Question 1

In this one word substitution question, choose the term that best expresses “the quality of being particularly noticeable, prominent, or standing out so that it naturally attracts attention”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One word substitution questions test a learner ability to match a descriptive phrase with a single precise term. Here the phrase given is the quality of being particularly noticeable, which is common in discussions about design, communication, and psychology. The correct word for this is salience. Understanding such vocabulary helps in reading academic texts and articles that talk about which features stand out, which signals people notice, or which issues receive public attention. Given Data / Assumptions: The key parts of the question are as follows: The phrase describes a quality, not an action or an object. The quality is being particularly noticeable or prominent. The options include salience, frivolous, immaterial, and trivial. We assume standard modern English usage as in formal writing. Concept / Approach: Salience is a noun derived from salient, which means prominent or noticeable. In many fields, such as marketing or psychology, salience refers to how much something stands out in the environment and captures attention. The other options describe different qualities: frivolous means silly or lacking in seriousness, immaterial means not relevant or not important, and trivial means very unimportant or minor. Therefore, the strategy is to match the phrase particularly noticeable with the idea of prominence, which points directly to salience. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the phrase refers to a quality, the quality of being noticeable or prominent. Step 2: Recall that salient features of a design or argument are those that stand out clearly. Step 3: From salient we get the noun salience, which directly captures the idea of being noticeable and prominent. Step 4: Compare this with option b, frivolous, which suggests lack of seriousness rather than visibility. Step 5: Compare with option c, immaterial, which means not relevant or not important to the matter at hand. Step 6: Compare with option d, trivial, which means very unimportant or insignificant. Step 7: Conclude that only option a, salience, matches the phrase given in the question. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by substituting the options into example sentences. For instance, In this advertisement, the salience of the brand logo helps customers remember it. This sentence uses salience to mean the logo stands out and is easily noticed. If we replace salience with frivolous, immaterial, or trivial, the meaning changes completely and no longer matches the idea of being particularly noticeable. This confirms that salience is the correct one word substitute. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b, frivolous, is incorrect because it refers to something that is silly, playful, or not serious, and does not focus on visibility. Option c, immaterial, is wrong since it means something that does not matter or is unrelated to the present issue. Option d, trivial, is incorrect because it describes something very small or unimportant, again unrelated to being noticeable. None of these alternatives contain the core idea of standing out in a way that draws attention, which is central to the given phrase. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to choose a word that feels familiar instead of carefully linking the exact meaning of the phrase to the dictionary meaning of the options. Learners may also confuse salience with words about importance, but salience is more about prominence and visibility than about value. To avoid such errors, always break the phrase into its key ideas and match them to the precise sense of each option rather than relying only on vague impressions. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for the quality of being particularly noticeable is salience.

Question 2

In this one word substitution question, select the term that best describes a disease or poison that is extremely severe or harmful in its effects.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on scientific and medical vocabulary often seen in news reports, biology textbooks, and health related discussions. The phrase given is of a disease or poison extremely severe or harmful in its effects. Competitive exams frequently ask for a single word that captures such detailed descriptions. Knowing the precise word helps readers understand discussions of infections, toxins, and social criticisms that use this term metaphorically. Given Data / Assumptions: The main details in the question are as follows: The phrase describes something extremely severe or harmful. The subject could be a disease, a poison, or even a metaphorical influence. The options given are innocuous, virulent, naive, and inoffensive. We assume standard usage as found in science and current affairs. Concept / Approach: The word virulent is used to describe a very harmful disease or poison. For example, a virulent strain of a virus is one that spreads quickly and causes serious illness. The same word can be used metaphorically for very bitter criticism or hatred. Innocuous and inoffensive both mean harmless or not likely to cause injury or offense. Naive means innocent or lacking experience, which does not match the idea of harmful effects. Therefore, based on the meaning required, virulent is the only correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core idea: the question describes something extremely severe or harmful in its effects. Step 2: Recall that virulent is commonly used for very dangerous diseases, poisons, or hateful attacks. Step 3: Evaluate option a, innocuous, which means harmless and safe. This is the opposite of what the phrase describes. Step 4: Evaluate option b, virulent, which exactly matches the idea of extreme harmfulness and severity. Step 5: Consider option c, naive, which refers to a person lacking experience or sophistication, not to a harmful substance. Step 6: Consider option d, inoffensive, which again means not likely to offend or harm, the direct opposite of severe harm. Step 7: Conclude that virulent is the correct one word substitute. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, imagine a sentence from a news article: The patient was infected with a virulent strain of influenza. The meaning is clearly that the strain is very dangerous, not harmless or mild. If we replace virulent with innocuous or inoffensive, the sentence would become contradictory. The description in the question also closely matches dictionary definitions of virulent, confirming that it is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, innocuous, is wrong because it means not harmful, which is the opposite of the phrase extremely severe or harmful. Option c, naive, is incorrect since it refers to a person character trait and has nothing to do with severity of a disease or poison. Option d, inoffensive, is also wrong because it indicates harmlessness or a lack of offense. None of these options convey the idea of strong harmful effects, which is central to the phrase given in the question. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus only on how familiar a word looks rather than its meaning. Because innocuous and inoffensive sound formal and are often seen in reading passages, some learners may be tempted by them without checking whether they actually match the description. Another pitfall is ignoring the key phrase extremely severe or harmful. To avoid such mistakes, always underline or mentally highlight these key adjectives before comparing options. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for a disease or poison that is extremely severe or harmful in its effects is virulent.

Question 3

In this spelling based English question, four versions of the plural of “analogue” are given; select the correctly spelt word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions test careful observation and familiarity with standard English forms. In this item, the learner needs to choose the correct plural form of the noun analogue, which is often used in electronics, physics, or comparisons such as digital versus analogue systems. Accurate spelling is important in exams, professional writing, and technical communication, where a small error can make a word look informal or incorrect. Given Data / Assumptions: The important points are as follows: The base word is analogue, a noun that can be used in both general and technical contexts. Four possible plural spellings are listed: analoges, analogese, analogues, and analoguese. The question asks for the correctly spelt word, not the most common in a particular region. We assume standard British English spelling, where analogue with ue is common. Concept / Approach: In standard British English, the singular form is analogue and the plural form is analogues. The plural is formed by simply adding s to the singular, without changing the internal letters. The versions analogese and analoguese are not standard English words, and analoges omits the final ue pattern seen in analogue. Therefore, the approach is to identify which option preserves the original spelling of the base word and adds only the correct plural ending s. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the correct singular spelling: analogue. Step 2: Think about the normal plural rule for nouns that end with ue, which is usually to add s without other change. Step 3: Examine option c, analogues. This is analogue plus s, which follows the regular rule and keeps the base spelling intact. Step 4: Look at option a, analoges, which drops the ue and therefore changes the spelling of the base word. Step 5: Consider option b, analogese, which adds extra letters and does not match any standard plural formation. Step 6: Consider option d, analoguese, which again adds unnecessary letters and is not recognised as correct. Step 7: Conclude that analogues is the only correct spelling among the options. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by checking how similar nouns behave. For instance, catalogue becomes catalogues in the plural in British spelling. Both analogue and catalogue share the ue ending and take a simple s for plural. This pattern supports the correctness of analogues. Furthermore, the other options introduce unusual endings like ese or change the root spelling, which is not typical for simple plural formation in English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, analoges, is wrong because it removes part of the base spelling analogue and does not follow the regular plural rule. Option b, analogese, is incorrect since ese is not a standard plural marker here and produces a non existent word. Option d, analoguese, is also incorrect because it adds extra letters, again breaking standard spelling conventions. None of these match the expected pattern of forming plural nouns from analogue. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes rely on how a word sounds and may believe that letters at the end can be dropped or replaced. Another pitfall is overthinking and assuming that a more complex ending such as ese might be correct because it looks sophisticated. In spelling questions, it is safer to base decisions on known patterns and on preserving the exact form of the base word before adding regular plural markers like s or es. Final Answer: The correctly spelt plural of analogue is analogues.

Question 4

In this spelling based English question, four versions of the adjective meaning calm and not easily upset are given; select the correctly spelt word “unruffled”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks accurate spelling of a common English adjective used to describe a calm and undisturbed person or situation. The word unruffled is frequently used in reading comprehension passages and descriptive writing. Correct spelling is essential not only in exams but also in professional communication, where errors can distract the reader and lower the perceived quality of the writing. Given Data / Assumptions: The main facts are as follows: The intended word is unruffled, which means calm, not disturbed, or not emotionally upset. Four differently spelt versions are offered: unraffled, unruffled, unrufled, and unrafled. We must identify the standard dictionary spelling. The context is general English usage, not any specialised field. Concept / Approach: The adjective unruffled is formed from the verb ruffle, which means to disturb or to make uneven. The prefix un gives the opposite sense, so unruffled literally means not ruffled. The correct spelling uses the base ruffled with a double f and the ed ending. Therefore the correct adjective has the form un plus ruffled, giving unruffled with two f letters and two l letters. Variants that replace ff with f or change the vowel pattern are incorrect. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the base verb is ruffle, and its past participle is ruffled with two f letters. Step 2: Add the negative prefix un to form unruffled. Step 3: Examine option b, unruffled. It shows un plus ruffled, with double f and double l, which matches the expected structure. Step 4: Look at option a, unraffled, which uses a instead of u and ffled instead of ffl ed, leading to a completely different and incorrect form. Step 5: Consider option c, unrufled, where only one f and one l are present. This breaks the base spelling of ruffled. Step 6: Consider option d, unrafled, which again changes the vowel and reduces the consonant doubling, so it is wrong. Step 7: Conclude that option b is the only correctly spelt word. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, think of example sentences such as She remained unruffled even during the crisis. In dictionaries and well edited texts, the spelling always appears as unruffled with double f and double l. Any other variation looks unusual and is not used. This consistency in usage confirms that unruffled is the correct spelling. Also, following the pattern of similar words like muffled or shuffled reinforces this choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, unraffled, is wrong because it changes the vowel after r and does not match the original base word ruffle. Option c, unrufled, incorrectly removes one f and one l, creating a non standard and awkward spelling. Option d, unrafled, also drops necessary letters and changes the vowel, so it cannot be accepted as correct English. None of these forms appear in standard dictionaries or formal writing. Common Pitfalls: Many learners struggle with consonant doubling in English spelling, especially with ff, ll, and tt patterns. They may try to simplify by writing a single consonant, which leads to forms such as unrufled. Another pitfall is guessing based on how the word sounds rather than on known spelling rules. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to notice patterns in related words and to remember that the prefix un does not change the spelling of the base, it simply attaches to it. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is unruffled, which means calm and not easily disturbed.

Question 5

In this sentence arrangement question, the first part of the sentence is fixed as “It was three o clock in the afternoon” and the remaining parts are labelled X, Y, and Z; choose the most logical order of these parts to form a coherent sentence abou…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the ability to arrange sentence fragments in a logical and grammatically correct sequence. Such jumbled sentence questions are very common in competitive exams because they check both understanding of meaning and grasp of English structure. The setting described here is a narrative situation involving time in the afternoon, waking up, and finding bearers preparing to return. The learner must mentally combine the fragments to reconstruct the intended sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: The information provided includes: Fixed opening: It was three o clock in the afternoon. Fragment X: find our bearers. Fragment Y: before we woke, to. Fragment Z: preparing to return. We must choose the correct order of X, Y, and Z after the fixed opening. Concept / Approach: To solve jumbled sentence questions, we look for logical links of time, cause, and grammar. The sentence clearly describes what happened by three o clock in the afternoon. A natural structure would be It was three o clock in the afternoon before we woke, to find our bearers preparing to return. This means that by that time, they woke up and found the bearers getting ready to go back. Therefore, Y, which begins with before we woke, to, should follow the fixed opening. Then X, find our bearers, and finally Z, preparing to return, complete the sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed part: It was three o clock in the afternoon. Step 2: Decide which fragment can logically follow this. Fragment Y begins with before we woke, to, which can continue the time reference smoothly, giving It was three o clock in the afternoon before we woke, to. Step 3: Next, attach fragment X, find our bearers, to get before we woke, to find our bearers. Step 4: Finally, place fragment Z, preparing to return, to complete the sense: to find our bearers preparing to return. Step 5: The full sentence becomes: It was three o clock in the afternoon before we woke, to find our bearers preparing to return. Step 6: Match this order with the options: Y comes first, then X, then Z, which corresponds to option a (YXZ). Verification / Alternative check: To verify the choice, test other possible orders. If we tried XYZ, the sentence after the fixed part would read find our bearers before we woke, to preparing to return, which is clearly ungrammatical. XZY or ZYX also lead to broken sequences such as find our bearers preparing to return before we woke, to, which does not fit smoothly. Only YXZ gives a natural flow with a clear time clause and an infinitive phrase that explains what happened when they woke up. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b (XZY) is wrong because X immediately after the fixed part produces an abrupt phrase without a connector, and the remaining order does not form a smooth subordinate clause. Option c (XYZ) fails for similar reasons and creates a grammatically broken line. Option d (ZYX) attempts to start with preparing to return, which hangs unconnected after the time clause and does not describe what the subject did. None of these alternatives result in a coherent or natural sounding sentence. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to focus only on subject verb combinations and ignore connectors such as before and to. These small words guide the logical order of actions and time. Another pitfall is to form a sentence that appears partly meaningful but still contains grammatical breaks. To avoid such errors, always read the full reconstructed sentence aloud in your mind and check whether the time, action, and purpose all link smoothly. Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order of the fragments is Y X Z, so the correct option is YXZ.

Question 6

In this jumbled sentence question, the opening words are “Now the first and most” and the fragments X, Y, and Z must be arranged to complete a sentence about the simple appearance of strata of marine origin above sea level; choose the most logical o…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question again tests the skill of arranging sentence fragments into a meaningful statement. The content here appears to be from a geology or earth science context, discussing strata of marine origin above the level of the sea in horizontal position. Such passages often appear in reading comprehension or science related questions in exams. The learner must use both knowledge of sentence structure and logical meaning to select the correct order. Given Data / Assumptions: The data in the question includes: Fixed beginning: Now the first and most. Fragment X: strata of marine origin occur above the. Fragment Y: simple appearance is where. Fragment Z: level of the sea in horizontal position. We need the order of X, Y, and Z after the fixed opening. Concept / Approach: The intended sentence, when reconstructed, seems to be: Now the first and most simple appearance is where strata of marine origin occur above the level of the sea in horizontal position. This makes both grammatical and scientific sense, describing a simple appearance in geology. The phrase first and most must be followed by an adjective, which is simple. That adjective appears in fragment Y as simple appearance is where, making Y the natural first fragment. Then we need to state what that appearance is, which is where strata of marine origin occur above the level of the sea in horizontal position, combining fragments X and Z in that order. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Begin with the fixed part: Now the first and most. Step 2: Identify which fragment can logically follow. Fragment Y begins with simple appearance is where, which fits well: Now the first and most simple appearance is where. Step 3: Next, add fragment X, strata of marine origin occur above the, to state what this appearance is. Step 4: Finally, add fragment Z, level of the sea in horizontal position, to complete the phrase occur above the level of the sea in horizontal position. Step 5: The full sentence becomes: Now the first and most simple appearance is where strata of marine origin occur above the level of the sea in horizontal position. Step 6: This corresponds to the order Y X Z, which matches option b. Verification / Alternative check: Check other possible orders. If we tried XZY after the fixed part, we would get Now the first and most strata of marine origin occur above the level of the sea in horizontal position simple appearance is where, which is clearly wrong. Options XYZ or ZYX produce similar confusion in structure and leave the phrase first and most without a proper adjective. Only YXZ provides a smooth flow of subject, linking verb, and descriptive clause, consistent with scientific style. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a (XZY) puts strata of marine origin directly after first and most, which is grammatically incorrect because first and most needs an adjective such as simple. Option c (XYZ) gives simple appearance is where level of the sea in horizontal position, which is incomplete and wrongly arranged. Option d (ZYX) begins with level of the sea in horizontal position, which does not follow smoothly from first and most and disrupts the meaning. None of these options retain both grammatical correctness and scientific sense. Common Pitfalls: Many learners may ignore the phrase first and most and fail to see that it must qualify an adjective. Another pitfall is focusing only on the subject matter, such as sea level and strata, without checking how English clauses normally begin and end. To avoid such errors, always identify where the main verb is, how adjectives are used, and where subordinate clauses start with linking words like where. Final Answer: The correct and most logical order of fragments is Y X Z, so the answer is option YXZ.

Question 7

In this voice change question, convert the active sentence “My daughter read the entire novel in one day” into the correct passive voice form by choosing the best alternative.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines the learner understanding of active and passive voice transformation in English. The original sentence My daughter read the entire novel in one day is in the simple past tense and active voice. The task is to convert it into passive voice without changing the tense or the essential meaning. Voice change is a frequently tested area because it checks the use of auxiliary verbs and the correct handling of objects and subjects. Given Data / Assumptions: The essential elements are: Active sentence: My daughter read the entire novel in one day. Subject in active voice: My daughter. Object in active voice: the entire novel. Tense: simple past (read as past form). Time phrase: in one day remains unchanged. Concept / Approach: To change a sentence from active to passive voice, we make the object of the active sentence the subject of the passive one. We also use the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb be plus the past participle of the main verb, keeping the same tense. In simple past, this means was or were plus the past participle. The doer of the action, originally the subject, can be introduced by the preposition by. Therefore, the passive form should be The entire novel was read by my daughter in one day. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence: the entire novel. Step 2: Bring this object to the front to form the new subject in the passive sentence. Step 3: Keep the tense as simple past. The auxiliary be in simple past is was when the subject is singular, so we use was. Step 4: Use the past participle of read, which is read with the same spelling but a past pronunciation. Step 5: Introduce the original subject using by: by my daughter. Step 6: Retain the time phrase in one day at the end of the sentence. Step 7: The complete passive sentence is The entire novel was read by my daughter in one day. Verification / Alternative check: Compare the options with the rules. Option c matches exactly the structure subject plus was plus past participle plus by plus doer plus time. Option a uses is read, which is present tense and changes the time reference. Option b simply reorders the words but remains in active voice. Option d has has read, which is present perfect tense and changes the meaning to a different time frame. Therefore, only option c preserves both tense and meaning correctly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, The entire novel is read by my daughter in one day, is incorrect because is read is present tense and does not match the simple past of the original sentence. Option b, In one day my daughter read the entire novel, is still active voice and therefore does not answer the requirement of changing to passive. Option d, In one day my daughter has read the entire novel, changes the tense to present perfect and again remains in active voice. These options all fail either the tense requirement, the voice requirement, or both. Common Pitfalls: One common error is to forget to adjust the auxiliary verb be to match the tense of the original sentence. Another mistake is to only change the order of words without actually forming the passive structure. Students may also confuse present perfect with simple past and choose options where the tense has changed. To avoid such mistakes, always identify the tense first, then apply the formula for passive voice for that specific tense. Final Answer: The correct passive voice form of the sentence is The entire novel was read by my daughter in one day.

Question 8

In this direct and indirect speech question, convert the coach instruction “Do not make the water muddy” to the correct indirect form by choosing the most appropriate alternative.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of converting imperative sentences from direct speech to indirect speech. The original direct speech sentence is of the form The coach said to the child, Do not make the water muddy. In indirect speech, we no longer quote the exact words but report the instruction in a grammatically correct reporting structure. Mastering this transformation is essential for accurate narration in written English and frequently appears in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The given material includes: Speaker: the coach. Listener: the child. Direct command: Do not make the water muddy. Reporting verb in the options: commanded. The sentence is negative and imperative in form. Concept / Approach: When we change a negative imperative sentence from direct to indirect speech, we use a reporting verb like told, ordered, or commanded, and then use the structure not to plus base verb. The phrase Do not make the water muddy becomes not to make the water muddy. The preposition to should follow the reporting verb with the object of the command, so we write commanded the child, not commanded to the child. We also convert muddy to dirty in the options, which is an acceptable synonym and does not change the core meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of sentence in direct speech. It is an imperative command with not. Step 2: Choose an appropriate reporting verb for a command, such as commanded. Step 3: In indirect speech, the structure should be commanded plus object plus not to plus base form of the verb. Step 4: Place the object immediately after the reporting verb: commanded the child. Step 5: Convert Do not make the water muddy to not to make the water dirty, keeping the negative instruction. Step 6: Combine the parts to obtain: The coach commanded the child not to make the water dirty. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option against the rules. Option c, The coach commanded the child not to make the water dirty, follows the pattern commanded plus object plus not to plus verb plus object and gives a clear reported command. Option b, commanded to the child not to make the water dirty, wrongly uses commanded to the child, which is not standard collocation. Options a and d keep do not in the reported part, which is incorrect for indirect speech in this context. Therefore, option c is the only fully correct transformation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a is wrong because it uses the direct speech form do not inside a reported clause, which is not the standard way to report a command. Option b is incorrect as the phrase commanded to the child is not idiomatic; the object of the command should follow directly without the preposition. Option d combines both issues, using commanded to the child and keeping do not in a way that does not match indirect speech rules. These options fail to apply the correct not to plus base verb structure. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to keep the exact wording of the command after the reporting verb, forgetting that indirect speech requires a change in structure. Another pitfall is the misuse of prepositions, such as adding to after commanded or ordered when the object should directly follow. Learners should memorise the standard pattern for reporting negative commands: subject plus reporting verb plus object plus not to plus base form of the main verb. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech form is The coach commanded the child not to make the water dirty.

Question 9

In this reading comprehension question based on a passage about exploring the underwater world with a mask and tube, identify which activity the writer is describing from the given options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question comes from a descriptive passage about an underwater adventure. The writer talks about breathing through the mouth with a mask, looking at sea creatures, and watching colourful fish swim past. The task is to identify which activity, among fishing, snorkelling, boat ride, and long distance swimming, matches this description. Such questions test careful reading and the ability to link specific details in a passage to the correct concept or activity. Given Data / Assumptions: Important clues from the passage include: The instructor tells the person to breathe through the mouth, not the nose, or the mask will fog up. The writer looks through a mask into crystal clear water and sees pebbles, sand, and a fluid shadow. There are sea cucumbers, sea anemones, clown fish, star fish, sea horses, parrot fish, butterfly fish, and many colourful salt water fish. The writer mentions snorkelers who struggle to take in the beautiful sight. Concept / Approach: Snorkelling is a surface water activity in which a person floats or swims on the surface of the sea with a mask and a breathing tube called a snorkel. The person looks at marine life below through the mask while breathing through the mouth via the tube. In contrast, fishing focuses on catching fish, a boat ride emphasises travelling in a boat, and long distance swimming is about covering a long distance in water without specific equipment for viewing marine life. The presence of a mask, a tube, and the mention of snorkelers clearly point to snorkelling. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the instruction to breathe through the mouth to avoid fogging the mask, a key feature of using snorkelling equipment. Step 2: Observe that the writer is looking at an underwater world through a mask, not from above the water in a boat. Step 3: Recognise the mention of snorkelers later in the passage, which directly names the activity being done. Step 4: Compare this with fishing, which would involve rods, nets, or lines, none of which are mentioned. Step 5: Compare with boat ride, which would focus on sailing or moving in a vessel, again not part of the description. Step 6: Compare with long distance swimming, which concentrates on covering distance rather than viewing sea life through a mask. Step 7: Conclude that the passage describes snorkelling. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, recall the typical equipment used in snorkelling: a mask, a breathing tube, and sometimes fins. The passage emphasises breathing through the mouth, a mask that can fog up, and snorkelers enjoying the view. This matches the standard picture of snorkelling, not scuba diving, fishing, or boating. Since the word snorkelers itself appears, the activity is strongly confirmed as snorkelling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, fishing, is incorrect because the passage does not mention any tools or actions related to catching fish. Option c, boat ride, is wrong because the focus is under the water surface, with no reference to boats or sailing. Option d, long distance swimming, is incorrect since the writer is not trying to swim far; instead, the focus is on observing marine life through a mask while using a breathing tube. None of these alternatives match the detailed description in the passage. Common Pitfalls: Some students may quickly associate any water related passage with swimming or boating without carefully noting the specific clues about masks and tubes. Another pitfall is ignoring the explicit mention of snorkelers later in the passage. To avoid such errors, it is important to underline or mentally highlight key words like mask, tube, and snorkelers, which clearly identify the activity. Final Answer: The writer is describing the experience of snorkelling.

Question 10

Based on the passage about exploring an underwater world with a mask and tube, select the correct answer to the question “How can one avoid the mask fogging up while viewing the sea life”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a specific instruction given in the passage about snorkelling. The instructor explains how to prevent the mask from fogging up while viewing the underwater world. Choosing the correct answer requires close reading and attention to detail. Such factual questions are common in reading comprehension sections and reward students who carefully note exact statements made by the author. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage clearly states the following: The instructor rules include the line: Breathe through your mouth, not your nose; else the mask will fog up. The writer describes finding it difficult at first but later getting used to this breathing pattern. The focus is on preventing fogging of the mask, not on swimming technique or direction of vision. The breathing instruction is the main practical step given in the text. Concept / Approach: The approach here is straightforward. We must locate the exact instruction related to mask fogging and then select the option that restates it correctly. The passage makes it clear that breathing through the mouth instead of the nose helps keep the mask clear. None of the other options are mentioned or implied in the passage. Therefore, only the option that refers to mouth breathing as instructed can be correct. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the instructor precise rule: Breathe through your mouth, not your nose; else the mask will fog up. Step 2: Understand that fogging occurs due to warm moist air from the nose entering the mask. Step 3: Look at option b, by breathing through the mouth as instructed. This matches the rule exactly. Step 4: Check option a, which mentions breathing through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. This conflicts with the passage, which warns against breathing through the nose. Step 5: Option c talks about keeping the head fully under water, which is not discussed as a method to prevent fogging. Step 6: Option d suggests looking downwards, again not mentioned in relation to fogging. Step 7: Conclude that option b is the only answer supported directly by the passage. Verification / Alternative check: As a verification step, you can re read the first lines of the passage, which clearly link breathing through the mouth with preventing fogging. The writer also comments on getting this wrong several times, emphasising that this specific rule is important. No alternative method is offered in the text. Therefore, any answer that does not speak of mouth breathing alone cannot be correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a is wrong because it includes breathing through the nose, which the passage explicitly warns against. Option c is incorrect as head position under water is unrelated to the mask fogging problem in the passage. Option d is wrong because looking downwards or in any direction does not affect internal condensation in the mask. These options may sound plausible in general, but they are not supported by the text and therefore must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Some learners answer such questions based on their own guesses or outside knowledge rather than on the passage itself. Others misread the instruction and remember only that breathing was mentioned, without noticing that the nose must be avoided. A good habit is to always return to the relevant line in the passage and compare it word by word with the options, choosing only the one that accurately reflects what is stated. Final Answer: The mask can be kept from fogging up by breathing through the mouth as instructed.

Question 11

From the same underwater adventure passage, answer the vocabulary question “What is Nemo in the expression ‘I was in Nemo universe’ as used by the writer”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question focuses on the cultural reference Nemo in the passage. The writer says, I was in Nemo universe, after describing an underwater scene with colourful fish. This line alludes to a famous animated film about a small sea creature and his adventures. The goal is to test whether the reader understands that Nemo is the name of a fictional underwater animal character and not a person present in the story. Given Data / Assumptions: Relevant information from the passage includes: The writer is exploring an underwater world filled with fish like clown fish, star fish, and sea horses. At one point, the writer says, I was in Nemo universe. No other person or creature in the passage is named Nemo. The reference evokes a popular animated story about marine life. Concept / Approach: Nemo is widely known from the animated film Finding Nemo, in which Nemo is a small clown fish living in the sea. When the writer says Nemo universe, it is a playful way to say that the scene resembles that animated underwater world. The writer is not referring to herself, the instructor, or a specific species of sea cucumber. Thus, the correct understanding is that Nemo is the name of a fictional underwater animal character, used here as a cultural reference to describe the beauty of the marine environment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the phrase in the passage: I was in Nemo universe. Step 2: Recall that Nemo is the name of a famous animated fish character from a well known film. Step 3: Look at option a, which states a name of an underwater animal character. This matches the cultural reference. Step 4: Option b suggests that Nemo is the name of the writer, which is not supported anywhere in the passage. Step 5: Option c claims it is the name of the instructor, but the passage simply refers to him as the instructor, without giving this name. Step 6: Option d describes a type of sea cucumber, which is clearly not intended, since Nemo is not used as a biological term here. Step 7: Conclude that option a is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: A quick way to verify is to recall how Nemo is used in popular culture. It is almost always associated with the animated film and its fish hero. The passage also lists several sea creatures, which strengthens the link between the underwater setting and the fictional world of the film. There is no indication that Nemo refers to any real person involved in the snorkelling trip or to a specific real sea species. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b is wrong because the writer narrates in the first person but never says that her name is Nemo. Option c is incorrect because the instructor is a guide in the activity and is not named in the passage. Option d is wrong since sea cucumbers are real animals and the passage has already used that term separately, while Nemo is clearly used as a reference to a different kind of sea character. None of these options match the cultural and textual context. Common Pitfalls: Some readers may ignore cultural references if they are not familiar with them and may guess based on the nearest noun, such as assuming that Nemo is the instructor. Others might think the reference is to a scientific term because the passage mentions several marine creatures. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to recognise when a text shifts into a metaphorical or allusive expression and to connect it with common stories or media where possible. Final Answer: Nemo in the passage refers to a name of an underwater animal character, specifically a famous animated fish, and therefore option a is correct.

Question 12

According to the same passage about snorkelling among colourful fish, identify which of the following creatures or fish the writer did not see.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question checks careful attention to detail in the description of marine life. The passage lists several sea creatures and groups of fish that the writer observed while snorkelling. The question asks which of the given options was not seen by the writer. This type of question develops precise reading habits and prevents careless assumptions based on partial memory. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage specifically mentions: Sea cucumbers, sea anemone, clown fish, star fish, sea horses, parrot fish, butterfly fish, and colourful salt water fish. A shoal of canary yellow fish doing a merry dance. Another shoal with vibrant blue fish following the first group. No mention of any green fish group, especially not vibrant green fish. Concept / Approach: The approach is to match each option with the items explicitly listed in the passage. If a creature or fish is clearly named, then it was seen. If it is not mentioned, then that option may be the correct answer. Careful reading shows that canary yellow fish, sea horses, and parrot fish all occur in the description, while vibrant blue fish is mentioned but vibrant green fish is not. The closest sounding phrase is vibrant blue fish, which may confuse some readers, but the colour is different. Therefore, vibrant green fish is the one not seen by the writer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the list of marine creatures in the passage, including sea horses and parrot fish. Step 2: Note the description of a shoal of canary yellow fish, which matches option a. Step 3: Remember that another shoal of vibrant blue fish followed the yellow ones. Step 4: Compare each option with the passage: canary yellow fish, sea horses, and parrot fish are all explicitly mentioned. Step 5: Notice that the passage never refers to vibrant green fish, so option d does not appear anywhere. Step 6: Conclude that vibrant green fish is the creature not seen by the writer. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, mentally reconstruct the colourful scene: first, the canary yellow fish dance, then the vibrant blue fish follow. The description of colours in the water focuses on yellow and blue, and the passage already uses many names of creatures. If green fish had been mentioned, it would likely stand out in that list, but it does not. Therefore, checking the colour adjectives carefully confirms that vibrant green fish is absent from the writer observation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a is wrong because canary yellow fish are clearly mentioned as doing a merry dance. Option b is incorrect since sea horses appear in the list of animals observed. Option c is wrong because parrot fish are specifically named. These options refer to creatures that are clearly part of the underwater scene as described in the passage, so they cannot be the answer to a question asking which was not seen. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to misremember the colour adjectives and assume that any bright colour mentioned in the options must have appeared in the text. Another pitfall is reading too quickly and not distinguishing between blue and green in the descriptions. To avoid such errors, slow down and underline or mentally mark key descriptive words, especially when colours or numbers are involved in detail questions. Final Answer: The writer did not see vibrant green fish, so option d is correct.

Question 13

From the same passage about snorkelling, answer the factual question “When would there be a risk of the tube falling off while observing the underwater world”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question again checks close reading of the snorkelling passage. The writer describes how snorkelers must resist opening their mouths wide in amazement at the beauty of the underwater world, because doing so would disturb the tube used for breathing. The task is to identify the exact situation in which the tube might fall off. These questions strengthen the habit of focusing on small but important details in descriptive texts. Given Data / Assumptions: Key parts of the passage include: The writer and other snorkelers use a breathing tube connected to their masks. The underwater world is described as very beautiful and colourful. The writer notes that snorkelers struggled to resist opening their mouths wide in amazement. The passage explicitly states that if they opened their mouths wide, the tube would fall off. Concept / Approach: The breathing tube in snorkelling is held in place by the mouth. If the mouth shape changes too much, especially if it opens wide, the tube can loosen or come out. The passage directly connects the risk of the tube falling off with opening the mouth wide in amazement. None of the other conditions listed in the options are mentioned in the text. Therefore, the correct choice is the one that refers to opening the mouth wide, not to fogging, darkness, or nose breathing alone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the sentence that explains the risk: snorkelers struggled to resist opening their mouths wide in amazement; the tube would fall off. Step 2: Identify the cause and effect in that line. Cause: mouth opened wide in amazement. Effect: tube would fall off. Step 3: Look at option d, when the mouth was opened wide in amazement. This matches the passage exactly. Step 4: Option a refers to mask fogging, which is controlled by breathing pattern, not by the tube position. Step 5: Option b mentions breathing through the nose, which is related to fogging, not directly to the tube falling off. Step 6: Option c talks about it becoming dark, which is not mentioned in connection to the tube at all. Step 7: Conclude that option d must be the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, mentally replay the final lines of the passage. The writer emphasises the emotional reaction of snorkelers to the underwater beauty and links this reaction to a physical risk involving the tube. Since the tube is held by the mouth, opening the mouth widely would naturally disturb it. None of the other situations listed in the options are presented in the passage as causing the tube to fall off. This confirms option d as correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a is wrong because fogging affects visibility through the mask, not the stability of the tube. Option b is incorrect because breathing through the nose may fog the mask but does not directly cause the tube to fall off. Option c is wrong since darkness has no mechanical connection to the tube position. These options may look related to underwater conditions in general but do not match the specific cause given in the text. Common Pitfalls: Some students may assume that any difficulty mentioned earlier in the passage, such as mask fogging, must be the answer to later questions. Others may choose an option that seems physically possible but not stated in the text. To avoid such pitfalls, always distinguish between what the passage actually says and what might simply seem logical. Exam questions normally require the answer that is directly supported by the passage. Final Answer: There would be a risk of the tube falling off when the mouth was opened wide in amazement, as described in the passage.

Question 14

In this error spotting sentence, identify the part which contains a grammatical or idiomatic error in the sentence “While he went beside with our decisions, we were never sure he totally agreed.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions test a learner ability to notice incorrect usage in parts of a sentence. The sentence here is While he went beside with our decisions, we were never sure he totally agreed. The parts are numbered for convenience, and the learner must decide which part has an error. This type of question is very common in competitive exams and helps improve grammatical accuracy and idiomatic usage in English. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided as follows: Part 1: While he went beside. Part 2: with our decisions, we were. Part 3: never sure he totally agreed. Part 4: No error. We assume that only one part contains the main error, as is standard in this pattern. Concept / Approach: The main idea of the sentence is that he outwardly accepted or followed the group decisions, but the others were not sure he truly agreed. In idiomatic English, the phrase go along with is used to express the idea of cooperating with or appearing to accept something. The phrase go beside with is not correct usage. Therefore, the error lies in part 1, where went beside is used instead of went along. The remaining parts are grammatically acceptable in this context, although stylistic changes are possible. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the entire sentence to understand the meaning: he seemed to cooperate with decisions but might not have fully agreed. Step 2: Check part 1, While he went beside. The expression went beside with our decisions is awkward and unidiomatic. Step 3: Recall the standard idiom go along with, which fits the meaning of cooperating or pretending to agree. Step 4: Notice that part 2, with our decisions, we were, connects well to the rest of the sentence when part 1 is corrected to While he went along with our decisions. Step 5: Parts 2 and 3, with our decisions, we were never sure he totally agreed, are grammatically fine in this exam context. Step 6: Therefore, the only clear error is in part 1. Verification / Alternative check: Replace went beside with went along and read the sentence again: While he went along with our decisions, we were never sure he totally agreed. This version sounds natural and expresses the intended contrast between outward behaviour and inner agreement. Since the sentence becomes correct after adjusting only part 1, no other part needs to be marked as erroneous. Thus, part 1 is confirmed as the error segment. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 2, with our decisions, we were, correctly continues the clause from part 1 when part 1 is fixed. Part 3, never sure he totally agreed, is grammatically correct, although some writers might prefer not fully agreed. However, the structure is acceptable in exam English. Part 4, No error, is not the answer because we have already identified a clear idiomatic error in part 1. Therefore, options b, c, and d must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes search for tense or article errors and overlook idiomatic mistakes such as go beside with instead of go along with. Another pitfall is to feel that the word totally is informal and therefore wrong, while the real issue lies elsewhere. For error spotting tasks, it is important to consider both grammar and common collocations, and to ask whether a phrase is actually used by native speakers in that form. Final Answer: The error is in part 1, where went beside should be replaced by went along to form the correct idiom went along with our decisions.

Question 15

In this error detection question, identify the part containing the error in the sentence “The after morning she woke to the first ray of light through the window.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question asks the learner to spot an incorrect phrase in a simple narrative sentence. The sentence is The after morning she woke to the first ray of light through the window. Such questions test common collocations in English and correct word order within noun phrases. Recognising unnatural or unidiomatic expressions is an important part of mastering exam level grammar and usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into parts: Part 1: The after morning. Part 2: she woke to the first ray of. Part 3: light through the window. Part 4: No Error. The story context suggests it is describing the morning after some earlier event. Concept / Approach: In English, the natural expression is the next morning or the morning after, not the after morning. Therefore, part 1 contains a phrase that is not idiomatic. The rest of the sentence, she woke to the first ray of light through the window, is grammatically correct and clearly expresses the idea of waking up at dawn. Thus, we identify part 1 as the segment containing the error, while parts 2 and 3 can remain as they are for exam purposes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the whole sentence: The after morning she woke to the first ray of light through the window. Step 2: Focus on the phrase The after morning. It does not sound natural in standard English usage. Step 3: Recall the correct expressions, such as The next morning or The morning after. Step 4: Check parts 2 and 3: she woke to the first ray of light through the window. This is a common and grammatically correct way to describe waking at dawn. Step 5: Since only part 1 has a clear error, it must be marked as the incorrect segment. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute a correct phrase into part 1 and read the sentence again. For example, The next morning she woke to the first ray of light through the window sounds smooth and correct. Similarly, The morning after she woke to the first ray of light through the window is also acceptable. Because the sentence becomes correct when only part 1 is changed, and the rest remains intact, we can confirm that the error lies in part 1 alone. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 2, she woke to the first ray of, correctly introduces the idea that her waking is in response to the first ray of light, which is completed by part 3. Part 3, light through the window, simply finishes this image and is grammatically sound. Part 4, No Error, is incorrect as an answer because we have already found a faulty phrase in part 1. Therefore, options b, c, and d do not identify the real error and must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may overanalyse parts 2 and 3, searching for tense or article mistakes, and ignore the phrase the after morning even though it feels unusual. Another pitfall is to think that poetic or descriptive sentences may break normal rules, but exam error spotting tasks expect standard usage. To avoid such errors, learners should pay attention to commonly used time expressions and ask themselves whether a native speaker would naturally say the phrase as it appears. Final Answer: The incorrect expression is in part 1, where The after morning should be replaced by The next morning or The morning after in correct English.

Question 16

In the following question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative that best completes the sentence in meaning and tone: The psychopath gets a ______________ sense of enjoyment from tort…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question checks whether you understand the precise adjective that describes a twisted and morally abnormal kind of pleasure. The sentence talks about a psychopath who enjoys torturing animals, which is clearly a cruel and deviant behaviour. We must choose a word that captures the disturbing and abnormal nature of this enjoyment, not just any ordinary positive feeling. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “The psychopath gets a ______________ sense of enjoyment from torturing animals.” Subject: the psychopath, a person with a severely disturbed personality. Action: gets enjoyment from torturing animals, which is clearly cruel and morally wrong. Options: perverse, agreeable, happy, reasonable. We need an adjective that describes this enjoyment as sick, twisted or morally distorted. Concept / Approach: The word perverse means having a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable, unacceptable or morally wrong, especially when it involves taking pleasure in cruelty or suffering. In contrast, agreeable, happy and reasonable are neutral or positive words that do not express the disturbed, abnormal quality of this kind of pleasure. Because the sentence is about a psychopath enjoying torture, the only suitable adjective is perverse, which highlights a sick, distorted sense of enjoyment. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the key idea: a psychopath enjoys torturing animals, which is cruel and morally abnormal.Recognise that the adjective must describe a twisted or sick enjoyment, not a normal pleasant feeling.Check perverse: it means wickedly or strangely wrong, taking pleasure in cruelty or wrongdoing.Check agreeable, happy and reasonable: these all suggest normal, positive or logical feelings and do not fit the context of cruelty.Conclude that perverse is the only word that accurately and strongly describes such enjoyment. Verification / Alternative check: Read the sentence with each option: “a happy sense of enjoyment” or “an agreeable sense of enjoyment” suggests normal or pleasant satisfaction, not mental disturbance. “A reasonable sense of enjoyment” sounds logical and calm, which clashes completely with the idea of torturing animals. “A perverse sense of enjoyment” immediately signals that the enjoyment is morally corrupt and psychologically abnormal, which is exactly the meaning we need for a psychopath. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Agreeable means pleasant or enjoyable in a normal way and does not capture cruelty. Happy simply describes a positive emotional state without the idea of moral distortion. Reasonable means sensible, logical or fair, the opposite of a psychopath's behaviour. None of these words suggests twisted pleasure in suffering. Only perverse carries the sense of enjoying something that is clearly wrong or cruel. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes ignore the emotional tone of the sentence and choose a word that seems grammatically correct but does not match the moral context. When you see words like psychopath and torturing animals, you must look for vocabulary that suggests abnormal or wicked tendencies. Remember that perverse is often used to describe pleasure taken in things that are morally wrong or disgusting. That association makes it the correct choice here. Final Answer: The blank should be filled with perverse, making the sentence: “The psychopath gets a perverse sense of enjoyment from torturing animals.”

Question 17

In the following question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative that best completes the sentence in meaning and context: When Jaspal got angry, he started to ____________ his feelings…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of a slightly advanced verb that describes expressing emotions or ideas using hand movements rather than words. The sentence talks about Jaspal becoming angry and then using his hands to show his feelings. The right word must describe this action of communicating by gestures. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “When Jaspal got angry, he started to ____________ his feelings with his hands.” Clue: “with his hands” indicates physical movements rather than speech. Emotional state: Jaspal is angry, so his movements may be intense or expressive. Options: participate, immolate, intoxicate, gesticulate. We need a verb that means express or communicate using gestures. Concept / Approach: Gesticulate means to use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasise one's words. The phrase “with his hands” is a direct pointer to gestures. Participate means take part in something, immolate means sacrifice or kill oneself by fire, and intoxicate means to make someone drunk or excited. None of these has anything to do with expressing feelings by moving one's hands. Therefore, gesticulate is the only verb that is both semantically and contextually accurate. Step-by-Step Solution: Focus on the phrase “with his hands”, which clearly suggests gestures.Relate this to the need for a verb that describes expressing emotions through hand movements.Check gesticulate: means to move the hands and arms, especially while talking or expressing feelings.Check the remaining options: participate (take part), immolate (kill by fire), intoxicate (make drunk or overwhelmed).Only gesticulate fits both the clue and the overall meaning of the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Read the sentence with gesticulate: “When Jaspal got angry, he started to gesticulate his feelings with his hands.” We understand that he began waving or moving his hands dramatically to show how angry he was. If we replace it with participate, the idea becomes meaningless: “participate his feelings” is not correct English. Immolate and intoxicate produce completely illogical sentences in this context, proving that they are wrong choices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Participate always needs an activity like a game, meeting or discussion, not “feelings.” Immolate is a serious, violent verb connected with sacrifice by fire, completely unrelated to showing emotions with the hands. Intoxicate is about alcohol or overwhelming excitement and cannot collocate with “his feelings with his hands.” None of them matches the natural collocation seen in the sentence. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes avoid unfamiliar words like gesticulate and choose more familiar but incorrect ones. In vocabulary questions, however, the sentence often contains clear clues pointing to the precise word you may have seen less often. When you see references to moving hands, arms or body to express feelings, think of gesture and gesticulate. This connection will help you remember the correct word in future questions. Final Answer: The blank should be filled with gesticulate, completing the sentence: “When Jaspal got angry, he started to gesticulate his feelings with his hands.”

Question 18

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is most similar in meaning to the given word: Fossilize.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This synonym question tests your understanding of the word fossilize, which has both a literal and a figurative meaning in English. Literally, it refers to turning organic material into stone or a fossil. Figuratively, it can mean becoming fixed, rigid or outdated. The correct option must match this core idea of becoming stone like, hardened or unchanging. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Fossilize. Options: Petrify, Liquefy, Dissolve, Soften. Literal context: in geology, bones or plants can fossilize over millions of years. Figurative context: attitudes and institutions can fossilize and resist change. We must find a word that reflects the idea of turning into stone or becoming rigid. Concept / Approach: Petrify means to turn into stone or to make something stone like, and also to make someone so frightened that they cannot move. In the context of fossilize, the stone related meaning is important: both fossilize and petrify describe processes in which organic or living material becomes rock hard and preserved. The other options—liquefy, dissolve and soften—describe the opposite process of becoming more fluid or less solid, which is contrary to fossilization. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the literal meaning of fossilize: to turn into a fossil, usually rock-like remains preserved in the earth.Recognise that this involves a hardening or stonelike transformation, not melting or softening.Check Petrify: one meaning is to turn organic material into stone or a similarly hard substance over time.Check Liquefy: means to become liquid or to cause something to melt into a liquid.Check Dissolve and Soften: both suggest losing solid structure, which is opposite of becoming fossilized.Therefore, Petrify is the closest synonym for Fossilize. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: “Over millions of years, the dinosaur bones fossilized in the rock” can be paraphrased as “Over millions of years, the dinosaur bones petrified in the rock.” The meaning remains essentially unchanged. However, if we substitute liquefy, dissolve or soften, the sentence becomes scientifically incorrect because bones do not typically become liquid or soft in the fossilization process; they become stone like and preserved. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Liquefy refers to changing from solid to liquid, such as ice liquefying into water. Dissolve is used when a solid breaks up into very small particles inside a liquid, like sugar dissolving in tea. Soften means to become less hard or more flexible. All three describe processes that reduce hardness or solidity, whereas fossilize and petrify describe an increase in hardness and preservation. They are effectively antonyms, not synonyms, of fossilize in this context. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse fossilize with any type of change in state and may wrongly pick liquefy or dissolve because they are common science words. It is important to associate fossilize with fossils and stone. Likewise, petrify is often learned in the sense of extreme fear, but you should remember its original meaning of turning into stone. Keeping both meanings in mind helps you correctly identify Petrify as the best synonym here. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to “Fossilize” is Petrify.

Question 19

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is most similar in meaning to the given word: Depict.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This synonym question focuses on the verb depict, which is widely used in literature, art criticism and everyday descriptions. To answer correctly, you should understand what it means to depict something and identify the option that expresses a similar idea of showing, describing or representing. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Depict. Options: Conceal, Distort, Characterize, Suppress. Typical usage: “The painting depicts a village scene” or “The novel depicts social injustice.” We assume depict means to represent or show in words, pictures or other forms. Concept / Approach: To depict is to represent or describe something in a picture, story or other medium. Characterize means to describe the distinctive qualities or features of someone or something, often giving a clear picture of its nature. Both verbs share the idea of presenting, outlining or making something visible to the mind. The other options—conceal, distort and suppress—refer to hiding, twisting or holding back information, which are opposite or different in sense from depict. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall that depict involves showing or representing something, as in a drawing or description.Look for a word among the options that also refers to describing or representing key qualities.Characterize means to describe the main qualities or features of a person, place or thing.Conceal means hide, distort means twist out of shape or misrepresent, and suppress means hold back or prevent from being seen.Therefore, Characterize is the word whose meaning is closest to Depict. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: “The author depicts the hero as brave and compassionate” can be rephrased as “The author characterizes the hero as brave and compassionate.” The meaning remains essentially the same: the author shows or describes the hero's character. If we use conceal, distort or suppress, we change the meaning: the author would be hiding, twisting or blocking information rather than presenting it clearly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Conceal is the opposite of depict because it means to hide something so that others do not see or know it. Distort means to change the shape or meaning of something in a misleading way, which conflicts with the neutral or accurate representation implied by depict. Suppress means to prevent information or feelings from being expressed. None of these options match the idea of clear representation or description. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse depict with any action involving information, including hiding or altering it. However, depict always points to showing and describing, not hiding or twisting. When you see depict in exam questions, think of pictures, descriptions and portrayals. Characterize is the best match in this set because it focuses on describing essential qualities and presenting a clear mental image of the subject. Final Answer: The word similar in meaning to “Depict” is Characterize.

Question 20

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to the given word: Differ.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question tests your understanding of the verb differ, which is commonly used in discussions and debates. Knowing both its meaning and its opposite helps you follow arguments and express agreement or disagreement clearly in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: Differ. Options: Alter, Concur, Digress, Vary. Typical usage: “I differ from you on this point” means “I disagree with you on this point.” We must find the word whose meaning is opposite to differ in the context of opinions. Concept / Approach: Differ generally means to be unlike, or in the context of opinions, to disagree. The opposite of disagree is to agree. Concur means to agree with someone or share the same opinion. Alter means change, digress means to wander away from the main topic, and vary means to be different or change slightly. Only concur directly expresses agreement and therefore stands as the antonym of differ in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the key sense of differ in this question: differ in opinion = disagree.Look for a word that means agree or have the same view.Concur is a formal verb meaning to agree or to have the same opinion as someone.Alter and vary both relate to change or difference and are not opposites of differ.Digress refers to moving away from the main subject in speech or writing, which again does not mean the opposite of differ.Therefore, Concur is the correct antonym of Differ. Verification / Alternative check: Compare sentences: “I differ from you on this issue” versus “I concur with you on this issue.” The first means “I disagree,” and the second means “I agree,” showing a direct opposition in meaning. If we replace differ with alter or vary, we do not get a clear statement about agreement or disagreement. Digress would change the meaning entirely to losing focus in conversation, not to agreeing or disagreeing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Alter means to change something, not to agree. Vary means to change or be different, and in many contexts it is close to differ instead of being opposite to it. Digress describes a speaker or writer moving away from the main topic, not the relationship between two opinions. None of these verbs expresses the idea of sharing the same view, which is what we need as an antonym of differ in this question. Common Pitfalls: Because differ can mean “to be different,” some students are tempted by vary or alter, thinking that the opposite is “remain the same.” However, vocabulary questions often focus on the most exam relevant sense, which here is “differ in opinion” = “disagree”. The natural opposite in that context is “agree”, and the more formal, exam friendly verb for that is concur. Remember this pair: differ (disagree) vs concur (agree). Final Answer: The antonym of “Differ” in this context is Concur.

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