Question 1

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase a bone of contention.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an idiom based vocabulary question. The phrase a bone of contention is a common English idiom used in everyday speech, newspapers, and examinations. The task is to select the option that best captures its figurative meaning rather than its literal picture of a bone. Understanding idioms is important for reading comprehension because writers often use them to summarise complex relationships in a single vivid phrase. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is a bone of contention. Four paraphrased meanings are offered as options. The context is general English, so the idiom is used in its standard figurative sense. We assume no special technical or legal usage. We must choose the meaning that most people would understand when they hear this idiom. Concept / Approach: Historically, the expression comes from the image of two dogs fighting over a bone. The bone represents the thing that causes the fight. In modern usage, a bone of contention is anything that repeatedly causes argument, dispute, or disagreement between people, groups, or nations. Therefore the best paraphrase is an issue over which there is continuing disagreement. The key ideas are issue and continuing disagreement, which fully reflect the sense of the idiom. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Ignore the literal meaning of bone and focus on how the idiom is used in sentences such as The boundary line has long been a bone of contention between the two villages. Step 2: Notice that in such sentences the phrase points to the cause of a quarrel or dispute. Step 3: Read all the options and identify which one mentions disagreement or conflict. Step 4: Option B states An issue over which there is continuing disagreement. This directly matches the quarrel based sense. Step 5: Confirm that the other options refer to agreement, property, or happiness, which are unrelated to the core idea of contention. Verification / Alternative check: You can test the meaning by substituting the idiom with option B in sample sentences. For example, The new tax law has become a bone of contention between the citizens and the government can be rewritten as The new tax law has become an issue over which there is continuing disagreement between the citizens and the government. The sentence still makes perfect sense, which shows that option B successfully captures the idiom. The same substitution fails with the other options, proving that they are incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The only part to which two arguing parties agree: This describes a point of agreement, while contention is about disagreement, so this is almost the opposite meaning. A very expensive inherited property: This focuses on money and inheritance and fails to mention disagreement or conflict. It has no link to contention. To be happy with only a few things: This describes contentment, not contention. The similar sound between content and contention might confuse some learners, but the meanings are very different. Common Pitfalls: A frequent problem is confusion between words with similar spelling but different meanings. Content means satisfied, whereas contention means dispute. The idiom a bone of contention is based on contention, not content. Another pitfall is to take idioms literally and imagine only physical bones rather than the figurative message. For exam success, regular reading of editorials and articles is helpful, because idioms like this appear often in discussions of politics, economics, and social issues. Final Answer: A bone of contention means an issue over which there is continuing disagreement.

Question 2

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase zip your lip.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of a modern informal idiom zip your lip. Such idioms often come from everyday objects, here the zipper, and are widely used in conversational English, films, and television. The examinee must identify what action is requested when someone tells another person to zip your lip in a particular situation. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom is zip your lip. Four possible explanations are provided as options. The phrase is informal and usually spoken, not technical. We assume that the context involves conversation or information that might or might not be revealed. We must pick the option that best captures the intended figurative meaning. Concept / Approach: The image behind the idiom is that a zipper closes an opening completely. When someone says Zip your lip, they are telling you to close your mouth and not speak. It is a colourful way of saying Keep quiet about this or Do not say anything. Therefore the correct meaning is Keep quiet about something. It can be used generally to ask for silence or specifically to tell someone not to reveal a secret or sensitive information. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that the literal image of zipping a lip is physically impossible, so the phrase must be figurative. Step 2: Connect the idea of a zipper with closing and sealing something shut. Step 3: Apply that image to the mouth. A zipped mouth is one that cannot open to speak. Step 4: Compare this understanding with the given options and see which one matches the idea of staying silent. Step 5: Choose option A, Keep quiet about something, as it reflects exactly what the speaker wants when they say zip your lip. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, consider sample sentences: The coach told the players to zip their lips about the new strategy, or You had better zip your lip before you get into trouble. In both sentences, replacing zip your lip with keep quiet about this or do not talk about this keeps the meaning intact. Replacements like talk fast or not think before speaking do not work in these contexts, which confirms that the core meaning is to remain silent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To talk fast: This suggests rapid speech, which is the opposite of being told to stop speaking. To not think before speaking: This describes careless speech but does not capture the idea of being instructed to stop talking. The silence before a storm: This phrase refers to a peaceful period before something dramatic happens. Zip your lip is an instruction, not a description of a period of time. Common Pitfalls: Learners may be distracted by the word lip and think only about speech in general, without focusing on the effect of zipping, which is closing. Another pitfall is to confuse this idiom with others about gossip or speed of speech. Always look for the physical metaphor. Here, the metaphor is a closed zipper, which clearly suggests keeping something shut. That is why the idiom is strongly connected to secrecy and silence. Final Answer: Zip your lip means keep quiet about something or do not speak, especially about a particular matter.

Question 3

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the description a military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a precise one word substitute for a longer descriptive phrase. The phrase is a military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they check knowledge of political and social terminology that often appears in news reports and editorials. The correct answer must match both the idea of ruling and the idea of seizing power by force. Given Data / Assumptions: The group in question is military or political. It rules a country. It has taken power by force, not through normal democratic elections. We need a single English word that expresses this concept. Options are Junta, Suffrage, Emancipation, and Egalitarianism. Concept / Approach: The technical term for a military or political committee that seizes control of a country, often after a coup, is junta. This word is widely used in international news to describe rule by generals or a small ruling council after an undemocratic takeover. The other options refer to voting rights, freedom, and equality, which are very different ideas. Therefore the only word that fits the given definition is junta. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key elements of the definition: group, rules a country, takes power by force. Step 2: Recall political vocabulary. The term junta is commonly associated with military rule after a coup. Step 3: Compare this with suffrage, which means the right to vote, not a ruling group. Step 4: Note that emancipation means the act of freeing someone from legal, social, or political restrictions, not ruling by force. Step 5: Recognise that egalitarianism refers to the belief in equality, again not the act of seizing power. Thus, junta matches the full definition. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, insert each option in typical sentences. For example, After the coup, a military junta took control of the country clearly fits journalistic usage. By contrast, After the coup, a military suffrage or a military emancipation is meaningless. This pattern is consistent across many news stories about countries under military rule, confirming that junta is the correct one word substitute for such a ruling group. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Suffrage: This refers to the right to vote in political elections. It is a power of the citizens, not a description of a ruling group. Emancipation: This means the process of gaining freedom or being set free from control, such as the emancipation of slaves. It does not describe a government formed by force. Egalitarianism: This is the doctrine that all people are equal and should have equal rights and opportunities. It is an ideology, not the name of a ruling council or group. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to choose words that sound impressive or political without checking their exact meaning. Students may also misread the definition and ignore the crucial phrase after taking power by force. The examination setter deliberately combines force and rule in the stem to guide you to junta. To avoid error, always break down long definitions into key ideas and then match those ideas exactly with the options. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute is junta.

Question 4

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one-word substitute for the description a person who lives outside his native country.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a single English word that summarises the descriptive phrase a person who lives outside his native country. Such one word substitutes are common in reading passages about migration, globalisation, and international employment. The correct answer will clearly reflect living abroad, not birthplace or inherent qualities. Given Data / Assumptions: The person mentioned has a native country. He now lives outside that native country. The definition focuses on present residence, not on ancestry alone. We are given four possible terms and must pick the exact match. The options are Indigenous, Natal, Expatriate, and Intrinsic. Concept / Approach: The standard English term for someone who lives outside his or her native country, especially for work, is expatriate, often shortened to expat in informal usage. The emphasis is on residence abroad. Indigenous and natal relate to origin or birth, while intrinsic refers to qualities that are essential to something. Therefore only expatriate correctly fits the idea of living outside the home country. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the clause lives outside his native country. This describes the current living situation. Step 2: Recall that expatriate is used to describe professionals and others who reside in foreign countries for long periods. Step 3: Check the meaning of indigenous, which refers to people originally belonging to a place, not those who live abroad. Step 4: Note that natal relates to birth, as in natal village or natal day, and does not indicate current residence. Step 5: Recognise that intrinsic refers to internal qualities, such as intrinsic value, and has nothing to do with geography. Thus expatriate is the only precise match. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a typical sentence: Many expatriates work in the information technology sector in foreign cities. Substituting the other options results in Many indigenous, Many natal, or Many intrinsic, which clearly do not convey the sense of people living abroad. Also, news reports often use expatriate to describe citizens of one country who are residing in another for work or other reasons. This confirms that expatriate matches the definition accurately. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Indigenous: Describes people who are native to a region and often still living there, such as indigenous tribes. It does not imply living outside the native land. Natal: Means relating to birth. A natal place is the place of birth, but the term is an adjective, not a noun for a person who now lives elsewhere. Intrinsic: Refers to something that is essential or inherent, as in intrinsic merit. It is unrelated to country or residence. Common Pitfalls: The main pitfall is to focus only on the idea of being native and choose indigenous or natal. The question, however, stresses lives outside his native country, which points to someone who has moved away. Another pitfall is to overlook the part of speech. Expatriate can function as both noun and adjective, fitting the requirement for a person, whereas natal and intrinsic are only adjectives in common use. Carefully checking both meaning and grammatical role ensures a correct choice in such questions. Final Answer: A person who lives outside his native country is called an expatriate.

Question 5

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement. At the micro level, the dialectical process of developmen…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question assesses grammar and tense usage in a sentence improvement format. The sentence discusses the dialectical process of development in India at the micro level and describes its present direction. The highlighted phrase has now heading is grammatically incorrect, and the task is to choose the best correction among the alternatives or to confirm that no change is needed. Such questions are common in examinations to test a learner understanding of auxiliary verbs and present continuous tense. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject of the verb is the dialectical process of development in India. The adverb now indicates present time. The sentence describes an ongoing movement towards another direction. The bracketed part is has now heading. The options include various combinations of auxiliaries and the phrase no improvement. Concept / Approach: The verb heading is the present participle form of head. To show an ongoing action in the present, English uses the present continuous form is heading or is now heading. The auxiliary has cannot be directly followed by heading without an additional been, as in has been heading. However, has now heading is incorrect because the required been is missing. Among the given choices, is now heading correctly expresses present continuous tense with an adverb of time, matching the intended meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the tense and aspect needed. The sentence speaks about a process that is currently in progress, so present continuous is appropriate. Step 2: Recall that present continuous is formed with is or are plus the ing form of the verb, optionally with an adverb like now. Step 3: Examine the original phrase has now heading and note that the structure has heading is incorrect unless it is has been heading. Step 4: Look at the options. Had now heading is past perfect and still incorrect in form; now heading lacks an auxiliary verb; is now heading is a correct present continuous form. Step 5: Choose is now heading as the form that is both grammatically correct and consistent with the sense of present movement in the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by reading the revised sentence aloud: At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India is now heading towards another direction. This reads smoothly and clearly indicates a current trend. If you try At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India now heading towards another direction, it feels incomplete because the auxiliary verb is missing. Similarly, had now heading is tense inconsistent and ungrammatical. Therefore the option is now heading is clearly correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: had now heading: This uses the past perfect auxiliary had incorrectly with heading. The correct past perfect continuous form would be had been heading, which is not offered. It also clashes with now. now heading: This phrase lacks the auxiliary verb is or are, so the verb phrase is incomplete and ungrammatical for a full sentence. no improvement: The original has now heading is wrong because has must be followed by a past participle or by been plus a present participle, neither of which occurs here. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to see the auxiliary has and assume the structure is correct without checking whether the main verb form suits it. Another pitfall is to forget that continuous tenses require be plus ing, not have plus ing. In sentence improvement questions, do not be influenced by the apparent complexity of a phrase; always reduce it to its core subject verb relationship and check tense, auxiliary, and verb form carefully. Final Answer: The correct improved form is At the micro level, the dialectical process of development in India is now heading towards another direction.

Question 6

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement. I wondered what one would have thought some 40 years ago …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another sentence improvement question that focuses on reported speech and conditional structures referring to the past. The sentence imagines what people would have thought 40 years ago if someone had made a surprising claim about heating liquid in a plastic container. The bracketed phrase had said must be examined for tense and grammatical correctness. The task is to select the best alternative or confirm that no change is necessary. Given Data / Assumptions: The main clause is I wondered what one would have thought some 40 years ago. The subordinate clause is if you had said you could heat liquid using a plastic container. The time reference some 40 years ago clearly places the event in the past. The clause if you had said introduces a hypothetical past condition. We must check whether had said correctly expresses this hypothetical past action. Concept / Approach: In English, to talk about a hypothetical or unreal situation in the past, we often use the past perfect tense in the if clause, formed with had plus the past participle, and would have plus past participle in the result clause. The structure here matches that pattern: what one would have thought if you had said. The phrase had said is therefore grammatically correct. The alternatives having said, had say, and have saying are all incorrect or awkward in this context, so the correct choice is no improvement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the sentence refers to an unreal past condition, not to a real event. Step 2: Recall that such conditions normally use if plus past perfect in the if clause. Step 3: Analyse the existing structure: if you had said you could heat liquid using a plastic container. This uses had said, which is past perfect. Step 4: Compare the options. Having said is a participle phrase used differently, had say is ungrammatical, and have saying is wrong in tense and form. Step 5: Conclude that the given phrase had said is already correct, so no improvement is required. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by simplifying the sentence: People would have been surprised if you had said this 40 years ago. This is a standard third conditional form. Replacing had said with having said, had say, or have saying makes the sentence ungrammatical. For example, if you having said, if you had say, and if you have saying are all incorrect. This direct comparison confirms that the original phrase matches correct English usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: having said: This is usually used in a structure like Having said that, he left. It does not fit within an if clause expressing a past unreal condition. had say: This breaks the rule of verb forms. After had in past perfect, we need a past participle, not the base form say. have saying: This mixes auxiliary and ing form in an incorrect way. There is no appropriate tense here described by have saying. Common Pitfalls: A typical pitfall is to assume that every bracketed phrase in such questions must be wrong and must be changed. In reality, examiners often include sentences that are already correct to check whether candidates can recognise correct structures. Learners must therefore understand the rules of conditional sentences and past perfect tense instead of changing forms blindly. When you see had plus a correct past participle in a hypothetical past clause, it is often the right choice. Final Answer: The sentence is already correct, so the right choice is no improvement; had said remains unchanged.

Question 7

The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the sentences to form a coherent paragraph. Cars were owned by A only a privileged few and B my class of society was C as yet…

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Introduction / Context: This question tests paragraph jumbled sentence skills. A main sentence has been broken into three labelled parts A, B, and C. The examinee must determine the correct logical order of these parts so that, when combined with the opening fragment, they form a smooth and meaningful sentence. This type of item checks understanding of sentence structure, clause relationships, and natural flow of ideas in English prose. Given Data / Assumptions: The unlabelled beginning is Cars were owned by. Part A is only a privileged few. Part B is my class of society was. Part C is as yet untouched by it. We must order A, B, and C to produce one clear and grammatical sentence about car ownership and social class. Concept / Approach: To solve, we must examine syntax and meaning. The phrase Cars were owned by naturally takes as its object phrase only a privileged few, which is part A. Then, there is a contrast introduced by and, after which we expect a new clause with subject my class of society and predicate was as yet untouched by it. That second clause is formed by joining B and C in that order. Therefore the complete logical sequence after the opening fragment is A followed by B followed by C, that is ABC. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the given opening Cars were owned by and ask which labelled part can immediately follow by. Step 2: Notice that only A, only a privileged few, correctly completes this part to form Cars were owned by only a privileged few. Step 3: After this, we expect a connector like and, which is visible in the original combined version, leading to a second clause. Step 4: For the second clause, my class of society was as yet untouched by it, B provides the subject and linking verb my class of society was, and C provides the complement as yet untouched by it. Step 5: Therefore, the natural, grammatically correct sequence is A followed by B followed by C, which corresponds to option ABC. Verification / Alternative check: Write out the full sentence using ABC: Cars were owned by only a privileged few and my class of society was as yet untouched by it. This sentence is smooth and meaningful. If we try other orders, such as CBA or CAB, the result is ungrammatical or awkward. For example, Cars were owned by as yet untouched by it does not make sense, and my class of society was only a privileged few is also incorrect. This practical testing confirms that ABC is the correct order. Why Other Options Are Wrong: CBA: Starts with as yet untouched by it, which cannot follow Cars were owned by. The overall sentence fails in both structure and sense. CAB: Would give Cars were owned by only a privileged few and as yet untouched by it my class of society was, which is grammatically broken and wrongly orders the subject and complement. BCA: Begins the continuation with my class of society was, so Cars were owned by my class of society was only a privileged few is syntactically confused and ungrammatical. Common Pitfalls: A typical error in jumbled sentence questions is to focus only on meaning and ignore grammar. Candidates may feel that both B and A describe ownership but forget that by must be followed immediately by the noun phrase that names the owner. Another pitfall is to overlook subject complement structure, where my class of society is the subject and as yet untouched by it is the complement linked by was. Understanding this subject link complement pattern is essential for correctly joining B and C. Final Answer: The most logical order is ABC, giving Cars were owned by only a privileged few and my class of society was as yet untouched by it.

Question 8

In the following question, four words are given out of which one word is correctly spelt. Select the correctly spelt word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a spelling based question in which four similar looking words are given, and the examinee must identify the correctly spelt English word. All the options are variations of the noun that refers to an attitude of overbearing pride or self importance. Spelling questions check attention to detail and familiarity with common vocabulary used in reading and writing tasks. Given Data / Assumptions: All four options are attempts at the word arrogance. Only one of them follows standard English spelling conventions. The options differ mainly in the use of double r, double g, and the endings ance or anse. We assume standard British or international English usage as in dictionaries and examination materials. The meaning in mind is the quality of being arrogant. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the noun derived from arrogant is arrogance, with double r, a single g, and the suffix ance. The base adjective arrogant already shows the double r pattern. Many English nouns that describe a state or quality formed from adjectives end in ance, such as importance, tolerance, and brilliance. Therefore, among the options, arrogance is the only one consistent with recognised English spelling rules. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the base adjective arrogant, which you may have seen in phrases like an arrogant person. Step 2: Note that this adjective has two r letters and the sequence g a n t at the end. Step 3: Remember that the corresponding noun ends in ance, forming arrogance. Step 4: Compare this expected pattern with each option: arogance has only one r, arroganse ends with anse, and arogans e has both single r and incorrect ending. Step 5: Identify arrogance in option D as the exact standard spelling with double r and ance. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify your choice by mentally placing each spelling into a sentence, such as His arrogance annoyed everyone. Only arrogance looks familiar and balanced. Additionally, you can use your memory of dictionary entries or textbooks, which consistently use arrogance with the ance ending. The other forms look unusual and do not appear in standard printed materials. Why Other Options Are Wrong: arogance: This misspells the word by using only one r. The correct pattern, matching arrogant, requires two r letters. arroganse: Although this keeps the double r, it replaces the correct suffix ance with anse, which is not used in this noun form. aroganse: This combines both types of error, using single r and the incorrect ending anse. Common Pitfalls: Many learners struggle with double consonants and similar sounding suffixes like ance, ence, and anse. A useful strategy is to learn words in families. If you know arrogant, it is easier to remember arrogance. Spelling practice through writing and reading is more reliable than trying to memorise isolated words just before an exam. Also, pay attention to common noun forming patterns like ance, ence, ity, and ment, which recur across many English words. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is arrogance (option D).

Question 9

In the following question, select the related word pair from the given alternatives. Current : Ampere : : ? : ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an analogy question involving basic physics terminology. The relationship given is Current : Ampere, where the second word is the unit in which the first physical quantity is measured. The examinee must identify another pair of words that exhibits the same relationship. Such questions test both general science knowledge and the ability to spot patterns in word pairs. Given Data / Assumptions: The model pair is Current : Ampere. Current is an electrical quantity. Ampere is the SI unit used to measure electric current. We must find a pair where the second term is the correct unit of the first term. Options given involve air, kilogram, pressure, speed, work, joule, temperature, and metre. Concept / Approach: The relationship is quantity to unit. We first confirm that current is indeed measured in amperes. Next, we search for a physical quantity whose internationally recognised unit appears in the options. Work is a form of energy transfer, and its SI unit is joule. Air is not a measurable physical quantity in the same sense, and neither pressure nor temperature is measured in the remaining second words speed or metre. Thus, Work : Joule mirrors the relationship Current : Ampere. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the pattern in the given pair: the second word names the unit of the first word. Step 2: Confirm basic science facts. Electric current is measured in amperes. Step 3: Examine each option and ask whether the second word is the standard unit of the first word. Step 4: Air : Kilogram fails because we do not measure air as a quantity called air; mass is measured in kilograms. Step 5: Pressure : Speed is incorrect because pressure is measured in pascal or similar units, not in speed. Step 6: Work : Joule is correct because work is measured in joules in the SI system. Step 7: Temperature : Metre is incorrect because temperature is measured in degree Celsius or kelvin, not in metre, which is a unit of length. Verification / Alternative check: Check the accepted SI units: current in ampere, length in metre, mass in kilogram, time in second, temperature in kelvin, work or energy in joule, and pressure in pascal. Among the options, only work paired with joule matches a true quantity unit relationship. Therefore, this option safely parallels the pattern of the given pair. No other option offers a correct match of quantity and unit, confirming our choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Air : Kilogram: Kilogram is a mass unit. While we can measure the mass of air in kilograms, air itself is not a fundamental quantity whose defined unit is kilogram. Pressure : Speed: These are two different physical quantities. Speed is not a unit of pressure; it is itself measured in metres per second. Temperature : Metre: Metre is the unit of length, not temperature. Temperature has its own units such as kelvin and degree Celsius. Common Pitfalls: Some students choose an option just because both words are from science, without checking the exact relationship. The key is to verify whether the second word is truly the name of the unit in which the first quantity is measured. Memorising a small set of fundamental SI units greatly helps in tackling such analogy questions in exams. Final Answer: The correct related pair is Work : Joule, because work is measured in joules, just as current is measured in amperes.

Question 10

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. The lawyer tried to ______________ his client…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a sentence completion question that focuses on choosing the most appropriate verb to describe what a lawyer does when he wants his client to accept a generous settlement offer. The situation is a professional legal context, and the missing word should match both the formality and the intention of the sentence. These questions test vocabulary, collocation, and sensitivity to context. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is The lawyer. The object is his client. The action relates to getting the client to accept a generous settlement offer. We need a verb that describes influencing someone to agree to a proposal. Options are draw, seduce, incite, and persuade. Concept / Approach: The natural, neutral verb for encouraging someone through argument or advice to do something is persuade. Lawyers routinely persuade clients, judges, or juries through reasoning. Draw is too vague, seduce has strong negative and mainly romantic or sexual connotations, and incite suggests provoking someone to aggressive or unlawful behaviour. Therefore, persuade is the only verb that fits the professional and logical tone of the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the scenario: a lawyer is advising a client about a settlement offer. Step 2: Identify the intended meaning: the lawyer is trying to get the client to agree to something that seems beneficial. Step 3: Recall that persuade means to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument. Step 4: Test each option in the sentence: tried to draw his client, tried to seduce his client, tried to incite his client, tried to persuade his client. Step 5: Notice that only persuade naturally collocates with client and accept a settlement offer in formal legal English. Verification / Alternative check: Think of similar contexts: A teacher persuades students to study, a doctor persuades a patient to follow treatment, and a mediator persuades parties to compromise. In all such professional situations, persuade fits perfectly. Neither seduce nor incite is used with such neutral or positive intentions. This pattern confirms that persuade is the correct answer for the sentence about the generous settlement offer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: draw: Although we can draw someone toward something physically or metaphorically, it does not fit tightly with the structure draw someone to accept an offer, and it lacks the idea of reasoning. seduce: This word usually involves leading someone into immoral behaviour or has a strong romantic meaning. Using it with lawyer and client in this context would be inappropriate and misleading. incite: Incite is normally followed by words like violence, rebellion, or hatred. It suggests provoking someone to aggressive or wrongful actions, not accepting a beneficial legal offer. Common Pitfalls: Examinees sometimes choose seduce because they equate it loosely with attract or tempt, but in careful English usage seduce is strongly negative. Another pitfall is to ignore context and only check whether a verb can grammatically take an object. To succeed in vocabulary questions, always pay attention to register, tone, and typical word partners in the sentence. Here, the formal context of a lawyer client relationship clearly points to persuade as the safest and most accurate choice. Final Answer: The lawyer tried to persuade his client to accept the generous settlement offer.

Question 11

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence. The stranded pilgrims (had waited) in the bitter cold for more than two hours now.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question examines correct tense and aspect usage in a context that describes an action started in the past and continuing up to the present. The sentence talks about stranded pilgrims who have been in the bitter cold for more than two hours now. The phrase had waited must be checked against the time marker now and the duration phrase for more than two hours. The problem tests knowledge of present perfect continuous tense. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is the stranded pilgrims, which is plural. The action is waiting in the bitter cold. The duration is more than two hours. The adverb now indicates that the situation still continues up to the present. The original bracketed phrase is had waited, and the options include several present perfect and continuous forms. Concept / Approach: When an action began in the past and is still continuing at the present moment, English typically uses the present perfect continuous tense, formed with have been plus the ing form of the verb. The phrase for more than two hours now strongly suggests ongoing duration until now. Therefore, the correct form with a plural subject is the stranded pilgrims have been waiting. The original had waited is past perfect and does not match the now reference, and other options either mismatch subject or aspect. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the time relationship. The waiting began in the past and still continues up to now. Step 2: Recall that present perfect continuous is appropriate for such ongoing situations. Step 3: Build the structure: plural subject the stranded pilgrims requires have, followed by been and the ing form waiting. Step 4: Compare with the options. Has been waiting is singular, have been waiting is plural continuous, have waited is perfect but not continuous, and no improvement would keep the incorrect past perfect. Step 5: Choose have been waiting as the form that fits both subject number and desired aspect of ongoing duration. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a simpler example: They have been waiting for an hour now. This is clearly standard English. Changing it to They had waited for an hour now is incorrect because had waited usually refers to an action completed before another past action, not one continuing till now. In the exam sentence, the presence of now rules out past perfect. The same logic applies, confirming that have been waiting is the correct improvement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: has been waiting: This form is singular and would fit with a subject like he or she. It is incorrect with the plural subject the stranded pilgrims. have waited: This present perfect tense indicates a completed action with present relevance, but it does not emphasise continuous activity over a period, which the context demands. no improvement: Keeping had waited would describe a completed action before some other past event, which conflicts with the adverb now that refers to the present moment. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse present perfect and past perfect forms and may think that had waited sounds more sophisticated. Another common error is to overlook subject number when choosing between has and have. To avoid such mistakes, always look for time markers like now, since, and for plus duration, which signal present perfect continuous. Matching tense to time expressions is crucial for scoring well in grammar based questions. Final Answer: The improved sentence is The stranded pilgrims have been waiting in the bitter cold for more than two hours now.

Question 12

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 a sentence is free from error, select No Error. I am coming directly (A) to my office (B) fr…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item is an error spotting question. The sentence is divided into three labelled parts, and the candidate must decide whether any part contains a grammatical or usage error. If all parts are correct, the option No error is chosen. The sentence describes a person movement from the station directly to the office in the present continuous tense, a very common pattern in spoken English. Given Data / Assumptions: The complete sentence is I am coming directly to my office from the station. Part A is I am coming directly. Part B is to my office. Part C is from the station. Part D represents No error. We assume standard conversational English flexible word order, not hyper formal style. Concept / Approach: To decide whether there is an error, we must examine tense, prepositions, and word order. The present continuous I am coming is correct for an action in progress. The adverb directly properly modifies coming. The prepositional phrase to my office indicates destination, and from the station states the starting point. The order to my office from the station is also acceptable and commonly used. Therefore, no part contains a clear grammatical mistake, and the correct answer is No error. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check the verb phrase in part A. I am coming directly uses am plus ing form and an adverb, which is grammatically fine. Step 2: Check the prepositional phrase in part B. To my office correctly marks the destination of the movement. Step 3: Check part C. From the station correctly introduces the starting point of the movement. Step 4: Read the whole sentence and see that it communicates a clear idea without ungrammatical structure. Step 5: Conclude that no part needs correction, so the correct choice is No error, that is part D. Verification / Alternative check: You can compare with similar natural sentences, such as I am going directly to the airport from home or She is coming straight to class from the library. These follow the same pattern of verb plus adverb plus destination plus from phrase. The given sentence follows this model exactly, confirming that it is grammatically acceptable in standard English. While one might also say I am coming directly from the station to my office, the existing order is equally valid. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A (I am coming directly): Some exam takers think come must refer to movement towards the listener, but in many exam contexts, this usage is accepted, and grammatically the tense and adverb are correct. B (to my office): This phrase correctly indicates the destination and does not contain any error in preposition or article. C (from the station): This correctly indicates origin. There is no incorrect preposition or article usage here. Common Pitfalls: A pitfall is to overcorrect and assume that a sentence must be wrong simply because it appears in an error spotting section. In reality, some questions are designed so that the correct answer is No error, testing whether students can recognise correct English. Another pitfall is confusion over come and go in verbs of movement; however, many exam boards accept I am coming in this type of narrative context where the speaker is describing movement toward a workplace or listener. Final Answer: The sentence is grammatically correct as written, so the correct choice is No error, which corresponds to option D.

Question 13

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence. The exhausted travellers seemed relieved when the train finally (came into) the station.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question focuses on choosing the most natural phrasal verb to describe the arrival of a train at a station. The sentence as given uses came into the station, which is understandable but less idiomatic than the usual railway phrasing. The options provide various forms of the phrasal verb pull in or pull into. The task is to select the option that best matches standard English usage in this context. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is the train. The situation is the train arrival at the station where exhausted travellers are waiting. The original phrase is came into the station. The options suggest alternate verb phrases with pulled. The correct answer should reflect natural collocation with train and station. Concept / Approach: In railway related English, the common expression is the train pulled into the station, meaning that it arrived by moving along the tracks into the station area. The verb pull is used because locomotives pull carriages. When followed by into and a place, pulled into describes movement into an enclosed or defined space. Therefore, pulled into the station is the most idiomatic choice. Pulled in the station would need an extra preposition at, and pulled onto is used for movement on to a surface, not into a building or station. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that, although came into is grammatically possible, exams often prefer more specific phrasal verbs. Step 2: Recall standard expressions from announcements and narratives such as The train pulled into the platform. Step 3: Examine option A, pulled in, and imagine the sentence when the train finally pulled in the station, which sounds incomplete and odd. Step 4: Examine option B, pulled into, and see that when the train finally pulled into the station is natural and correct. Step 5: Reject option C, pulled onto, because onto typically relates to surfaces, such as onto the table, not stations. Step 6: Choose pulled into as the best replacement for came into in this specific railway context. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by searching your memory of announcements or reading passages: The train pulled into the station at 5 pm is a standard sentence in many English textbooks. By contrast, the train pulled onto the station is never used. The phrase pulled in is often followed by at the station or simply used without mentioning the station explicitly, as in the train pulled in at 5 pm. Since the original sentence already includes the station after the verb phrase, pulled into fits perfectly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: pulled in: Alone, pulled in would be followed by at the station, not directly by the station. So the structure pulled in the station is awkward. pulled onto: Onto indicates movement on to a surface. We might say pulled onto the bridge but not onto the station, because a station is not a surface in this sense. no improvement: While came into is not strictly wrong, examiners aim to test recognition of idiomatic railway usage, which favours pulled into for trains arriving at stations. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes treat no improvement as a safe option when the original sentence is understandable. However, in sentence improvement questions, the goal is to choose the best, not merely a possible, expression. Another pitfall is confusion between into and onto; remembering that into implies entry into an enclosed or defined area, while onto suggests movement on to a surface, helps in many similar questions. Final Answer: The improved sentence is The exhausted travellers seemed relieved when the train finally pulled into the station.

Question 14

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order. It is for the government, P especially one with such a Q significant majority, to have the R intelligence and leadership to think long term.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is another jumbled segment question where the middle portion of a sentence has been split into three labelled parts P, Q, and R. The candidate has to arrange these parts to restore the original, logical sentence. The sentence comments on the responsibility of a government, especially when it enjoys a significant majority, to show intelligence and leadership and think long term. The correct order must preserve both grammatical structure and natural word flow. Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed beginning is It is for the government, Part P is especially one with such a, Part Q is significant majority, Part R is intelligence and leadership to think long term. The ending after these parts is to have the, which introduces the qualities mentioned in R. Concept / Approach: We must observe how modifiers and noun phrases are usually arranged in English. After It is for the government, the phrase especially one with such a significant majority acts as a qualifying relative like phrase for government. This means that P and Q should come directly after government in the order especially one with such a significant majority. After completing this qualifier, the sentence continues with to have the intelligence and leadership to think long term, which corresponds to R. Therefore the logical order of the parts is P Q R. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Expand the skeleton of the sentence: It is for the government, [qualifier], to have the [qualities]. Step 2: Recognise that P especially one with such a begins the qualifier referring back to government. Step 3: See that Q significant majority completes the noun phrase that P introduces, forming such a significant majority. Step 4: Note that R intelligence and leadership to think long term is a noun phrase naming what the government should have. Step 5: Arrange the parts in the order P Q R to get the full sentence It is for the government, especially one with such a significant majority, to have the intelligence and leadership to think long term. Verification / Alternative check: Write out the sentence with PQR: It is for the government, especially one with such a significant majority, to have the intelligence and leadership to think long term. This sentence is both grammatically correct and stylistically clear. Trying other sequences, such as QRP or QPR, produces awkward or incomplete structures like such a intelligence and leadership or significant majority especially one with, which are incorrect. Practical rewriting of each option quickly reveals that only PQR yields good English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: QRP: Starting with significant majority directly after government breaks the phrase such a significant majority because P especially one with such a must precede Q to complete the expression. RPQ: This would place intelligence and leadership to think long term immediately after government, which interrupts the intended qualifier about the majority and creates a confusing structure. QPR: This produces significant majority especially one with such a, which is not a logical or grammatical sequence in English. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes jump to conclusions based only on meaning and ignore how smaller phrases are built. In English, expressions such as such a significant majority have a fixed internal order that should not be broken. Recognising these fixed blocks is helpful in most jumbled sentence questions. It is a good practice to group words that naturally go together, like such a significant majority or intelligence and leadership, before deciding the larger sentence order. Final Answer: The correct order of the segments is PQR, giving It is for the government, especially one with such a significant majority, to have the intelligence and leadership to think long term.

Question 15

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase to drink like a fish.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an idiom based question. The phrase to drink like a fish is a colourful expression that appears in stories, conversations, and sometimes in exam passages. It does not refer to ordinary drinking of water, but to a person habit or behaviour regarding alcohol. The question requires choosing the option that most accurately captures this figurative meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is to drink like a fish. Four descriptive options are presented. We assume the context of human behaviour, not literal fish behaviour. The phrase drink like a fish is known to be about frequency or quantity of drinking. The correct answer must include the idea of excessive drinking. Concept / Approach: The expression compares a person drinking to the imagined constant contact that fish have with water, suggesting very heavy consumption. In everyday English, if someone is said to drink like a fish, it means that person consumes large amounts of alcohol, often habitually. Therefore, the option that correctly explains the idiom is to drink excessive amounts of alcohol. The other options refer to spending money, cheating, or bodily functions and do not match the figurative sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that idioms are not taken literally. People do not literally drink water as fish do. Step 2: Remember common usage: He drinks like a fish usually describes someone who regularly drinks a lot of liquor. Step 3: Examine each option and look for one that mentions drinking and excess. Step 4: Option D, to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, clearly matches these ideas. Step 5: Confirm that options A, B, and C talk about very different behaviours, so they cannot be correct interpretations of the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences: After he lost his job, he began to drink like a fish, or You will ruin your health if you keep drinking like a fish. If you replace drink like a fish with drink a lot of alcohol, the meaning stays the same. Trying alternatives such as spend a lot or cheat for a long time does not fit these sentences. This practical test confirms that the idiom is specifically about alcoholic drinking in large quantities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: a person who spends a lot: This relates to money and spending habits, not to drinking habits. a person who keeps cheating for a very long time without getting noticed: This describes dishonesty over time and has no connection to drinking. a person who needs to relieve himself very frequently: This might result from drinking a lot, but the idiom does not focus on trips to the washroom; it focuses on the act of drinking itself. Common Pitfalls: Some learners may be misled by the humorous image and guess that the idiom means to drink a lot of any liquid, but in standard usage it is especially tied to alcohol. Another pitfall is to be distracted by other intense behaviours mentioned in the options and forget that the idiom starts with the verb drink, which directly points to drinking as the key action. Keeping focus on the main verb in an idiom often helps in selecting the right meaning. Final Answer: To drink like a fish means to drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Question 16

Rearrange the parts of the sentence (P, Q, R) to form a coherent sentence: There is a deeper P - fissure here that goes Q - from western theory R - beyond explanations.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This English language question tests a very common competitive exam skill, namely the ability to rearrange jumbled parts of a sentence in order to form a single clear, grammatically correct, and logically meaningful statement. The given sentence has three labelled parts P, Q, and R, and the learner must decide the most natural order of these parts when they are placed after the introductory clause. Such questions check understanding of sentence structure, flow of ideas, connectors, and the usual position of phrases in standard written English. They are also a good way to test whether the candidate can quickly see how ideas relate to each other and recognise which fragment can logically follow another. The sentence talks about a deeper fissure, or division, that is related to western theory and something that goes beyond explanations, so the order of these ideas must sound natural and precise. Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed introductory part is: There is a deeper P: fissure here that goes Q: from western theory R: beyond explanations The aim is to form a single grammatically correct and meaningful sentence. Concept / Approach: To solve jumbled sentence questions, we look for grammatical links, logical flow, and the natural position of phrases. The phrase fissure here that goes describes something that continues or extends, so it must be followed by a phrase that tells us where or in what sense it goes. The expression goes beyond explanations is a very common and natural collocation in English. Finally, the phrase from western theory fits naturally at the end, because it tells us the source or framework from which these explanations come. Thus we identify which fragments combine into familiar expressions and where the remaining phrase fits best without breaking the flow. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed beginning of the sentence: There is a deeper. Step 2: Attach P to get: There is a deeper fissure here that goes. This is grammatically correct and sounds natural. Step 3: Next, we decide between Q and R. The phrase goes beyond explanations is a common and meaningful combination, so R should follow P. Step 4: We now have: There is a deeper fissure here that goes beyond explanations. Step 5: Finally, we attach Q at the end to specify the origin of the explanations: from western theory. Step 6: The final sentence becomes: There is a deeper fissure here that goes beyond explanations from western theory. Verification / Alternative check: Read the full sentence after arranging as PRQ and check if it is grammatically sound and logically coherent. The noun fissure is correctly followed by the relative clause here that goes beyond explanations, and the phrase from western theory logically modifies explanations. If we try any other arrangement, the sentence starts to sound awkward or incomplete. For example, PQR would give fissure here that goes from western theory beyond explanations, which is grammatically clumsy and stylistically weak. Therefore PRQ clearly gives the best and most idiomatic sentence structure among the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (PQR) places from western theory immediately after goes, which is not natural because goes from western theory is not a standard phrase in this context. Option C (QPR) begins with from western theory after the introductory part, which breaks the expected flow after the word deeper and makes fissure appear too late. Option D (RPQ) puts beyond explanations immediately after deeper, which leaves fissure here that goes in a strange and disjointed position toward the end. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake in such questions is to follow the order in which the parts are printed instead of evaluating the logical flow. Another frequent error is to focus only on grammar and ignore collocations like goes beyond explanations that occur commonly in English. Some learners also tend to overthink the position of prepositional phrases such as from western theory, forgetting that such phrases often come at the end of a sentence. To avoid these pitfalls, always first look for familiar combinations of words, then see how the remaining parts fit together around these anchors. Final Answer: PRQ

Question 17

In this vocabulary question, select the synonym that best expresses the meaning of the verb to preside.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks the learner understanding of English vocabulary, specifically the meaning of the verb to preside. Synonym questions are very common in competitive examinations because they test depth of vocabulary, awareness of shades of meaning, and the ability to distinguish between words that may appear related but are actually used in different contexts. The verb to preside is often encountered in news reports, formal meetings, and descriptions of official functions. Therefore, recognising its nearest meaning among similar looking verbs is important for strong reading and writing skills. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: to preside. Options: to acquiesce, to concur, to officiate, to accord. Exactly one option should be the closest correct synonym. We assume standard modern English usage in formal and semi formal contexts. Concept / Approach: To preside generally means to be in charge of a meeting, ceremony, or official gathering, often in the role of a chairperson, judge, or leader. It carries the idea of supervising proceedings, guiding the process, or directing what happens. When choosing a synonym, we must look for a verb that conveys this sense of taking the lead role during a formal event. Words that only mean to agree, to permit, or to give something will not match the specific idea of chairing or leading a session. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of preside from common phrases such as preside over a meeting, preside over a ceremony, or preside over the court. Step 2: Understand that in all these examples, the person presiding is leading and conducting the event, often in an official capacity. Step 3: Examine the option to officiate. This verb means to perform the official duties at a ceremony or event, such as officiating at a wedding, match, or function. Step 4: Notice that to officiate very closely matches the sense of presiding over an event and acting in a formal or official capacity. Step 5: Check that this match is stronger than the meanings of the other options, which relate more to agreement or granting, rather than leading. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify the correctness by using both words in a similar sentence. For example, The judge presided over the trial can be rephrased as The judge officiated at the trial. While not perfect in every context, the substitution still carries the central idea of performing an official function at the event. In contrast, saying The judge concurred over the trial or The judge acquiesced over the trial does not make sense. Therefore, to officiate is clearly the best synonym for to preside in this set of options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To acquiesce means to accept something reluctantly but without protest, so it is about agreement, not leadership. To concur means to agree with someone or something, again focusing on agreement rather than conducting a meeting or event. To accord means to grant or give something, such as a privilege or honour, which is different from presiding over a gathering. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to pick a word simply because it sounds formal or appears often in similar contexts. Many learners see verbs like concur or acquiesce in official language and assume they must be close in meaning to preside. However, good vocabulary skills require careful attention to the exact sense of a word and the typical phrases in which it is used. To avoid such pitfalls, learners should build familiarity with common collocations, for example preside over a meeting and officiate at a function, which clearly reveal the shared meaning of these verbs. Final Answer: to officiate

Question 18

In this vocabulary question, select the synonym that best expresses the meaning of the verb dabble.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of English vocabulary, focusing on the verb dabble. In competitive exams, candidates often face synonym questions where the target word can have both literal and figurative meanings. Dabble is one such verb. Understanding its nuance helps with reading comprehension and precise expression. The learner must choose the option that is closest in sense to dabble in the usual context of a person casually involving themselves in an activity without deep commitment. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: dabble. Options: solemn, austere, meditative, dally. Usual test context is general English usage, not highly technical meaning. Exactly one option should be the most suitable synonym. Concept / Approach: The verb dabble has two related senses. Literally, it can mean to splash hands or feet in water. Figuratively, it means to take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way, without serious dedication. For example, someone may dabble in painting, teaching, or the stock market, meaning that they try it out lightly without turning it into a major occupation. The correct synonym should therefore capture the idea of playing with something or lingering in an activity without strong commitment, rather than being serious, strict, or deeply thoughtful. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the figurative use of dabble in common sentences like He only dabbles in photography or She dabbles in politics. Step 2: Notice that in these examples the person is not deeply involved but spends some time in a light or experimental way. Step 3: Examine the meaning of dally. This verb means to waste time, to linger, or to do something in a slow or playful manner, often without serious intent. Step 4: Compare this meaning with dabble and see that both suggest a casual, non serious involvement in an activity. Step 5: Evaluate the other options and observe that they describe serious or thoughtful qualities, which do not match the playful or superficial sense of dabble. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can try substituting the options into a sentence. Consider the sentence He dabbles in the share market. Replacing dabbles with dallies gives He dallies in the share market, which still suggests a slow, casual interest. In contrast, He is solemn in the share market or He is austere in the share market change the meaning completely, conveying seriousness or strictness rather than light involvement. Therefore, dally is the best available synonym for dabble in this context, especially when the focus is on casual participation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Solemn means serious, formal, and not cheerful, which is the opposite of casual or playful behaviour. Austere means very strict, plain, or without luxury, again suggesting seriousness rather than playful or superficial interest. Meditative describes a thoughtful, reflective state of mind and is associated with deep contemplation, not light experimentation. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse words because of their tone rather than meaning. Since dabble feels like a somewhat light word, some candidates mistakenly connect it with meditative calm or solemn seriousness. Another mistake is to focus on the literal sense of splashing water and then try to match it with emotional qualities. To avoid such errors, always remember to check typical usage patterns, for example dabble in music, which clearly indicates trying something out without real dedication. Recognising this sense will guide you toward dally as the only option that fits the core idea of casual involvement. Final Answer: dally

Question 19

In the following question on the Active and Passive voice, choose the correct passive form of the sentence: The owners remodelled the car to help it sell.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of the change from Active voice to Passive voice in English grammar. In many competitive examinations, candidates must recognise not only the correct passive structure but also tense consistency, appropriate auxiliary verbs, and natural wording. The given active sentence uses the simple past tense and expresses an action performed by the subject the owners on the object the car, with an infinitive phrase to help it sell explaining the purpose of the action. The task is to select the passive sentence that preserves this meaning while maintaining smooth and correct English. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: The owners remodelled the car to help it sell. Tense: simple past. Subject: the owners. Object: the car. Purpose clause: to help it sell. We must convert this into an accurate passive sentence. Concept / Approach: In voice change, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The main verb remodelled in simple past becomes was remodelled in the passive. The original subject the owners is introduced with the preposition by. The purpose infinitive to help it sell remains unchanged because it is not the main verb of the sentence but only expresses intention or purpose. A correct passive construction should therefore be The car was remodelled by the owners to help it sell, which retains tense, agent, and meaning accurately. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence, which is the car. Step 2: Make this object the new subject of the passive sentence, giving The car. Step 3: Convert the verb remodelled from simple past active to simple past passive, resulting in was remodelled. Step 4: Introduce the doer of the action, the owners, with the preposition by, leading to The car was remodelled by the owners. Step 5: Retain the infinitive phrase to help it sell at the end, because it expresses the purpose and does not change in the voice transformation. Step 6: The final passive sentence becomes The car was remodelled by the owners to help it sell. Verification / Alternative check: Check tense and meaning of the original and the chosen passive. The original sentence describes a completed action in the past; therefore, the passive must also use past tense was remodelled, not present continuous is being remodelled. Also, the purpose should remain clear and natural in English. The phrase to help it sell is idiomatic and widely used. If we changed it to to help it being sold, the sentence would sound awkward and ungrammatical. Thus, the best passive form that satisfies tense, structure, and idiom is The car was remodelled by the owners to help it sell. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B uses is being remodelled, which changes the tense from past to present continuous and therefore does not match the original meaning. Option C uses had phrase to help it being sold, which is grammatically unnatural because help is normally followed by a bare infinitive, for example help it sell. Option D combines present continuous is being remodelled with the incorrect form to help it being sold, so it has both tense and structure errors. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes focus only on replacing remodelled with was remodelled while ignoring the tense of the whole sentence. Another common mistake is to overcomplicate the infinitive phrase and produce forms like to help it being sold, which are not standard English. When changing voice, always preserve the original tense and aspect, shift the object to subject position, and keep purpose or reason clauses intact unless there is a compelling grammatical reason to adjust them. Reviewing common collocations such as help it sell can prevent awkward or incorrect constructions. Final Answer: The car was remodelled by the owners to help it sell.

Question 20

In the following spelling question, select the correctly spelt English word from the given options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests spelling accuracy in English, an area that is very important for competitive examinations, written communication, and professional usage. Four options are presented, and only one of them is correctly spelt. The candidate is expected to recognise standard English spelling, often from familiarity with common words encountered in reading. The word numeracy relates to basic mathematical ability, so people who read educational or policy texts may have seen it before. Recognising such words helps with vocabulary as well as spelling skills. Given Data / Assumptions: Options: thresonical, numeracy, nepotesm, tolarate. Only one option is correctly spelt. The test is based on standard modern British or international English. No specialised technical spelling rules are involved, only common vocabulary. Concept / Approach: The approach to spelling questions is to identify familiar words and also recognise typical spelling patterns. Numeracy is a standard English word meaning the ability to understand and work with numbers, like literacy but for numbers. The other three options are either misspelt versions of known words or invented forms that do not correspond to standard usage. For example, nepotesm resembles nepotism, and tolarate resembles tolerate. When we know the correct spellings of those base words, we can easily identify the incorrect forms. The remaining word numeracy fits a correct and meaningful pattern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at each option and ask whether it looks like a known English word. Step 2: Recognise that numeracy is a commonly used term in education and policy, similar to literacy, and its spelling is well established. Step 3: Analyse thresonical and observe that it does not match any common word. It may remind a learner of theatrical or thespian, but the given form is not standard. Step 4: Notice that nepotesm is very close to nepotism, the correct word for favouritism toward relatives. The presence of es instead of otis signals an incorrect spelling. Step 5: Evaluate tolarate, which clearly echoes tolerate. The change from e to a in the second syllable makes it incorrect. Step 6: Conclude that numeracy is the only correctly spelt and meaningful English word among the choices. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, one can check external references such as dictionaries or reliable educational material, where numeracy is defined as the ability to understand and work with numbers. No authoritative source lists thresonical, nepotesm, or tolarate as correct words. Additionally, grammar and spell check tools commonly flag these three as errors but accept numeracy as correct. Since examinations rely on standard forms, the presence of numeracy as a recognised term confirms that it is the correct spelling. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Thresonical does not correspond to a regular English word in common use and appears to be a made up or incorrect form. Nepotesm is a distorted spelling of nepotism, where the sequence of letters has been changed to create a wrong pattern. Tolarate is a misspelling of the verb tolerate. The correct spelling uses e in the second syllable and appears as tolerate. Common Pitfalls: Spelling questions can be tricky because exam setters deliberately create distractors that resemble authentic words. Candidates often rely on general impression or guesswork instead of recalling the exact spellings they have seen in reading. Another pitfall is ignoring the root forms of words. Recognising that nepotesm tries to imitate nepotism or that tolarate imitates tolerate quickly reveals the errors. To strengthen spelling skills, learners should pay attention to word forms while reading and, whenever possible, write new words a few times, focusing on the sequence of vowels and consonants. Over time, visual memory of correct spelling becomes stronger and such questions become much easier. Final Answer: numeracy

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