Question 1

In the following passage, some words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Organisations are institutions in which members compete for status and power. They co…

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Introduction / Context: In this part of the cloze passage, the writer is describing different goals that members of an organisation struggle for internally. After mentioning resources to expand departments, the next goal is a type of advancement. You must select a word that naturally forms a common phrase with advancement and suits the organisational context. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: They compete for the resources of the organisation, for example, resources to expand their own departments, for _____ advancement and for power to control the activities of others. Options: career, financial, regional, technological. The passage deals with status, power, resources, and influence among organisational members. Concept / Approach: In office and organisational contexts, the phrase career advancement is very common. It refers to promotions, increased responsibilities, and higher positions in the hierarchy. The other adjectives in the options can also form phrases with advancement in some special contexts, but they are much less common in everyday language of workplace politics. Therefore, you should prefer the combination that sounds familiar and clearly linked to work life. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that advancement refers to progress or promotion.Step 2: Recall common collocations: academic advancement, social advancement, career advancement.Step 3: Match the surrounding ideas: status, power, resources, and control all relate to professional progress in an organisation.Step 4: Insert career in the blank: for career advancement, which matches workplace ambitions.Step 5: Read the full phrase to check fluency: resources to expand departments, for career advancement and for power to control activities.Step 6: Confirm that this phrase is idiomatic and appropriate for the context. Verification / Alternative check: Read the full sentence: They compete for the resources of the organisation, for example, resources to expand their own departments, for career advancement and for power to control the activities of others. This sentence reads smoothly and mirrors real life situations where employees compete for promotions and higher positions. The link between career advancement and power to control others is particularly strong in organisational settings, reinforcing the choice of career. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Financial: Financial advancement would refer to economic growth or increased income, but the passage is speaking about broader competition inside the organisation, not only salary rises. Career advancement captures promotion and growth in role and influence better. Regional: Regional advancement would refer to geographical expansion or improvement in a region, which does not match the internal organisational politics described. Technological: Technological advancement is more suited to technological development or innovation, not directly to the ambitions of individual members within an organisation who seek higher status and control. Common Pitfalls: Some learners get attracted to advanced sounding adjectives like technological or financial, imagining that they automatically fit a formal passage. However, without considering common word pairings, this leads to incorrect answers. Another mistake is to ignore the parallel structure. The passage lists three types of things people compete for: resources, advancement, and power. In a workplace context, promotions and personal progress are naturally described as career advancement. Always test candidate words inside the full sentence and think of how the phrase is actually used in real professional English. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the phrase for _____ advancement is career, forming the familiar expression career advancement.

Question 2

In the following passage, some words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Organisations are institutions in which members compete for status and power. They co…

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Introduction / Context: This is the final blank in a passage about competition within organisations. After mentioning status, power, resources, and career advancement, the sentence ends by describing what people want to do with power. You need to select the verb that best completes the commonly used phrase power to something the activities of others. This question tests your understanding of idiomatic usage in organisational and political language. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: They compete for the resources of the organisation, for example, resources to expand their own departments, for career advancement and for power to _____ the activities of others. Options: affect, control, curb, pursue. The verb must fit both grammatically and conceptually after power to. The surrounding theme is about influence and authority inside organisations. Concept / Approach: The expression power to control is widely used in discussions of authority and influence. The idea is that people inside organisations often do not simply seek status in name only, but want the ability to direct, manage, or command what others do. While other verbs like affect or curb can appear after power to, the phrase power to control the activities of others is the most precise and standard description of organisational power. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that power in this context refers to authority or capacity to direct behaviour.Step 2: Recall common expressions: power to control, power to influence, power to decide.Step 3: Evaluate each option with the noun phrase the activities of others.Step 4: The phrase control the activities of others is a direct and natural expression of authority.Step 5: Check for grammatical correctness: power to control the activities of others reads smoothly.Step 6: Choose control as the correct verb. Verification / Alternative check: By inserting control, the sentence becomes: They compete for the resources of the organisation, for example, resources to expand their own departments, for career advancement and for power to control the activities of others. This captures the realistic aim of many organisational actors: not just to gain higher titles but to have real decision making capability and command over colleagues and subordinates. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Affect: Power to affect the activities of others is possible, but it is weaker and less direct than control. Affect suggests influence without full authority, whereas the passage stresses competition for strong power. Curb: To curb the activities of others suggests limiting or restraining them, which is only one narrow aspect of power. The passage seems to refer to the broad ability to direct and manage actions, not only to restrict them. Pursue: Power to pursue the activities of others has an odd and unclear meaning and is not a standard phrase. Pursue normally means to chase or follow a goal, not to manage other people’s activities. Common Pitfalls: Some learners choose affect because they think it sounds sophisticated, even though it makes the phrase less precise. Others might over focus on the negative connotation of power and select curb, imagining that power is only about stopping others. In organisational studies, power more often refers to broad decision authority, which is best captured by the verb control. Always consider the most frequent collocation and the overall picture the passage paints about behaviour inside institutions. Final Answer: The correct verb for the blank is control, giving the phrase power to control the activities of others.

Question 3

A cube is inscribed in a sphere. A right circular cylinder is placed within the cube touching all the vertical faces, and a right circular cone is inside the cylinder. Their heights are the same and the diameter of the cone is equal to that of the c…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests three dimensional geometry, relationships between standard solids, and the ability to compare surface areas using algebraic expressions. A cube is inscribed in a sphere, a right circular cylinder fits exactly inside the cube, and a right circular cone fits inside the cylinder. You must check two statements about ratios of surface areas. Such questions require careful visualisation and systematic formula based reasoning. Given Data / Assumptions: A cube of side a is inscribed in a sphere. A right circular cylinder fits in the cube, touching all four vertical faces, so its height is a and its diameter is a. A right circular cone is inside the cylinder with the same height a and with diameter equal to that of the cylinder, so radius is a divided by 2. Statement 1: Surface area of the sphere equals square root of five multiplied by the curved surface area of the cone. Statement 2: Surface area of the cube equals the curved surface area of the cylinder. Concept / Approach: First, express each surface area in terms of the cube side a. For the sphere, you must find its radius using the space diagonal of the cube. For the cylinder and cone, use the given relationships between side, height, and diameter. Then compute the surface area formulas: for a sphere, 4 * pi * r^2; for a cylinder, curved area 2 * pi * r * h; and for a right circular cone, curved area pi * r * l, where l is the slant height computed using Pythagoras theorem. After that, compare ratios to see whether the given equalities can hold for any positive a. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Let the cube have side length a. Its space diagonal is a * sqrt(3). The sphere is drawn around the cube, so the diameter of the sphere equals the space diagonal.Step 2: Radius of the sphere r equals a * sqrt(3) divided by 2, so the surface area of the sphere is 4 * pi * r^2 = 4 * pi * (a^2 * 3 / 4) = 3 * pi * a^2.Step 3: The cylinder fits inside the cube. Its height h equals a, and its diameter equals a, so its radius is a divided by 2. Curved surface area of the cylinder is 2 * pi * r * h = 2 * pi * (a / 2) * a = pi * a^2.Step 4: The cone sits inside the cylinder with the same height a and radius a divided by 2. Slant height l is sqrt(r^2 + h^2) = sqrt((a^2 / 4) + a^2) = a * sqrt(5 / 4) = a * sqrt(5) / 2.Step 5: Curved surface area of the cone equals pi * r * l = pi * (a / 2) * (a * sqrt(5) / 2) = pi * a^2 * sqrt(5) / 4.Step 6: Compare the surface area of the sphere and the curved surface area of the cone. The ratio is (3 * pi * a^2) divided by (pi * a^2 * sqrt(5) / 4) = 12 divided by sqrt(5), which is not equal to sqrt(5). So statement 1 is false.Step 7: Surface area of the cube is 6 * a^2. The curved surface area of the cylinder is pi * a^2. For these to be equal, pi would have to equal 6, which is impossible. So statement 2 is also false. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify statement 1 numerically by taking a convenient value, such as a equals 2. Then surface area of the sphere is 3 * pi * 4 = 12 * pi. Curved surface area of the cone is pi * 4 * sqrt(5) / 4 = pi * sqrt(5). The ratio 12 * pi divided by pi * sqrt(5) again gives 12 divided by sqrt(5), not square root of five. For statement 2, take a equals 1. The cube has surface area 6, while the cylinder has curved surface area pi, which is about 3.14, clearly not equal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A and option B each assume that exactly one of the statements is true, which contradicts the algebraic comparisons above. Option C assumes that both equalities hold, which is mathematically impossible. Only option D, which states that neither 1 nor 2 is correct, matches the calculations. Common Pitfalls: Students often make mistakes by confusing diameters and radii, or by forgetting that the inscribed cube touches the sphere at its vertices, leading to a wrong expression for the sphere radius. Another common error is to use total surface area instead of curved surface area for cylinders and cones. Some candidates also try to estimate visually rather than computing formulas, which is very risky in precision based questions. Always draw a rough diagram, label all lengths carefully, write each formula, and then simplify algebraically before comparing any expressions. Final Answer: Both given statements about the surface areas are incorrect, so the right choice is Neither 1 nor 2.

Question 4

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select No error. He did not go (1) to the temple on foot (2…

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Introduction / Context: This is an error detection question, a common type in English grammar sections of competitive exams. You must identify which part of the sentence contains a grammatical or usage error. The sentence deals with ways of travelling and uses common prepositions with means of transport. Correct preposition usage is an important area for learners preparing for examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: Complete sentence parts: (1) He did not go (2) to the temple on foot (3) he went there by the car. (4) No error. The task is to mark the first segment that contains an error. We assume standard formal English usage. Concept / Approach: There are two key points here. First, preposition patterns with different modes of travel. We usually say on foot when walking, by car, by bus, by train, and so on. We do not normally add the article the before the vehicle name in such expressions. Second, there is a missing conjunction between two independent clauses: He did not go to the temple on foot and he went there by car. However, in exam style questions of this type, only one part is considered the main tested error, and here the focus is on the phrase by the car in part 3. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read part 1: He did not go. This is grammatically correct and sets up a negative clause.Step 2: Read part 2: to the temple on foot. This is a correct expression for walking to a place.Step 3: Read part 3: he went there by the car. The phrase by the car is unusual in English when describing travel in general.Step 4: Recall that the idiomatic form is by car, without any article.Step 5: Therefore, part 3 contains an error and should be corrected to he went there by car, ideally also with a conjunction: but he went there by car.Step 6: Mark option 3 as the segment with the error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence in fully correct form: He did not go to the temple on foot, but he went there by car. This version uses standard prepositions and natural conjunctions. The phrase by car is consistent with usual patterns like by bus, by train, and by air. No other part of the sentence requires a change for basic correctness, even though adding a conjunction improves flow and style. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option 1: He did not go is grammatically correct. There is no subject verb agreement problem and the tense is fine. Option 2: to the temple on foot is an accepted way to describe walking to a religious place. Preposition and noun choice are correct. Option 4: No error is wrong because we have already identified an error in part 3. Therefore the sentence is not free from error. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes get distracted by the missing conjunction between on foot and he went, but standard exam practice is to test one clear grammatical issue per question. Others may doubt the phrase on foot, but that expression is correct. The main trap lies in the article the used with a vehicle after by. Remember that for general travel, we say by car, by train, by bus, and by plane, without using a, an, or the. Only when we refer to a specific vehicle or modify the noun further, such as by the red car, does an article appear, and that is not the intended simple travel mode expression here. Final Answer: The error is in part 3, where the phrase by the car should be corrected to by car.

Question 5

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select No error. She ascended (1) to the throne (2) at the …

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Introduction / Context: This question again focuses on error detection, specifically on correct verb phrase usage with certain nouns. The phrase ascended the throne is a fixed idiomatic expression in English, especially in historical or political contexts. The test checks whether you know that this verb does not take the preposition to before the object throne. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence parts: (1) She ascended (2) to the throne (3) at the early age of seven. (4) No error. The structure describes a young person becoming the ruler at a very early age. You must pick the first incorrect segment. Concept / Approach: Certain verbs form fixed combinations with specific objects, and adding a preposition can break the pattern. For the throne, English uses ascend the throne with a direct object. The verb ascend can take a preposition in other contexts, such as ascend to the mountain peak, but when throne is used as a symbolic object of rulership, the idiomatic pattern is without to. Therefore, we must identify that the error lies in part 2, where to has been incorrectly inserted. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read part 1: She ascended. There is no subject verb disagreement, and the past tense is correctly formed.Step 2: Read part 2: to the throne. Here, the preposition to stands between the verb ascended and the object the throne.Step 3: Recall the standard expression: She ascended the throne, which does not use a preposition.Step 4: Part 3, at the early age of seven, is grammatically acceptable and expresses time clearly.Step 5: Therefore, the error is located in segment 2, and the sentence should read She ascended the throne at the early age of seven.Step 6: Mark option 2 as the answer. Verification / Alternative check: Replacing to the throne with the throne gives: She ascended the throne at the early age of seven. This version matches how history books usually describe the coronation or rise of a monarch. You will find countless examples of this phrase in standard English usage. No other part of the sentence requires a correction, confirming that part 2 contains the only clear error. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option 1: She ascended is perfectly correct as a simple past tense sentence opener. There is no issue with tense or subject. Option 3: at the early age of seven is a proper prepositional phrase indicating the time when she became ruler. The article the before early age is acceptable, and seven is a correct numeral used as an age. Option 4: No error is wrong because the sentence clearly misuses the verb phrase for throne. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes over generalise verb patterns and think that ascend always needs a preposition to. While ascend to is possible in many physical movement contexts, idiomatic expressions like ascend the throne are fixed and must be memorised. Another pitfall is focusing too much on minor details like the choice between at the age of seven and at an early age, which are both acceptable, and missing the more significant verb phrase error. In such questions, always check collocations with important nouns like throne, office, or responsibility, where English has well established patterns. Final Answer: The incorrect segment is 2; the correct sentence should be She ascended the throne at the early age of seven.

Question 6

In the following question, the sentence is given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate phrasal verb. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. Neha's mother was annoyed with her as sh…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of phrasal verbs, which are verb plus particle combinations that carry specific meanings. The sentence describes a mother who is annoyed because her daughter has failed in some way related to an examination. You must choose the phrasal verb that naturally describes success or failure in an exam context. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: Neha's mother was annoyed with her as she could not _____ her examination. Options: Get off, Get on, Get upon, Get through. The feeling of annoyance suggests that Neha has not achieved a desired result. The blank must be filled by a phrasal verb that collocates with examination. Concept / Approach: In examination related English, a very common phrasal verb is get through, which means to pass an examination successfully or to clear a test. When someone fails to get through an exam, parents or teachers may feel disappointed or annoyed. The other options with get have very different meanings, and do not naturally combine with examination to express passing or clearing a test. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the situation: Neha attempted an examination but did not achieve the expected result.Step 2: Recall common expressions: get through the examination, pass the examination, clear the examination.Step 3: Insert get through into the sentence: she could not get through her examination. This means she failed or did not pass.Step 4: Check that this meaning explains why her mother was annoyed.Step 5: Examine other options and notice that none of them describe passing or failing a test.Step 6: Conclude that get through is the only correct phrasal verb here. Verification / Alternative check: Express the same idea using a direct verb: Neha's mother was annoyed with her as she could not pass her examination. Get through is often used interchangeably with pass in exam contexts, so the substitution shows that the chosen phrasal verb is appropriate. The emotional reaction in the sentence also fits naturally with failure to get through an important test. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Get off: This usually means to leave a vehicle or to avoid punishment, as in get off the bus or get off lightly. It does not combine with examination in this sense. Get on: This can mean make progress in life or manage, as in get on well. However, get on an examination is not a standard expression in English. Get upon: This is not a common phrasal verb in modern English usage, and get upon her examination would be meaningless in this context. Common Pitfalls: Because many phrasal verbs begin with get, learners sometimes confuse them and hope that any form with get plus a preposition might work. It is not enough to know the base verb; you must learn the whole phrasal verb as a unit. Another pitfall is ignoring context clues like annoyance or disappointment, which clearly point towards failure rather than some neutral action. Whenever you see examination or test in such questions, remember that get through is a very important phrasal verb that directly relates to passing. Final Answer: The correct phrasal verb is Get through, so the completed sentence is Neha's mother was annoyed with her as she could not get through her examination.

Question 7

In the following question, the sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. I shall _____ her if she apologises to me for…

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Introduction / Context: This fill in the blank question is about choosing the correct verb to express an appropriate reaction to an apology. The speaker talks about what they will do if the other person apologises for misbehavior. The correct option should logically match the idea of accepting an apology rather than reacting harshly. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: I shall _____ her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior. Options: pardon, forgive, punish, reprimand. The condition if she apologises suggests a positive change of heart by the other person. The main clause should show a reasonable and often generous response to such an apology. Concept / Approach: In everyday English, the verb forgive is used most commonly when someone apologises and the listener decides not to stay angry or resentful. Pardon is also related but is more formal and often associated with legal situations or official acts. Punish and reprimand mean to impose a negative consequence or scolding, which contradicts the spirit of accepting an apology. Therefore, you should choose the verb that fits a kind and reconciliatory response. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the action in the subordinate clause: she apologises to me for her misbehavior.Step 2: Understand that an apology normally calls for a positive or forgiving reaction if the speaker is generous.Step 3: Test forgive in the blank: I shall forgive her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior. This reads naturally and expresses acceptance.Step 4: Compare with I shall pardon her. Although grammatically correct, this sounds formal and less common in daily personal interactions.Step 5: Note that punish and reprimand conflict with the purpose of an apology, which is to reduce or remove anger.Step 6: Conclude that forgive is the most appropriate and natural choice. Verification / Alternative check: Try paraphrasing the sentence: If she says sorry for her misbehavior, I will forgive her. This is a very common pattern in ordinary speech and writing. It matches well with the emotional logic of apologies and forgiveness. The word forgive is widely used in moral, religious, and interpersonal contexts to describe letting go of resentment. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pardon: While one can say I shall pardon her, this is usually used in formal, legal, or official settings, such as a president pardoning a criminal. It does not match the intimate tone of a personal apology as well as forgive does. Punish: If the speaker says I shall punish her if she apologises, the sentence becomes illogical. Apology is generally expected to reduce punishment, not trigger it. Reprimand: To reprimand someone means to scold or criticise them. Again, doing this after an apology contradicts the expected purpose of saying sorry. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted by the word pardon because it seems closer to examination style vocabulary. However, exams also test naturalness in usage. Another mistake is to ignore the conditional clause and look only at individual word meanings, without considering emotional coherence. Whenever an apology appears in a sentence, always think of forgiveness or acceptance as the most usual reaction, unless the sentence explicitly states the opposite. This approach leads quickly to the correct option here. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is forgive, giving the sentence I shall forgive her if she apologises to me for her misbehavior.

Question 8

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word similar in meaning to the word given. Ebullient.

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Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word ebullient. Such questions are common in general English sections and test your range of descriptive adjectives. Ebullient is often used to describe people, moods, or styles that are full of energy and lively enthusiasm. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Ebullient. Options: Deceitful, Insincerity, Enthusiastic, Prejudice. You must pick the option closest in meaning to ebullient in standard English usage. Concept / Approach: The word ebullient comes from a root meaning to bubble or boil. Figuratively, it describes someone who is bubbling with energy and excitement. Therefore, we look for a positive adjective that expresses high spirits and liveliness. Among the options, enthusiastic clearly matches that sense, while the others refer to dishonesty or biased attitudes and are negative or unrelated in meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of ebullient: full of cheerful energy, lively, and excited.Step 2: Examine each option. Deceitful means dishonest or misleading. Insincerity refers to lack of genuine feeling. Enthusiastic means full of eager interest or excitement. Prejudice refers to an unfair opinion formed without proper knowledge.Step 3: Match enthusiastic with the idea of bubbling energy and excitement.Step 4: Confirm that the other choices do not have any connection with joy or liveliness.Step 5: Therefore, choose Enthusiastic as the synonym. Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in sample sentences. An ebullient crowd cheered the team on and An enthusiastic crowd cheered the team on are very similar in meaning. By contrast, a deceitful crowd or a prejudice crowd would sound wrong and would change the meaning completely. This confirms that enthusiastic is the correct partner for ebullient in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Deceitful: This describes a person who lies or cheats. It has no relation to high spirits or excitement. Insincerity: This is a noun meaning lack of genuine feeling or honesty in emotion. It not only differs in meaning but also in grammatical form, since ebullient is an adjective. Prejudice: This refers to an unfair and usually negative opinion formed without justification. It is a negative social attitude and is unrelated to the joyful nature implied by ebullient. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes learners confuse unusual words like ebullient with negative ones because they sound complicated. Another pitfall is not noticing the part of speech. Here, ebullient is an adjective, so the answer should also ideally be an adjective, which eliminates a noun like insincerity. Always think of example sentences where you might use the word and see which option can replace it without changing the tone or meaning. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to ebullient is Enthusiastic.

Question 9

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word similar in meaning to the word given. Truculent.

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of adjectives describing aggressive or violent behaviour. The word to be explained is truculent, and you must find the closest synonym from the options given. Such words are common in reading comprehension and descriptive passages, especially in discussions of conflict, temperament, or hostile attitudes. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Truculent. Options: Ferocious, Luxurious, Luscious, Delicious. We must select the option that has a meaning closest to truculent. Concept / Approach: Truculent refers to someone who is aggressively defiant, fierce, or eager to fight. It is generally negative and often used for people, animals, or even tones and attitudes that are harsh and hostile. Among the options, ferocious means fierce, savage, or violently aggressive, making it the natural synonym. The other three options all relate to pleasant qualities like comfort, taste, or richness, which are opposite in emotional tone to truculent. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of truculent: aggressively hostile, fierce, or eager to argue or fight.Step 2: Consider ferocious: fierce, violent, or savage. This clearly overlaps with the sense of truculent.Step 3: Look at luxurious: connected to great comfort or high quality, usually positive and unrelated to aggression.Step 4: Consider luscious: rich, sweet, or pleasant, especially in taste, again positive and unrelated to hostility.Step 5: Delicious simply means very pleasant to taste or smell.Step 6: Only ferocious matches the negative and aggressive sense of truculent, so it is the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Use simple sentences: His truculent manner frightened everyone in the room and His ferocious manner frightened everyone in the room express similar ideas of frightening aggressiveness. Substituting luxurious, luscious, or delicious would make no sense in the same sentence. This confirms ferocious as the best synonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Luxurious: This word is related to luxury and comfort. It describes objects, houses, cars, or lifestyles, not aggressive personalities. Luscious: This usually describes food, drink, or sometimes physical attractiveness, meaning rich, sweet, or pleasing. It carries a positive sensual connotation, not hostility. Delicious: This is used mainly for food or experiences that taste or feel very good. It has no relation to aggression or violence. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake in synonym questions is to ignore the emotional tone of the word and focus only on rough similarities in sound or length. Truculent sounds unusual and may tempt some candidates to guess randomly. To avoid this, build a habit of learning words in context rather than as isolated vocabulary. When you know that truculent characters in stories are usually stubborn, fight ready, or harsh, it becomes easy to match it with ferocious and to eliminate words that describe comfort or good taste. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to truculent is Ferocious.

Question 10

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word opposite in meaning to the word given. Niggardly.

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Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for an antonym of the adjective niggardly. Antonym questions test whether you understand both the core meaning of the original word and its emotional direction, whether positive or negative. Niggardly is commonly used to describe people who are very mean with money or other resources. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Niggardly. Options: Mingy, Inefficient, Generous, Sinful. We must select the option that expresses the opposite meaning. Concept / Approach: Niggardly means extremely mean, miserly, or unwilling to spend or give. Therefore, the direct opposite is someone who gives freely, shares readily, or spends with an open hand. The adjective that captures this is generous. Among the options, mingy is another word for mean or miserly, inefficient is unrelated, and sinful describes moral wrongdoing rather than attitudes to giving. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define niggardly as mean, miserly, or very tight with money and resources.Step 2: Identify generous as the word that describes a person who is willing to give or share freely.Step 3: Compare meanings: a niggardly person avoids giving, while a generous person enjoys giving. These are opposite behaviours.Step 4: Check mingy and note that it is a synonym of niggardly, not an antonym.Step 5: Note that inefficient has to do with poor performance and sinful concerns moral wrongdoing, neither related to generosity.Step 6: Conclude that generous is the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Use sample sentences. A niggardly tip disappointed the waiter versus A generous tip delighted the waiter. The two sentences describe opposite experiences and opposite attitudes. Using mingy in place of niggardly would preserve the negative idea, not reverse it; using generous reverses it, which is what an antonym should do. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mingy: This is a synonym of niggardly, meaning mean or penny pinching. It is the opposite of generous, not of niggardly. Inefficient: This word describes someone who does not work effectively or wastes time and resources. It is unrelated to attitudes about giving or spending. Sinful: This word is used in a religious or moral context to describe actions that are morally wrong, not specifically about being stingy or generous. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is confusing synonym and antonym questions. Because mingy and niggardly both suggest meanness, students who skim the instructions may select mingy by mistake. Another issue is not knowing the exact meaning of niggardly and guessing based on sound alone. To avoid this, always confirm whether the question asks for similar or opposite meaning and recall at least one example sentence in your mind before choosing an answer. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to niggardly is Generous.

Question 11

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word opposite in meaning to the word given. Dissident.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on political and social vocabulary. The term dissident refers to a person who disagrees strongly with official policy or the established system, especially in political contexts. You must identify the antonym, that is, a word describing someone who accepts or supports established beliefs or authority. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Dissident. Options: Alienated, Iconoclast, Divisive, Orthodox. We must choose the option that carries the opposite sense of the word dissident. Concept / Approach: Dissident refers to a person who actively opposes or criticises official policies, often a rebel or protester. The natural opposite is someone who follows traditional beliefs, respects established practices, and avoids challenging authority. The adjective orthodox describes people who stick to accepted doctrines and do not rebel against them. In contrast, alienated, iconoclast, and divisive all describe distancing or challenging behaviour, either identical or close in spirit to dissidence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define dissident as a person who disagrees with and actively challenges established authority or policy.Step 2: Consider orthodox, which means following traditional beliefs or established doctrine, especially in religion or politics.Step 3: Recognise that an orthodox person accepts and maintains the system that dissidents oppose.Step 4: Review alienated, which means feeling isolated or estranged, not necessarily obedient to authority.Step 5: Iconoclast refers to someone who attacks established beliefs or institutions, very similar to a dissident.Step 6: Divisive describes something or someone that causes disagreement and division, again closer to dissident than to its opposite.Step 7: Conclude that orthodox is the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a government. A dissident critic openly condemns its policies and demands change. An orthodox supporter respects the traditional system and follows its rules. These two figures stand on opposite sides of the spectrum. This mental picture confirms that orthodox is the antonym of dissident in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Alienated: This means feeling cut off or isolated, perhaps from society or family. An alienated person may disagree with the system, but the word does not mean supporter of tradition, so it cannot be an antonym. Iconoclast: An iconoclast deliberately breaks or attacks established beliefs, customs, or icons. That is very close in spirit to a dissident, not the opposite. Divisive: This describes something that creates conflict and division. Dissident actions may be divisive, so the two ideas are related, not opposite. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may confuse synonym and antonym tasks, especially when several options share an atmosphere of conflict or disagreement. Iconoclast in particular is a trap because it describes a rebel against accepted beliefs. Always read the question stem carefully to see whether it asks for similar or opposite meaning. When dealing with political vocabulary, try to visualise who supports the system and who attacks it. That mental contrast will help you pick the right antonym more confidently. Final Answer: The word opposite in meaning to dissident is Orthodox.

Question 12

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Bear the palm.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks you to interpret the meaning of the idiom bear the palm. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot always be guessed from the literal meanings of the individual words. Many idioms in English originate from historical customs, competitions, or literary sources. Here you must choose the explanation that matches the figurative meaning of the phrase. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: Bear the palm. Options: To face the consequences, To meet death, To be able to predict future, To win. The idiom is associated with victory or success in a contest. Concept / Approach: Historically, in some ancient competitions, a palm branch or palm leaf was given as a prize or symbol of victory. To bear the palm therefore literally means to carry the token of victory. In modern idiomatic English, the phrase has come to mean to win or to achieve first place in a contest or comparison. So we look for the option that best captures this idea of winning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the origin: a palm branch as a reward for a victor in ancient games.Step 2: Translate that idea into modern English: a person who bears the palm is the winner or champion.Step 3: Examine option D, To win, which exactly matches this idea.Step 4: Consider the other options. None relate naturally to carrying a symbol of victory.Step 5: Choose option D as the meaning of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Use the idiom in a sample sentence: Among all the contestants, it was Ravi who bore the palm in the singing competition. This clearly means Ravi won the competition. If we replace bore the palm with won, the sentence retains its meaning, confirming the equivalence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To face the consequences: This phrase deals with accepting the results of one’s actions, whether good or bad. It is not connected with victory. To meet death: This simply means to die. There is no traditional link between death and carrying a palm branch as a prize. To be able to predict future: This refers to fortune telling or prophecy and is unrelated to contests or awards. Common Pitfalls: When candidates do not know an idiom, they sometimes select an option that seems dramatic or mysterious, such as death or predicting the future. Another pitfall is trying to guess from the words themselves without any cultural background. For idioms, it is important to build a small memory bank of common phrases and their meanings. Knowing even a few such expressions can greatly increase your score in this section because idiom questions often have only one option that truly fits the context of the phrase. Final Answer: The idiom bear the palm means To win.

Question 13

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. To give the devil his due.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This idiom question examines your understanding of a common English expression used when someone who is usually disliked or considered bad still deserves some praise in a particular situation. The phrase to give the devil his due reflects a fair minded attitude, where even an opponent or morally weak person is recognised for real merit or ability. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiom: To give the devil his due. Options: To punish the wrong person, To give credit to even a notorious person, To let the enemy learn the lesson on his own, To stand in the way of the devil. The devil symbolically represents a person with a bad reputation, but due means the share of credit or recognition that is deserved. Concept / Approach: To give someone their due means to recognise what they truly deserve, often in terms of praise or acknowledgment. When the person is called the devil, the phrase becomes ironic, indicating that although the person is bad in many ways, one must still admit a particular strength or good quality. The best explanation thus involves giving credit to someone even if they are notorious or usually criticised. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand due as something owed, often respect, credit, or payment.Step 2: Note that devil symbolises a person with bad character or reputation.Step 3: Combine both ideas: despite disliking the person, you still acknowledge their merit in fairness.Step 4: Look at option B: To give credit to even a notorious person. This perfectly captures that idea.Step 5: Confirm that other options do not mention credit or fairness.Step 6: Select option B as the correct meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a sentence: I do not like his methods, but to give the devil his due, he works very hard for his team. Here, the speaker admits that although the person is generally not admired, his hard work must be fairly recognised. If we rephrase using option B, we get: I do not like his methods, but I must give credit to this notorious person for working hard. The meaning remains the same. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To punish the wrong person: This describes an unjust punishment and has nothing to do with giving credit. To let the enemy learn the lesson on his own: This is about allowing someone to suffer the consequences of their mistakes, not about acknowledging ability. To stand in the way of the devil: This sounds like opposing evil, but the idiom is about reluctantly acknowledging good qualities, not blocking the devil. Common Pitfalls: Some learners focus too literally on the word devil and assume the idiom must involve fighting or punishing evil. However, idioms often use strong images to make a subtler point. Here, the key idea is fairness and honesty in evaluation, even of those we dislike. Whenever you see the phrase give someone their due, remember it is about recognising their real merit or rights, not about punishing or ignoring them. Final Answer: The idiom to give the devil his due means To give credit to even a notorious person when that person genuinely deserves it.

Question 14

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence, if necessary. (No sooner the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appeared) than there was a rush on the online website for prebooking the same.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests your familiarity with the correlative structure no sooner than in English. When no sooner comes at the beginning of a clause, it typically triggers inversion of the auxiliary verb and subject. The structure is highly formulaic in exam English and appears frequently, so mastering it is very important for candidates. Given Data / Assumptions: Original clause in brackets: No sooner the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appeared. Remainder of the sentence: than there was a rush on the online website for prebooking the same. Options include different patterns with auxiliary verbs and word order. The correct pattern must follow standard no sooner than grammar. Concept / Approach: When a sentence begins with no sooner, English requires an auxiliary verb before the subject. Two common correct patterns are: No sooner did subject base verb than and No sooner had subject past participle than. Both express that one event happened immediately before another. The given sentence uses simple past appeared, so we look for an option that uses either did appear or had appeared correctly with inversion and matches the time relationship between the advertisement and the rush on the website. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the two events: the advertisement appeared and there was a rush on the website.Step 2: Recognise that the intended meaning is that the rush followed immediately after the advertisement appeared.Step 3: Recall the pattern: No sooner did subject base verb than result clause, or No sooner had subject past participle than result clause.Step 4: Examine option B: No sooner did the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appear. This follows the pattern with auxiliary did and base verb appear.Step 5: Check that when combined with than there was a rush, the sentence becomes fully grammatical and clear.Step 6: Choose option B as the best improvement. Verification / Alternative check: With option B, the full sentence reads: No sooner did the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appear than there was a rush on the online website for prebooking the same. This clearly expresses that the rush followed almost immediately after the advertisement appeared. You can also verify that the inversion pattern is correctly used: auxiliary did comes before the subject the advertisement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: No sooner had the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appeared. This clause by itself is structurally acceptable, but when joined to the rest of the sentence we would get No sooner had the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appeared than there was a rush, which is also grammatically correct. However, exam setters generally expect consistency with the simpler did appear form when the main clause uses simple past. Either could be defended, but given the options, the pattern with did plus base verb is the more typical in such exam questions. Option C: The advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone no sooner appeared. This disrupts the required correlative pattern and leaves the than clause unbalanced. It is not the standard no sooner than construction. Option D: No improvement is wrong because the original clause No sooner the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appeared lacks the auxiliary verb and inversion, so it is ungrammatical in formal English. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget that negative adverbials like no sooner, hardly, or rarely require inversion when placed at the beginning of a sentence. Another mistake is mixing did plus past form of the verb, such as did appeared, which is incorrect. Always pair did with the base form and had with the past participle. When you see no sooner at the start, quickly recall the complete formula: No sooner did subject verb than or No sooner had subject verb three than, and then select the option that fits this pattern closely. Final Answer: The improved form of the bracketed part is No sooner did the advertisement regarding the launch of new smart phone appear.

Question 15

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence, if necessary. The equipment is (adapted to) cotton industries.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests correct preposition use with the verb adapted. English uses different prepositions with adapt depending on whether something is changed to suit something else or taken from a source. The sentence refers to a piece of equipment designed to be suitable for use in cotton industries, so you need to select the preposition that expresses suitability or special design for a purpose. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: The equipment is adapted to cotton industries. Bracketed phrase: adapted to. Options include adapted from, adapted for, adapted of, and no improvement. The context is industrial usage, not modification from another source text. Concept / Approach: When something is adapted for a particular use, it means it has been adjusted or designed to be suitable for that purpose. Adapted from is used when one work or design is derived from another, as in a film adapted from a novel. The preposition to can appear with adapt in the sense of a person or system adjusting to conditions, as in adapt to a new environment, but in this sentence the focus is on suitability of equipment for an industry. Therefore, adapted for is the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the meaning: the equipment has been made suitable for use in cotton industries.Step 2: Recall the pattern: be adapted for a purpose when something is adjusted for a specific use.Step 3: Insert adapted for into the sentence: The equipment is adapted for cotton industries.Step 4: Check that this expresses the intended idea clearly and idiomatically.Step 5: Compare with adapted to and recognise that this pattern is more about people or systems adjusting to conditions, not about design.Step 6: Choose option B as the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar sentences: This machine is adapted for use in cold climates. The software is adapted for educational purposes. Both sentences use adapted for to indicate suitability. Applying the same logic, The equipment is adapted for cotton industries fits naturally. Using adapted to in this context would sound less idiomatic and could confuse the reader about who or what is adjusting. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Adapted from: This suggests that the equipment has been developed from some original model or source, as in a machine adapted from a military design. That is not the idea here; we are focusing on its suitability for cotton industries. Adapted of: This combination is not standard English. Adapt is not followed by of in this way. No improvement: The original phrase adapted to cotton industries is not the best or standard way to express suitability of equipment for industrial use, so an improvement is necessary. Common Pitfalls: Many learners mix up adapt to and adapt for. Remember the simple rule: people, animals, or systems adapt to circumstances, but tools, devices, or plans are adapted for a purpose. Another pitfall is thinking that any preposition can follow adapted as long as the sentence sounds somewhat acceptable. In grammar based exams, however, collocation precision is important. Pay close attention to what is being adapted and for what reason, then choose the preposition that matches that relationship. Final Answer: The correct improvement of the bracketed part is adapted for, so the full sentence should read: The equipment is adapted for cotton industries.

Question 16

In the following question, choose the one-word substitute for the given expression: a person who loads and unloads ships at a port or dock.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In competitive English examinations, one-word substitution questions are very common. They test whether the learner knows an exact technical or occupational term for a longer descriptive phrase. Here the phrase describes a person whose regular job is loading and unloading cargo from ships at a dock or port. The goal is to identify the precise noun used in standard English for this occupation. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase to be converted into a single word is “one who loads and unloads ships at a port or dock”. - Five alternative words are given: Stevedore, Transgressor, Lapidist, Reticent, Longshoreman. - Only one of these correctly and exactly names that profession. Concept / Approach: The key approach in one-word substitution questions is vocabulary knowledge. We must know or deduce the meanings of all the options, then match the definition in the stem with the most accurate term. It is important not to be misled by words that look sophisticated but have unrelated meanings. Occupational vocabulary, especially for older trades like shipping, often has very specific words that students are expected to remember for exams. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the central idea: the person works with ships and handles cargo being loaded and unloaded. Step 2: Recall that in English, the traditional word for such a dock worker who loads or unloads cargo is “stevedore”. This term is widely used in shipping contexts. Step 3: Check option A: “Stevedore” – this indeed means a labourer responsible for loading and unloading cargo from a ship. Step 4: Check option B: “Transgressor” – this refers to someone who breaks a rule or law, not a port worker. Step 5: Check option C: “Lapidist” – this is a person who cuts, polishes or engraves precious stones, a completely different profession. Step 6: Check option D: “Reticent” – this is an adjective meaning reserved or not talkative, not an occupational noun. Step 7: Check option E: “Longshoreman” – this is also a dock worker, but the phrase in the question is more traditionally associated with the technical term “stevedore”, which exam patterns usually expect. Step 8: Conclude that “Stevedore” is the best and most precise one-word substitute for the given phrase. Verification / Alternative check: Dictionaries define “stevedore” as a labourer who loads and unloads cargo from ships in a port. Some regions also use the term “longshoreman”, and in everyday language both may be heard. However, classical one-word substitution questions in standard exam books consistently list “stevedore” as the expected answer for this particular phrase. This confirms that choosing option A aligns with both dictionary usage and exam convention. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Transgressor: describes a wrongdoer or lawbreaker, totally unrelated to ships or ports. - Lapidist: refers to a person working with precious stones, not with cargo on ships. - Reticent: an adjective about character (being quiet), not a job title. - Longshoreman: related to dock work but less standard in traditional exam keys for this exact phrase; “stevedore” is more precise in this context. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes pick a word simply because it sounds advanced, without knowing its meaning. Another pitfall is confusion between similar occupations, such as sailors, captains, porters, and dock workers. Remember that “stevedore” is closely tied to the work of loading and unloading ships, not sailing them or policing the port. Carefully matching each option to the phrase prevents such errors. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute for “one who loads and unloads ships at a port or dock” is Stevedore.

Question 17

In the following question, choose the one-word substitute for the phrase: a belief or opinion that is contrary to what is generally accepted by society or the church.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks knowledge of one-word substitutes related to beliefs and religious or social doctrine. The phrase describes a belief that goes against what is widely or officially accepted, especially within a religious institution. In English, there is a specific term used in theology and history for such a belief, and the question expects that precise word. Given Data / Assumptions: - We must replace the phrase “belief or opinion contrary to what is generally accepted” with a single word. - Five alternatives are given: Invocation, Incognito, Heresy, Mercenary, Dogma. - Only one option correctly describes a belief that conflicts with accepted doctrine or popular opinion. Concept / Approach: The key concept here is understanding vocabulary related to belief systems. A term that specifically means a belief opposed to established or orthodox doctrine is needed. Words used in religious history about people punished for wrong belief (in the view of authorities) are especially important. We must differentiate between words that refer to belief itself and those that refer to related ideas like prayer, secrecy or payment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the phrase: it refers to a belief or opinion that goes against generally accepted or orthodox views. Step 2: Recall the term “heresy”, which is used for doctrines or beliefs that oppose official church teaching or accepted doctrine. Step 3: Examine option C: “Heresy” – this word exactly fits the idea of an opinion that is in conflict with established belief, especially in religious contexts. Step 4: Examine option A: “Invocation” – this means an appeal or prayer to a deity or authority, not a wrong or unorthodox belief. Step 5: Examine option B: “Incognito” – this means having one's identity concealed, not any kind of belief. Step 6: Examine option D: “Mercenary” – this describes a person who works only for money, especially a hired soldier, not a type of belief. Step 7: Examine option E: “Dogma” – this refers to an established opinion or principle, especially one laid down by an authority, usually the accepted doctrine, not the belief that goes against it. Step 8: Conclude that “Heresy” is the only option that exactly matches the phrase in the question. Verification / Alternative check: Standard dictionaries define “heresy” as an opinion or doctrine that contradicts orthodox or accepted beliefs, especially in theology. Historical examples include people who were tried for religious heresy when they challenged church teachings. This aligns perfectly with “belief or opinion contrary to what is generally accepted”, confirming that option C is accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - Invocation: means a prayer or appeal, not a controversial belief. - Incognito: indicates hidden identity, unrelated to doctrine or opinions. - Mercenary: describes a self-interested person, not a belief system. - Dogma: is actually the official doctrine that heresy opposes, so it is almost the opposite idea. Common Pitfalls: Learners may confuse “dogma” and “heresy”, because both are used in religious contexts. Remember that dogma is what the authorities declare to be true, while heresy is the belief that challenges or denies that official truth. Another pitfall is picking a word that simply sounds serious without knowing its meaning. Understanding definitions clearly helps to avoid such errors. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute for “belief or opinion contrary to what is generally accepted” is Heresy.

Question 18

In the following question, four words are given. Identify the word that is incorrectly spelt according to standard English usage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions test a learner's attention to detail and familiarity with common but sometimes tricky English words. Here four words are presented, and the task is to pick the one that is incorrectly spelt. This type of question often targets words with double consonants or unusual vowel patterns that many candidates confuse in writing. Given Data / Assumptions: - We are given four options: Tomorrow, Occurence, Temperature, Preferable. - Only one of these words is not spelled correctly in standard English. - The other three reflect correct dictionary spellings. Concept / Approach: The idea is to mentally compare each option with the spelling that you have seen in reliable sources such as textbooks, newspapers or dictionaries. Words like “tomorrow” and “occurrence” are notorious for confusion around double letters. A systematic check of each option helps avoid guessing purely by appearance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check option A: “Tomorrow”. The correct spelling of the word for the day after today is t-o-m-o-r-r-o-w, with a double r in the middle. The option matches that form, so it is correct. Step 2: Check option C: “Temperature”. The common noun for degree of heat or cold is spelt t-e-m-p-e-r-a-t-u-r-e. The option is correctly written. Step 3: Check option D: “Preferable”. The adjective meaning more desirable is spelt p-r-e-f-e-r-a-b-l-e. The given option is correct. Step 4: Check option B: “Occurence”. The standard spelling of this noun is “occurrence” with a double r: o-c-c-u-r-r-e-n-c-e. The option has only one r after “cur”, so “Occurence” is incorrect. Step 5: Conclude that option B is the only incorrectly spelt word among the four. Verification / Alternative check: Consulting a reliable dictionary shows the correct form as “occurrence”. The pattern is: occur (verb) plus the suffix -ence, in which the r is doubled. In contrast, “Occurence” drops one r and does not match the dictionary, confirming that it is a misspelling. The other options appear exactly as in standard references. Why Other Options Are Wrong: In this question, “wrong” refers to using them as the answer. They are correct spellings, so they are not the required incorrect option. - Tomorrow: standard spelling, very common word. - Temperature: correct spelling of the scientific term. - Preferable: standard adjective form with the suffix -able. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes incorrectly think “tommorow” or “temperatue” are acceptable forms, but exam setters usually choose correct versions for these to avoid confusion. The real trap here is the missing r in “Occurence”, which looks almost right at a quick glance. Carefully checking double consonants is a good habit when answering spelling questions. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word among the options is Occurence (correct form: “occurrence”).

Question 19

In the following question, four words are given. Identify the one word that is incorrectly spelt according to standard English usage.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling items focus on small but important details of English words, such as doubled consonants and vowel order. Here, four common words are shown, and we must select the one which is not spelled correctly. Examinations often select a word like “receding” because its pronunciation can mislead learners into inserting extra vowels or consonants. Given Data / Assumptions: - The options are: Receeding, Cemetery, Parallelogram, Rehearsal, and an implicit correct form Receding for comparison. - Only one spelling is wrong according to standard English. - The others are standard dictionary spellings. Concept / Approach: We need to remember that spelling in English is not always phonetic. Therefore, we must rely on prior reading and memorization of the correct forms. Words like “cemetery” and “parallelogram” are often tested because they mix vowels and consonants in ways that are not obvious from pronunciation. The strategy is to check each option carefully against what you know from exposure to written English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider option B: “Cemetery”. The correct spelling of the burial ground is c-e-m-e-t-e-r-y. The option matches this exactly, so it is correct. Step 2: Consider option C: “Parallelogram”. This geometrical term is spelt p-a-r-a-l-l-e-l-o-g-r-a-m. The option has the correct pattern of double l and is therefore correctly spelt. Step 3: Consider option D: “Rehearsal”. The correct spelling of the noun related to practice before a performance is r-e-h-e-a-r-s-a-l, which is the same as in the option. Step 4: Consider option A: “Receeding”. The correct form of the verb in its present participle is “receding”, spelt r-e-c-e-d-i-n-g, with one e after c and one after d. The option “Receeding” with double e after c is incorrect. Step 5: Conclude that option A is the only incorrectly spelt word of the given set. Verification / Alternative check: A standard dictionary confirms that “receding” (as in receding hairline or receding tide) uses the base verb “recede”, which has the ending -cede, not -ceed. This explains why “Receeding” is wrong: it wrongly follows the pattern of words like “proceeding”, but “recede” belongs to a different spelling family. The other words exactly match their dictionary forms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Again, “wrong” here means wrong to choose as the incorrect spelling, because: - Cemetery: has the vowels e-e-e in that exact sequence, which is correct. - Parallelogram: correctly shows “parallel” plus “ogram”. - Rehearsal: correctly spells the noun based on the verb “rehearse”. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to confuse “recede” with verbs ending in -ceed, leading to spellings like “receed” or “receeding”. The safest habit is to learn word families: proceed, proceed-ing; succeed, success; but recede, receding. When you know which family a word belongs to, you are less likely to introduce extra vowels. Final Answer: The incorrectly spelt word in this list is Receeding (correct form: “receding”).

Question 20

The following question presents four labelled sentences (S, Q, P, R). Choose the most logical order to form a coherent paragraph about village artisans and rural employment.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Parajumble questions test the ability to understand the logical flow of ideas and connect sentences into a meaningful paragraph. In this item, four sentences labelled S, Q, P and R discuss rural life, village artisans, and employment for peasants and educated villagers. We must arrange them so that the paragraph develops smoothly from introduction to conclusion. Given Data / Assumptions: The labelled sentences are: - S: Having discussed the problems and requirements of rural life. - Q: Let us consider the village artisans. - P: If all the requirements of the villages are satisfied there by itself, then the peasants will usefully utilize their spare time. - R: This will also provide employment to all the educated people of the villages. We assume that S, Q, P and R together must form a coherent paragraph that continues an earlier discussion about rural development. Concept / Approach: The usual approach for sentence ordering questions is to first identify the sentence that can logically begin the paragraph (typically a broad or introductory statement). Then we look for markers such as “this”, “therefore”, or pronouns that refer back to earlier ideas. We also track the gradual progression of ideas: from problems, to focus area, to proposal, to consequences. Sentences that refer to “this” or “this will” must follow something specified earlier. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Sentence S begins with “Having discussed the problems and requirements of rural life”, which clearly sounds like a transition from earlier discussion. It signals that the writer is now moving on to a new but related topic. S is a natural opening sentence for this paragraph. Step 2: After S, the writer must specify what will be considered next. Sentence Q says, “Let us consider the village artisans.” This fits immediately after S, because it narrows the focus from rural life in general to village artisans in particular. Step 3: Once village artisans are introduced, we expect a statement about how satisfying village requirements locally will affect peasants. Sentence P states that if village requirements are met within the village itself, peasants can use their spare time productively. This continues the argument about rural self-sufficiency and employment. Step 4: Sentence R begins with “This will also provide employment…”, clearly referring back to the arrangement mentioned in P. The word “This” sums up the plan of satisfying village needs locally through artisans and then connects it to greater employment for educated villagers. Step 5: Therefore, the correct order is S – Q – P – R, which corresponds to option SQPR. Verification / Alternative check: Try placing any other sentence first. Starting with Q or P feels abrupt, because there is no prior reference to “the problems and requirements of rural life”. Putting R before P also fails, because “This” would have no clear antecedent. Only the order S Q P R provides a smooth movement: from discussion of rural issues, to village artisans, to satisfying village needs locally, to resulting employment opportunities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: - PRQS and QRPS: both start with P or Q and do not provide the natural transitional phrase of S; the paragraph feels incomplete and logically weak. - PSQR: putting P first introduces “the requirements of the villages” without stating that rural problems have already been discussed, so it seems disconnected. - SPQR (option e) would place R directly after P but still misses the explicit introduction of artisans at the right position. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on vague thematic similarity and ignore linking words such as “Having discussed” and “This”. Careful attention to such connectors and pronouns is critical. They act like signposts that show which sentence should follow another. Always look for references like “this” or “these” and check which earlier sentence they clearly refer to before finalizing the order. Final Answer: The most logical and coherent order of the sentences is SQPR (S → Q → P → R).

English Questions