Question 1

In this English vocabulary question, you must select the option that is closest in meaning to the word "Petrify", which is commonly used to describe turning something into stone or making someone extremely afraid or rigid.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of English synonyms for the word "Petrify". In many exam and reading contexts, "Petrify" can be used literally, to mean turning something into stone, or figuratively, to mean making someone so frightened that they become stiff or unable to move. Understanding this dual sense helps you select the most appropriate synonym from the options given. Given Data / Assumptions: - The target word is "Petrify". - The options are "Adorn", "Calm", "Curious", and "Harden". - We assume standard English dictionary meanings for all words. - Only one option should match the core meaning of "Petrify". Concept / Approach: To solve synonym questions efficiently, you begin by recalling the central sense of the word. "Petrify" in its basic meaning refers to turning something into stone or making it rigid. In extended usage, it means to terrify someone so much that the person feels frozen. Among the given options, we must choose the word that best captures this idea of becoming rigid or stone-like, either physically or metaphorically. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "Petrify" literally means to turn into stone and figuratively means to make extremely rigid or motionless, often due to fear. Step 2: Examine "Adorn". This means to decorate or beautify something and is not related to hardness or fear. Step 3: Examine "Calm". This means to soothe, quieten, or reduce agitation, which is opposite of causing intense fear. Step 4: Examine "Curious". This describes being eager to know or learn and is unrelated to turning rigid or stone-like. Step 5: Examine "Harden". This means to make something hard, firm, or solid, which fits the idea of turning into stone or becoming rigid. Verification / Alternative check: If you consider the literal image of petrification, an object changes from a softer state to a stone-like state. The word "Harden" also expresses the process of becoming hard or firm. Therefore, "Harden" aligns with the core meaning of "Petrify". The other options are about decorating, calming, or curiosity, which do not connect logically with the concept of petrification in either physical or emotional sense. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Adorn" is incorrect because it focuses on decoration and beauty, not hardness. "Calm" is incorrect because it reduces anxiety instead of creating rigid fear. "Curious" is incorrect because it relates to interest and desire to know more, which again has no link to becoming rigid or stone-like. None of these capture the key idea of petrification. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse "Petrify" with "Beautify" or "Modify" just because of the similar sound ending with "ify". This is a dangerous habit because English vocabulary often contains similar-sounding words with completely different meanings. Always focus on the definition and mental image associated with the word, not just its sound or suffix. Reading more example sentences improves long-term retention. Final Answer: The word that is most similar in meaning to "Petrify" is Harden.

Question 2

In this English vocabulary question, you are asked to select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word "Gregarious", which usually describes a sociable and outgoing person who enjoys the company of others.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your grasp of antonyms in English vocabulary. The given word is "Gregarious". In competitive exams, this word regularly appears because it describes a personality type. "Gregarious" is used for people who are friendly, outgoing, and fond of company. To answer correctly, you must identify a word that expresses the opposite attitude toward social interaction. Given Data / Assumptions: - The target word is "Gregarious". - The options are "Affable", "Genial", "Introvert", and "Urbane". - We assume standard dictionary meanings for personality adjectives and nouns. - Exactly one option should represent an opposite or strongly contrasting meaning. Concept / Approach: "Gregarious" describes someone who loves being with others, is sociable, and likes group activities. Therefore, the antonym must refer to a person who prefers to be alone, is reserved, or not inclined toward social gatherings. When solving antonym questions, it helps to translate the word into a simpler phrase, such as "very sociable", and then look for an option that describes "not sociable" or "prefers solitude". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that "Gregarious" means sociable and fond of company. Step 2: Look at "Affable". It means friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to, which is similar to gregarious, not opposite. Step 3: Look at "Genial". This also means warm, cheerful, and friendly, again close to gregarious. Step 4: Look at "Introvert". This word describes a person who is more inward-looking, reserved, and often prefers being alone rather than being in large groups. Step 5: Look at "Urbane". This refers to someone who is suave, polite, and refined in manner, but it does not directly oppose sociability. Verification / Alternative check: If "Gregarious" equals "outgoing" and "sociable", then the opposite concept is "reserved", "quiet", or "inward-looking". An "Introvert" is someone who tends to draw energy from solitude rather than social gatherings. This clearly contrasts with gregarious behaviour, making "Introvert" the best antonym among the options. The remaining alternatives all carry a sense of friendliness or polished manners, which do not contradict sociability. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Affable" is wrong because a person who is affable is pleasant and easy to approach, not the opposite of gregarious. "Genial" is wrong because a genial person is also kindly and cheerful. "Urbane" is wrong because it refers to refined and cultivated behaviour, often in social settings, but it does not indicate dislike of company. None of these express a preference for being alone. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse "Introvert" as a purely negative trait and hesitate to choose it. Remember that personality descriptions are not automatically positive or negative; they simply describe tendencies. Another common mistake is to treat similar positive words, like "Affable" or "Genial", as antonyms just because they are unfamiliar. Always match the core idea, not the emotional tone of the word. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to "Gregarious" is Introvert.

Question 3

In this English vocabulary question, you must choose the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to "Tremulous", a word that usually describes something shaking, quivering, or showing nervousness and lack of confidence.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of antonyms in English vocabulary. The word "Tremulous" is often used to describe a voice, hand, or manner that is shaky or quivering because of fear, weakness, or nervousness. To find the correct antonym, you need a word that expresses the idea of steadiness or firmness instead of shaking or uncertainty. Given Data / Assumptions: - The target word is "Tremulous". - The options are "Feeble", "Frugal", "Stable", and "Vital". - Standard dictionary meanings are assumed. - Only one option should clearly present an opposite sense to "Tremulous". Concept / Approach: "Tremulous" suggests shaking, quivering, or easily affected by fear. The antonym therefore should express steadiness, firmness, or lack of movement. When solving antonym questions, restate the target word in a simpler phrase. For example, "tremulous" can be restated as "unsteady and shaking". You then look for an option that conveys "steady and firm", which directly opposes the original meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret "Tremulous" as quivering, shaking, or timid. Step 2: Consider "Feeble". This means weak or lacking physical strength, which can be related to tremulous, not opposite. Step 3: Consider "Frugal". This describes someone who is economical in the use of resources and has no direct link to shaking or steadiness. Step 4: Consider "Stable". This means firm, steady, and not likely to move or change suddenly, which is the opposite of tremulous. Step 5: Consider "Vital". This relates to energy and life, but does not address the idea of shaking versus steadiness directly. Verification / Alternative check: If a tremulous hand is unsteady and shaking, a stable hand would be firm and not trembling. The conceptual contrast is very clear: tremulous equals shaky, stable equals steady. "Feeble" can actually coexist with tremulous, since a feeble person may have tremulous movements. "Frugal" and "Vital" refer to completely different concepts. Therefore, "Stable" is the best antonym and fits the logic of contrasting movement and steadiness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Feeble" is wrong because it refers to weakness, which may even cause tremulous behaviour, so it is associated rather than opposite. "Frugal" is wrong because it deals with careful spending or use of resources. "Vital" is wrong because it signifies energetic and full of life. None of these convey the firm steadiness that truly counterbalances the sense of tremulous. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to pick a word just because it sounds sophisticated or unrelated, instead of a true antonym. Another mistake is to treat words like "Feeble" as opposites simply because exam takers loosely connect them with weakness, whereas both tremulous and feeble can occur together. Always ask yourself whether the chosen option really reverses the idea presented by the original word. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to "Tremulous" is Stable.

Question 4

In this question on English idioms and phrases, you must select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "the alpha and the omega", which is often used to talk about the complete extent of something.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the topic of English idioms and phrases, which are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from individual words. The idiom given is "the alpha and the omega". It is frequently used in literature, speeches, and exams to describe the entire range or the first and last parts of something. Understanding such idioms is very important for scoring well in English sections of competitive examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: - The idiom in the question is "the alpha and the omega". - The options are "Happy and sad", "The beginning and the end", "The love and the hatred", and "Truth and dare". - Standard idiomatic usage in English is assumed. - Only one option correctly gives the meaning of the idiom. Concept / Approach: The word "alpha" is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and "omega" is the last letter. When combined in the idiom "the alpha and the omega", they symbolically represent the beginning and the end of something, and by extension, sometimes the whole of it. When you see idioms that pair two extreme points, such as first and last, you should think of expressions like start and finish, source and conclusion, or the entirety of something. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that "alpha" refers to the first letter and "omega" to the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Step 2: Understand that in idiomatic use, the phrase stands for the beginning and the end of something, and sometimes its full extent. Step 3: Evaluate "Happy and sad". This presents two opposite emotions, but does not capture the idea of beginning and end. Step 4: Evaluate "The beginning and the end". This directly matches the symbolic meaning of alpha and omega. Step 5: Evaluate "The love and the hatred" and "Truth and dare". These are just pairs of contrasting ideas and do not relate to start and finish. Verification / Alternative check: Many dictionaries and reference books explicitly define "the alpha and the omega" as "the beginning and the end" or "the first and the last". The other options are not recognised idiomatic meanings of this phrase. They contain contrasts, but the idiom itself is about extremes in terms of sequence, not emotional opposites. Therefore, "The beginning and the end" is the only accurate interpretation here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Happy and sad" is wrong because it deals with emotional states and is not linked to the concepts of starting and finishing. "The love and the hatred" is wrong because it again contrasts emotions. "Truth and dare" is wrong because it refers to a popular party game and has nothing to do with the alphabet or sequence. None of these match the established meaning of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes assume that if an idiom contains two nouns, it must be describing a pair of opposite feelings or qualities. This leads them to favour choices like "happy and sad" or "love and hatred". However, idioms often have historical or cultural roots, and their meanings must be learned as fixed expressions. The safest way is to remember that "alpha and omega" literally mark the first and last positions in a sequence, which naturally extends to the idea of the beginning and the end. Final Answer: The idiom "the alpha and the omega" means the beginning and the end.

Question 5

In this English idiom question, you have to choose the option that best explains the phrase "throw up the sponge", which is commonly used in contexts involving effort, struggle, and giving up.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on English idioms, specifically the phrase "throw up the sponge". Idioms of this type often come from sports or daily activities and then become fixed expressions in the language. Understanding them is crucial because in exams and real-life reading, they appear without explanation. Here, the idiom is connected with the idea of effort, struggle, and eventually giving up or admitting defeat. Given Data / Assumptions: - The idiom is "throw up the sponge". - The options are "To attack", "To laugh at someone", "To surrender", and "To talk loudly". - We assume standard English idiomatic meaning as used in literature and spoken language. - Only one option correctly explains the idiom. Concept / Approach: The idiom is believed to originate from boxing, where a trainer might throw a sponge or towel into the ring to signal that the boxer can no longer continue. As a result, "to throw up the sponge" and the more common phrase "to throw in the towel" both came to mean accepting defeat or giving up a struggle. When solving idiom questions, look for the underlying real-world image and connect it to a general idea such as surrender, persistence, or enthusiasm. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "throw up the sponge" is similar in meaning to "throw in the towel". Step 2: In both phrases, the central idea is to admit that the fight or effort cannot continue and to stop trying. Step 3: Evaluate "To attack". Attacking is an aggressive action, which is the opposite of giving up. Step 4: Evaluate "To laugh at someone". This is about mocking, which is unrelated to surrendering. Step 5: Evaluate "To surrender". This directly fits the meaning of stopping the fight or admitting defeat. Step 6: Evaluate "To talk loudly". This refers to volume of speech and has no connection with defeat or struggle. Verification / Alternative check: Reference works on idioms consistently define "throw up the sponge" as "to give up" or "to admit defeat". There is no commonly accepted meaning related to attacking, mocking, or speaking loudly. Therefore, the only possible correct interpretation among the given choices is the idea of surrendering, matching the origin from combat sports. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "To attack" is wrong because attacking indicates starting or intensifying a fight, whereas the idiom suggests ending it. "To laugh at someone" is wrong because mockery is not connected to stopping an effort. "To talk loudly" is wrong because it deals with volume of voice, not with the outcome of a contest or struggle. None of these alternatives reflect the notion of giving up. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose options like "To talk loudly" because the phrase sounds unusual and they associate "throw up" with shouting. This is misleading. Idioms often come from specific cultural practices, and once their origin is understood, the meaning becomes easy to remember. Always try to create a mental picture of the original scene: a boxer who cannot continue, and the trainer throwing an object into the ring to signal surrender. Final Answer: The idiom "throw up the sponge" means to surrender.

Question 6

In this English grammar sentence improvement question, you must choose the best alternative to replace the bracketed phrase in "I had (a few) eggs in the fridge, so we need to go to the market to buy them." so that the meaning clearly shows that alm…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of determiners in English, especially the difference between "few" and "a few", and between "little" and "a little". These small words can change the meaning of a sentence in a subtle but important way. The sentence talks about eggs in the fridge and a decision to go to the market, so you must choose the determiner that correctly matches both the noun type and the intended meaning of quantity. Given Data / Assumptions: - The original sentence is: "I had (a few) eggs in the fridge, so we need to go to the market to buy them." - The options are "a little", "few", "little", and "No improvement". - Eggs are countable nouns, and the speaker wants to show that there are almost none left, which is why a trip to the market is needed. Concept / Approach: In English, "few" and "a few" are used with countable nouns, while "little" and "a little" are used with uncountable nouns. In addition, "a few" and "a little" usually express a small but sufficient or positive quantity, whereas "few" and "little" often express an insufficient or negative quantity. Since eggs are countable, we must choose between "few" and "a few". The clause "so we need to go to the market to buy them" indicates that the number of eggs is not enough, which suggests the negative sense of "few". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify "eggs" as a plural countable noun. Step 2: Eliminate "a little" and "little", because they are normally used with uncountable nouns like water, milk, or money. Step 3: Compare "a few" and "few". "A few" means some, a small but usually sufficient number, often with a positive tone. Step 4: "Few" means not many, almost none, and usually carries a negative or insufficient tone. Step 5: The clause "so we need to go to the market to buy them" suggests that the number of eggs is insufficient, so "few" fits better than "a few". Verification / Alternative check: If the speaker had said "I had a few eggs in the fridge", it would normally imply that there were some eggs, and perhaps they might be enough for a small need. But here the speaker immediately says that they need to go to the market to buy eggs, which signals a shortage. Using "few" clearly indicates that there were almost no eggs in the fridge and therefore a purchase is necessary. This matches both grammar rules and the logical flow of ideas. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "A little" is wrong because it is used with uncountable nouns, not with countable eggs. "Little" is also wrong for the same reason and would sound unnatural with "eggs". "No improvement" is wrong because the phrase "a few" conflicts with the sense of shortage implied by the need to go to the market. Thus, the original bracketed part does not express the intended meaning accurately. Common Pitfalls: Many learners do not pay attention to the subtle difference between "few" and "a few". They treat them as interchangeable, which can change the tone of a sentence. Another common error is mixing up "few" with "little" when the noun type changes from countable to uncountable. Always check whether the noun can be counted as separate items, and decide whether the context is positive (some and enough) or negative (almost none). Final Answer: The correct improvement is to use few, so the sentence should read: "I had few eggs in the fridge, so we need to go to the market to buy them."

Question 7

In this English grammar sentence improvement question, you must select the correct preposition to replace the bracketed word in "My brother is indifferent (about) whatever I say." so that the sentence follows natural standard usage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of correct preposition usage with adjectives in English. Certain adjectives are followed by fixed prepositions, and using the wrong one makes the sentence sound unnatural or ungrammatical. The adjective in focus here is "indifferent", and the sentence describes how the brother reacts to whatever the speaker says. Your task is to choose the preposition that is normally used after "indifferent" in standard English. Given Data / Assumptions: - The original sentence is: "My brother is indifferent (about) whatever I say." - The options are "in", "of", "to", and "No improvement". - The idea of the sentence is that the brother does not care about or is unaffected by what the speaker says. Concept / Approach: In English, some adjective and preposition combinations are fixed or very common, such as "fond of", "good at", and "interested in". The adjective "indifferent" is usually followed by "to" when we want to say that someone does not care about or is not concerned with something. Phrases like "indifferent to criticism" or "indifferent to the outcome" are standard. Therefore, we should search for the preposition that maintains this established pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the adjective "indifferent" in the sentence. Step 2: Recall common collocations: English typically uses "indifferent to something". Step 3: Check option "in". The phrase "indifferent in whatever I say" sounds unnatural and is not a standard combination. Step 4: Check option "of". "Indifferent of whatever I say" is also not standard usage. Step 5: Check option "to". "Indifferent to whatever I say" is the correct and idiomatic collocation. Step 6: Recognise that "No improvement" is incorrect because "indifferent about whatever I say" is not the most natural preposition choice here. Verification / Alternative check: If you consult common examples, you will find phrases like "indifferent to pain", "indifferent to results", or "indifferent to public opinion". These show that "to" is the usual preposition after "indifferent". The idea is that something does not affect or concern the person. Therefore, "My brother is indifferent to whatever I say" correctly conveys that he does not care about or react to the speaker's words. The other prepositions rarely occur in this pattern and sound awkward. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "In" is wrong because "indifferent in" is not standard and does not convey the intended meaning. "Of" is wrong because it usually follows adjectives like "fond of" or "aware of", but not "indifferent". "No improvement" is wrong because "indifferent about" is weaker and less idiomatic than "indifferent to" in this context. Examinations usually test these fixed adjective–preposition patterns explicitly. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes treat prepositions as freely interchangeable, assuming that if the meaning is roughly understandable, it is acceptable. However, native usage depends heavily on collocations. A good way to avoid errors is to read more examples and note which preposition follows which adjective. Over time, patterns like "indifferent to" become automatic and help you answer such questions quickly. Final Answer: The correct preposition is to, so the sentence should read: "My brother is indifferent to whatever I say."

Question 8

In this one-word substitution question from English vocabulary, you must select the single word that best replaces the phrase "a funeral poem", that is, a poem written to mourn or reflect on someone's death.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your knowledge of one-word substitutions in English. Instead of using an entire phrase like "a funeral poem", English provides compact words that carry the same meaning. Recognising and using these words improves both precision and elegance in writing. Here, you are asked to identify the correct literary term for a poem associated with death and mourning. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase is "a funeral poem". - The options are "Elegy", "Pandemonium", "Parody", and "Sonnet". - The context is literary terminology, especially types of poems and related concepts. - Only one option accurately represents a poem written in memory of the dead or expressing sorrow at a loss. Concept / Approach: In literature, an "Elegy" is a poem of serious reflection, usually written to lament the dead. "Pandemonium" refers to wild noise or chaos, "Parody" means a humorous or satirical imitation, and "Sonnet" is a poem of fourteen lines with a specific rhyme scheme, not necessarily connected to funerals. To answer such questions, recall precise definitions of literary terms and match them with the description given in the stem. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the phrase "a funeral poem" as a poem that expresses sorrow, grief, or reflection on death. Step 2: Consider "Elegy". This is defined as a mournful or reflective poem, often written in memory of someone who has died. Step 3: Consider "Pandemonium". It means wild uproar or chaos and is not a type of poem at all. Step 4: Consider "Parody". This is a comic or satirical imitation of a serious work, used to create humour, not mourning. Step 5: Consider "Sonnet". This is a structural form of a poem with fourteen lines, which can deal with many subjects, not only funerals. Verification / Alternative check: Standard literary glossaries define "Elegy" as a poem of lament, grief, or serious reflection, especially for the dead. The phrase "elegiac poem" is also used to describe such writing. None of the other options carry this specific association with funerals. "Pandemonium" is about noisy confusion, "Parody" about humorous imitation, and "Sonnet" about structure rather than content. Therefore, "Elegy" is the only exact match for "a funeral poem". Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Pandemonium" is wrong because it is a noun relating to chaos, not to poetry or funerals. "Parody" is wrong because it describes a style of humorous imitation, almost the opposite of a serious expression of grief. "Sonnet" is wrong because it defines a fixed poetic form with fourteen lines, which can be romantic, philosophical, or about any topic, not specifically funerals. Only "Elegy" connects directly with death and mourning. Common Pitfalls: Some students confuse "Elegy" with "Eulogy". A eulogy is a speech in praise of someone, often given at a funeral, whereas an elegy is a poem of mourning. Both are connected with death, but one is spoken prose and the other is poetry. Another trap is to choose "Sonnet" just because it is clearly a poetic term. To avoid such errors, focus on the key idea in the phrase and match it with the core meaning of the options. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution for "a funeral poem" is Elegy.

Question 9

In this one-word substitution question from English vocabulary, you must choose the single word that best replaces the phrase "one who walks in sleep", that is, a person who moves about while still asleep.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of one-word substitutions that describe specific types of people. The phrase given is "one who walks in sleep". In medical and psychological contexts, sleepwalking is a known condition. English provides a precise term for a person who does this, and recognising such terms is important for competitive exams and advanced reading. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase is "one who walks in sleep". - The options are "Drover", "Fastidious", "Numismatist", and "Somnambulist". - The question targets special nouns that classify people by their behaviour or interest. - Only one option correctly refers to a person who walks while still asleep. Concept / Approach: The technical term for sleepwalking is "somnambulism", formed from Latin roots meaning sleep and walking. Accordingly, a person who sleepwalks is called a "Somnambulist". A "Drover" is someone who drives cattle or livestock. "Fastidious" is an adjective describing a very particular or hard-to-please person. "Numismatist" is a person who studies or collects coins, medals, or currency. Once you know the meaning of these words, the correct answer becomes clear. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret the phrase "one who walks in sleep" as a person who walks or moves about while still sleeping. Step 2: Analyse "Drover". This is a person who drives cattle or flocks, not someone who sleepwalks. Step 3: Analyse "Fastidious". This is an adjective meaning very careful, demanding, or difficult to please and is not a noun referring to a type of person by behaviour. Step 4: Analyse "Numismatist". This refers to a person who collects or studies coins and currency, unrelated to sleepwalking. Step 5: Analyse "Somnambulist". This is the noun used for a person who walks in sleep, derived from the term "somnambulism". Verification / Alternative check: If you look at the roots, "somnus" relates to sleep and "ambulare" relates to walking. Together they form "somnambulism" for sleepwalking and "somnambulist" for the person who does it. The other options either refer to completely different professions or are adjectives. There is no overlap between cattle driving, coin collecting, being fussy, and walking in sleep. Therefore "Somnambulist" is the only precise one-word substitution for the phrase given. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Drover" is wrong because it is about handling animals, not sleep. "Fastidious" is wrong because it is an adjective describing meticulous or overly picky behaviour, not a specialised role or condition. "Numismatist" is wrong because it describes a coin collector or researcher. None of these connect with the act of walking while asleep, which is a specific sleep disorder. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes pick options that simply sound technical or unusual, thinking they must be correct. However, in one-word substitution questions, each option usually has a very specific meaning. Memorising a core list of such words with clear definitions is very helpful. Always match the phrase carefully to the exact meaning of the option instead of guessing based on sound alone. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution for "one who walks in sleep" is Somnambulist.

Question 10

In this English spelling question, four words are given and you must choose the one that is incorrectly spelt when compared with standard English spelling conventions.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to recognise correct and incorrect English spellings. In competitive exams, spelling questions are often used to check careful reading and familiarity with commonly used words. Here, four words are presented, and you must identify the one which is not spelt according to standard English usage. Given Data / Assumptions: - Four options are given: "Gaurantee", "Itinerary", "Magnificent", and "Writing". - Exactly one of these words has an incorrect spelling. - The words are of moderate frequency in written English, especially in formal and travel related contexts. Concept / Approach: To solve spelling questions, you should recall the correct spelling of familiar words or break them into syllables. The word "Guarantee" is commonly misspelt, so it is important to know its correct letter sequence. "Itinerary", "Magnificent", and "Writing" are standard English words whose spellings should already be familiar from textbooks and formal usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyse "Gaurantee". The correct spelling of this word is "Guarantee", with the sequence g-u-a-r-a-n-t-e-e. Step 2: Observe that in "Gaurantee", the letters after "g" are arranged as g-a-u-r rather than g-u-a-r, which makes the word incorrect. Step 3: Check "Itinerary". This is correctly spelt as i-t-i-n-e-r-a-r-y, commonly used for a travel schedule. Step 4: Check "Magnificent". This is correctly spelt and is a common adjective meaning grand or impressive. Step 5: Check "Writing". This is also correctly spelt and is the standard form of the verb and noun related to writing. Verification / Alternative check: If you consult any standard dictionary, you will find the entry "Guarantee" with the letter order g-u-a-r-a-n-t-e-e. The incorrect option "Gaurantee" swaps the positions of "u" and "a" near the beginning, which is a well-known spelling error. The other three options exactly match their standard dictionary spellings. Therefore, only "Gaurantee" can be accepted as the incorrectly spelt word in this set. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Itinerary" is correct because it follows the standard spelling used in travel documents and timetables. "Magnificent" is correct and is widely used to describe something very beautiful or impressive. "Writing" is also correct and is one of the most common English words. None of these contain letter order errors or extra letters, so they cannot be chosen as incorrect spellings. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes hesitate between similar looking spellings, especially for longer or less frequently used words like "Itinerary" and "Guarantee". A useful technique is to break words into familiar parts or recall how they look in official documents. For instance, the "guar" part in "Guarantee" stays together and should not be broken into "gaur". Regular reading and writing practice greatly reduce such spelling mistakes over time. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word in this set is Gaurantee, which should correctly be written as "Guarantee".

Question 11

In this English spelling question, four words are given and you must select the one that is incorrectly spelt according to standard English usage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another spelling recognition question in which you are asked to identify the one incorrectly spelt word out of four options. Such questions are common in competitive examinations to test your eye for detail and your familiarity with frequently used English words. Here, you must apply your knowledge of standard spellings used in everyday writing and formal communication. Given Data / Assumptions: - The four words are "Etiquete", "Exquisite", "Restaurant", and "Scavenger". - Exactly one option contains a spelling error. - All words are standard English terms relating to manners, beauty, food, and cleaning or collecting, respectively. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word relating to proper manners and social behaviour is "Etiquette", with a double "t" before the final "e". The other words, "Exquisite", "Restaurant", and "Scavenger", are common and correctly spelt. When solving spelling questions, recall how these words appear in books, signboards, and formal documents, and pay close attention to the presence or absence of double letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine "Etiquete". It is missing one "t" before the final "e". The correct spelling is "Etiquette". Step 2: Examine "Exquisite". This spelling is correct for the word meaning extremely beautiful or delicate. Step 3: Examine "Restaurant". This is also correctly spelt and refers to a place where people eat meals outside home. Step 4: Examine "Scavenger". This is correctly spelt and refers to an animal or person that collects or feeds on waste. Verification / Alternative check: A quick reference to any reliable dictionary will confirm that "Etiquette" is the accepted spelling, while "Etiquete" is not listed as a standard variant. The presence of the double "t" is essential in the correct form. Meanwhile, the other three words exactly match their dictionary spellings. As a result, "Etiquete" stands out as the only incorrect spelling among the given options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Exquisite" is wrong as an answer choice because it is already correct, expressing the idea of special beauty or delicacy. "Restaurant" is also correct and is widely used in both spoken and written English. "Scavenger" is correct and accurately describes a creature or person that gathers discarded material. Since none of these contain an error, they cannot be selected as the incorrectly spelt word. Common Pitfalls: Many test takers struggle with foreign derived words like "Restaurant" or refined vocabulary like "Exquisite", and may suspect them to be misspelt. However, exam setters often place the error in a simpler but less frequently written word, such as "Etiquette". To avoid confusion, practise writing down tricky words and reviewing their spellings regularly. Seeing them in context, for example in articles about social manners, also helps fix them in memory. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word in this question is Etiquete, which should be correctly written as "Etiquette".

Question 12

In this sentence arrangement question, four labelled sentences P, Q, R, and S are given; when properly sequenced they form a coherent paragraph about Mohanlal arriving in Kolkata at midnight, and you must choose the most logical order.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the sentence arrangement or para-jumbles category. Four labelled parts P, Q, R, and S are given, and you must arrange them in an order that forms a clear, logical, and coherent short narrative. The passage here describes the experience of a man named Mohanlal whose train reaches Kolkata late at night. Understanding the natural flow of time and events is essential to solving this type of question. Given Data / Assumptions: - R: Mohanlal's train was late and it reached Kolkata a little after midnight. - Q: It was his first visit to the city and he did not know where to go. - S: He thought he would go to a choultry where he would not have to pay rent. - P: But he did not know how to find one at that hour. - Only one sequence of these four sentences will produce a smooth and logical paragraph. Concept / Approach: In para-jumble questions, look for the best opening sentence, which usually introduces the main character, place, or time. Then follow the natural progression of events. Here, the story revolves around a late-running train, Mohanlal's unfamiliarity with Kolkata, his idea of staying at a choultry, and the problem of locating it late at night. We must order the sentences so that each new sentence logically follows the previous one without breaking the narrative flow. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Sentence R mentions that Mohanlal's train reached Kolkata after midnight, introducing the character, location, and time. This is a natural opening. Step 2: After arriving late, it makes sense to mention that it was his first visit and he did not know where to go, which is stated in Q. Step 3: Next, once his confusion is established, he considers a solution. Sentence S says he thought of going to a choultry where he would not have to pay rent. Step 4: Finally, P explains the difficulty with this plan: he did not know how to find such a choultry at that late hour. Step 5: Therefore, the logical order is RQSP. Verification / Alternative check: Check alternative sequences quickly. Starting with Q does not work well, because it refers to "It was his first visit" without specifying where or when. Starting with S or P would be abrupt, since they mention "he" and "one" without prior context. Only R can serve as a smooth entry point to the story. Once R is placed first, Q naturally follows, and S and P must come after, with S describing his idea and P describing the problem in executing that idea. Thus, RQSP is the only sequence that results in a coherent paragraph. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PSQR starts with "But he did not know how to find one at that hour", which uses "But" and "one" without any previous statement, so it feels incomplete. QRSP begins with "It was his first visit to the city" without specifying that he has just arrived at midnight. RSQP is also awkward, because placing S immediately after R and then Q breaks the order of thought and confusion. Only RQSP maintains clear chronology and logic. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is ignoring pronouns and linking words like "But", which usually refer back to something already said. Another error is failing to identify the sentence that clearly sets up the context, such as arrival time and place. When solving para-jumbles, always look for the sentence that can logically begin the passage and then follow the cause-and-effect or time sequence. Final Answer: The most logical and coherent sequence of the sentences is RQSP.

Question 13

In this sentence arrangement question on English comprehension, four labelled sentences P, Q, R, and S discuss transforming energy, compassion, self-awareness, and morality; you must choose the order that forms a logical and meaningful paragraph.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This para-jumble question presents four philosophical sentences labelled P, Q, R, and S. They talk about transforming energy positively, developing compassion, reaching self-awareness, and understanding morality without anger. Your task is to arrange them in an order that produces a smooth and logical paragraph. Such questions test both your language sense and your ability to follow abstract reasoning. Given Data / Assumptions: - Q: If you transform your energy positively, it naturally becomes compassion and love. - P: And slowly, you reach the pinnacle of self-awareness, experiencing a unity with all life. - R: Once you experientially are a part of everything then nobody needs to teach you morality. - S: Then you can do something to improve the situation, but without anger. - Only one order creates a coherent flow from inner transformation to moral action. Concept / Approach: Look for the starting point that introduces the main idea. Sentence Q mentions transforming energy positively, which seems like the natural beginning of the process. Sentence P then describes the gradual result of this transformation, which is reaching self-awareness and unity with all life. Sentence R builds on that experience to say that morality becomes natural. Finally, S talks about action in the world, improving situations without anger. The sequence should progress from inner change to outer action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify Q as the starting sentence because it introduces the initial step: transforming energy positively into compassion and love. Step 2: After compassion arises, one slowly reaches a higher state. P describes this: reaching the pinnacle of self-awareness and unity with all life. Step 3: Once this unity is experienced, morality becomes spontaneous. R states that nobody needs to teach morality when one feels part of everything. Step 4: Finally, S explains that with this inner basis of compassion and morality, a person can act to improve situations without anger, which is the outward expression of the earlier inner changes. Step 5: Therefore, the logical order is QPRS. Verification / Alternative check: Check whether any other sentence can logically open the paragraph. P begins with "And slowly", which clearly indicates continuation and cannot be the first line. R starts with "Once you experientially are a part of everything", which assumes that unity has already been reached. S begins with "Then you can do something", and the word "Then" signals that earlier steps must precede it. Only Q stands alone as a complete, independent starting statement about transforming energy, so it must come first. The order Q, P, R, S therefore respects both the chronological and logical development of the idea. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PQRS is wrong because P cannot logically begin with "And slowly" without a previous statement. RQPS is wrong because starting with R assumes a unity experience that has not been introduced, and placing S before P breaks the inner-to-outer flow. RSPQ is also wrong because it jumps directly into morality and action without explaining how compassion or self-awareness arose. Only QPRS creates a natural progression from energy transformation to compassionate moral action. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes ignore linking words like "And" and "Then", which provide strong clues about sequence. Another pitfall is focusing only on local grammar, instead of the larger philosophical progression from inner state to outer behaviour. When solving para-jumbles, always trace the cause-and-effect chain and note which sentence can serve as a true beginning and which ones obviously continue from earlier ideas. Final Answer: The most logical and coherent order of the sentences is QPRS.

Question 14

In this question on Active and Passive voice, you must choose the passive form that best expresses the meaning of the sentence "Ram was singing a beautiful song for his mother."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of transforming sentences from Active voice to Passive voice in English grammar. The given sentence is in the past continuous tense and describes an ongoing action in the past. To get full marks, you must convert it into a passive structure that maintains the tense, the meaning, and the focus of the sentence correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: - Active sentence: "Ram was singing a beautiful song for his mother." - Subject in the active voice: Ram. - Object in the active voice: a beautiful song. - The action is in past continuous tense: "was singing". - Four passive voice options are given, and exactly one correctly preserves tense and meaning. Concept / Approach: To convert a sentence from Active to Passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The verb form is changed using a form of "be" plus the past participle of the main verb, and the original subject is usually introduced with "by". For continuous tenses, the structure "was being" or "were being" plus past participle is used. Here, "was singing" must become "was being sung" in the passive form. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object "a beautiful song" and make it the new subject in the passive sentence. Step 2: Recognise that the tense is past continuous, so the passive auxiliary must be "was being". Step 3: The past participle of "sing" is "sung", not "sang". Step 4: Insert "by Ram" to show who performed the action. Step 5: Keep the phrase "for his mother" at the end to preserve the meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Constructing the passive voice step by step gives: "A beautiful song" (object becomes subject) + "was being sung" (correct past continuous passive form) + "by Ram" (agent) + "for his mother" (beneficiary). This exactly matches option A: "A beautiful song was being sung by Ram for his mother." The tense, agent, and purpose remain unchanged, so this option is correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "A beautiful song was sang by Ram for his mother", is wrong because "sang" is the simple past form, not the past participle, and there is no "being", so the continuous aspect is lost. Option C, "A beautiful song was sung by Ram for his mother", uses the correct participle but expresses simple past tense, not past continuous. Option D, "A beautiful song was sung for his mother by Ram", has the same problem as option C; it is simple past and does not reflect the ongoing nature of the action. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to include "being" when changing continuous tenses to passive voice, where it is essential to show the ongoing nature of the action. Another frequent mistake is using the wrong verb form, such as "sang" instead of "sung". To avoid these errors, always identify the tense first, then apply the correct passive structure: subject plus appropriate form of "be" plus past participle, adding "being" for continuous tenses and "been" for perfect tenses. Final Answer: The correct passive voice form is "A beautiful song was being sung by Ram for his mother."

Question 15

In this Direct and Indirect speech question, you must choose the correct direct speech sentence that corresponds to the indirect statement "Priya advised me not to go to school the next day."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of converting between Direct and Indirect speech in English grammar. The given sentence in the question is in Indirect speech and contains both a reporting verb "advised" and a reported clause "not to go to school the next day". You must identify which option correctly represents the original Direct speech version of what Priya actually said. Given Data / Assumptions: - Indirect statement: "Priya advised me not to go to school the next day." - The reporting verb "advised" suggests that the original statement was an imperative or instruction. - The phrase "the next day" in Indirect speech usually corresponds to "tomorrow" in Direct speech. - Four possible Direct speech options are given, and exactly one correctly matches tense, sense, and structure. Concept / Approach: When converting from Direct to Indirect speech, imperative sentences like requests or advice often use verbs such as "told", "advised", or "asked" plus an infinitive structure like "not to go". Time expressions also change; for example, "tomorrow" in Direct speech becomes "the next day" in Indirect speech. To find the correct Direct speech, reverse these changes: look for an imperative with "Do not" and the time word "tomorrow". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Interpret "advised me not to go to school" as an instruction in Direct speech: "Do not go to school". Step 2: Replace "the next day" with its Direct speech equivalent "tomorrow". Step 3: Therefore, the most natural original statement is: Priya said to me, "Do not go to school tomorrow." Step 4: Compare this with the given options and identify which one matches exactly. Verification / Alternative check: Option A reads: Priya said to me, "Do not go to school tomorrow." This is exactly the structure that would change into "Priya advised me not to go to school the next day" in Indirect speech. The imperative "Do not go" becomes "advised me not to go" and "tomorrow" becomes "the next day". The other options either use incorrect time expressions or change the sentence type from an imperative to a question or another indirect form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, "Do not go to school next day", is incorrect because "next day" is not normally used in Direct speech; one would say "tomorrow". Option C, "Will you not go to school tomorrow?" changes the sentence to an interrogative form, which does not match the reporting verb "advised". Option D, "Priya told me that I should not go to school tomorrow", is still in Indirect speech and not a Direct quotation, so it cannot be the required answer. Common Pitfalls: Learners often forget that time expressions shift when moving between Direct and Indirect speech, and may think that "next day" can appear in Direct quotes. Another common mistake is choosing a sentence that changes the type of sentence, such as moving from advice to a question. Always check whether the reporting verb suggests an order, statement, or question, and match that with the correct form in Direct speech. Pay special attention to words like "tomorrow", "today", and "yesterday" and their corresponding forms in reported statements. Final Answer: The correct Direct speech form is Priya said to me, "Do not go to school tomorrow."

Question 16

In this cloze test based on workplace psychology, the sentence "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors." requires you to choose the most appropriate word to complete the meaning correctly.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is part of a cloze test passage about job performance, motivation, ability, and anxiety. In such passages, each blank must be filled with a word that fits both the immediate sentence and the overall meaning of the paragraph. The specific sentence here is "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors." You must choose a word that correctly conveys the idea that various factors have an impact on job performance. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is "Job performance is ______ by a number of factors." - The options are "affected", "effected", "influenced", and "measured". - The wider passage discusses how motivation, ability, technology, and anxiety relate to performance. - The required word should express the idea that these factors have an influence on job performance. Concept / Approach: The phrase "is affected by" is a common English collocation that means "is influenced by" or "is impacted by". "Effected" is usually used as a verb meaning "brought about", not as a passive verb in this structure. "Influenced" could also fit the meaning but does not align as naturally with the exact phrasing of the rest of the passage. "Measured" would change the meaning to evaluating performance, not describing its dependence on other factors. Therefore, we must select the word that creates a correct and natural passive structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the sentence explains how various factors have an impact on job performance. Step 2: Consider "affected". The phrase "is affected by" means "is influenced or impacted by", which fits the context. Step 3: Consider "effected". The structure "is effected by" is awkward; "effect" as a verb means to bring something about, but is not generally used in this passive form here. Step 4: Consider "influenced". While "is influenced by" is grammatically correct and close in meaning, the original standardized expression in many such passages is "is affected by". Step 5: Consider "measured". "Is measured by a number of factors" changes the sense to evaluation, which does not match the ideas of motivation and ability modifying performance. Verification / Alternative check: Reading the rest of the passage, we see statements about motivation alone not leading to performance, and ability and technology moderating the relationship. This supports the idea that various factors, including motivation and ability, have an impact on job performance. The fixed expression "Job performance is affected by a number of factors" clearly communicates this and is commonly used in management and psychology texts. The alternative "influenced" is possible in isolation but is slightly less standard for this specific exam passage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Effected" is wrong because it normally means "brought about" and does not fit comfortably into the passive pattern "is effected by" in this context. "Influenced" is close in meaning but the passage and common collocations strongly favour "affected". "Measured" is wrong because it suggests assessing performance numerically, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence about underlying factors. Common Pitfalls: A common trap is confusion between "affect" and "effect". "Affect" is usually a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is mainly a noun meaning result, or more rarely a verb meaning to bring about. In passive constructions like "is affected by", the correct choice is the past participle of "affect". Learning the difference between these two words prevents many mistakes not only in exams but also in academic and professional writing. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is affected, giving "Job performance is affected by a number of factors."

Question 17

In this cloze test sentence about motivation and ability, you must choose the word that best completes "The higher the levels of ability and motivation the ______ the level of performance will be."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is another blank from the same cloze test passage about job performance, motivation, and ability. The sentence uses a comparative structure to show the relationship between ability, motivation, and performance. You must choose the degree word that preserves the logical and grammatical pattern of the comparison. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is: "The higher the levels of ability and motivation the ______ the level of performance will be." - Options: "higher", "larger", "lower", and "smaller". - The context states that better ability and higher motivation should lead to better performance, not worse performance. Concept / Approach: English often uses the structure "The higher X, the higher Y" to express a direct relationship. Here, we are told that as ability and motivation increase, job performance also improves. Therefore, the second part of the comparison must use "higher" to mirror the first part. Using "lower" or "smaller" would reverse the expected relationship, and "larger" does not naturally collocate with "level of performance" in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the pattern "The higher ..., the ..." which shows a positive correlation. Step 2: The first half says "The higher the levels of ability and motivation". Step 3: To maintain a direct relationship, we must say "the higher the level of performance will be". Step 4: "Larger" and "smaller" are usually used for physical size or quantity, not typically for "level of performance". Step 5: "Lower" would suggest that more ability and motivation lead to worse performance, which contradicts the logical meaning of the passage. Verification / Alternative check: If we substitute "higher" into the blank, the sentence reads: "The higher the levels of ability and motivation the higher the level of performance will be." This statement matches common sense and the usual ideas in management theory: more ability and stronger motivation lead to better performance. None of the other options preserve this positive correlation in a natural and grammatically appropriate way. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Larger" is wrong because it does not collocate smoothly with "level of performance" and would sound awkward. "Lower" is wrong because it implies that higher ability and motivation make performance worse, which contradicts both logic and the rest of the passage. "Smaller" suffers from the same problem as "larger" and does not fit with performance level in this conceptual context. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students overthink cloze test options and try to force unusual collocations like "larger level of performance". In such questions, however, the simplest and most common comparative structure is usually correct. When you see "The higher the...", look for a matching "the higher the..." pattern unless the passage clearly indicates an inverse relationship, which it does not in this case. Final Answer: The correct word to fill the blank is higher, giving "The higher the levels of ability and motivation the higher the level of performance will be."

Question 18

In this cloze test sentence about motivation and anxiety, you must choose the word that best completes "However, increasing motivation beyond an ______ level tends to produce a dysfunctional result."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence is part of the same passage discussing how motivation interacts with ability, technology, and anxiety to affect job performance. The specific line focuses on the idea that motivation is beneficial only up to a certain ideal level, after which further increases may lead to problems. You must select the adjective that best expresses this idea of a best possible level of motivation. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence reads: "However, increasing motivation beyond an ______ level tends to produce a dysfunctional result because it is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety." - Options: "certain", "desired", "increased", and "optimal". - The passage aims to show that there is a best range of motivation, and moving beyond that range causes negative effects. Concept / Approach: In psychology and management, the term "optimal level" is often used to describe the best or most favourable point of a variable at which performance is maximised. Beyond this point, additional increments can reduce effectiveness. The word "optimal" exactly captures the sense of a best possible level. Words like "certain" and "desired" are vague and do not explicitly indicate that the level is the most effective one. "Increased level" does not fit grammatically in the phrase "beyond an increased level". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence talks about going beyond a best point, after which performance becomes dysfunctional. Step 2: Examine "certain". "Beyond a certain level" is possible English, but it does not emphasise that the level is the best or ideal one. Step 3: Examine "desired". "Beyond a desired level" sounds odd because "desired" refers to what someone wants, not to an objectively best point. Step 4: Examine "increased". "Beyond an increased level" is not a natural phrase and is grammatically awkward. Step 5: Examine "optimal". This word means best or most favourable and naturally fits the idea of going beyond the ideal level of motivation. Verification / Alternative check: If we substitute "optimal", the sentence becomes: "However, increasing motivation beyond an optimal level tends to produce a dysfunctional result because it is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety." This clearly expresses that there is a best point of motivation and that exceeding this point leads to problems. The rest of the passage, which discusses moderation and balance, supports this interpretation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Certain" is too vague and does not carry the idea of best or ideal; exam passages on performance typically use more precise terms. "Desired" suggests what someone wants rather than what is objectively optimal; it is therefore less suitable. "Increased" does not sit well after "an" and fails to create a meaningful phrase. None of these words fits the technical sense as neatly as "optimal". Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick broad words like "certain" because they seem safe and grammatically acceptable. However, in cloze tests, the exam setter often expects domain-specific vocabulary like "optimal" when discussing performance, motivation, or risk. Always keep the subject area in mind when choosing between multiple grammatically correct options. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is optimal, giving "increasing motivation beyond an optimal level".

Question 19

In this final sentence of the cloze test on motivation and anxiety, you must choose the word that best completes "because it is ______ by an increased level of anxiety." so that the sentence reads smoothly and logically.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues the discussion of motivation and performance in the cloze test passage. The relevant sentence explains why increasing motivation beyond an optimal level can produce a dysfunctional result: it links excessive motivation to increased anxiety. The blank requires a verb that expresses the idea that high motivation goes together with or is linked to a higher level of anxiety. Given Data / Assumptions: - The partial sentence is: "because it is ______ by an increased level of anxiety." - Options: "abandoned", "accompanied", "affiliated", and "amalgamated". - The "it" in the sentence refers to motivation beyond the optimal level or the resulting dysfunctional performance. Concept / Approach: The passage suggests that too much motivation leads to anxiety, and that anxiety then harms performance. The natural English expression for one condition existing together with another is "accompanied by". The other options either do not fit grammatically or do not express the intended relationship. Therefore, we must choose the word that best reflects the idea that excessive motivation is linked with higher anxiety. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the sentence is explaining the reason for a dysfunctional result. Step 2: The structure "is ______ by" usually takes words like "accompanied", "followed", or "caused". Step 3: Consider "abandoned". The phrase "is abandoned by an increased level of anxiety" makes no sense in this context. Step 4: Consider "accompanied". "Is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety" is a standard and meaningful phrase showing that anxiety goes along with the condition. Step 5: Consider "affiliated" and "amalgamated". These are not typically used in the pattern "is affiliated by" or "is amalgamated by" in this context. Verification / Alternative check: Substituting "accompanied", the sentence becomes: "However, increasing motivation beyond an optimal level tends to produce a dysfunctional result because it is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety." This clearly and smoothly states that the dysfunctional result appears together with higher anxiety. The other options either break grammatical rules or do not carry the intended meaning of co-occurrence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Abandoned" is wrong because it means left or deserted and cannot logically describe the relationship with anxiety here. "Affiliated" is usually followed by "with" and indicates formal association, as in "affiliated with an organisation", not "affiliated by anxiety". "Amalgamated" means combined or merged; it does not fit the passive pattern used in the sentence and would sound unnatural. None of these words produce a clear or accurate explanation of the link between motivation and anxiety. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to focus only on whether a word seems formal or technical rather than whether it fits the exact structure of the sentence. In cloze tests, always read the full sentence and check if the verb, preposition, and object form a natural English phrase. Remember that "accompanied by" is a very common expression to show that one thing happens together with another, especially in scientific or psychological descriptions. Final Answer: The correct word to fill the blank is accompanied, giving "because it is accompanied by an increased level of anxiety".

Question 20

In each of the following questions, four arguments based on syllogism are given. Some of the statements may sound factually absurd, but you must ignore real world truth and focus only on the logical structure of the premises and conclusion. For this…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This logical reasoning question tests your understanding of syllogism, that is, how conclusions follow from given premises. In such questions, you must ignore whether the statements are factually true in everyday life and instead focus only on whether the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises. The task here is to look at four short arguments and decide which one is logically wrong or doubtful, meaning that the conclusion does not follow from the premises, even if it might sound convincing at first glance. Given Data / Assumptions: - Each option presents a mini argument consisting of premises and a conclusion. - Real world knowledge is ignored; only logical form matters. - Exactly one argument is logically invalid or doubtful. Concept / Approach: In syllogistic reasoning, a conclusion is valid only if it follows with necessity from the premises. If the premises can be true while the conclusion is false, then the argument is invalid. Often, invalid arguments overgeneralise, for example moving from some to all, or introduce elements that are not properly linked by the premises. We therefore examine each option by asking: if all its premises are assumed true, must the conclusion also be true, or is it possible for the conclusion to be false. If it can be false, that option is the logically doubtful one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: In option A, all books can be read, some pencils are books, and all pencils are clever. From these, it follows that some clever things, namely those pencils that are books, can be read. The conclusion that some clever things can be read therefore follows logically, so option A is valid. Step 2: In option B, some who fail are stupid and some criminals are stupid. From this, we only know about some stupid people who overlap with those who fail and with criminals. There is no information that all criminals fail, so the conclusion that all criminals fail is an overgeneralisation and does not follow. This argument is logically invalid. Step 3: In option C, some liars are thieves and all thieves are criminals. If some liars belong to the set of thieves, and every thief is a criminal, it necessarily follows that some liars are criminals. This is a standard valid syllogism. Step 4: In option D, trees are green and all green things are black. Even if this is factually absurd, syllogistically, if every green thing is black and trees are green, then trees must be black. The argument is logically valid. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to check validity is to try to build a counter example where the premises are true but the conclusion is false. For option B, it is easy to imagine a situation where some criminals are stupid and some people who fail are stupid, but many criminals never fail in examinations or similar tasks. In that case, the premises can still hold while the conclusion that all criminals fail is clearly false. This confirms that option B is logically doubtful, while the other options remain valid under the rules of syllogism. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A is logically correct because from the premises you can safely infer that at least some clever entities can be read. Option C is logically correct because it follows the classic pattern some A are B, all B are C, therefore some A are C. Option D is logically correct on pure logic, since if all green things are black and trees are green, then trees must be black. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse factual truth with logical validity and reject options like D only because trees are not black in real life. Others overlook the difference between some and all, which is the trap in option B. The examination of logical form is separate from whether statements match the real world. Paying attention to quantifiers like some, all, and no is essential in syllogism questions in competitive exams. Practice in separating logical structure from content will help avoid these errors. Final Answer: The logically wrong or doubtful argument is Some who fail are stupid. Some criminals are stupid. Therefore, all criminals fail.

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