Question 1

In the following question on voice, the sentence is given in Active voice. Choose the option that best expresses the same idea in Passive voice: "After driving Dr. Bose to the hospital he dropped him at his guest house."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks the ability to convert a sentence from Active voice to Passive voice without changing its meaning. The original sentence describes two actions: driving Dr. Bose to the hospital and dropping him at his guest house afterwards. In the Passive voice, the focus shifts from the doer of the action to the receiver, here Dr. Bose, while the sequence of events and the tense remain the same. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: After driving Dr. Bose to the hospital he dropped him at his guest house. The subject performing the actions is an implied person referred to as he. The receiver of both actions is Dr. Bose. The actions took place in the past and the sentence uses a simple narrative style. Concept / Approach: To change from Active to Passive voice, the object of the Active sentence becomes the subject of the Passive sentence. In simple past tense constructions, the Passive is formed using was or were plus the past participle of the main verb. In this sentence, the verbs are driving and dropped. The Passive forms are being driven and was dropped. We also want to keep the time relationship: first he was driven to the hospital, and then he was dropped at his guest house. A concise Passive version brings Dr. Bose to the subject position and keeps the two linked actions in correct order. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verbs and objects in the original: driving Dr. Bose to the hospital and dropped him at his guest house. Step 2: Recognize that Dr. Bose is the receiver of both actions and should become the subject in the Passive sentence. Step 3: Form the Passive for the first action: After being driven to the hospital. Step 4: Form the Passive for the second action: Dr. Bose was dropped at his guest house. Step 5: Combine these into one smooth sentence: After being driven to the hospital Dr. Bose was dropped at his guest house. Verification / Alternative check: The Passive sentence After being driven to the hospital Dr. Bose was dropped at his guest house clearly preserves the original meaning. It shows that someone drove Dr. Bose to the hospital first and then dropped him at his guest house. The doer of the actions is not mentioned, which is acceptable in Passive voice when the agent is unknown or unimportant. The tense remains simple past and the sequence is intact. Reading both sentences side by side shows that no essential detail has been lost or changed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, After he had driven Dr. Bose to the hospital he had dropped him at his guest house, is still in Active voice and unnecessarily uses the past perfect. Option C, After he was driving Dr. Bose to the hospital he was dropping him at his guest house, has incorrect aspect and suggests overlapping actions instead of a clear sequence. Option D, Dr. Bose was being driven to the hospital first and then he was being dropped at his guest house, uses the continuous passive was being, which implies ongoing actions and sounds awkward for completed events. Option E, After Dr. Bose was driven to the hospital he got dropped at his guest house, mixes a casual phrase got dropped with formal structure, and is not as precise or standard as the correct Passive form. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget to change the object into the subject when forming the Passive and end up rewriting the sentence in Active voice with changed tenses. Some also overuse the continuous Passive form was being when simple was is enough. When working with two linked actions, it is important to keep the sequence clear and use parallel structures. A good method is to convert each clause separately into Passive and then join them naturally rather than trying to change everything at once. Final Answer: The correct Passive voice sentence is After being driven to the hospital Dr. Bose was dropped at his guest house.

Question 2

In the following question on Direct and Indirect speech, the sentence is given in Direct speech. Choose the option that best expresses the same idea in Indirect speech: I said to my friends, "let us go to a picnic for a change".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines the ability to convert a sentence from Direct speech to Indirect speech while preserving the original meaning and tone. The Direct sentence is spoken by a first person speaker to friends and expresses a suggestion about going to a picnic. In Indirect speech, we must preserve the idea of a collective proposal rather than a simple question, command or permission. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct sentence: I said to my friends, "let us go to a picnic for a change". The reporting verb is said and the listeners are my friends. The phrase let us go suggests a proposal or suggestion offered by the speaker including the group. The tense is simple present inside the quotation, but Indirect speech often uses a structure with should for such suggestions. Concept / Approach: In English grammar, when let us is used to make a suggestion to a group that includes the speaker, we usually report it in Indirect speech with a verb like suggested, proposed or urged and a clause that begins with that we should. The pronoun we reflects the group including the speaker, and the modal should neatly expresses the idea of suggestion rather than command. Expressions such as asked, ordered or permitted do not capture the cooperative, inclusive tone of the original sentence and can change the meaning significantly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the function of the quoted sentence: it is a suggestion that the group, including the speaker, should go for a picnic. Step 2: Choose an appropriate reporting verb that conveys suggestion, such as suggested. Step 3: Convert let us go into a clause beginning with that we should go. Step 4: Preserve the rest of the information for a change and to a picnic in the Indirect form. Step 5: Combine all elements to get: I suggested to my friends that we should go to a picnic for a change. Verification / Alternative check: Reading the final Indirect sentence, I suggested to my friends that we should go to a picnic for a change, we can see that the sense of a friendly proposal remains. The pronoun we matches the original let us, which included the speaker and friends together. The phrase for a change is also preserved, keeping the idea of doing something different from routine. No unnecessary change in tense or person has been introduced. This confirms that the transformation is accurate and faithful to the original message. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, I asked my friends if they would go to a picnic for a change, turns the suggestion into a yes or no question and excludes the speaker by using they. Option B, I asked my friends to go to a picnic for a change, sounds more like a request directed at others rather than a shared plan. Option C, I permitted my friends to go to a picnic for a change, completely changes the relationship and implies authority. Option E, I ordered my friends to go to a picnic for a change, expresses a command, which is inconsistent with the gentle tone of let us go. None of these reflect the cooperative suggestion of the original sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students often treat let us as if it simply expresses willingness and choose asked or told instead of suggested. Another common error is to replace let us go with they would go, which changes both the subject and the mood. A useful rule is that let us in Direct speech usually becomes suggested that we should in Indirect speech when the speaker is part of the group. Keeping this pattern in mind makes similar exam questions much easier to answer correctly. Final Answer: The correct Indirect speech form is I suggested to my friends that we should go to a picnic for a change.

Question 3

In the following sentence with multiple blanks about literature and social protest, select the word that best completes the first blank: "Literature is a _____ through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society. …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to a set based on a single paragraph about literature, social norms and moral issues. The paragraph contains several blanks, each tested in a separate item. Here, the focus is on the first blank in the sentence Literature is a _____ through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society. The aim is to choose the word that best describes the role literature plays as a means of communication and expression. Given Data / Assumptions: The full reconstructed sentence is: Literature is a _____ through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society. Literature here refers to novels, poems, plays and other written works. The sentence suggests that literature is a means or channel of communication. The options given are base, medium, source, subject and channel. Concept / Approach: When we speak about literature as a way by which ideas are communicated, we usually use words like medium or means. The structure through which already implies a means or channel, so the word that fits most naturally is medium. The other options either change the intended meaning or do not collocate so well. A base is a foundation rather than a means of communication. A source may refer to the origin of ideas but not to the method by which they are conveyed. Subject refers to the topic of writing, not its communicative role. Channel is close in meaning but sounds less idiomatic in the fixed phrase literature is a medium through which. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase through which a person conveys his ideas or protests, which clearly points to a means of communication. Step 2: Identify which option commonly appears in the expression is a medium through which. Step 3: Note that literature is frequently described as a medium of expression in academic and critical writing. Step 4: Compare the options and see that base, source and subject do not fit well with through which a person conveys his ideas. Step 5: Select medium as the word that best completes the first blank in both sense and collocation. Verification / Alternative check: If we read the sentence with the chosen word, Literature is a medium through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society, it sounds natural and is frequently found in literary criticism. Replacing medium with base would give Literature is a base through which, which is unusual and awkward. Using source shifts the focus to the origin of ideas rather than the method of communication. Subject would change the meaning to topic, and channel, although close, is less standard in this fixed academic phrase. Therefore, medium is the most accurate and idiomatic choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, base, refers to a foundation or starting point and does not express the idea of a communicative path. Option C, source, points to the origin of something but not necessarily to the way ideas are transmitted to others. Option D, subject, refers to what the literature is about rather than how it conveys ideas. Option E, channel, can be used with through, but literature is more commonly described as a medium rather than a channel in formal contexts. Hence, these alternatives do not match the intended meaning as precisely. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be tempted by source or channel because they also relate to communication, but they overlook typical academic collocations. Reading literary essays and criticism can help build familiarity with phrases like medium of expression, medium of communication and literary medium. Recognising these common word partnerships is a powerful way to approach vocabulary based blanks in competitive exams. Final Answer: The best word to complete the first blank is medium, giving the sentence: Literature is a medium through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society.

Question 4

In the same sentence about literature and social protest, select the word that best completes the second blank: "Literature is a medium through which a person conveys his ideas or protests _____ different norms of society."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues the paragraph about literature as a form of expression and protest. The sentence talks about a person using literature to convey ideas or to protest something. The preposition that follows the verb protest is crucial for correct English usage and for capturing the relationship between the writer and the social norms described. Given Data / Assumptions: Reconstructed sentence fragment: Literature is a medium through which a person conveys his ideas or protests _____ different norms of society. The verb in focus is protest. The options are against, for, in, off and over. The sense is that a writer may object to or oppose certain norms of society. Concept / Approach: In standard English usage, the verb protest when used intransitively or in phrases like protest against normally takes the preposition against to show opposition to something. We commonly say protest against injustice, protest against unfair laws or protest against social norms. Using for would suggest support, which is the opposite meaning. The prepositions in, off and over are not grammatically or idiomatically correct in this context. Therefore, the natural and correct phrase is protests against different norms of society. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that in this sentence, protest carries the idea of opposing or objecting to certain norms. Step 2: Recall the common collocation protest against something. Step 3: Check each option with the verb: protest for, protest in, protest off, protest over, and see which one is standard. Step 4: Identify against as the only preposition that forms a well known and correct phrase with protest. Step 5: Confirm that the full expression protests against different norms of society conveys the intended meaning of opposition. Verification / Alternative check: We can test the usage with other examples: People protested against the new tax, Students protested against the dress code, Writers protest against censorship. In all of these, against is the expected preposition. If we try protest for the new tax, the meaning changes to support rather than opposition. Protest in, protest off and protest over sound either incomplete or unnatural in such contexts. This comparison supports against as the correct completion for the blank. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, for, typically expresses support or favour, as in protest for someone's rights, but even there protest for is less common than protest against violations of those rights. In the given sentence, we clearly need a word that expresses opposition to norms, so for is not appropriate. Option C, in, does not correctly connect with protest in this structure. Option D, off, has no meaningful connection with protest. Option E, over, might appear in phrases like protests over rising prices, but there over is part of the object of the protest, not the fixed complement of the verb, and the structure of the exam sentence does not match that pattern. Common Pitfalls: Many learners know that certain verbs take specific prepositions but may confuse pairs like protest against and fight for. Confusing these may lead to sentences that express the opposite meaning of what is intended. A useful habit is to learn verbs together with their typical prepositional patterns, for example object to, depend on, look after and protest against. Regular reading and note taking of such combinations significantly improves accuracy in fill in the blank questions. Final Answer: The correct preposition is against, so the sentence should read: Literature is a medium through which a person conveys his ideas or protests against different norms of society.

Question 5

In the same paragraph about literature and social protest, select the word that best completes the third blank: "The words that deal with a _____ issue are of particular importance in literature."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The paragraph under discussion explains how literature allows a person to convey ideas and protest against social norms. It then focuses on certain kinds of issues that are especially significant in literary works. This question asks you to choose the adjective that best describes the type of issue that gives particular importance to words in literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The key sentence is: The words that deal with a _____ issue are of particular importance in literature. The context is literature addressing norms and protests in society. The options available are broad, insensitive, moral, economical and general. We assume that the issue in question relates to values and right or wrong behaviour in society. Concept / Approach: When literature protests against social norms, it often deals with questions of right and wrong, justice, fairness and ethical behaviour. Such questions are commonly described as moral issues. The phrase moral issue is a standard collocation in English and appears frequently in essays, debates and analysis of literature. Describing an issue as broad or economical does not naturally convey the ethical focus. Insensitive and general also do not match the nuance of deep questions about good and bad that literature frequently explores. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the paragraph talks about norms of society and protest, which relate to values and ethics. Step 2: Recall the common expression moral issue to describe questions of right and wrong. Step 3: Fit each option into the sentence and test for meaning and naturalness: a broad issue, an insensitive issue, a moral issue, an economical issue, a general issue. Step 4: Observe that a moral issue clearly connects with literature that questions or challenges social norms. Step 5: Select moral as the word that best completes the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: In critical discussions we often read lines such as The novel raises important moral issues about inequality or The play explores the moral issue of responsibility. These examples show that moral issue is a widely accepted phrase. On the other hand, calling these topics economical issues would shift attention to financial aspects, and insensitive issue is not a standard phrase. Broad issue is too vague, and general issue does not add any specific meaning. The context of norms and protest strongly points to questions of morality, confirming moral as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, broad, simply refers to something wide in scope and does not highlight ethical concern. Option B, insensitive, describes a lack of feeling or awareness rather than the nature of an issue itself. Option D, economical, is associated with finance, savings or the economy, and does not match the theme of social values. Option E, general, is too weak and unspecific to describe issues that are of particular importance in literature. Therefore, none of these capture the intended idea as accurately as moral. Common Pitfalls: Learners may choose broad because many literary works do deal with wide ranging topics, but the phrase broad issue lacks the sharp focus on ethics that the context demands. Another trap is economical, as some may loosely connect it with social questions, but the paragraph clearly emphasises norms and protest, which more naturally point to moral debates. Training yourself to listen for standard collocations like moral issue, social justice, human rights and ethical dilemma will make it much easier to handle vocabulary based questions of this type. Final Answer: The correct word is moral, giving the sentence: The words that deal with a moral issue are of particular importance in literature.

Question 6

In the same paragraph about literature and social protest, select the word that best completes the fifth blank: "They are written with a particular purpose in _____."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The paragraph described in earlier questions explains how literature conveys ideas and protests against norms, and how words about moral issues are especially important. The final part of the sentence says that such words are written with a particular purpose in something. This question asks you to choose the noun that completes the well known phrase describing purposeful writing. Given Data / Assumptions: The key sentence fragment is: They are written with a particular purpose in _____. The pronoun they refers to words that deal with a moral issue in literature. The options are all, hand, mind, total and plan. We assume that the writer chooses words carefully to achieve a clear intention. Concept / Approach: In English, the standard idiomatic expression is with a particular purpose in mind. It means that someone does something while clearly thinking about the goal they want to achieve. When authors write about moral issues, they usually have a clear purpose in mind, such as raising awareness, challenging injustice or inspiring change. The other options do not form recognised phrases in this context. With a particular purpose in hand, in all, in total or in plan are either incorrect or unnatural in standard usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common idioms that follow the pattern with a particular purpose in _____. Step 2: Remember the frequently used expression in mind, which indicates conscious intention. Step 3: Insert each option into the sentence to test its sound: in all, in hand, in mind, in total, in plan. Step 4: Notice that only in mind forms a natural and familiar phrase. Step 5: Choose mind as the correct completion for the last blank. Verification / Alternative check: We can compare other examples: The law was framed with public safety in mind, or The campaign was designed with young voters in mind. In each sentence, in mind expresses that the subject is thinking about a goal or audience. Replacing in mind with in hand or in total destroys the natural flow of the sentence. Likewise, in plan is not a recognised expression. When we apply this pattern back to the exam sentence, They are written with a particular purpose in mind clearly communicates the intended meaning that writers are conscious of their aim while choosing their words. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, all, might appear in phrases like in all, meaning in total, but that is unrelated to having a purpose while writing. Option B, hand, appears in idioms such as in hand or on hand, which refer to possession or control, not intention. Option D, total, simply measures quantity or sum and does not connect with purpose. Option E, plan, is a noun that can follow according to plan, but the structure in plan is incorrect in this sentence. Therefore, none of these options complete the idiom correctly, whereas mind does so perfectly. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may focus too much on the idea of purpose and plan and therefore choose plan, but they overlook that the required phrase is in mind, not in plan. Others may see hand and think of having something at hand, but that idiom refers to availability instead of intention. A good strategy is to memorise common fixed expressions in English since exam setters often test exact phrasing of idioms and collocations rather than loose translation of ideas. Final Answer: The sentence should read: They are written with a particular purpose in mind.

Question 7

In the following question, choose the word which is closest in meaning to the given word EXAGGERATE.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym, or word with a similar meaning, to the verb exaggerate. Exaggeration is a common concept in everyday speech, literature and media, and understanding it helps in reading comprehension as well as in precise expression. The options include several verbs that may seem close but differ in meaning and usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is EXAGGERATE. The options are MAGNIFY, IMAGINE, REINFORCE, REITERATE and UNDERLINE. We assume that the context is general English, not a specialised technical field. Exaggerate is often used when describing statements that make things seem bigger, more serious or more impressive than they actually are. Concept / Approach: The verb exaggerate means to represent something as larger, more important, better or worse than it really is. A close synonym is magnify when used figuratively. Magnify in this sense does not refer to using a lens but to increasing the apparent extent or importance of something in description. Imagine means to form a mental image, reinforce means to strengthen, and reiterate means to say something again. None of these precisely match the idea of overstating reality. Underline is also different, as it means to emphasise, not necessarily to distort. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of exaggerate as to overstate or describe too strongly. Step 2: Examine the figurative meaning of magnify, which is to make something seem larger or more important. Step 3: Compare the meaning of imagine, which involves mental pictures but not necessarily overstatement. Step 4: Consider reinforce, which focuses on strengthening a point or structure rather than enlarging its description. Step 5: Identify magnify as the option that most closely matches the sense of exaggerate. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: The report exaggerates the company's success, and The report magnifies the company's success. In both cases, the meaning is that the report presents the success as greater than reality. In contrast, The report imagines the company's success sounds odd, because imagine does not carry the sense of deliberate overstatement. Similarly, The report reinforces the company's success means it strengthens an argument, not that it overstates it. The report reiterates the company's success only repeats the statement, and The report underlines the company's success emphasises rather than distorts it. This comparison confirms that magnify is the best synonym for exaggerate in this list. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, imagine, describes the act of forming a picture in the mind and does not automatically involve overstatement. Option C, reinforce, means to support or strengthen, which is different from making something appear larger or more dramatic than it is. Option D, reiterate, is to say something again for clarity or emphasis, not to distort facts. Option E, underline, means to highlight or emphasise but can be done accurately without exaggeration. Hence, these options do not capture the core meaning of exaggerate. Common Pitfalls: Learners may confuse exaggerate with underline or reinforce because all three can be used to give prominence to an idea. However, exaggerate specifically involves departing from truth or proportion, whereas underline and reinforce can be done with accurate information. Remembering that exaggerate includes the idea of too much or beyond reality will help distinguish it from more neutral verbs of emphasis. Final Answer: The word that is closest in meaning to EXAGGERATE is MAGNIFY.

Question 8

In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word GREGARIOUS.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary problem asks for an antonym, that is, a word opposite in meaning, of the adjective gregarious. Knowing antonyms is especially useful when reading descriptions of personalities, social behaviour and habits. Gregarious is commonly used in social science texts and everyday English to describe people who enjoy the company of others. Given Data / Assumptions: The target word is GREGARIOUS. The answer choices are UNSOCIABLE, UNSYMPATHETIC, UNGRATEFUL, UNATTRACTIVE and UNHELPFUL. We assume that the context is describing a person's social nature. Gregarious generally means fond of company, sociable, or living in flocks or groups. Concept / Approach: Gregarious refers to someone who likes being with other people, enjoys social gatherings and prefers company to solitude. The opposite of this quality would be a tendency to avoid company, to be withdrawn or to dislike social interaction. The adjective unsociable captures that opposite. The other options relate to gratitude, sympathy, physical attractiveness or helpfulness, which are different traits and do not directly oppose sociability. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate the meaning of gregarious as sociable and fond of company. Step 2: Identify which option describes a person who is not sociable or avoids company. Step 3: Notice that unsociable directly expresses a lack of sociability. Step 4: Check that unsympathetic refers to lack of sympathy, which is a different quality. Step 5: Confirm that ungrateful, unattractive and unhelpful do not relate to social preference and therefore cannot be true antonyms. Verification / Alternative check: Example sentences make the contrast clear: She is a gregarious person who loves parties versus He is an unsociable person who prefers to stay alone. The pair gregarious and unsociable clearly describe opposite ends of a social preference scale. In contrast, someone can easily be gregarious but unsympathetic, or gregarious and ungrateful, or gregarious but unattractive. These words measure different traits and are not direct opposites. Therefore unsociable best captures the antonym relationship. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, unsympathetic, means lacking sympathy or compassion and relates to emotional understanding rather than social preference. Option C, ungrateful, is about not showing thanks or appreciation. Option D, unattractive, refers to physical appearance or lack of appeal. Option E, unhelpful, describes behaviour in terms of assistance, not sociability. None of these terms tell us whether a person likes company or tends to avoid it. Therefore they cannot be accepted as antonyms of gregarious. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may choose any negative adjective starting with un, assuming that any negative trait could be opposite to a positive one. However, antonyms must be opposite in the same semantic field. A good habit is to first define the word in simple terms and then find an option that negates exactly that definition, rather than just sounding negative. For gregarious, defining it as sociable quickly leads to unsociable as the precise opposite. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to GREGARIOUS is UNSOCIABLE.

Question 9

Four words are given. Only one of them is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions assess the learner's familiarity with standard English spellings, especially of words that are slightly uncommon but important in reading and writing. The word tested here is related to the idea of making fortunate discoveries by chance. Recognising its correct spelling helps both in understanding literature and in using the word accurately in essays or articles. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are Serendipty, Serendipity, Serndipity, Sernidipity and Serendepity. We assume that one option matches the standard dictionary spelling of the word meaning a happy or beneficial discovery made by accident. The target concept is the well known English noun serendipity. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is serendipity, with the sequence s e r e n d i p i t y. Many of the incorrect forms in the options are created by omitting letters, rearranging them or changing vowels. Serendipty omits the second i before t y, Serndipity drops an e, Sernidipity rearranges vowels, and Serendepity substitutes e for i. Careful observation of the internal pattern of vowels and consonants is necessary to identify the correct form. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or check mentally the correct pronunciation and spelling of the word serendipity. Step 2: Compare each option with the expected pattern s e r e n d i p i t y. Step 3: Observe that option B, Serendipity, matches this pattern exactly. Step 4: Notice that option A, Serendipty, is missing an i before t y. Step 5: Note that options C, D and E either miss e or i or change them, making them non standard spellings. Verification / Alternative check: We can test by using the word in a sentence: It was pure serendipity that he found the lost document. In printed books, dictionaries and reliable websites, the spelling used is always serendipity. None of the other variants appear as accepted forms. If one has seen the title of the popular film Serendipity or the term in articles about scientific discovery, the correct spelling will be visually familiar. This confirms that option B is the only correct spelling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Serendipty, drops the i that should come before t y, resulting in a pattern that is not recognised. Option C, Serndipity, omits the second e and compresses the syllables ser and en, again producing a wrong form. Option D, Sernidipity, introduces an i where an e should be and breaks the standard pronunciation. Option E, Serendepity, replaces i with e in the second half of the word, which does not match the usual sound or spelling. Because spelling questions require exact matches to standard forms, none of these incorrect variants can be accepted. Common Pitfalls: Words borrowed or coined in English that contain several alternating vowels and consonants can be tricky to spell. Learners sometimes rely only on approximate pronunciation, which may not clearly distinguish between e and i sounds. A good habit is to note unusual or interesting words in a vocabulary notebook and write them several times in example sentences. Visual memory of the whole word shape often becomes a strong guide in multiple choice spelling questions. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is Serendipity.

Question 10

In the following sentence, one part may contain an error. Identify the part with the error; if the sentence is correct, select "No error": Hardly had I reached the (1) / exhibition where I learnt (2) / about the major robbery. (3) / No Error (4).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions often check the correct use of correlative structures in English, such as hardly... when..., no sooner... than... and so on. In this sentence, the expression begins with hardly, which normally pairs with when or before, not with where. Recognising the correct pair helps in identifying the exact part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence given: Hardly had I reached the (1) / exhibition where I learnt (2) / about the major robbery. (3) / No Error (4). Part 1: Hardly had I reached the. Part 2: exhibition where I learnt. Part 3: about the major robbery. The intended meaning is that the speaker had just reached the exhibition when he or she learned about the robbery. Concept / Approach: The correlative pattern with hardly is usually hardly... when or hardly... before, meaning that as soon as one action was completed, another one happened. In the sentence, where is used instead of when, which is incorrect because where refers to place, not to the time relationship between two actions. The correct form should be Hardly had I reached the exhibition when I learnt about the major robbery. Therefore, the error lies in the segment that contains where. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the correlative construction: the sentence opens with Hardly had I reached. Step 2: Recall that this structure requires when or before to introduce the second action. Step 3: Look at the next part and see exhibition where I learnt, which uses where instead of when. Step 4: Recognise that where indicates place, not the correct time relation, so it is inappropriate here. Step 5: Conclude that part 2 contains the error and that where should be replaced by when for correct usage. Verification / Alternative check: Replace where with when and read the corrected sentence: Hardly had I reached the exhibition when I learnt about the major robbery. This version clearly and correctly expresses that the learning happened almost immediately after arriving. If we try to leave where in place, the sentence seems to suggest that the exhibition is the place where learning occurs, rather than highlighting the quick succession of events. Since the question is designed to test the hardly... when pattern, the presence of where in part 2 is clearly wrong. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 1, Hardly had I reached the, correctly uses inversion with hardly and sets up the structure. Part 3, about the major robbery, is grammatically sound and provides the object of learnt. Part 4, No Error, is only a label for the case where no error exists, which is not true here because we have already identified an error. Therefore, only part 2 is grammatically incorrect, making option B the correct answer. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes mix up similar patterns such as hardly... when and no sooner... than, leading to combinations like hardly... than or no sooner... when, both of which are wrong. Another mistake is focusing only on vocabulary and overlooking these small but important linking words. To avoid such errors, it is useful to memorise a few fixed examples for each pattern and to consciously check them when doing error spotting exercises. Final Answer: The error is in part 2; the sentence should use when instead of where after hardly had I reached.

Question 11

In the following sentence, one part may contain an error. Identify the part with the error; if the sentence is correct, select "No error": No sooner did the sun rise (1) / when we resumed the journey (2) / after having a hasty breakfast. (3) / No Er…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence tests knowledge of another correlative structure used to show that one event happened immediately after another. The pair no sooner... than is very common in formal written English. In this question, however, the second part of the pair has been incorrectly replaced by when. Recognising this mismatch is the key to identifying the error. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence given: No sooner did the sun rise (1) / when we resumed the journey (2) / after having a hasty breakfast. (3) / No Error (4). Part 1: No sooner did the sun rise. Part 2: when we resumed the journey. Part 3: after having a hasty breakfast. The intended meaning is that the journey was resumed immediately after sunrise and after a quick breakfast. Concept / Approach: The fixed structure in English is no sooner... than, which emphasises that one event follows another with almost no delay. For example, No sooner did I reach home than it started raining. Using when after no sooner is incorrect and breaks this standard pattern. In the given sentence, when should therefore be replaced by than. Once this is done, the sentence reads correctly as No sooner did the sun rise than we resumed the journey after having a hasty breakfast. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the correlative expression beginning with No sooner did the sun rise in part 1. Step 2: Recall that this must be followed by than, not when, to complete the standard pattern. Step 3: Examine part 2, which begins with when we resumed the journey. Step 4: Recognise that when is incorrect in this structure and should be replaced by than. Step 5: Conclude that part 2 contains the error and that the corrected sentence should read No sooner did the sun rise than we resumed the journey. Verification / Alternative check: With the correction applied, the full sentence becomes No sooner did the sun rise than we resumed the journey after having a hasty breakfast. This version is grammatically acceptable and clearly indicates that the resumption of the journey closely followed sunrise. Keeping when, however, produces No sooner did the sun rise when we resumed the journey, which sounds wrong to a native speaker and violates the established no sooner... than pattern. This confirms that the wrong word lies in part 2. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 1 correctly uses the inverted form did the sun rise after no sooner. Part 3, after having a hasty breakfast, is grammatically fine and adds information about what had happened just before resuming the journey. Part 4, No Error, is only a label and is not part of the sentence itself. Since we have identified that when in part 2 should be than, the only part containing an error is part 2, making option B the correct answer. Common Pitfalls: Students often mix up the patterns of hardly and no sooner, leading to incorrect combinations like no sooner... when or hardly... than. The best way to avoid this is to memorise them as fixed pairs: hardly or scarcely... when, and no sooner... than. When doing error spotting, specifically check these words, because exam setters frequently test them. Practising several examples aloud can also help fix the correct combinations in memory. Final Answer: The error is in part 2; the word when should be replaced by than to form the correct expression no sooner... than.

Question 12

In the following sentence with a blank, choose the most appropriate word to complete it: "He _____ to the problem of air pollution in his speech."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests fine distinctions between similar looking verbs in English. The sentence describes what a speaker did in relation to the problem of air pollution during a speech. The verb used must fit both grammatically and stylistically, and, in this particular case, the exam tests a relatively formal verb that many learners may not know well. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: He _____ to the problem of air pollution in his speech. Options: averted, adverted, exclaimed, mentioned and alluded. The speaker is talking about a serious issue, so the verb should mean referred to or drew attention to. We assume formal written English as in competitive examinations. Concept / Approach: The less common verb advert, when followed by to, means to call attention to or refer briefly to something. Thus, adverted to the problem of air pollution is a precise and formal way of saying referred to the problem. Avert, on the other hand, means to turn away or prevent something, as in avert a crisis. Exclaimed means cried out suddenly, usually with emotion, and does not take to in this sense. Mentioned is possible but does not match the specific testing of the form adverted to, which is a known exam favourite. Alluded also means referred indirectly, but the standard collocation in this classical sentence is adverted to. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand that the sentence requires a verb meaning referred to or drew attention to. Step 2: Note that avert does not fit because one cannot avert to a problem; avert takes a direct object and means prevent or turn away. Step 3: Recognise that advert, in formal usage, followed by to, means to refer to briefly. Step 4: Compare adverted to with mentioned and alluded, and recall that many exam questions specifically test adverted to as a collocation. Step 5: Select adverted as the most appropriate word for the blank. Verification / Alternative check: Read the complete sentence using the chosen verb: He adverted to the problem of air pollution in his speech. This sounds formal but correct in written English. If we use averted, the sentence becomes He averted to the problem, which is wrong because avert does not take the preposition to in this way. Exclaimed to the problem is also incorrect. Mentioned and alluded could work in casual writing, but the specific collocation adverted to is a known expression, especially in legal and formal documents. This supports adverted as the key the question is testing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, averted, means prevented or turned aside, as in averted a disaster, and cannot be followed by to in this context. Option C, exclaimed, means cried out in surprise or emotion, and one exclaims about something, not to a problem in a neutral statement. Option D, mentioned, although semantically close, does not showcase the particular formal vocabulary item that the question aims to test. Option E, alluded, also means referred indirectly, but the phrase alluded to the problem tends to imply a subtle hint rather than direct reference. The sentence here fits better with adverted to, which clearly signals deliberate reference in formal style. Common Pitfalls: Many learners simply choose mentioned because it is more familiar, but competitive exams often include less common but correct words to reward precise vocabulary knowledge. It is important to learn specialised verbs like advert, aver, assert and allude and to note the prepositions that follow them. This improves performance not only in fill in the blank questions but also in comprehension of formal passages. Final Answer: The correct completion is adverted, so the full sentence reads: He adverted to the problem of air pollution in his speech.

Question 13

In the following sentence with a blank, choose the most appropriate word to complete it: "Rohan is so magnanimous that everyone is always _____ to help him in his project."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence describes the effect of Rohan's magnanimous nature on other people. Magnanimous means generous, kind and noble in spirit. As a result, others should feel positively inclined towards helping him. The blank asks for a word that expresses this positive willingness in a natural and idiomatic way. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Rohan is so magnanimous that everyone is always _____ to help him in his project. Options: eager, enthusiastic, reluctant, ignorant and unwilling. The structure so... that indicates a cause and effect relationship between Rohan's character and other people's readiness to help. We assume that the missing word should describe a positive, ready attitude. Concept / Approach: The adjective eager means very keen or ready to do something, showing strong interest and willingness. It collocates naturally with to plus verb, as in eager to help. Enthusiastic also means showing intense enjoyment or interest, but it is more often followed by about or over rather than to when describing willingness to act. Reluctant and unwilling express hesitation or refusal, which would contradict the positive result implied by so magnanimous. Ignorant means lacking knowledge and is unrelated to willingness to help. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the effect of Rohan's magnanimous nature: others respond positively to him. Step 2: Recall that eager to help is a very common and natural phrase in English. Step 3: Compare eager to help with enthusiastic to help and note that enthusiastic is more commonly used with about or regarding a subject. Step 4: Eliminate reluctant and unwilling because they describe a negative or hesitant attitude. Step 5: Eliminate ignorant since it refers to lack of knowledge, not attitude towards helping. Verification / Alternative check: Try each option in the sentence: everyone is always eager to help him, everyone is always enthusiastic to help him, everyone is always reluctant to help him, everyone is always ignorant to help him. Only eager to help sounds fully natural and matches the positive cause and effect of Rohan's magnanimity. Enthusiastic to help is understood but slightly less idiomatic compared to enthusiastic about helping, and the exam expects the most standard collocation. This confirms that eager is the best fit. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, enthusiastic, usually takes about or over, as in enthusiastic about the project, rather than to help in this structure. Option C, reluctant, means unwilling or disinclined and directly contradicts the idea that Rohan's good nature attracts help. Option D, ignorant, describes lack of knowledge of a subject and does not relate to people's willingness to assist. Option E, unwilling, is clearly opposite of the desired meaning. Therefore, these options cannot correctly complete the sentence. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may pick enthusiastic because it is a strong positive word, but they may overlook its typical prepositions and patterns. Collocations like eager to help, keen to learn and willing to participate are essential building blocks of natural English. Practising them in short sentences makes it easier to answer such questions quickly and correctly during examinations. Final Answer: The correct word is eager, so the sentence should read: Rohan is so magnanimous that everyone is always eager to help him in his project.

Question 14

In the following question, choose the word which is similar in meaning to the given word Succulent.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the adjective succulent. The word is frequently used in descriptions of food, plants and sometimes in figurative language. Understanding its meaning helps in reading menus, advertisements and descriptive passages where taste and texture are important. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Succulent. Options: Sucking, Soft, Juicy, Pale and Tender. The context is likely to be food or plant description. Succulent usually refers to something full of moisture and pleasant to eat or chew. Concept / Approach: The adjective succulent most commonly means full of juice or juicy, especially when referring to fruit, meat or leaves that retain water. It can also refer to a type of plant that stores water in its leaves, but even there the idea of juiciness is present. Soft and tender describe texture but not necessarily moisture. Sucking is a present participle verb and does not match the part of speech or meaning. Pale refers to colour and is unrelated to juiciness. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that succulent is often used in phrases like succulent fruit or succulent steak. Step 2: Identify the key idea as juicy and full of moisture, suggesting pleasant taste and texture. Step 3: Examine each option and match it with that sense. Only juicy directly captures the idea of containing a lot of juice. Step 4: Note that soft and tender are not exact matches; something can be soft but dry. Step 5: Recognise that sucking and pale relate to other actions or qualities and do not fit the definition. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the example: We enjoyed a succulent mango on a hot day. Replacing succulent with juicy gives We enjoyed a juicy mango on a hot day, which preserves the meaning perfectly. Replacing it with soft changes the focus to texture but misses the moisture aspect. With tender, the sentence is still about texture, not juice content. Sucking mango or pale mango clearly do not communicate the intended meaning. This confirms that juicy is the correct synonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Sucking, is a form of the verb suck and refers to an action, not to the quality of the food. Option B, Soft, indicates that something can be easily pressed or cut but says nothing about how moist it is. Option D, Pale, refers to light or weak colour and is totally unrelated to taste or moisture. Option E, Tender, is often used to describe meat that is easy to chew, but meat can be tender yet dry. Since succulent clearly combines the ideas of pleasant texture and juiciness, juicy is the best match. Common Pitfalls: Some students may jump to soft or tender because they have seen these words used frequently in food descriptions. However, shortened thinking can overlook the moisture or juice aspect that defines succulent. A helpful strategy is to think of a simple direct paraphrase for the tested word first and then look for the option that fits that paraphrase most closely. For succulent, paraphrasing it as juicy quickly leads to the correct answer. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to Succulent is Juicy.

Question 15

In the following question, choose the word which is similar in meaning to the given word Congregation.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of the noun congregation, a word frequently used in religious, social and organisational contexts. Recognising its meaning helps in interpreting descriptions of meetings, gatherings and communities, especially in formal and literary writing. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Congregation. Options: Discussion, Attention, Contraction, Assembly and Separation. We assume the usual sense of a group of people gathered together, especially for worship or a common purpose. The correct synonym should describe the gathering of people, not the action or quality. Concept / Approach: The noun congregation refers to a group of people assembled for religious worship or, more generally, any gathering or assembled body. The closest straightforward synonym in the list is assembly, which also means a group of people gathered in one place for a common reason. Discussion describes the act of talking about something, attention refers to mental focus, contraction is a process of becoming smaller, and separation is the act of dividing or moving apart. None of these express the idea of a gathered group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define congregation as a gathering of people, often for religious worship. Step 2: Examine each option to see which one refers to a group of people rather than an action or process. Step 3: Identify assembly as a noun that means a group of people gathered together for a shared purpose. Step 4: Check that discussion, attention, contraction and separation relate to actions or processes rather than crowds or gatherings. Step 5: Choose assembly as the synonym that best matches congregation. Verification / Alternative check: Example sentences support this match: The congregation gathered in the church for the evening service can be rephrased as The assembly gathered in the church for the evening service with only a small shift in nuance. In contrast, using discussion or attention in place of congregation does not make sense. Contraction and separation refer to physical or conceptual processes, not to groups. This confirms that assembly is the appropriate synonym in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Discussion, refers to people talking about a topic, not the group itself. A discussion can take place within a congregation, but they are different concepts. Option B, Attention, is a mental state of focusing and cannot replace a noun that denotes a group of people. Option C, Contraction, is a process of becoming smaller or of muscles shortening and is unrelated. Option E, Separation, means moving apart or division, which is actually the opposite of gathering. Therefore, these options do not represent the meaning of congregation. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may confuse congregation with conversation or discussion because all three involve people in some form of interaction. However, congregation emphasises the group itself, not what it is doing. Learning to distinguish nouns that denote actions from those that denote groups is important for solving synonym questions accurately. Reading descriptions of meetings, religious services and assemblies will reinforce the correct use of words like congregation and assembly. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to Congregation is Assembly.

Question 16

In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word Evanescent.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item tests understanding of the adjective evanescent and the ability to identify a correct antonym for it. Evanescent is often used in poetry and higher level prose to describe things that vanish quickly or last only a short time, such as moments, feelings or impressions. Recognising its opposite helps in interpreting contrasting descriptions in literary texts and in precise vocabulary use. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Evanescent. Options: Enticing, Fleeting, Erratic, Elusive and Permanent. Evanescent means tending to vanish quickly, short lived or fading away. The antonym should therefore express the idea of lasting, enduring or remaining for a long time. Concept / Approach: The key idea in evanescent is transience or brief duration. It is similar in sense to fleeting and momentary. The opposite concept would be something that lasts, continues or is durable over time. Among the options, permanent clearly expresses lasting or enduring. Enticing means attractive or tempting, erratic means irregular or unpredictable, elusive means hard to grasp or catch, and fleeting is actually a close synonym of evanescent. Therefore, permanent is the only true antonym in the list. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define evanescent as something that disappears quickly or is short lived. Step 2: Think of a simple opposite such as lasting, enduring or permanent. Step 3: Check the given options to see which one matches this opposite idea. Step 4: Recognise that permanent means continuing without change for a long time or forever. Step 5: Confirm that enticing, fleeting, erratic and elusive do not express long lasting duration and so cannot be antonyms. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example phrases: evanescent beauty and permanent beauty. Evanescent beauty suggests beauty that fades quickly, perhaps with time or changing circumstances. Permanent beauty suggests beauty that endures. Likewise, fleeting happiness is very similar to evanescent happiness, and thus fleeting cannot be the opposite. Erratic behaviour refers to unpredictability, not duration. Elusive success is success that is hard to achieve, not a comment on how long it lasts. Enticing offer refers to temptation, again unrelated to time. This comparison strongly supports permanent as the correct antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Enticing, describes something appealing or tempting and has no inherent sense of time. Option B, Fleeting, is virtually synonymous with evanescent and therefore is the worst choice for an opposite. Option C, Erratic, focuses on irregularity of pattern, not on whether something is short lived or long lasting. Option D, Elusive, means difficult to find or catch and addresses difficulty, not duration. As none of these terms counter the idea of shortness in time, they cannot serve as antonyms of evanescent. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose a word that is simply different in meaning, rather than one that is truly opposite. Another trap is selecting an unfamiliar word that looks complex, hoping it will be correct. To avoid this, it is useful to first think of a simple opposite in everyday English and then look for the closest match among the options. For evanescent, thinking of the basic opposite permanent quickly guides you to the correct answer. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to Evanescent is Permanent.

Question 17

In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word Panegyric.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines the learner's knowledge of the noun panegyric and its opposite. Panegyric is a somewhat formal word often used in literary and historical contexts to describe speeches or writings that praise someone or something very highly. Being able to identify its antonym helps in understanding the tone of reviews, essays and ceremonial addresses. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Panegyric. Options: Noxious, Criticism, Fantasy, Grandeur and Ridicule. Panegyric denotes a formal or elaborate piece of praise, often in speech or writing. The antonym should express disapproval, fault finding or negative evaluation. Concept / Approach: A panegyric is essentially an expression of very strong praise, often public and ceremonial. The opposite would therefore be a form of expression that focuses on pointing out faults or expressing disapproval. Criticism fits this role, especially in the sense of adverse or unfavourable remarks. Although ridicule also has a negative tone, it involves mocking and making fun of, which is not the exact opposite of formal praise. Noxious means harmful, fantasy refers to imagination, and grandeur refers to magnificence, all of which lie outside the field of evaluative speech or writing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Restate panegyric as a formal speech or text in praise of someone or something. Step 2: Think of a basic opposite, such as criticism, condemnation or attack, that would describe negative evaluation. Step 3: Scan the options to find one that directly relates to negative judgement. Step 4: Identify criticism as the term that describes the act of judging the merits and faults, often highlighting the faults. Step 5: Confirm that noxious, fantasy and grandeur are not in the same semantic category as panegyric, and that ridicule, while negative, is more about mockery than about considered evaluation. Verification / Alternative check: Example sentences clarify the pairing: The speaker delivered a panegyric on the retiring principal versus The writer offered a sharp criticism of the principal's policies. In the first sentence, the tone is complimentary; in the second, it is negative and fault finding. Both sentences describe extended speech or writing directed at a person, making panegyric and criticism natural opposites. Using ridicule would suggest making fun of the principal rather than seriously evaluating performance, so it is not as precise an antonym in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Noxious, means harmful or poisonous and refers to effects, not to types of speech or writing. Option C, Fantasy, denotes imagination, unreal stories or daydreams and is not concerned with praising or blaming. Option D, Grandeur, refers to magnificence or impressiveness of appearance or style, again unrelated to the act of praising or criticising in words. Option E, Ridicule, suggests mockery and laughter, which is indeed negative but not a direct counterpart to the formal, respectful tone of panegyric. Criticism, on the other hand, is the opposite of praise in evaluative writing and speech and therefore matches best. Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted by ridicule because it clearly sounds negative, but antonyms must be opposite in both tone and type of action. Panegyric and criticism are both forms of evaluative commentary, one positive and the other negative, which makes them true opposites in function. Ridicule belongs more to the category of jokes and mockery than to formal evaluation. Keeping this distinction in mind helps avoid errors in similar questions. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to Panegyric is Criticism.

Question 18

In the following question on idioms, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the phrase "To put a spoke in one's wheel".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be guessed only from the individual words. The phrase to put a spoke in one's wheel is derived from an old image of interfering with the motion of a wheel by interfering with its spokes. In modern English, this idiom describes actions that obstruct or hinder another person's progress or plans, often deliberately. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: To put a spoke in one's wheel. Options: To be advantageous at the time of difficulty, To maintain under all circumstances, To blame the other party, To put a difficulty in the way of progress, and To encourage someone to move faster. The mental picture is of inserting an object into a wheel so that it cannot turn smoothly. The correct explanation should reflect obstruction rather than help. Concept / Approach: Literally, the spokes are the bars that connect the hub and the rim of a wheel. If someone puts a spoke or some foreign object in the wheel, the wheel may jam or break, stopping movement. Figuratively, the idiom means to create obstacles or problems in someone else's plans, delaying or preventing their progress. Therefore, the best paraphrase among the options is to put a difficulty in the way of progress. The other choices describe helping, maintaining, blaming or encouraging, which do not match the core idea of deliberate obstruction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Visualise the literal action of interfering with a wheel's movement by putting something in its spokes. Step 2: Translate that image to a social or professional context where one person obstructs another person's plans. Step 3: Compare each option with this concept of creating obstacles. Step 4: Identify To put a difficulty in the way of progress as the only option that directly expresses hindrance. Step 5: Reject options that suggest helpfulness, maintenance, blame or encouragement. Verification / Alternative check: Example sentences clarify usage: Every time we try to improve the system, someone in the department puts a spoke in our wheel. Here it is clear that the person is not helping but obstructing. Rewriting this with To put a difficulty in the way of progress gives the same meaning. Replacing it with To blame the other party or To be advantageous at the time of difficulty would not make sense in this context. Similarly, using To encourage someone to move faster would be the opposite of what the idiom conveys. This confirms that the correct meaning is about obstruction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, To be advantageous at the time of difficulty, suggests helping or benefiting someone in tough times, which is opposite to putting obstacles in their path. Option B, To maintain under all circumstances, relates to keeping something going, again the opposite of obstructing it. Option C, To blame the other party, focuses on assigning fault, not on creating difficulty in their progress. Option E, To encourage someone to move faster, describes support and motivation, not hindrance. Only option D matches the literal and figurative core of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes misinterpret idioms because they translate them word by word into their own language or guess from one component only. For to put a spoke in one's wheel, focusing on spoke alone may not help; it is the entire image of interfering with the wheel that gives the clue. A practical strategy is to learn idioms with short example sentences so that their meaning is connected to context rather than to isolated words. Final Answer: The idiom To put a spoke in one's wheel means to put a difficulty in the way of progress.

Question 19

In the following question on idioms, choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the phrase "At loggerheads".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiomatic expression at loggerheads is widely used in newspapers, discussions and formal writing to describe serious disagreement or conflict between people, groups or countries. Recognising its meaning is important for correctly interpreting reports about disputes, negotiations and long standing rivalries. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: At loggerheads. Options: To suffer, In conflict with someone, To face tough competition, To be in do or die situation, and To be confused. The phrase is almost always used with a plural subject, such as two parties, groups or individuals. The sense is that they are in strong disagreement or are hostile towards each other. Concept / Approach: Historically, loggerheads were tools or weapons, and being at loggerheads suggested confronting each other with opposing instruments. In modern English, at loggerheads means to be in stubborn dispute or conflict, often over an issue that neither side wants to compromise on. It does not simply mean suffering, facing competition, being in a desperate situation or feeling confused. Instead, it specifically refers to a state of hostility or serious disagreement between two parties. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the current usage of at loggerheads in sentences like The two neighbours are at loggerheads over the boundary wall. Step 2: Identify that the phrase describes a situation of conflict or serious disagreement. Step 3: Compare each option: To suffer, In conflict with someone, To face tough competition, To be in do or die situation, To be confused. Step 4: See that only In conflict with someone directly captures the idea of being in serious disagreement. Step 5: Select this option as the best explanation of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Try substituting the meaning into an example: The management and the workers are at loggerheads over the new policy becomes The management and the workers are in conflict with each other over the new policy. This substitution keeps the sense and tone of the sentence intact. If we try are suffering, are in a do or die situation or are confused, the meaning changes completely. Therefore, at loggerheads must be understood as being in conflict with someone. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, To suffer, describes experiencing pain or hardship but does not necessarily imply conflict with another person. Option C, To face tough competition, refers to rivalry in performance rather than direct dispute, and competitors can exist without being at loggerheads. Option D, To be in do or die situation, suggests extreme urgency or life and death stakes, not necessarily disagreement. Option E, To be confused, refers to mental uncertainty, which is unrelated to interpersonal conflict. None of these capture the mutual opposition that characterises being at loggerheads. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may misinterpret at loggerheads as simply having a problem, suffering or being under pressure. It is helpful to remember that the phrase always involves at least two parties whose interests or opinions clash. Reading editorials and news articles where this idiom appears in context will strengthen understanding and make it easier to recognise in examinations. Final Answer: The idiom At loggerheads means in conflict with someone.

Question 20

In English grammar, improve the bracketed part of the sentence: The people of Japan are (wiser than America.).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests a very important area of English grammar known as comparison or parallelism. When we compare two things, we must ensure that similar grammatical structures are placed side by side. The given sentence compares people living in two different countries, Japan and America, and asks you to choose the most grammatically correct and logically clear form of the comparison. Given Data / Assumptions: - Original sentence: The people of Japan are (wiser than America.). - The bracketed part needs improvement. - Options include different comparative structures involving America. - The comparison is between people of Japan and people of America, not between people and a place. Concept / Approach: In English, when we compare groups, we must compare like with like. The subject is the people of Japan, that is, persons. Therefore, the other side of the comparison must also refer to persons, not to the country as a geographical or political unit. Expressions such as those of America or the people of America correctly refer to people. Grammar questions of this type check whether you avoid faulty comparison, where dissimilar things are compared. Step-by-Step Solution: 1. Identify what is being compared: people of Japan are being compared with people of America. 2. Notice that the original bracketed phrase wiser than America compares people with a country, which is illogical. 3. Look at option A wiser than that of America. The word that refers to some singular noun like culture or system, not clearly to people. 4. Look at option B wiser than those of America. The word those stands for the people of America and keeps the comparison parallel. 5. Option C wiser to that of America is wrong both in preposition and structure, because wiser to is not a standard comparative phrase. 6. Option D No improvement must be rejected because the original structure is faulty. 7. Therefore, the best improvement is wiser than those of America. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the full improved sentence: The people of Japan are wiser than those of America. This reads smoothly and clearly compares people with people. You can also test by expanding those: The people of Japan are wiser than the people of America. This shows that option B preserves the intended meaning without any grammatical error. The original version, The people of Japan are wiser than America, would imply that people are wiser than a country, which is not logical. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Wiser than that of America: The pronoun that has no clear singular noun to refer to, and the comparison remains unclear and awkward. Wiser to that of America: This uses the wrong preposition and still fails to provide a parallel noun phrase for people. No improvement: This keeps a faulty comparison between people and a place, which is not acceptable in standard English. Common Pitfalls: Many learners look only at the surface meaning and overlook the requirement to compare similar units. They may think that wiser than America is acceptable because the sense seems understandable. Competitive exams, however, test precise grammar. Always check what the subject is and make sure the object of comparison matches it in kind and number. When you see phrases like the people of, it is usually safer to continue with those of in the comparative part. Final Answer: The correct improvement is wiser than those of America.

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