Question 1

In this spelling based English question, four options are given. Select the correctly spelt form of the word that refers to the gradual passing of a liquid through a filter or porous surface.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your ability to recognise correct English spelling. The word being tested refers to the process in which a liquid slowly passes through a filter or porous surface, such as water passing through soil. This word is often used in science and engineering contexts and appears in academic reading passages as well as technical descriptions. Given Data / Assumptions: - Intended word: the process where a liquid gradually filters through a medium. - Options: percoletion, parcolation, percolation, parcoletion, percolasion. - Only one matches standard dictionary spelling. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is "percolation", with the letters P E R C O L A T I O N. It comes from the verb "percolate", which means to filter gradually through a porous surface. The main challenge in such questions is distinguishing between similar looking vowels and consonants. You should use your memory of reading scientific or geographical texts, where "percolation of water" is a common phrase, to guide you to the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the verb "percolate" and its noun form "percolation". This gives the base spelling pattern. Step 2: Check option "percoletion". It contains "letion" instead of "lation", which breaks the connection with "percolate". Step 3: Check "parcolation". This uses "par" instead of "per" at the beginning, which is incorrect. Step 4: Check "percolation". This matches the expected pattern: per + col + ation. Step 5: Check "parcoletion". This combines both the wrong starting syllable "par" and the wrong ending "letion". Step 6: Check "percolasion". Here the suffix "-sion" is used instead of the correct "-tion". Step 7: Conclude that "percolation" is the only correct spelling. Verification / Alternative check: Insert the options into a familiar expression. "The percolation of rainwater through soil" is a standard phrase in geography and environmental science. If you try "percoletion of rainwater" or "percolasion of rainwater", they look and sound wrong. You can also think of similar noun forms like "circulation", "migration", and "vibration", all of which end with "-ation" rather than "-letion" or "-asion". This pattern supports "percolation" as the correct form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Percoletion" and "parcoletion" misuse the ending "-letion", which does not match the spelling of the related verb "percolate". "Parcolation" and "parcoletion" misspell the first syllable "per" as "par", changing the root completely. "Percolasion" uses "-sion" instead of the usual "-tion" suffix for forming nouns from verbs like percolate. Since spelling in English is largely fixed for standard academic words, all of these variations are considered incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Students often rely on how a word sounds, which can be misleading, especially for endings like "-tion" and "-sion". Another problem is mixing up similar words like "circulation" and "correlation", which can lead to confusion in the middle consonants. The best strategy is to connect noun forms back to their base verbs and remember the standard transformation, such as "percolate" becoming "percolation". Over time, exposure to correct spelling in textbooks and articles makes such questions easier. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is "percolation", so the correct answer is Percolation.

Question 2

In this spelling based English question, four alternatives are given. Out of them, select the correctly spelt form of the word meaning "very great in size or degree".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of the correct spelling of a common English adjective that means "very great in size, amount, or degree". Spelling accuracy is essential in both academic and professional writing. The word being tested is frequently used to describe large buildings, huge efforts, or very strong pressure, so it is worth remembering its correct form. Given Data / Assumptions: - Intended word: the adjective for something extremely large or great. - Options: Immense, Imense, Immiense, Imminse, Imensse. - Only one matches standard English spelling. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling is "immense", with the letters I M M E N S E. There are two "m" letters together, followed by "ense". There is no extra "i" or "n" in the middle. To pick the right option, remember that the word does not have any hidden vowels other than the initial "i" and the "e" before the final "se". This visual pattern separates it from tempting but incorrect forms that insert extra letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the word as used in phrases like "immense pressure" or "immense talent". The basic pattern is "immense". Step 2: Check option "Immense". It uses the double "m" correctly and the sequence "ense" at the end. Step 3: Check "Imense". This has only one "m", which is incorrect because the standard form uses "mm". Step 4: Check "Immiense". This adds an unnecessary "ie" after the double "m", which is wrong. Step 5: Check "Imminse". This includes an extra "n" and changes the vowel sequence, making it incorrect. Step 6: Check "Imensse". This doubles the "s" instead of the "m", which does not match the known spelling. Step 7: Confirm that "Immense" is the only option matching the remembered and dictionary form. Verification / Alternative check: Use the word in a sample sentence: "The stadium can hold an immense crowd." When you imagine this sentence as it appears in newspapers or books, the image of "immense" with double "m" and single "s" at the end feels familiar. Trying "imense", "immiense", or "imminse" looks odd and unlike typical printed text. Comparing it with similar adjectives like "tense", "dense", or "intense" also reminds you that the final part "ense" is stable, with only the first part "imm" changing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Imense" fails to double the "m", which is a key feature of the correct spelling. "Immiense" introduces an unnecessary vowel and changes the sound pattern. "Imminse" misplaces the "n", making it resemble unrelated words like "immense" and "imminent" at the same time, which is confusing. "Imensse" doubles the "s" instead of the "m", breaking the standard form. None of these variations are accepted in formal English writing. Common Pitfalls: Learners often get confused with double letters in English, especially when words from similar roots exist, such as "immense" and "imminent". Another pitfall is relying too much on pronunciation, which sometimes hides doubled consonants. Reading widely and paying attention to common descriptive adjectives will reinforce the correct shapes of words in your mind, making spelling questions easier to answer with confidence. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is "Immense", so the correct answer is Immense.

Question 3

In the following sentence rearrangement question, the sentence "You fail to P: what someone is born, Q: recognize that it matters not R: but what they grow to be!" is jumbled. Choose the option that gives the most logical order of P, Q, and R to for…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to reorder sentence parts to create a clear and meaningful statement. The base fragment "You fail to" is followed by three labelled parts P, Q, and R. The sentence talks about what truly matters in a person, contrasting what they are born as with what they eventually become. Your task is to identify the order that produces a grammatically correct and logically flowing sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: - Intro fragment: "You fail to". - Part P: "what someone is born,". - Part Q: "recognize that it matters not". - Part R: "but what they grow to be!". - We must choose the correct sequence among several orders of P, Q, and R. Concept / Approach: The natural English pattern for such a sentence is: "You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." The key is to identify that "You fail to" must be immediately followed by a verb phrase such as "recognize that it matters not". This verb phrase is contained in Q. After that, the object of "matters not" is the contrast between "what someone is born" (P) and "but what they grow to be" (R). Thus, the logical order of the parts is Q, then P, then R, giving QPR. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look for the main verb phrase that "You fail to" introduces. Among P, Q, and R, only Q begins with a verb "recognize". Step 2: Place Q after the opening to form "You fail to recognize that it matters not". This is grammatically correct. Step 3: Identify what "it matters not" refers to. It must refer to something like "what someone is born" versus "what they grow to be". Step 4: Place P next, giving "You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born," which sets up the first half of the contrast. Step 5: Place R at the end, adding "but what they grow to be!" to complete the contrast between birth and growth. Step 6: The resulting sentence is "You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!" and corresponds to QPR. Verification / Alternative check: Test another order, for example PRQ. "You fail to what someone is born, recognize that it matters not but what they grow to be!" is clearly ungrammatical because the verb "recognize" is placed too late and the structure "fail to what" is incorrect. Similarly, QRP gives "You fail to recognize that it matters not but what they grow to be what someone is born," which is both awkward and ungrammatical. Only QPR provides the smooth, logical contrast typical in such philosophical statements. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option PRQ starts with a noun clause after "fail to", which is not correct because "fail to" requires a verb in base form, such as "recognize". Option RPQ begins "You fail to but what they grow to be", which is ungrammatical. Option QRP puts the contrast in the wrong order and leaves the phrase "what someone is born" hanging at the end, which sounds unnatural. Option PQR produces "You fail to what someone is born, recognize that it matters not but what they grow to be!" which again has flawed grammar. None of these match the clear pattern of a main clause plus contrasted objects of "matters not". Common Pitfalls: Students may try to force the order based on the appearance of the word "but", placing it earlier, or may not recognise that "recognize" must directly follow "fail to". A reliable technique is to identify the clause that can immediately follow "to" (a base form verb), and then check where the contrast words like "but" and "what" logically belong. Paying attention to verb patterns like "fail to recognize that" will quickly guide you to the correct sequence. Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order is QPR, giving the sentence "You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!"

Question 4

In this vocabulary question on antonyms, select the word that is opposite in meaning to "Humdrum".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of antonyms. The word given is "Humdrum", which describes something that is dull, monotonous, or lacking excitement. You must choose the option that expresses the opposite idea, namely something interesting, exciting, or absorbing. Vocabulary questions like this help measure your ability to recognise shades of meaning in descriptive words. Given Data / Assumptions: - Target word: Humdrum. - Options: tedious, trite, drab, fascinating, dull. - Only one option should be a clear opposite of humdrum. Concept / Approach: "Humdrum" is an adjective that means boring and ordinary, with no variety or excitement. It is often used to describe routine work or repetitive daily life. An antonym must describe something that captures attention and avoids boredom. Words like "fascinating" or "exciting" are good opposites. The other options in the list tend to either repeat the meaning of "humdrum" or share similar negative connotations, so they must be rejected. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Clarify the meaning of humdrum as dull, monotonous, and uninteresting. Step 2: Examine "tedious". Tedious means long, slow, or dull, especially because it is repetitive. This is very close in meaning to humdrum, so it is a synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: Examine "trite". Trite means overused and unoriginal, often leading to boredom. This also leans toward the idea of dullness, so it is similar in tone to humdrum. Step 4: Examine "drab". Drab means dull, without colour or interest, again similar in meaning to humdrum. Step 5: Examine "fascinating". Fascinating means extremely interesting or charming, capable of holding one's attention strongly. Step 6: Examine "dull". Dull directly means not interesting, which is a near synonym of humdrum. Step 7: Conclude that the only opposite of humdrum among the options is "fascinating". Verification / Alternative check: Consider a pair of example sentences. "He lives a humdrum life in a tiny office cubicle" suggests boredom and monotony. The opposite would be "He lives a fascinating life, travelling the world and meeting new people." You can see that "fascinating life" is the natural opposite of "humdrum life". By contrast, phrases like "tedious life", "trite life", "drab life", or "dull life" all reinforce the same boring quality and do not provide contrast. This test confirms that fascinating is the antonym sought. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Tedious, trite, drab, and dull all share the idea of something being boring, uninteresting, or lacking originality. They express the same negative feeling that is already present in humdrum. Because the question specifically asks for the opposite meaning, these similar words are unsuitable. Only fascinating flips the emotional tone from boredom to strong interest and curiosity, making it the correct antonym in this set. Common Pitfalls: The main pitfall here is failing to recognise that many options are near synonyms and choosing one of them simply because it looks familiar. Another issue is not clearly distinguishing between subtle differences in negative adjectives. To avoid such mistakes, always pause to restate the meaning of the original word in simple terms and then check which option truly reverses, rather than repeats, that meaning. If the original word is negative, most of the time the antonym will be strongly positive, as "fascinating" is compared to "humdrum". Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to "Humdrum" is "fascinating", so the correct answer is Fascinating.

Question 5

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the most appropriate idiomatic expression: The young man (was carried by) the passionate appeal made by the social worker.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests knowledge of natural and idiomatic English. The aim is to replace the bracketed part "was carried by" with a more appropriate expression that accurately conveys how the young man reacted emotionally to the passionate appeal made by the social worker. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they check both grammar and a learner's sense of idiomatic usage. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: The young man (was carried by) the passionate appeal made by the social worker. The bracketed portion "was carried by" is grammatically clumsy and unidiomatic in this context. The intended meaning is that the young man was strongly influenced or emotionally swept up by the appeal. We must choose a replacement that sounds natural and preserves this meaning. Concept / Approach: In English, the common expression for becoming emotionally overwhelmed or swept along by feelings, music, or a speech is "to get carried away." When we say "he got carried away by the speech" we mean he was strongly influenced, perhaps excessively. On the other hand, phrases such as "was carried by" or "was carried towards" usually refer to physical movement, and "was carried off by" often suggests kidnapping or removal. Therefore, the best improvement is the idiom "got carried away by." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: the young man was emotionally influenced, not physically carried. Step 2: Compare each option with this meaning. "Got carried away by" clearly suggests emotional influence. Step 3: Notice that "was carried by" and "was carried towards" sound like physical movement rather than emotional influence. Step 4: Observe that "was carried off by" often implies being taken away against one's will, which does not fit the context. Step 5: Conclude that "got carried away by" is the most natural and idiomatic improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute the chosen phrase back into the sentence: "The young man got carried away by the passionate appeal made by the social worker." This version is smooth and clearly expresses that the appeal deeply influenced him. It matches standard usage in spoken and written English. No other option gives the same clear emotional nuance without sounding awkward or misleading. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "was carried by" is not idiomatic for emotional influence and sounds incomplete, as if describing a physical journey. Option C: "was carried off by" suggests being taken away physically, sometimes even kidnapped or killed, which is not intended here. Option D: "was carried towards" implies physical direction or movement rather than an emotional reaction. Option E: "was deeply moved by" is close in meaning, but the question type usually expects a standard idiom; the classical improvement in such exam patterns is "got carried away by." Common Pitfalls: Candidates often focus only on literal meanings of verbs like "carry" and forget that many English expressions are idiomatic. Another pitfall is choosing a phrase that is grammatically correct but not natural in everyday usage. Remember that improvement questions aim for the most idiomatic, concise, and contextually appropriate phrase, not just any phrase that seems understandable in isolation. Final Answer: The best improvement of the bracketed part is got carried away by.

Question 6

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate collective noun: A large _______ of angry bisons rampaged through the villages.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests knowledge of collective nouns in English. Collective nouns are words used for groups of animals, people, or things considered as a single unit. Knowing the correct collective noun for common animals like cattle, buffaloes, or bisons is important both for accurate language use and for scoring well in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: A large _______ of angry bisons rampaged through the villages. We are given a blank before "of angry bisons." The options are all possible collective-sounding nouns such as "herd," "flock," "swarm," "group," and "pack." We must choose the collective noun that is standard for bisons. Concept / Approach: Different animals in English take different collective nouns. For example, we say "a flock of birds," "a herd of cattle," "a pack of wolves," and "a swarm of bees." Bison are large grazing mammals similar in grouping behaviour to cattle, buffaloes, and antelopes. For such animals, the standard collective noun is "herd." Therefore, "a herd of bisons" is the correct phrase. Using any other collective noun would sound unnatural or be simply incorrect in standard English usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common animal–collective noun pairs: herd for cattle, flock for birds, swarm for insects, pack for certain predators. Step 2: Identify that bisons are large grazing animals like cattle, so we expect the same pattern as "a herd of buffaloes" or "a herd of cows." Step 3: Check each option in the sentence. "A large herd of angry bisons rampaged through the villages" sounds natural and correct. Step 4: Verify that other options do not fit logically or idiomatically with bisons. Verification / Alternative check: The phrase "a herd of bisons" is widely used in English, especially in wildlife documentaries and textbooks. It mirrors phrases like "herd of elephants" and "herd of deer." Reading the sentence with the correct option confirms that it feels idiomatic: "A large herd of angry bisons rampaged through the villages" gives a clear picture of many animals moving together in a destructive group. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "flock" is used mainly for birds, sheep, or goats, not large wild cattle like bisons. Option C: "group" is very general and not the specific collective noun usually taught for animals like bisons. Option D: "swarm" is used for insects such as bees or locusts, sometimes for birds, but not for heavy grazing animals. Option E: "pack" is common with animals like wolves or dogs that hunt in coordinated groups, not with bisons. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes rely on general words like "group" because they sound safe, but exams deliberately test the precise conventional term. Another pitfall is confusing "flock" and "herd" since both refer to groups of animals. A simple memory trick is to associate "herd" with heavy hoofed animals such as cows, horses, buffaloes, and bisons, while "flock" is more for birds and light grazing animals like sheep. Final Answer: The correct collective noun is herd, so the complete sentence is "A large herd of angry bisons rampaged through the villages."

Question 7

In the sentence "The road from my house to temple is full of potholes.", one part contains an error. Identify the incorrect part of the sentence.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions are designed to test grammatical accuracy and understanding of common English patterns. This sentence looks almost correct at first glance: "The road from my house to temple is full of potholes." However, there is a subtle but important mistake, and the learner has to identify which part contains the error. Given Data / Assumptions: Complete sentence: The road from my house to temple is full of potholes. Segment A: "The road from" Segment B: "my house" Segment C: "to temple is full of potholes." Segment D: "No error" We must locate the exact segment where the grammar is faulty. Concept / Approach: In English, when we refer to a specific, known temple, we generally use the definite article "the." Correct prepositional phrases of this type follow the pattern "from X to Y," where both X and Y are properly marked: "from my house to the temple." The phrase "to temple" without an article is ungrammatical here because "temple" is a singular countable noun referring to a specific place. Therefore, segment C is wrong and should read "to the temple is full of potholes." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check Segment A: "The road from" correctly begins the prepositional phrase and contains no error. Step 2: Check Segment B: "my house" is a standard noun phrase and is grammatically sound. Step 3: Examine Segment C: "to temple is full of potholes." Here, the phrase "to temple" stands out because "temple" is missing the article "the." Step 4: Rewrite the segment correctly as "to the temple is full of potholes." Step 5: Conclude that Segment C is the part containing the error. Verification / Alternative check: When we combine the corrected segment with the rest of the sentence, we get: "The road from my house to the temple is full of potholes." This version reads naturally and follows the familiar pattern "from X to Y" with proper use of the definite article. There are no remaining structural or agreement issues in the sentence, confirming that only Segment C needed correction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "The road from" is correct; it sets up the prepositional phrase and introduces the subject. Option B: "my house" is a standard expression and requires no change. Option D: "No error" is incorrect because we have clearly identified a definite article error in Segment C. Option E: "The entire sentence is correct as written." is also wrong, because the sentence is not fully correct without adding "the" before "temple." Common Pitfalls: Learners may overlook small function words like articles, especially when they focus more on verbs and tenses. Another common error is thinking that place nouns like "school," "office," or "temple" never take articles, which is not true. They can appear without articles in some idiomatic expressions ("go to school," "at home"), but when a specific building or place is meant, "the" is often required. Here, the speaker clearly refers to a particular temple on the known route from the house, so "the temple" is correct. Final Answer: The erroneous part is "to temple is full of potholes.", which should be "to the temple is full of potholes."

Question 8

Select the correctly spelt English word from the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions test a candidate's familiarity with common English words and their correct written forms. In exams, such questions often use words that sound familiar when spoken but are easy to misspell. Here, the task is to identify the correctly spelt word among several similar-looking but incorrect options. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are: "transmitt," "aplauds," "mobility," "ceramix," and "mobilitty." Only one of these words is correctly spelt in standard English. The correct word should be recognisable and meaningful as a standard English vocabulary item. Concept / Approach: We need to check each option against standard spelling patterns. The word "mobility" is commonly used to refer to the ability to move or be moved freely and easily, as in "social mobility" or "mobility of joints." It is correctly spelt as M O B I L I T Y. The other options either add extra letters, change letters unnecessarily, or form non-standard variants that are not accepted spellings in English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at "transmitt." The standard verb is "transmit," and its forms include "transmits," "transmitted," and "transmitting," but not "transmitt" as a base form. Step 2: Examine "aplauds." The correct form is "applauds" with a double p. Missing one p makes the spelling incorrect. Step 3: Check "mobility." This exactly matches the standard spelling of the noun derived from "mobile." Step 4: Inspect "ceramix." The correct word is "ceramics" with an s, not "ceramix" with an x. Step 5: Evaluate "mobilitty." This has an extra t and is not a standard spelling. Verification / Alternative check: We can recall normal usage: "improved mobility after surgery," "high mobility of workers," or "mobile phones and their mobility." In all these contexts, dictionaries list the word as "mobility." None of the other options appear in standard dictionaries, nor are they acceptable variants. This confirms that "mobility" is the only correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "transmitt" adds an unnecessary extra t and does not correspond to any base form of the verb "transmit." Option B: "aplauds" is incorrect because it lacks the second p needed in "applauds." Option D: "ceramix" replaces the correct ending "ics" with "ix," creating a non-standard and incorrect spelling. Option E: "mobilitty" doubles the letter t incorrectly and does not match any correct English word. Common Pitfalls: Many learners rely heavily on pronunciation and assume that if a word sounds correct, any similar spelling is acceptable. However, English spelling often has fixed patterns, especially in common suffixes like "-ity," "-ics," or "-mit." Confusing single and double consonants is another typical issue. Building a habit of observing correct spellings when reading and making personal word lists can help reduce such errors. Final Answer: The only correctly spelt word is mobility.

Question 9

Select the synonym of the verb "snatch" (meaning to seize or grab something quickly and often roughly).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the verb "snatch." Synonym questions are common in examinations because they test both the depth and precision of a learner's vocabulary. "Snatch" usually means to seize something quickly, often rudely or by force, and the correct answer must match that core meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: snatch (verb). We need a word similar in meaning to "to grab quickly, often roughly or suddenly." Options: "detonate," "bequeath," "wrench," "confer," and "relinquish." Concept / Approach: To identify the correct synonym, we should first recall the meaning of "snatch." It means to seize suddenly, sometimes by force or without permission, for example, "The thief snatched her purse." Among the options, we must select the word that best captures the ideas of suddenness and forceful grabbing. "Wrench" as a verb means to pull or twist something suddenly and violently, often taking it away from someone, which is very close in sense to "snatch." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of "snatch": to grab or seize something quickly, often roughly or without permission. Step 2: Evaluate "detonate": this means to explode or cause a bomb to explode; it has no relation to grabbing or taking. Step 3: Evaluate "bequeath": this means to leave property to someone by a will, usually after death, which is a slow legal process, not a sudden grab. Step 4: Evaluate "wrench": this means to pull or twist something suddenly and forcibly, often away from someone, which matches the aggressive, sudden aspect of "snatch." Step 5: Evaluate "confer": this means to grant or bestow (an honour, degree, or title) or to discuss with someone; it does not mean to grab something. Step 6: Evaluate "relinquish": this means to give up or let go of something voluntarily, which is almost the opposite of "snatch." Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in similar example sentences. "The robber snatched the bag" and "The robber wrenched the bag from her hand" convey very similar images of forceful, sudden action. Substituting any of the other options into that sentence would break the meaning. This confirms that "wrench" is the best synonym in the given list. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "detonate" relates to explosions, not to grabbing objects. Option B: "bequeath" refers to giving property through a will, which is formal and slow, not sudden and forceful. Option D: "confer" means to grant or to hold a discussion, not to seize. Option E: "relinquish" means to surrender or give up something, which is closer to doing the opposite of snatching. Common Pitfalls: Learners may be tempted by unfamiliar words or by vague impressions rather than precise meanings. It is important to build clear mental definitions and example sentences for frequently tested verbs. Also, be careful with words that involve giving or taking; some mean giving willingly, others mean seizing by force, and confusing them can change the meaning completely. Final Answer: The correct synonym for "snatch" is wrench.

Question 10

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb: Mangoes do not __________ all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question tests understanding of vocabulary and context. The sentence describes a natural process in fruit trees and explains why mangoes are not all plucked on the same day. The correct verb must describe the stage when the fruit becomes ready to eat, not when it first appears or begins to develop. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Mangoes do not __________ all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day. The missing word is a verb that describes what mangoes do at different times. Options include "ripen," "germinate," "grow," "age," and "sprout." The second sentence mentions "plucked," which implies readiness for harvest or eating. Concept / Approach: Fruit is plucked when it becomes ripe, that is, when it develops a suitable colour, texture, and sweetness for eating. The verb for this process is "to ripen." "Germinate" applies to seeds starting to grow into plants. "Sprout" refers to the first small shoots appearing. "Grow" is a general term that does not specifically mean becoming ready to eat, and "age" simply means getting older. Therefore, "ripen" is the exact verb that matches the idea of being ready for harvest. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the clue in the second sentence, "Hence, they are not plucked on the same day." This clearly refers to harvesting fruit when it is ready. Step 2: Recall that fruit is harvested when it becomes ripe; the process is called "ripening." Step 3: Replace the blank with "ripen": "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time." This makes logical sense. Step 4: Check the other options to confirm that none of them fit as naturally or precisely as "ripen." Verification / Alternative check: In everyday agricultural and household language, people say "The mangoes are ripening," "These bananas ripen quickly," or "The fruit has not ripened yet." The word "ripen" specifically connects to the readiness of fruit. Thus the completed sentence "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day." is both grammatically correct and factually accurate. Substituting any other option makes the logic weaker or incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "germinate" refers to seeds starting to grow into plants, not to fruit becoming ready to eat. Option C: "grow" is too general; fruit can grow in size without being ripe. Option D: "age" means "get older" but does not necessarily indicate edible maturity. Option E: "sprout" is used when a seed or plant produces new shoots, not when fruit is ready for harvesting. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose general growth words like "grow" or "age" because they seem connected to plants and time. However, examinations often require the most precise term that matches the specific stage of a process. Learning the exact words used in agriculture and biology, such as "germinate," "sprout," "grow," and "ripen," helps avoid such confusion. Final Answer: The correct verb is ripen, so the sentence should read: "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time."

Question 11

Rearrange the given parts of the sentence in the correct order to form a meaningful statement: This may be essential at P) where the market fails to deliver Q) swath of an economy R) times, but there is a wide.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sentence rearrangement questions test a learner's ability to understand sentence structure, logical flow, and coherence. Here, short labelled parts P, Q, and R must be arranged after the opening phrase "This may be essential at" to form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence about markets and the economy. Given Data / Assumptions: Fixed beginning: "This may be essential at" P: "where the market fails to deliver" Q: "swath of an economy" R: "times, but there is a wide" We must find the correct order of P, Q, and R to complete the sentence logically. Concept / Approach: We need to look for a natural continuation of "This may be essential at" and then see how the remaining pieces can form a smooth, meaningful sentence. The phrase "at times" is a common collocation in English. Only R begins with "times," so "at times" is formed when "R" follows the opening. The remaining idea talks about "a wide swath of an economy where the market fails to deliver." The phrase "a wide swath of an economy" should come as one unit, so "swath of an economy" (Q) must follow something like "a wide." R already contains "but there is a wide," so the natural order after R is Q, followed by P, which explains where the market fails. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach R after the opening: "This may be essential at times, but there is a wide..." This is a familiar phrase and sounds correct. Step 2: After "a wide," we need a noun phrase; Q, "swath of an economy," fits perfectly to give "a wide swath of an economy." Step 3: Finally, P, "where the market fails to deliver," logically qualifies "a wide swath of an economy." Step 4: Combined, we get: "This may be essential at times, but there is a wide swath of an economy where the market fails to deliver." Step 5: Therefore, the correct order is R Q P, which is written as RQP. Verification / Alternative check: Check other orders quickly. Starting with Q after the opening would give "This may be essential at swath of an economy," which is clearly wrong. Starting with P would give "This may be essential at where the market fails to deliver," which is ungrammatical. Only R creates the natural phrase "at times." Once R is fixed, Q must follow "a wide," and P must logically follow "swath of an economy." Hence, no other order produces a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (QRP): gives "at swath of an economy," which is not grammatical. Option C (QPR): suffers from the same initial problem and breaks the structure of the sentence. Option D (PRQ): begins "at where the market fails to deliver," which is incorrect, and later misplaces "swath of an economy." Option E (RPQ): would produce "a wide where the market fails to deliver swath of an economy," which is ungrammatical and illogical. Common Pitfalls: Many students focus only on local grammatical correctness of each part without looking at the full flow. Another mistake is ignoring fixed expressions such as "at times," which strongly guide the correct order. When doing such questions, always search for obvious collocations and then see which remaining pieces can be connected meaningfully. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is RQP, forming the sentence: "This may be essential at times, but there is a wide swath of an economy where the market fails to deliver."

Question 12

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the best option: As management we are accountable (to) the Board of Directors.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sentence improvement questions test a learner's command of prepositions, collocations, and natural English usage. In this sentence, the focus is on the correct preposition used with the adjective "accountable." We need to decide whether the bracketed word "to" should be replaced or retained to make the sentence grammatically correct and idiomatic. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: As management we are accountable (to) the Board of Directors. The bracketed preposition is "to." We must decide if "to" should be replaced with another preposition or left unchanged. The context is corporate governance and responsibility. Concept / Approach: The standard collocation in English is "accountable to someone" for responsibility and "accountable for something" when referring to the specific matter. For example, "The manager is accountable to the board for the company's performance." Here, the sentence describes the relationship of responsibility between management and the Board of Directors, so "to" is the correct preposition. None of the alternative prepositions fit this relationship as naturally or correctly as "to." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the adjective–preposition combination: "accountable to." Step 2: Recall standard usage: one is "accountable to a person or authority" and "accountable for a mistake or result." Step 3: Apply this to the sentence. Management is responsible to the Board of Directors, not "towards" or "with" or "against" it. Step 4: Evaluate potential substitutes: "accountable towards the Board" sounds unnatural; "accountable with the Board" is incorrect; "accountable against the Board" is clearly wrong. Step 5: Conclude that the best choice is to leave the bracketed word unchanged and select "no improvement." Verification / Alternative check: We can consider example sentences from formal English: "Public officials are accountable to the people," "The CEO is accountable to the shareholders," and "As employees, we are accountable to our supervisors." All these follow the pattern "accountable to + person or body." Rewriting our sentence as "As management we are accountable to the Board of Directors" fits this pattern perfectly, confirming that the original preposition is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "towards" usually indicates direction or attitude, not formal responsibility; "accountable towards" is not an accepted collocation. Option B: "with" is used for association or accompaniment, not for accountability relationships. Option C: "against" shows opposition or conflict, which is not intended here. Option D: "for" would work in a different structure, such as "accountable to the Board for the results," but not as a replacement for "to." Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overcorrect when they see a word in brackets, assuming it must be wrong. However, sentence improvement questions frequently include correctly used words, and the right answer is "no improvement." Another pitfall is choosing prepositions by sound rather than by memorised collocations. It is helpful to learn common adjective–preposition pairs like "responsible for," "interested in," "good at," and "accountable to." Final Answer: The correct choice is no improvement, so the sentence should remain: "As management we are accountable to the Board of Directors."

Question 13

Select the one-word substitute for the following description: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One-word substitution questions test how precisely a learner can match a definition to a single English word. The description given here is of a particular kind of political leader who gains support not through reasoned arguments but by playing on people's emotions, fears, and prejudices. This is a widely used concept in political science and public discourse. Given Data / Assumptions: Definition: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. Options: "rebel," "radical," "demagogue," "anarchist," and "populist." We must find the word that exactly matches this description. Concept / Approach: The precise term for such a leader is "demagogue." A demagogue is someone who manipulates public opinion by stirring up emotions and prejudices, often ignoring logic, evidence, or ethical considerations. While other words like "populist" and "radical" are related to political style or ideology, they do not necessarily involve the manipulative, prejudice-based tactics described in the question. Therefore "demagogue" is the most accurate one-word substitute. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on key phrases in the definition: "seeks support," "appealing to popular desires and prejudices," and "rather than by using rational argument." Step 2: Recall the meaning of "demagogue": a political leader who gains power by arousing the passions, emotions, and prejudices of the people instead of appealing to their reason. Step 3: Check "rebel": a person who resists or fights against authority; this says nothing about methods of persuasion. Step 4: Check "radical": someone who favours extreme or fundamental political or social change; again, this does not necessarily involve manipulative emotional appeals. Step 5: Check "anarchist": a person who believes in abolishing government and authority altogether; this is a different ideological position, not the described method of gaining support. Step 6: Check "populist": a politician who claims to represent common people against elites; this can be positive or negative and does not always imply manipulation of prejudices. Verification / Alternative check: In political commentary, news articles, and textbooks, the term "demagogue" is consistently used for leaders who shout slogans, spread fear, or inflame divisions in order to gain or maintain power. These leaders often oversimplify complex issues and avoid rational debate. None of the other options automatically carry this strong negative nuance of manipulating prejudices. Therefore "demagogue" aligns perfectly with the definition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "rebel" describes someone who opposes authority but says nothing about emotional manipulation. Option B: "radical" refers to the degree of change desired, not the style of persuasion. Option D: "anarchist" is tied to a belief in having no government, not to the demagogic method. Option E: "populist" is broader and may or may not involve prejudiced appeals; it is not automatically negative. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse "demagogue" with "democratic" because both start with "demo," but they have very different meanings. Another common trap is to choose words like "radical" or "populist" simply because they are common in political discussions, without checking whether they match the specific behaviour described. Always focus on the exact wording of the definition. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is demagogue.

Question 14

In the following idiom-based question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "to go for broke".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idiom questions test how well a learner understands figurative language. The phrase "to go for broke" is a common English idiom, especially in informal speech and writing. It is often used in sports, business, or personal situations where someone decides to make a maximum effort without holding anything back. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: "to go for broke." We must choose the option that explains its meaning in plain language. Options include ideas related to risk, failure, and business loss. Concept / Approach: The idiom "to go for broke" means to risk everything in order to achieve a big goal. It describes a situation where someone makes an all-out effort, even if there is a possibility of losing everything. It does not mean that the person has already lost everything or has gone bankrupt; rather, it emphasises complete commitment and willingness to accept high risk. Therefore, the correct paraphrase is "to risk everything in an all-out effort." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical usage, such as "With only a few minutes left, the team decided to go for broke." Step 2: Understand that this implies putting in maximum effort and taking full risk, not gradual or cautious action. Step 3: Compare each option with this understanding. Option A directly mentions "risk everything in an all-out effort," which matches the idiom perfectly. Step 4: Note that other options focus on failure, loss, or bankruptcy, which are possible outcomes but not the core meaning of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Consider another example: "He decided to go for broke and invest all his savings in the startup." This sentence highlights his choice to take a big risk, not the guaranteed result. If we replaced "go for broke" with "to risk everything in an all-out effort," the meaning remains almost identical. Replacing it with "to file for bankruptcy" or "to lose all money" would distort the original idea, since those describe outcomes rather than a decision to take a risk. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "failure in a relationship or partnership" is unrelated to the idiom and focuses narrowly on one area of life. Option C: "losing all money in an effort to revive a failing business" describes a specific business failure, which is too narrow and represents a result, not the decision to take a risk. Option D: "to start again after failing in a business" refers more to resilience or a fresh start, not to taking a huge risk. Option E: "to file for bankruptcy after repeated losses" is a legal and financial step, not an idiomatic description of maximum effort. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse meanings that involve risk with meanings that involve confirmed loss. "Go for broke" is about choosing to risk everything, not about already having lost everything. Focusing on the decision and effort, rather than the outcome, will help in correctly interpreting such idioms. Final Answer: The idiom "to go for broke" means to risk everything in an all-out effort.

Question 15

Change the following sentence from direct to indirect speech: Kunal said, "Tanu is coming this week." Choose the correctly reported form.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the rules of converting direct speech into indirect (reported) speech. The direct sentence "Kunal said, 'Tanu is coming this week.'" is in the present continuous tense with a time expression "this week." When we report it later, we usually adjust the tense and the time reference to match the perspective of the reporter. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: Kunal said, "Tanu is coming this week." Reporting verb: said (simple past). Reported clause: "Tanu is coming this week." (present continuous with a time expression). We assume normal backshifting rules of reported speech apply and that the reporting is done after the time of speaking. Concept / Approach: When the reporting verb is in the past tense ("said"), the tense inside the quotation usually shifts one step back. Present continuous ("is coming") generally changes to past continuous ("was coming"). Additionally, demonstrative time expressions like "this week" usually change to "that week" when the point of reference moves away from the time of speaking. Therefore, the correct reported form should use "was coming" and "that week." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting clause: "Kunal said." We keep this as it is. Step 2: Introduce the conjunction "that" to link the reporting clause and the reported clause. Step 3: Change the subject pronoun if needed. Here "Tanu" is a proper noun and remains unchanged. Step 4: Backshift the tense from present continuous "is coming" to past continuous "was coming" because the reporting verb is in the past. Step 5: Change "this week" to "that week" to reflect the shift in time reference. Step 6: Combine everything: "Kunal said that Tanu was coming that week." Verification / Alternative check: The resulting sentence "Kunal said that Tanu was coming that week" is grammatically correct and follows standard reported speech rules. It clearly indicates that at some earlier time Kunal made a statement about Tanu's planned visit during a certain week. The phrase "that week" correctly points back to the week that was "this week" when Kunal spoke. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "Kunal said that Tanu was coming this week." improperly keeps "this week," which is tied to the original speaker's time frame, not the reporter's. Option C: "Kunal says that Tanu is coming this week." uses present tense "says," which would be correct only if we were reporting while the statement is still current; this does not match the given direct sentence with "said." Option D: "Kunal said that Tanu was going to be coming this week." is unnecessarily wordy and still keeps "this week," which should change to "that week." Option E: "Kunal says that Tanu was coming that week." wrongly mixes "says" with "was coming," creating an inconsistent time frame. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to adjust time expressions like "today," "tomorrow," "this week," or "next month" when moving to reported speech. Another mistake is mixing present and past tenses inappropriately. A good habit is to handle reported speech in two steps: first backshift the verb tense if the reporting verb is in the past, then adjust pronouns and time or place words to match the new perspective. Final Answer: The correct reported form is Kunal said that Tanu was coming that week.

Question 16

Select the correctly spelt English word from the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question checks recognition of the correct written form of a common English verb. Spelling accuracy is important in formal writing, exams, and professional communication. Here, only one of the options represents a standard dictionary word with the correct spelling. Given Data / Assumptions: Options: "paterns," "smudeging," "dissuade," "fripery," and "disssuade." We must pick the word that is correctly spelt and meaningful in standard English. The intended correct word is the verb which means "to persuade someone not to do something." Concept / Approach: The correct verb is "dissuade," spelled D I S S U A D E. It is often used in contexts like "dissuade someone from taking a risk." The other options are either misspellings of real words or invented forms. By checking each option for common patterns and known vocabulary, we can identify "dissuade" as the only correct spelling. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine "paterns." The correct spelling for the plural of "pattern" is "patterns" with double t and an added s. "Paterns" is therefore incorrect. Step 2: Look at "smudeging." The correct form of the verb is "smudging" (from "smudge"), not "smudeging," so this option is wrong. Step 3: Consider "dissuade." This matches exactly the known verb meaning "to discourage or persuade not to do something." Step 4: Check "fripery." The likely intended word is "frippery," meaning something showy and unnecessary; "fripery" is a misspelling. Step 5: Inspect "disssuade." This contains three consecutive s letters, which is not correct for the word "dissuade." Verification / Alternative check: The word "dissuade" appears frequently in formal writing: "The teacher tried to dissuade the students from cheating," "High prices may dissuade customers," and so on. Dictionaries list only "dissuade" as the correct spelling. None of the other options appear as accepted words or standard forms. This confirms that "dissuade" is the only correct option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "paterns" lacks the double t and does not match any standard English word. Option B: "smudeging" misplaces letters and is not a recognised form of "smudge." Option D: "fripery" is a distorted form of "frippery" and therefore incorrect. Option E: "disssuade" has an extra s and is not a correct spelling of any English word. Common Pitfalls: Spelling mistakes often come from pronouncing words and then writing them based on sound alone. English sometimes has silent letters or double consonants that are not obvious from pronunciation. To avoid such errors, learners should pay attention to how words appear in reading material and build personal lists of frequently tested vocabulary, especially verbs like "dissuade," "recommend," "separate," and others that are often misspelt. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is dissuade.

Question 17

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct comparative structure: Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler (from) the Southern parts.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sentence improvement questions often focus on comparative structures and correct use of prepositions. Here, the sentence compares the climate in the Northern parts of India with the climate in the Southern parts. The bracketed preposition "from" is incorrect in standard comparative grammar, and we must replace it with the correct word. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler (from) the Southern parts. The adjective "cooler" sets up a comparison between two regions. We must choose the proper word to complete the comparative pattern. Concept / Approach: Comparative adjectives such as "cooler," "hotter," "bigger," and "smaller" are typically followed by the conjunction "than" in English. The standard structure is "A is cooler than B." Prepositions like "from," "to," or "with" do not correctly link the two compared items in this context. Therefore, the bracketed word "from" must be replaced by "than" to make the sentence grammatical and natural. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the comparative adjective in the sentence: "cooler." Step 2: Recall the basic comparative pattern: "X is cooler than Y," not "cooler from Y" or "cooler to Y." Step 3: Replace the bracketed word "from" with "than": "Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler than the Southern parts." Step 4: Check that the sentence now reads smoothly and matches standard English usage. Verification / Alternative check: We can test the structure using other comparatives: "This city is hotter than that city," "Her car is faster than his," "The days are shorter than the nights in winter." In all such examples, "than" correctly introduces the second item in the comparison. Substituting "from," "with," or "to" would be ungrammatical. Similarly, "cooler than the Southern parts" is the only acceptable pattern here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "as" would fit in a different structure, such as "as cool as," but that would change the meaning from "cooler than" to "equally cool." Option B: "to" does not work after comparatives like "cooler"; we do not say "cooler to" in this context. Option D: "with" would suggest association rather than comparison and is grammatically incorrect here. Option E: "no improvement" would keep the incorrect "from," so it cannot be the right choice. Common Pitfalls: Many learners mix up comparative patterns and sometimes transfer structures from their first language into English. A useful rule is: when you see adjectives ending in "-er" or preceded by "more," the word "than" almost always follows the second element of comparison. Remembering standard examples like "better than," "more interesting than," and "cooler than" can help avoid errors. Final Answer: The bracketed word should be replaced with than, giving: "Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler than the Southern parts."

Question 18

Fill in the blank with the most suitable word: Jasbir has the ____________ of a movie star.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question tests understanding of vocabulary related to personality and attraction. The sentence describes Jasbir as having something of a movie star, which clearly refers to the special charm or appeal that makes film actors so noticeable and impressive to audiences. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Jasbir has the ____________ of a movie star. We need a noun that fits with "of a movie star" and describes a positive, attractive quality. Options: "jinx," "charisma," "flash," "mysticism," and "aura." Concept / Approach: Movie stars are known for their special charm, magnetism, and presence. The word "charisma" means a powerful personal charm that draws others to a person and inspires admiration. It is commonly used in contexts like "a charismatic leader" or "a singer with great charisma." While "aura" also indicates a sort of atmosphere around a person, "charisma" is the established term for the attractive, influential charm of public figures. Therefore, "charisma" is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the sentence logically. Having "the something of a movie star" suggests a positive quality associated with fame and attraction. Step 2: Examine "charisma": it means compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, which fits perfectly. Step 3: Check "jinx": this means bad luck or a curse, which is negative and does not match the context of admiration. Step 4: Consider "flash": this often refers to a short burst of light or showiness, but does not directly convey enduring personal charm. Step 5: Consider "mysticism": this relates to spiritual beliefs and experiences, not to everyday attraction like that of film celebrities. Step 6: Consider "aura": while it does mean a distinctive atmosphere or quality, exam patterns typically prefer "charisma" for the specific charm of a movie star. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute each option back into the sentence. "Jasbir has the charisma of a movie star" reads naturally and clearly communicates that Jasbir has a powerful personal appeal. The versions with "jinx," "flash," or "mysticism" either sound odd or completely change the meaning. "Aura" is close but less precise. In exam contexts, "charisma" is the standard correct answer for this type of description. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "jinx" means a curse or something that brings bad luck, which is the opposite of what is implied. Option C: "flash" focuses on brief brightness or showiness and does not capture sustained personal charm. Option D: "mysticism" refers to spiritual or religious experiences and is unrelated to a movie star's appeal. Option E: "aura" suggests a general atmosphere or feeling but not specifically the dynamic charm that makes a star captivating. Common Pitfalls: Learners may be tempted by words that sound impressive but do not exactly fit the context. It is important to match both meaning and tone. "Charisma" specifically combines the ideas of charm, influence, and attractiveness, which are all central to the image of a movie star. Final Answer: The most suitable word is charisma, giving the sentence: "Jasbir has the charisma of a movie star."

Question 19

Select the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word "apocalypse", which refers to complete destruction or catastrophic end.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Antonym questions test whether a learner can correctly identify words with opposite meanings. The word "apocalypse" is often used to describe situations of total destruction, the end of the world, or massive catastrophe. The task here is to find a word that represents an opposite idea, something positive rather than destructive. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: apocalypse. Meaning: a great disaster or complete destruction, sometimes associated with the end of the world. Options: "catastrophe," "miracle," "decimation," "holocaust," and "destruction." Only one option should express a meaning opposite to apocalypse. Concept / Approach: Because "apocalypse" conveys the idea of disaster and ruin, its antonym must represent something unexpectedly good, wonderful, or salvational. The word "miracle" fits this requirement. A miracle is an extraordinary and beneficial event, often seen as a sign of divine intervention, which is the emotional and conceptual opposite of a world-ending disaster. The other options all describe negative events or partial destruction, which are similar rather than opposite in meaning to "apocalypse." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Clarify the sense of "apocalypse": it is used for massive destruction, final catastrophe, or a vision of the world's end. Step 2: Review the options. "Catastrophe," "decimation," "holocaust," and "destruction" all point to serious damage or ruin. Step 3: Identify "miracle" as the only positive term, meaning a wonderful, beneficial, or remarkably good event. Step 4: Confirm that a "miracle" is conceptually opposite to "apocalypse" in mood and outcome. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine two headlines: "An apocalypse destroyed the city" versus "A miracle saved the city." The second sentence clearly stands in contrast to the first, showing salvation instead of destruction. In many narratives and religious traditions, miracles are events that prevent or reverse disaster, making them a natural conceptual opposite to apocalyptic destruction. None of the other options can play this saving role. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "catastrophe" means a sudden and widespread disaster, which is nearly synonymous with "apocalypse," not its opposite. Option C: "decimation" suggests severe reduction, often by killing or destroying a large part, which still lies on the negative side. Option D: "holocaust" historically refers to mass destruction and genocide, again a near synonym, especially in contexts of extreme tragedy. Option E: "destruction" is the direct act or state of being destroyed, which is the core idea of "apocalypse" rather than its antonym. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse synonyms with antonyms when several options share a similar tone. Because "apocalypse" is strongly negative, any equally negative word may feel familiar and mistakenly appear correct. To avoid this, always ask whether the option reverses the meaning or only repeats it. In this case, only "miracle" reverses the emotional and practical impact of an apocalypse. Final Answer: The correct antonym of "apocalypse" is miracle.

Question 20

In the sentence "The substitution of cream instead of milk in the recipe makes for a rich dessert.", one part contains a grammatical error. Identify the incorrect part.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question focuses on correct prepositional patterns with the noun "substitution." In English, certain nouns and verbs pair with specific prepositions, and mixing patterns can create redundancy or ungrammatical phrases. Here, the sentence uses both "substitution of" and "instead of," which sounds awkward and incorrect together. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: The substitution of cream instead of milk in the recipe makes for a rich dessert. Parts: Part A: "The substitution of cream" Part B: "instead of milk in the recipe" Part C: "makes for a rich dessert." Part D: "No error" We must identify the part that contains the grammatical problem. Concept / Approach: With the noun "substitution" and the verb "substitute," the correct pattern is "substitution of X for Y" or "substitute X for Y." We do not normally say "substitution of X instead of Y," because "instead of" and "substitution" already express the idea of replacement, causing redundancy and incorrect preposition usage. Therefore, the phrase should be "The substitution of cream for milk in the recipe," not "instead of milk." Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase "The substitution of cream instead of milk." This is the most likely area for a pattern error. Step 2: Recall the correct structure: "substitution of cream for milk," where "for" introduces the thing being replaced. Step 3: Recognise that "instead of" already carries the meaning of replacement and is redundant when used with "substitution of." Step 4: Conclude that Part B, "instead of milk in the recipe," is the incorrect segment; it should read "for milk in the recipe." Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence with the corrected phrase: "The substitution of cream for milk in the recipe makes for a rich dessert." This version sounds smooth, natural, and follows the standard collocation. There are no other structural or agreement problems. Both the subject and verb match, and the rest of the sentence is grammatically correct. Therefore, the only error lies in Part B. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "The substitution of cream" is correct and uses the right preposition "of" with the noun "substitution." Option C: "makes for a rich dessert." is a natural expression meaning "results in a rich dessert." Option D: "No error" is incorrect because we have clearly identified a pattern error in Part B. Option E: "The sentence is fully correct as written." is also wrong, since the structure "substitution of cream instead of milk" is not standard. Common Pitfalls: Students often overuse "instead of" when they want to express replacement, even when the word "substitution" already carries that meaning. This leads to incorrect combinations like "substitution of X instead of Y." A helpful memory rule is: use "substitute X for Y" or "substitution of X for Y," not both "substitution" and "instead of" in the same phrase. Recognising standard collocations is key to performing well in such questions. Final Answer: The incorrect part is "instead of milk in the recipe", which should be "for milk in the recipe."

English Questions