Question 1

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the best version of the sentence: 'No sooner had he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of correlative conjunctions and inversion in English, specifically the structure with no sooner. Competitive exams often include this pattern because it combines an inverted auxiliary verb with the correlative pair no sooner and than. The sentence describes two events in close succession: completion of the first novel and falling seriously ill. The candidate must identify the option that follows standard, formal English usage for this expression. Given Data / Assumptions: Original idea: Immediately after he completed his first novel, he fell seriously ill. The expression no sooner is used to emphasise how quickly one action follows another. Typical pattern in formal English: No sooner had + subject + past participle + than + clause. Options alter word order and the conjunction that follows no sooner. Concept / Approach: When no sooner is placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, English requires inversion, meaning the auxiliary verb comes before the subject, similar to questions. The correct pattern is: No sooner had he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill. The conjunction that pairs with no sooner is than, not when. If no inversion is used, a more neutral pattern is: He had no sooner completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill. In exam contexts, however, the version with initial no sooner and inversion is standard and preferred. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the structure: No sooner + auxiliary (had) + subject (he) + past participle (completed) + than + clause.Step 2: Examine Option B: No sooner had he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill. It follows the exact pattern and uses than correctly.Step 3: Examine Option A: No sooner he had completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill. This does not invert had and he, so it violates the inversion rule.Step 4: Examine Option C: No sooner he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill. Here again there is no inversion and no auxiliary had, making the structure non-standard.Step 5: Examine Option D: No sooner had he completed his first novel when he fell seriously ill. This option uses when instead of than, which is incorrect with no sooner.Step 6: Conclude that Option B is the only option that follows both inversion and the correct correlative pair no sooner ... than. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar examples: No sooner had the train left than it began to rain, or No sooner had I reached home than the phone rang. In each case, had precedes the subject, and than introduces the second action. You never see No sooner the train had left than or No sooner had the train left when in standard exam English. This confirms that Option B is the model answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: No sooner he had completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill lacks inversion; had should come before he. Option C: No sooner he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill omits the auxiliary had and still lacks inversion, making it grammatically weak in formal usage. Option D: No sooner had he completed his first novel when he fell seriously ill uses when instead of than, which breaks the standard correlative pairing. Common Pitfalls: Students often remember the phrase no sooner but forget that when it begins a sentence, English typically uses an inverted word order similar to questions. They may also confuse the correct partner than with when, because in everyday speech people sometimes use less formal patterns. In exams, markers expect the textbook structure, so it is important to memorise the full frame: No sooner had subject past participle than clause. Practising with multiple examples will help fix this pattern in memory and reduce errors. Final Answer: The correct and most grammatically accurate sentence is No sooner had he completed his first novel than he fell seriously ill.

Question 2

If the four-digit number 56M4 is completely divisible by 11, then what digit does M represent in the number 56M4?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests divisibility rules, a common topic in quantitative aptitude sections of competitive exams. Instead of performing full long division, examinees are expected to recall and apply the shortcut rule for divisibility by 11. The number given is 56M4, where M is a digit from 0 to 9. The task is to determine which value of M makes the entire four digit number divisible by 11. Understanding and using divisibility rules saves time during exams and reduces calculation errors. Given Data / Assumptions: We have a four digit number of the form 56M4. M is a single digit (0 to 9). The number 56M4 must be exactly divisible by 11 without any remainder. We use the standard divisibility rule for 11. Concept / Approach: The divisibility rule for 11 states that a number is divisible by 11 if and only if the difference between the sum of the digits in odd positions and the sum of the digits in even positions is either 0 or a multiple of 11 (for example 0, 11, 22, and so on). For a four digit number a b c d, counting from the left, positions 1 and 3 are odd, and positions 2 and 4 are even. The rule can be written as: (sum of digits in odd positions) minus (sum of digits in even positions) should equal 0 or ±11, ±22, and so on. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the number in positional form. The digits are 5 (thousands place), 6 (hundreds place), M (tens place), and 4 (units place).Step 2: Identify odd and even positions from the left. Position 1: 5, position 2: 6, position 3: M, position 4: 4. Thus, odd positions are 1 and 3, and even positions are 2 and 4.Step 3: Compute the sum of digits at odd positions. That sum is 5 + M.Step 4: Compute the sum of digits at even positions. That sum is 6 + 4 = 10.Step 5: Apply the divisibility rule for 11. The difference must be 0, 11, or minus 11. So, (5 + M) - 10 must equal 0 or ±11.Step 6: Simplify the expression. (5 + M) - 10 = M - 5.Step 7: Set M - 5 equal to 0, 11, or -11 and check valid digit values. If M - 5 = 0, then M = 5. If M - 5 = 11, then M = 16, which is not a single digit. If M - 5 = -11, then M = -6, which is also invalid.Step 8: Conclude that the only possible valid digit is M = 5. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute M = 5 into the original number to obtain 5654. Now check divisibility by 11 either by performing short division or by re-applying the rule. Using the rule again: odd positions sum = 5 + 5 = 10, even positions sum = 6 + 4 = 10, and the difference is 10 - 10 = 0. Since 0 is a multiple of 11, 5654 is divisible by 11. This confirms that M = 5 is correct. A quick trial with any other option, such as M = 3, would give the difference as 3 - 5 = -2, which is not a multiple of 11, so those values are rejected. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (0): If M = 0, the number becomes 5604. Then odd positions sum = 5 + 0 = 5, and even positions sum = 6 + 4 = 10. The difference is 5 - 10 = -5, which is not a multiple of 11. Option B (1): If M = 1, the number becomes 5614. Odd sum = 5 + 1 = 6, even sum = 6 + 4 = 10, difference = 6 - 10 = -4, not a multiple of 11. Option C (3): If M = 3, the number becomes 5634. Odd sum = 5 + 3 = 8, even sum = 6 + 4 = 10, difference = 8 - 10 = -2, also not a multiple of 11. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to misunderstand the positions of digits, especially whether to count from the right or the left. The standard rule counts positions from left to right. Another mistake is to forget that the difference can be 0 or ±11, not just 0. Some candidates incorrectly attempt full long division, wasting precious exam time. Memorising and practising the divisibility rule for 11 will make such questions quick and efficient to solve. Final Answer: The digit M must be 5 for 56M4 to be completely divisible by 11.

Question 3

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains an error in English grammar or usage. If the sentence is error-free, select 'No error': 'If it would / rain, they will / not come.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on error spotting in conditional sentences, a frequent area of testing in competitive English examinations. The sentence given is divided into numbered parts, and the candidate must identify which part contains a grammatical error. The sentence is: If it would / rain, they will / not come. / No error. Understanding correct conditional structures, especially first conditionals, is essential to answering this type of question correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: The full sentence reads: If it would rain, they will not come. The sentence is intended to talk about a possible future situation and its result. The parts are labelled as Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 (No error). We assume the meaning is: If it rains in the future, they will not come. Concept / Approach: English conditionals have fairly fixed patterns. The first conditional, which expresses a real and possible future situation, usually takes the form: If + present simple, will + base verb. For example, If it rains, they will not come or If you study, you will pass. We avoid using would in the if clause for real future conditions. Would is generally used in the main clause of second conditionals or in polite requests, not in the if part of a realistic future condition. Therefore, the correct pattern here should be If it rains, they will not come, not If it would rain, they will not come. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of conditional. The sentence refers to a possible future situation, so it is a first conditional.Step 2: Recall the standard form of the first conditional: If + present simple, will + base form.Step 3: Check Part 1: If it would. This uses would in the if clause, which is not correct for the first conditional.Step 4: Check Part 2: rain, they will. This part is acceptable as long as the if clause uses a present simple verb.Step 5: Check Part 3: not come. This completes the main clause as they will not come, which is correct for a result clause.Step 6: Part 4 is the No error option. Since we clearly see an error in Part 1, Part 4 cannot be correct.Step 7: Conclude that Part 1 contains the error and needs correction to If it rains. Verification / Alternative check: Rewriting the sentence in correct form gives If it rains, they will not come. This now fits the standard first conditional pattern perfectly. You can compare with other examples like If the shop opens, we will buy groceries or If she calls, I will answer. None of these use would in the if clause when the situation is considered realistic and possible. This comparison confirms that would in Part 1 is incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: Part 2, rain, they will forms a correct continuation once Part 1 is fixed to If it rains. Option C: Part 3, not come, correctly completes the future result clause will not come. Option D: Part 4, No error, is wrong because we have already identified a clear error in Part 1. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes think that adding would to the if clause makes the sentence sound more polite or formal, but in conditionals that describe real future possibilities, this is incorrect. Another pitfall is mixing up first and second conditionals. The second conditional uses If + past simple, would + base verb, as in If it rained, they would not come, which expresses an unreal or unlikely situation. Recognising whether the sentence talks about a real or unreal scenario helps in choosing the correct structure and avoiding such mistakes. Final Answer: The error is in Part 1: If it would, which should be corrected to If it rains.

Question 4

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains an error in English grammar or usage. If the sentence is error-free, select 'No error': 'Organic pulses are so popular today / that many people wonder / how they ever lived without them.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is an example of error spotting where a sentence is divided into parts, and the candidate must decide which part, if any, contains a grammatical mistake. The sentence provided is: Organic pulses are so popular today / that many people wonder / how they ever lived without them. / No error. Such questions check a range of grammar topics including subject verb agreement, tense consistency, and clause structure. Here, the focus is mainly on clause connection and tense use in a result clause. Given Data / Assumptions: Full sentence: Organic pulses are so popular today that many people wonder how they ever lived without them. The sentence uses a so that result structure. The verb are agrees with the plural subject pulses. The clause how they ever lived without them refers to a past habitual situation. The option Part 4 indicates that there may be no error at all. Concept / Approach: The structure so ... that expresses a strong degree resulting in a consequence. In this sentence, so popular today connects logically to the result that many people wonder about their earlier life without these products. Present simple are and wonder indicate present facts and habitual reactions, while ever lived describes past life before organic pulses became common. All verbs and clauses are correctly linked. Therefore, to solve this question, we verify each segment for agreement, tense, and logical flow rather than assuming there must be an error. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine Part 1: Organic pulses are so popular today. The subject organic pulses is plural, and the verb are correctly matches this plural subject. The adverbial phrase so popular today is grammatically sound.Step 2: Examine Part 2: that many people wonder. This continues the so ... that pattern. The verb wonder is in the present simple, appropriate for a general or current reaction.Step 3: Examine Part 3: how they ever lived without them. This dependent clause correctly uses past tense lived to describe a past state before organic pulses became popular.Step 4: Check the full connected sentence for overall meaning and fluency. The sentence clearly means that organic pulses are now extremely popular and people are surprised they managed without them earlier.Step 5: Since no grammatical or logical error is found in Parts 1, 2, or 3, we accept Part 4, No error, as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Compare the sentence with other standard examples of the so that structure. For instance, The weather was so bad that we stayed indoors or The film was so interesting that nobody wanted it to end. Similarly, Organic pulses are so popular today that many people wonder how they ever lived without them follows the same pattern, where so popular today leads to the result that many people wonder. Another check is to read the sentence aloud; it sounds natural and coherent, which supports the conclusion that there is no error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Part 1 has correct subject verb agreement and a proper adverbial phrase; there is no mistake. Option B: Part 2 uses that many people wonder correctly as a result clause following so popular. Option C: Part 3 uses the past tense lived to refer to earlier life, which is both grammatically and logically sound. Common Pitfalls: In error spotting questions, students sometimes assume that there must be an error in one of the first three parts and overlook the possibility of a completely correct sentence. This can lead them to invent errors where none exist. Another pitfall is to misjudge tense combinations, but here the mix of present for current popularity and reaction, and past for earlier life, is perfectly appropriate. It is important to approach each segment calmly and check grammar and meaning before making a decision. Final Answer: The sentence is grammatically correct in all its parts, so the answer is Part 4: No error.

Question 5

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: 'My father did not approve ______ the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand because of bad weather there.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the correct use of prepositions with specific verbs in English, focusing on the verb approve. Prepositional usage is often fixed and idiomatic, so it must be learned as part of a verb phrase rather than through literal translation. The sentence reads: My father did not approve ______ the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand because of bad weather there. Choosing the right preposition here is essential for natural and grammatically correct English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: My father did not approve ______ the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand because of bad weather there. The missing word is a preposition. Options given include of, one, to, and with. The context is giving or withholding approval of a plan. Concept / Approach: Certain verbs in English regularly take specific prepositions. The verb approve, when used in the sense of agreeing with or accepting something as good, is normally followed by of. The pattern is approve of something or disapprove of something. Examples include Most parents approve of this decision and She does not approve of his behaviour. The other words to, with, and one either do not function as suitable prepositions with approve in this sense or do not fit the structure of the sentence at all. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verb plus preposition phrase. The verb is approve and it is followed by a blank before the object the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand.Step 2: Recall the standard pattern: approve of something. Therefore, of is the expected preposition.Step 3: Insert Option A: My father did not approve of the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand because of bad weather there. This sounds natural and grammatically correct.Step 4: Test Option B: My father did not approve one the plan ... The word one does not work as a preposition here and breaks the structure.Step 5: Test Option C: My father did not approve to the plan ... This is incorrect because approve is not followed by to in this meaning.Step 6: Test Option D: My father did not approve with the plan ... This is also wrong because approve with is not the standard collocation.Step 7: Conclude that only of correctly completes the phrase. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a similar sentence: The principal does not approve of the students plan. Here, of clearly connects approve and the plan. Dictionaries and grammar books list approve of as the correct phrase when talking about being pleased with or accepting something. If we replace approve with agree, the preposition changes (agree with a person, agree to a proposal), but we cannot transfer that pattern back to approve. This confirms that of is the only acceptable choice in the given sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: one is not a preposition and does not create a logical or grammatical phrase after approve. Option C: to does not collocate with approve in this context. Approve to the plan is incorrect in standard English. Option D: with is similarly wrong here. Approve with the plan is not used; the standard form is approve of the plan. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse approve with agree and assume the prepositions can be interchanged. However, approve of and agree with or agree to are different patterns that must be memorised separately. Another pitfall is attempting to choose a preposition based only on literal translation from the mother tongue, which often leads to incorrect combinations. To avoid these mistakes, students should learn common verb plus preposition pairs as fixed phrases and practise them in context. Final Answer: The correct preposition is of, so the sentence should read: My father did not approve of the plan of travelling to Uttarakhand because of bad weather there.

Question 6

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition: 'I settled ______ Canada last year.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks correct prepositional usage with the verb settle when referring to a country or city. The sentence given is: I settled ______ Canada last year. Prepositions that show location or place, such as in, at, and on, often cause confusion for learners, and exam questions frequently target these small but important details. Choosing the right preposition is necessary for natural sounding English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: I settled ______ Canada last year. The blank must be filled with a preposition. Options provided are at, in, off, and on. Canada is the name of a country, not a small specific point. Concept / Approach: When talking about living or establishing residence in a country, city, or large area, English normally uses the preposition in. We say live in India, settle in Canada, or work in London. The preposition at is usually used for specific points, such as at the bus stop or at the office, while on is often used for surfaces or some forms of transportation, such as on the table or on a bus. The word off is not used to mark residence or location in this context. Therefore, with the verb settled and a country name, in is the correct preposition. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verb and object: settled and Canada.Step 2: Recall standard expressions. We normally say settle in a place when we talk about choosing a place to live permanently.Step 3: Try Option B: in. The sentence becomes I settled in Canada last year. This sounds natural and grammatically correct.Step 4: Try Option A: at. I settled at Canada last year sounds wrong because at does not collocate with a large geographic area like a country in this meaning.Step 5: Try Option C: off. I settled off Canada last year is incorrect; off suggests separation or movement away, not residence in a country.Step 6: Try Option D: on. I settled on Canada last year could mean I chose Canada as an option, but it changes the meaning from living there to making a decision. For the intended sense of residence, this is not suitable.Step 7: Conclude that in is the correct preposition for expressing the idea of settling in a country. Verification / Alternative check: Compare similar sentences: They settled in Australia five years ago, She lives in Germany, and We moved in France is wrong; it should be We moved to France and then settled in France. All these examples confirm that in is the normal preposition to show that someone lives inside the boundaries of a country or city. The phrase settle on can exist but it means decide on, as in They finally settled on a plan, which is a different meaning. Hence, for the sense of permanent residence, in is required. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: at suggests a precise point, such as at school or at home, but not a large country when describing residence. Option C: off indicates separation or removal, as in take off or jump off, and does not fit the idea of settling somewhere. Option D: on could create a different meaning (deciding on Canada rather than living there), but in the context of this sentence, it is not the intended sense. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse in and at because both can refer to places. A useful guideline is that in is used for larger areas (cities, countries, rooms) while at is used for specific points or events (at the station, at a concert). Another pitfall is not noticing how a verb like settle changes meaning when followed by different prepositions, such as settle in a place versus settle on an option. Practising with common verb plus preposition combinations can significantly improve accuracy in these questions. Final Answer: The correct preposition is in, so the sentence should read: I settled in Canada last year.

Question 7

In the following question, select the word that is most similar in meaning to the given word 'Abeyance'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym, that is, a word with a meaning closest to the given word Abeyance. Such questions are common in English sections of competitive exams and help test a candidate is range of academic vocabulary. Knowing the meaning of abeyance is important because it is frequently used in formal writing to describe something that is temporarily inactive or put on hold. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Abeyance. Options: Commencement, Perjure, Condone, and Suspension. The task is to select the option that most closely matches the meaning of abeyance. We assume standard dictionary meanings of all words. Concept / Approach: Abeyance means a state of temporary disuse, suspension, or inactivity. For example, a legal case may be held in abeyance, meaning it is temporarily not being pursued. Among the options, Suspension is the word that best captures this sense of something being temporarily stopped or held back. The other words have completely different meanings related to beginning, lying under oath, and pardoning an offence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define abeyance. It refers to a situation where an action, process, or rule is temporarily not in effect or not being used.Step 2: Consider Option D: Suspension. Suspension means the act of stopping something temporarily, such as the suspension of a service or an activity.Step 3: Compare both meanings. Abeyance and Suspension both describe a temporary pause or holding state, so they are close synonyms in this context.Step 4: Check Option A: Commencement. This means beginning or start, which is the opposite of stopping or pausing, so it cannot be the synonym.Step 5: Check Option B: Perjure. This is a verb that means to tell a lie under oath in a court of law, which is unrelated to suspension or inactivity.Step 6: Check Option C: Condone. This means to overlook or forgive a fault, wrongdoing, or offence.Step 7: Conclude that Suspension is the only choice that matches the meaning of Abeyance. Verification / Alternative check: Look at example sentences: The project is in abeyance until further funding is approved and The project is under suspension until further notice. In both examples, the idea is that the project is temporarily stopped, not permanently cancelled or begun. Dictionaries often list in abeyance as meaning in a state of suspension or temporary disuse. This confirms that Suspension is the correct synonym among the options provided. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Commencement refers to the start of something, which is conceptually opposite to pausing it. Perjure is related to giving false testimony under oath and does not resemble the meaning of abeyance at all. Condone means to approve or allow something morally wrong by not punishing it; this is also unrelated to temporary inactivity. Common Pitfalls: Students might confuse abeyance with absence or avoidance due to similar sounds, but abeyance has a specific meaning tied to legal and formal contexts. Another mistake is to guess based on familiarity; words like Commencement and Condone may seem familiar, but without understanding their meanings, it is easy to choose incorrectly. It is important to build vocabulary by learning words in context rather than simply memorising lists without usage examples. Final Answer: The word that is most similar in meaning to Abeyance is Suspension.

Question 8

In the following question, select the word that is most similar in meaning to the given word 'Dauntless'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word Dauntless. Synonym questions help evaluate the depth of a candidate is word knowledge and their ability to recognise nuanced meanings. Dauntless is an adjective often used in literature and formal writing to describe people who face danger or difficulty without fear. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Dauntless. Options provided: Brave, Insane, Playful, and Ugly. The task is to find the word closest in meaning to Dauntless. All words are used in their standard English senses. Concept / Approach: Dauntless means showing fearlessness and determination, especially in the face of danger or difficulty. It describes someone who is bold, courageous, and not easily discouraged or frightened. Among the options, Brave clearly matches this idea of courage. The other options describe unrelated qualities such as mental illness, cheerfulness, or physical appearance, and do not express the concept of fearless courage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define Dauntless. It refers to a person who is not intimidated by challenges, showing determined bravery.Step 2: Check Option A: Brave. Brave means having or showing courage, especially when faced with danger, pain, or difficulty.Step 3: Compare the two meanings. A dauntless person is clearly a brave person, so these words are very close in meaning.Step 4: Check Option B: Insane. This means mentally ill or extremely foolish, which does not match the positive quality of fearless courage.Step 5: Check Option C: Playful. This means full of fun or high spirits, again unrelated to bravery.Step 6: Check Option D: Ugly. This refers to something or someone that is unpleasant in appearance and has nothing to do with courage.Step 7: Conclude that Brave is the correct synonym for Dauntless. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences. One might say, The dauntless soldiers advanced despite heavy fire or She showed a dauntless spirit in fighting her illness. Replacing dauntless with brave gives The brave soldiers advanced despite heavy fire and She showed a brave spirit in fighting her illness, which preserves the meaning. On the other hand, using insane, playful, or ugly in these sentences makes them illogical or changes their meaning completely. This confirms that Brave is the right choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Insane focuses on mental instability and is generally negative, unlike the positive attribute of courage. Playful denotes a light hearted, fun loving behaviour and does not imply bravery. Ugly describes unattractive appearance and does not relate to a person is willingness to face danger. Common Pitfalls: Some students may confuse Dauntless with reckless, which also involves risk taking but sometimes with lack of thought. Dauntless, however, carries a positive tone, highlighting courage rather than foolishness. Another pitfall is guessing based purely on word sound rather than meaning. Building vocabulary through regular reading and noting words in context helps avoid such mistakes and improves performance in synonym questions. Final Answer: The word that is most similar in meaning to Dauntless is Brave.

Question 9

In the following question, select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word 'Clandestine'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of antonyms, words with opposite meanings. The target word is Clandestine. Antonym questions are important because they check not only the meaning of the given word but also the ability to contrast it correctly with other vocabulary items. Clandestine is commonly used in contexts involving secrecy or hidden actions, especially in political or criminal discussions. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Clandestine. Options: Abrupt, Illicit, Open, and Wary. The task is to select the word that has the opposite meaning to Clandestine. All words are assumed to have their usual dictionary meanings. Concept / Approach: Clandestine means done secretly or kept hidden, especially because it is illegal or unauthorised. A clandestine meeting, for example, is arranged away from public view. The opposite meaning would describe something done in a way that is not secret, that is, in the open or publicly. Among the given options, Open is the word that most directly opposes the idea of secrecy. The other words describe suddenness, illegality, or cautiousness, none of which is the direct opposite of secretive behaviour. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define Clandestine. It refers to actions or events that are concealed, covert, or conducted in secrecy.Step 2: Identify the logical opposite. If something is not clandestine, it is conducted openly, transparently, and publicly.Step 3: Examine Option C: Open. This means not hidden or closed, accessible and visible to all, which clearly contrasts with secretive.Step 4: Check Option A: Abrupt. This means sudden or unexpected, which deals with speed or timing rather than secrecy.Step 5: Check Option B: Illicit. This means illegal or not permitted, and many clandestine activities can be illicit, so this is more like a related word rather than an opposite.Step 6: Check Option D: Wary. This means cautious or careful, particularly because of fear of danger or trouble, which again is unrelated to the open versus secret contrast.Step 7: Conclude that Open is the correct antonym for Clandestine. Verification / Alternative check: Look at example sentences to verify. A clandestine operation takes place in secret, while an open operation is carried out in front of the public or under official observation. Similarly, a clandestine relationship is hidden, whereas an open relationship is acknowledged openly. These pairs confirm that Open is the natural opposite in meaning. Illicit, on the other hand, can describe something clandestine but does not express the opposite idea of being public or transparent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Abrupt describes sudden change or action and does not comment on whether something is public or secret. Illicit means illegal, which can overlap in usage with clandestine but is not its opposite. Both can describe hidden, unlawful activities. Wary refers to being cautious or suspicious, which may be a characteristic of people involved in clandestine acts but is not the antonym of clandestine itself. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to choose a word that is merely associated with the target word instead of one that is truly opposite in meaning. For example, many test takers might pick Illicit because clandestine activities are often illegal, but the question specifically asks for an antonym, not a related term. Always think about what the word would mean if it were not true; in this case, if an action is not clandestine, it is open. This reasoning helps avoid traps in antonym questions. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to Clandestine is Open.

Question 10

In the following question, select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word 'Intrepid'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests antonym knowledge for the word Intrepid. Antonym questions are designed to check whether candidates can identify a word with meaning opposite to that of a given word. Intrepid is commonly used to describe a person who is very bold and fearless, particularly in adventurous or dangerous situations. Recognising its opposite helps strengthen vocabulary and comprehension of descriptive language. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Intrepid. Options: Greed, Kind, Meek, and Sigh. The task is to find the word with opposite meaning. All options are considered in their common dictionary senses. Concept / Approach: Intrepid means fearless, bold, or showing great courage in the face of danger. It often carries a positive connotation of heroic bravery. The antonym should therefore convey the idea of lacking courage, being timid, or easily frightened. Among the options, Meek best expresses this sense of mild, submissive, or timid behaviour. The other options describe desire, kindness, or an exclamation of relief, which do not represent the opposite of courageous boldness. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define Intrepid. It describes someone who does not show fear in dangerous or challenging situations.Step 2: Identify the opposite idea, which is someone who is timid, shy, or lacking in courage.Step 3: Examine Option C: Meek. Meek means quiet, gentle, and easily imposed upon; it often suggests a person who avoids confrontation and does not display boldness.Step 4: Compare Intrepid and Meek. Where an intrepid person is bold and daring, a meek person is submissive and hesitant, making them natural opposites in many contexts.Step 5: Consider Option A: Greed. Greed is an excessive desire for something, usually wealth or power, and is unrelated to courage or fear.Step 6: Consider Option B: Kind. Kind refers to a caring and considerate nature, which is not the opposite of bravery.Step 7: Consider Option D: Sigh. Sigh is a sound made when exhaling, often as a sign of relief or sadness, and has nothing to do with courage or timidity.Step 8: Conclude that Meek is the correct antonym for Intrepid. Verification / Alternative check: Use example sentences to verify. The intrepid explorer ventured into the unknown jungle versus The meek traveller hesitated to leave the safety of the camp. Replacing intrepid with meek completely reverses the character trait from courageous to timid, which shows their opposite relationship. On the other hand, describing an explorer as greedy, kind, or sigh does not provide a direct opposite to fearlessness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Greed describes desire for more than one needs or deserves, often in a moral context, not courage. Kind refers to being helpful and compassionate, which can coexist with bravery; it is not an opposite trait. Sigh is an action or sound and does not represent a personality trait that contrasts with bravery. Common Pitfalls: Students may be tempted to select a negative sounding word like Greed simply because Intrepid has a positive connotation, assuming the opposite must be negative. However, antonyms are based on semantic opposition, not value judgement. Another pitfall is ignoring part of speech; Intrepid and Meek are both adjectives describing character, while Sigh is usually a noun or verb, making it structurally less likely to be the correct antonym. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to Intrepid is Meek.

Question 11

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom 'to steal a march'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question deals with idiomatic expressions in English, specifically the idiom to steal a march. Idioms are fixed phrases whose overall meaning cannot always be guessed from the meanings of the individual words. Exams often test idioms because they reveal how well candidates understand natural, non literal English. Knowing the meaning of to steal a march is useful both for comprehension and for expressive writing. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: to steal a march. Options: To act in a foolish way, To break something, To outshine, To see a hidden meaning. The task is to choose the option that correctly captures the idiomatic meaning. Concept / Approach: Originally, the phrase to steal a march comes from a military context, where one army secretly moves ahead of another and gains a positional advantage. In modern general usage, it means to gain an advantage over someone, often unexpectedly or quietly, or to outshine a rival by acting earlier or more effectively. Therefore, among the options, To outshine best matches this idea of gaining an edge or surpassing others in performance or achievement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of the idiom. To steal a march means to get an advantage over someone, usually by acting early or cleverly.Step 2: Examine Option C: To outshine. To outshine means to do better than others, to be more impressive or successful than competitors.Step 3: Compare the two meanings. If you outshine someone, you effectively steal a march on them by surpassing them in some way.Step 4: Check Option A: To act in a foolish way. This relates to behaviour that lacks sense or wisdom, which does not match the idea of gaining an advantage.Step 5: Check Option B: To break something. This focuses on physical damage and is not connected to competition or superiority.Step 6: Check Option D: To see a hidden meaning. This is closer to interpretations or insights, not getting ahead of others.Step 7: Conclude that To outshine is the correct meaning of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: The company stole a march on its competitors by launching the product early, meaning it gained an advantage over them. Another example is She stole a march on her colleagues by completing all the research before the meeting. In both sentences, replacing stole a march with outshone or gained an advantage keeps the meaning intact. The other options do not fit these contexts, which confirms that To outshine is the closest in meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To act in a foolish way implies unwise behaviour and would normally cause someone to lose an advantage, not gain one. To break something focuses on physical damage and lacks any sense of competition or improvement. To see a hidden meaning is more about interpretation and understanding, and does not involve surpassing others. Common Pitfalls: Because the word steal appears in the idiom, some learners may wrongly associate it with theft or damaging behaviour and choose a negative option. However, the idiom is metaphorical and positive, referring to strategic advantage rather than criminal action. Another pitfall is translating idioms directly into one is native language, which rarely works. It is best to learn idioms with example sentences and their established meanings in English. Final Answer: The idiom to steal a march means to outshine or to gain an advantage over someone.

Question 12

In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom 'in a jiffy'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines understanding of the idiom in a jiffy. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings are not always obvious from the individual words. They are frequently tested in competitive exams because they are widely used in spoken and informal written English. Knowing that in a jiffy refers to speed is important for both comprehension and effective communication. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: in a jiffy. Options: Fail to win appreciation, In an appropriate manner, Something that is done very quickly, and To fall in love. The task is to select the option best matching the idiomatic meaning. Concept / Approach: In everyday English, in a jiffy means in a very short time or very quickly. It is a casual way of saying that something will be done almost immediately. The phrase is similar in sense to in no time or in a flash. Among the options, the one that clearly captures this meaning is Something that is done very quickly. The other options deal with success, correctness, or emotional attachment and have no relation to speed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of in a jiffy as used in common speech: very quickly or almost at once.Step 2: Examine Option C: Something that is done very quickly. This directly states the idea of speed and immediate action.Step 3: Examine Option A: Fail to win appreciation. This describes a lack of recognition or praise, unrelated to time.Step 4: Examine Option B: In an appropriate manner. This relates to correctness or suitability, not quickness.Step 5: Examine Option D: To fall in love, which is about emotional attachment and again unrelated to speed.Step 6: Since only Option C reflects the core idea of quickness, it is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Use example sentences for verification: I will fix your laptop in a jiffy means I will fix it very quickly. Another sentence is She will be ready in a jiffy, which indicates that she will be ready almost immediately. Replacing in a jiffy with very quickly or in no time keeps the meaning unchanged. The other suggested options do not fit these sentences, confirming that the idiom relates specifically to speed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Fail to win appreciation describes a result of an action (lack of praise), not the speed at which the action is performed. In an appropriate manner is about doing something correctly or suitably but may be quick or slow; it does not inherently refer to time. To fall in love is about emotional change and has no direct connection with performing an action quickly. Common Pitfalls: Because the word jiffy is informal and not used in many textbooks, some learners may confuse it with other slang expressions or guess based on sound rather than meaning. Another pitfall is overthinking the options and trying to relate the idiom to feelings or success, when in reality it is simply a casual time expression. Regular exposure to conversational English, films, and reading can help learners become familiar with such idioms. Final Answer: The idiom in a jiffy means something that is done very quickly or in a very short time.

Question 13

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence, if necessary: '(After he arrived) from office, he goes to gym.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests tense consistency in complex sentences that describe habitual actions. The original sentence is: (After he arrived) from office, he goes to gym. The bracketed part is the portion to be improved. The sentence talks about what typically happens every time he comes from the office, so the choice of tense in the introductory clause must match this sense of routine or habit. Given Data / Assumptions: Original full sentence: After he arrived from office, he goes to gym. The main clause he goes to gym is in the simple present tense, which usually describes habitual actions. The bracketed clause After he arrived from office uses simple past tense. The intended meaning is a regular pattern: whenever he comes from the office, he goes to the gym. Concept / Approach: When describing routine or habitual actions that happen regularly, English generally uses the simple present tense. If both clauses refer to such regular behaviour, both should be in the simple present to show that this is a repeated pattern, not a one time event. Therefore, the clause should read After he arrives from office, he goes to the gym. Using the past tense arrived suggests a specific event in the past rather than a repeating habit, which creates inconsistency with goes in the main clause. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the tense of the main clause: he goes to gym, which is simple present.Step 2: Decide the time reference. The sentence describes what he usually does every time he returns from office, so the whole statement is about a general habit.Step 3: For habitual actions, the correct tense is simple present in both clauses: After he arrives from office, he goes to the gym.Step 4: Check Option C: After he arrives from office. This uses the simple present arrives, matching the tense and habitual sense of the main clause.Step 5: Check Option A: After he had being arriving from office. This is grammatically incorrect; had being arriving is not a valid tense form.Step 6: Check Option B: After he had arrived from office. This is past perfect, which is used for sequences of past events, not repeated present routines, so it clashes with goes.Step 7: Check Option D: No improvement. The original After he arrived from office is inconsistent with goes in the main clause.Step 8: Conclude that Option C is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, compare similar sentences describing habits: After he finishes his work, he goes for a walk or When she reaches home, she calls her parents. In each case, both clauses use the simple present tense to indicate a regular pattern. If we changed them to After he finished his work, he goes for a walk, the sentence would sound inconsistent. Likewise, After he arrives from office, he goes to the gym is the natural habitual form. This supports Option C as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: After he had being arriving from office is ungrammatical because had being arriving is not a standard tense form in English. Option B: After he had arrived from office uses the past perfect, which is used when talking about two actions in the past, with one completed before the other, NOT a repeated everyday habit combined with present tense goes. Option D: No improvement keeps the simple past arrived, which mismatches the present tense goes and creates tense inconsistency. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to mix past and present tenses in a single sentence describing habits or general truths, resulting in confusion about the time reference. Another pitfall is overusing complex tenses like past perfect even when the simple present or simple past would be more appropriate. When a sentence describes what usually happens every day, the safest and most accurate choice is usually the simple present in both clauses. Final Answer: The correct improved sentence is After he arrives from office, he goes to gym.

Question 14

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence, if necessary: 'When I first saw Ankit, he (was playing) cricket.'

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question focuses on the correct use of past tenses to describe simultaneous or ongoing actions in the past. The sentence is: When I first saw Ankit, he (was playing) cricket. The bracketed portion must be evaluated to see whether it accurately describes what Ankit was doing at the time you saw him. Such questions are common in exams because they test understanding of past continuous, past perfect, and simple past tenses. Given Data / Assumptions: Main sentence: When I first saw Ankit, he was playing cricket. The clause I first saw Ankit uses simple past tense. The bracketed verb phrase was playing is in the past continuous tense. The context suggests that you noticed Ankit in the middle of an activity. Concept / Approach: When we describe an action that was already in progress at a specific moment in the past, English typically uses the past continuous tense for the ongoing action and the simple past for the shorter, interrupting action. In this sentence, the shorter event is the first moment of seeing Ankit, and the longer action is Ankit playing cricket. Therefore, the correct combination is simple past (saw) and past continuous (was playing). This indicates that when you saw him, he was already engaged in the activity. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the two actions: seeing Ankit and his playing cricket.Step 2: Recognise that seeing him is a brief event, while playing cricket is a longer, ongoing action.Step 3: Apply the rule: use simple past for the shorter action and past continuous for the background or ongoing action.Step 4: Evaluate the original bracketed part was playing. It is correctly in the past continuous tense.Step 5: Examine Option A: had played. Past perfect suggests that the playing was fully completed before you saw him, which changes the meaning and does not convey an ongoing action.Step 6: Examine Option B: had been playing. Past perfect continuous would emphasise the duration before you saw him, but combined with when I first saw, it sounds unnatural for this simple context and is not necessary.Step 7: Examine Option C: played. Using simple past here would make both actions appear as separate completed events without highlighting that one was already in progress.Step 8: Conclude that the original past continuous was playing is the best choice, so No improvement is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar examples: When I reached the station, it was raining and When she called, I was watching television. In each case, the background action (raining, watching television) is in the past continuous, while the interrupting action (reached, called) is in the simple past. Rewriting the original sentence as When I first saw Ankit, he was playing cricket fits this pattern perfectly. Using had played or played would give a different sense and sound less natural for a simple observation made at one point in the past. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: had played implies that Ankit had finished playing before you saw him, so you would not actually see him playing at that moment. Option B: had been playing is grammatically possible but unnecessarily complex and not the most natural way to state a simple past observation here. Option C: played makes both actions simple past and does not clearly show that playing cricket was the ongoing background action when you saw him. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overuse past perfect forms, thinking they sound more advanced, even when simple past and past continuous are more appropriate. Another common error is to ignore the relationship between the two actions and choose a tense at random. Remember that when describing what someone was doing at a specific time in the past, past continuous is usually the best choice, especially when combined with a simple past clause that sets the time frame. Final Answer: The original sentence is already correct, so the best option is No improvement, keeping he was playing cricket.

Question 15

In the following question, choose the one-word substitute that best expresses the phrase 'mania for travel'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question asks for a single term that captures the meaning of the phrase mania for travel. Such questions often use words derived from Greek roots that are common in psychological or literary contexts. Recognising the meaning of these word parts can help identify the correct option even if the full word is unfamiliar. Here, the goal is to find the term that specifically refers to an obsessive desire to travel or wander. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase: mania for travel. Options: Dromomania, Hypomania, Megalomania, Nymphomania. The task is to choose the one word substitute that best fits the phrase. Each option represents a type of mania, or excessive enthusiasm or obsession, but with different focuses. Concept / Approach: Many psychological or descriptive terms are formed from Greek roots. The root dromo comes from the Greek word for running or course, and in a broader sense is used in terms related to movement or travelling. Mania means an intense enthusiasm or obsession. Therefore, Dromomania refers to an uncontrollable desire to wander or travel. By contrast, Hypomania describes a mild form of mania, Megalomania refers to an obsession with power or grandiose ideas, and Nymphomania refers to excessive sexual desire. Only Dromomania matches the idea of travel mania. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Break down the phrase mania for travel. This implies an abnormal or intense desire to move from place to place.Step 2: Analyse Option A: Dromomania. The root dromo relates to running or movement, and the suffix mania refers to excessive desire, so together they signify an abnormal desire to wander or travel.Step 3: Analyse Option B: Hypomania. Hypo means under or less, so hypomania denotes a less severe form of mania, without specifying any particular focus on travel.Step 4: Analyse Option C: Megalomania. Megalo means great or large, and this term refers to an obsession with power, importance, or grand schemes.Step 5: Analyse Option D: Nymphomania. This term relates to an excessive sexual drive, especially in women, and is not connected with travel or wandering.Step 6: Based on these meanings, Dromomania is the only option that fits mania for travel. Verification / Alternative check: Look up example usage: Historically, Dromomania was used as a psychiatric term for patients who repeatedly wandered away from home without clear purpose, often travelling long distances. In more general or literary usage, it can describe a compulsion to travel constantly. None of the other terms can be reasonably paraphrased as obsession with travel. Hypomania describes mood elevation, Megalomania describes power obsession, and Nymphomania describes sexual obsession. This confirms that Dromomania is the correct one word substitute. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Hypomania does not specify what the mania is directed toward and usually refers to a clinical state of elevated mood, not travel. Megalomania centres on delusions of grandeur and a desire for power, which is unrelated to physical travelling. Nymphomania relates to abnormal sexual desire and has nothing to do with exploring new places or wandering. Common Pitfalls: Because all four options end in mania, some students focus only on the suffix and ignore the prefixes. It is important to remember that the prefix determines the specific object of the obsession. Another pitfall is guessing based on which word sounds familiar without analysing its components. Learning common Greek and Latin roots, such as dromo for running or mega for large, helps decode such words and improves performance in one word substitution questions. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for mania for travel is Dromomania.

Question 16

In the following question, choose the one-word substitute for 'one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige'.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question asks for a term that describes a person who has suddenly gained new wealth, power, or prestige. Such terms are often used in social or literary discussions to describe changes in social status. Recognising the nuance in these words helps in understanding character descriptions and social commentary in English texts. Given Data / Assumptions: Phrase: one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige. Options: Egotist, Imposter, Parvenu, Scullery. The task is to choose the single word that best matches this description. Each option has a distinct meaning related to personality, honesty, status, or objects. Concept / Approach: Parvenu is a word used for a person who has recently gained wealth or social position but is not yet fully accepted by the established upper class. It often carries a slight negative or critical tone, suggesting that the person is seen as upstart or lacking refinement. This fits very closely with the idea of someone who has suddenly gained new wealth, power, or prestige. The other options describe a self centred person, a deceiver, or a room in a house, which do not match this social status concept. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the phrase. It refers to a person whose financial or social position has recently improved dramatically.Step 2: Examine Option C: Parvenu. This term specifically means a person of humble origin who has gained wealth, influence, or position but is sometimes considered not fully acceptable in the higher social circle.Step 3: Examine Option A: Egotist. An egotist is someone who talks excessively about themselves and is overly self centred.Step 4: Examine Option B: Imposter. An imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, often for gain.Step 5: Examine Option D: Scullery. This is the name of a small room in a house traditionally used for washing dishes and other kitchen work.Step 6: Only Parvenu fits the concept of newly gained wealth or status, so it is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Consider how these words appear in sentences. For example, The parvenu struggled to gain acceptance in aristocratic society clearly portrays someone new to high status. Describing this person as an egotist would focus on self importance, not new wealth. Calling them an imposter would suggest they are pretending to be someone else, which is not implied in the phrase. Finally, scullery is clearly not a person at all. Dictionary definitions also confirm that Parvenu refers to a recently wealthy or socially elevated individual. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Egotist emphasises vanity and self centred behaviour, not sudden change in social or economic status. Imposter emphasises deceit and false identity, which are not mentioned in the phrase. Scullery is a room, not a person, and thus cannot refer to someone with new wealth or power. Common Pitfalls: Examinees may be tempted to choose a more familiar term like Egotist or Imposter simply because they recognise it, ignoring whether it matches the precise description in the question. Another pitfall is not paying attention to part of speech; in this case, the answer must be a noun referring to a person. Parvenu may be less common in everyday conversation but fits perfectly in this exam context. Building familiarity with such words through reading novels and articles that discuss society and class can greatly improve performance on one word substitution questions. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige is Parvenu.

Question 17

In the following question, four English words are given. Out of these four, select the word that is incorrectly spelt.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question tests your knowledge of standard English spellings for relatively advanced vocabulary. Competitive exams often include one incorrectly spelt word among three correctly spelt ones. Your task is to recognise which word does not match the correct dictionary spelling, even if it looks similar at first glance. Given Data / Assumptions: Four options are given: Acquiescence, Alienate, Belligerent, Sabbotage. Exactly one of these four words is spelt incorrectly. All words are common in formal English, media, and academic writing. We must identify the incorrect spelling, not the meaning or usage. Concept / Approach: The fastest strategy is to recall or mentally visualise how these words normally appear in printed text, textbooks, or dictionaries. Acquiescence is the noun from acquiesce. Alienate means to make someone feel isolated. Belligerent describes an aggressive or warlike attitude. The word referring to deliberate damage or destruction of property is correctly spelt sabotage, not sabbotage. Double consonants often create confusion, so questions are designed around such traps. Step-by-Step Solution: Check Acquiescence: standard spelling is A C Q U I E S C E N C E, which matches option A.Check Alienate: standard spelling is A L I E N A T E, which matches option B.Check Belligerent: standard spelling is B E L L I G E R E N T, which matches option C.Check Sabbotage: the correct spelling is S A B O T A G E with a single b. The double b in Sabbotage is incorrect.Therefore Sabbotage is the incorrectly spelt word and must be selected. Verification / Alternative check: If you are unsure, break the confusing word into parts. Sabotage comes from French sabotage and is widely used in security, defence, and business contexts: sabotage of equipment, sabotage of negotiations, and so on. In none of these contexts is a double b used. Searching your memory of newspapers or books will repeatedly show sabotage, not sabbotage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Acquiescence, although long and complex, is correctly spelt. Alienate is a straightforward word that appears exactly as in the dictionary. Belligerent is often used in international relations or behaviour descriptions and is correctly formed with double l and one g in the middle. Since all three are correct spellings, they cannot be chosen as the incorrectly spelt word. Common Pitfalls: Examinees sometimes overthink and suspect Acquiescence because it looks complicated, or Belligerent because of its double consonants. However, exam setters deliberately place one very typical misspelling, such as an unnecessary doubled consonant. A careful visual check usually reveals which word looks odd compared to how you have seen it before. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word is Sabbotage, which should correctly be spelt “sabotage”.

Question 18

In the following question, four English words are given. Out of these four, select the word that is incorrectly spelt.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question checks whether you can recognise the standard spellings of everyday English words, including scientific terms. Examinations frequently present one deliberately misspelt form that looks almost correct at first glance, expecting you to spot the extra or missing letters. Such questions reward careful observation as well as reading habit. Given Data / Assumptions: The four options are Alluminium, Cemetery, Recommend, Satellite. Exactly one of these spellings is wrong. All four are common words: one is a metal, and the other three are ordinary nouns or verbs. We must choose the incorrectly spelt form, not the rarest or most technical word. Concept / Approach: The standard English spelling of the metallic element used in utensils, wires, and industrial products is aluminium in British English and aluminum in American English. Neither accepts a double l at the beginning. The other three words are spelled in a fairly straightforward manner. Therefore, the key is to compare the given forms with the standard dictionary spellings that you have seen in textbooks and daily usage. Step-by-Step Solution: Check Alluminium: the correct British spelling is aluminium and the American spelling is aluminum. The pattern A L U M I N I U M or A L U M I N U M is accepted; A L L U M I N I U M is not standard.Check Cemetery: correct spelling is C E M E T E R Y, which matches the option.Check Recommend: correct spelling is R E C O M M E N D with double m, matching the option.Check Satellite: correct spelling is S A T E L L I T E, which is also correct in the option.Thus, Alluminium with double l is the incorrectly spelt word. Verification / Alternative check: Think of common contexts: aluminium foil, aluminium utensils, aluminium windows. You will recall seeing aluminium repeatedly without a double l. If you imagine a periodic table in a school classroom, the metal is written as aluminium or aluminum but never as Alluminium. Mental recall of product packs and science books helps confirm the correct form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cemetery is frequently misspelt as cemetary by students, but here it is presented correctly, so it is not the incorrect option. Recommend is correctly written with double m in the middle. Satellite is correctly spelt, with double l and a single t at the end. Since all three match dictionary spellings, they cannot be the wrong ones in this question. Common Pitfalls: Many learners have a habit of mistrusting words they personally find hard, such as cemetery or recommend. Examiners exploit this by giving these difficult but correctly spelt words alongside one subtle error. The safe strategy is to check each option against your memory of printed forms, not against your personal doubts. Double consonants at the beginning of a word, like the double l in Alluminium, are often a strong hint of an incorrect spelling. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word is Alluminium; the correct standard spelling is “aluminium” (British) or “aluminum” (American).

Question 19

The question below consists of a set of four labelled sentences about self esteem. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the labels P, Q, R and S to form a coherent paragraph.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a sentence arrangement question. Four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S talk about self esteem. Your task is to arrange them in the most logical sequence so that together they form a smooth, coherent paragraph. These questions test your understanding of flow, definitions, explanations, and contrasts within a short text. Given Data / Assumptions: R: Self esteem is how much you value yourself and how important you think you are. S: It is how you see yourself and feel about your achievements. P: It is not bragging about how great you are. Q: It is not about thinking you are perfect because nobody is, but knowing that you are worthy of being loved and accepted. We must pick the correct order from SQRP, RQSP, RSPQ, SRQP. Concept / Approach: A good paragraph usually starts with a clear definition or main idea, then adds explanation and examples, and finally contrasts or clarifies what the concept is not. Here, R provides a textbook style definition of self esteem, so it is the best opening sentence. S continues that definition by elaborating on how you see yourself and your achievements. P and Q then jointly explain what self esteem is not, and what it really means in practice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Choose a starting sentence. R introduces and defines self esteem directly, so it is ideal as the first sentence.Step 2: Look for a natural continuation. S uses the pronoun “It” to refer back to self esteem and adds more detail about perception and achievements, so R followed by S is logical.Step 3: Decide the order of P and Q. P says what self esteem is not: it is not bragging about how great you are. Q continues the same contrast and expands, saying it is not about being perfect but about feeling worthy of love and acceptance.Step 4: Therefore the natural sequence is R (definition) → S (further explanation) → P (negative clarification) → Q (positive clarification), which is RSPQ. Verification / Alternative check: Read the sequence RSPQ as a complete paragraph: “Self esteem is how much you value yourself and how important you think you are. It is how you see yourself and feel about your achievements. It is not bragging about how great you are. It is not about thinking you are perfect because nobody is, but knowing that you are worthy of being loved and accepted.” This reads smoothly and logically, moving from definition to explanation and then to clarification. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option SQRP starts with S, which uses “It” without first stating what “It” refers to. This confuses the reader. Option RQSP jumps from the general definition in R directly to Q, which talks about what self esteem is not, before fully explaining what it is. Option SRQP again begins with a pronoun and creates an unclear reference, and also gives clarifications in an awkward order. Only RSPQ follows a natural conceptual flow. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often over-focus on pronouns or small linking words and forget about the overall logical structure. A good strategy is to first identify the sentence that can clearly stand alone as an opening definition or topic sentence. Then group the remaining sentences into explanation and contrast. Doing that here quickly highlights R as the opener and RSPQ as the full, coherent chain. Final Answer: The most logical order of the labelled sentences is RSPQ.

Question 20

The question below consists of a set of four labelled sentences about crude mineral oil and hydrocarbons. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the labels P, Q, R and S to form a coherent paragraph.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence arrangement question deals with crude mineral oil and hydrocarbons. You are given four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S, and you must pick the order that produces a clear, logically organised paragraph. Such questions test your ability to identify introductions, explanations, and examples in a scientific description. Given Data / Assumptions: Q: Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong smell. R: It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own individual qualities. P: Most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. S: Such hydrocarbons are also found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. We must choose one order from QPRS, PQRS, PQSR, QRPS. Concept / Approach: A good explanatory paragraph typically begins by introducing the main subject, then describing its nature, and finally giving more specific details and related examples. Q introduces crude mineral oil directly and is the natural starting point. R explains that this oil is a complex mixture of many substances. P then identifies most of these substances as combinations of hydrogen and carbon. S finally mentions where similar hydrocarbons are found, giving additional examples. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Choose the introductory sentence. Q clearly introduces crude mineral oil, its appearance, and smell, so it should come first.Step 2: Look for the sentence that explains “it”. R begins with “It is a complex mixture…”, clearly referring back to crude mineral oil in Q, making QR a natural pair.Step 3: Next, identify what the mixture consists of. P states that most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon, specifying the composition of the substances mentioned in R.Step 4: Finally, S uses “Such hydrocarbons” to connect back to the hydrogen and carbon combinations in P and then shows where similar hydrocarbons are found, such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas.Thus, the logical order is Q → R → P → S, corresponding to option QRPS. Verification / Alternative check: Read QRPS as a continuous paragraph: “Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong smell. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own individual qualities. Most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. Such hydrocarbons are also found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas.” This flows smoothly from introduction to composition to related examples. Why Other Options Are Wrong: In QPRS, P directly follows Q, skipping the important explanation in R that crude oil is a complex mixture; this makes the reference “Most of them” in P unclear. In PQRS and PQSR, starting with P is problematic because P speaks of “Most of them” without first telling us what “them” refers to. Only Q gives the subject (crude mineral oil) that the pronouns in later sentences can refer back to logically. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes match sentences just on the basis of pronouns like “It” or “Such”, without considering whether all references are fully clear. Always ensure that every pronoun has a clear, previously mentioned noun to refer to. When you do this here, Q must be first, R must follow to explain “It”, and P and S flow naturally afterwards. Final Answer: The most logical order of the labelled sentences is QRPS.

English Questions