adjective describing lack of attention, not a person who helps in a crime. Step 5: Option D "Indolent" means lazy and again does not necessarily involve crime or assistance. Step 6: Option E "Spectator" describes someone who only watches an event without taking part, whereas an abettor is actively involved in aiding. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the phrase "an abettor to murder" and "an accomplice to murder". Both suggest someone who helped the main offender. If we replaced "abettor" with "adversary" or "spectator", the meaning would change drastically and no longer indicate helping the crime. Legal phrases like "aid and abet" further confirm that an abettor is someone who supports or assists the principal offender. This aligns perfectly with "accomplice". Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B Adversary is a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone; it is nearly the opposite of a helper. Option C Careless is merely a description of someone's attitude; it does not describe a role in a crime. Option D Indolent refers to laziness and is unrelated to legal participation in wrongdoing. Option E Spectator suggests passive observation, whereas an abettor takes active supportive steps in the offence. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers may confuse "abettor" with "adversary" because both words can appear in legal contexts, but their roles are very different. Remember that "to abet" means "to encourage or assist" in wrongdoing, while an adversary is an opponent. The phrase "aid and abet" is a good memory aid: both verbs describe helping, not opposing. Linking "abettor" with "accomplice" in your memory will ensure you choose correctly in exams. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of "Abettor" is "Accomplice".

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