Question 1

In the following question on one word substitution, choose the single word that best describes a person who is lazy and has low standards of cleanliness.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One word substitution questions test the ability to match a descriptive phrase with a single precise English word. This is useful both for examinations and for effective communication, where concise language is valued. The phrase given describes a person who is lazy and has low standards of cleanliness. The task is to identify which of the options is commonly used in English for someone who is untidy, careless about hygiene, and often messy in habits and surroundings. Recognising such words helps candidates understand descriptions in texts and also express themselves more accurately. Given Data / Assumptions: Description: a person who is lazy and has low standards of cleanliness. Options: hog, slob, swine, brute. The word should be in regular modern English usage. Only one option should clearly match the description. Concept / Approach: We need to distinguish between words that literally refer to animals and those that are used as figurative labels for human behaviour. While hog and swine are names of animals and can be used metaphorically, their primary association is with greed or dirtiness in eating, not specifically with laziness and poor hygiene. Brute suggests a cruel or violent person lacking sensitivity. The word slob, however, is a widely used informal term in English for someone who is habitually untidy, careless about appearance, and often lazy about cleaning or organising. Therefore, slob best captures both laziness and dirtiness in one compact word. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key elements of the description: lazy and low standards of cleanliness. Step 2: Recall the common meaning of slob. It refers to a person who is messy, dirty, or lazy, particularly about personal hygiene or surroundings. Step 3: Compare this with hog, which as a noun is mainly a pig and, when applied to people, often suggests greed or taking more than a fair share. Step 4: Consider swine, which is another word for pig and is often used as an insult suggesting cruelty or unpleasant behaviour rather than simple laziness and messiness. Step 5: Examine brute, which describes a rough, cruel, or violent person, emphasising lack of kindness rather than lack of cleanliness. Step 6: Conclude that slob is the only option that directly and commonly matches the phrase given in the question. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can use the options in example sentences. If we say He is a complete slob, it naturally conveys a picture of someone whose room is messy, whose clothes are dirty, and who does not care much about cleanliness or tidiness. Replacing slob with hog, swine, or brute changes the mental picture and emphasises other traits like greed, cruelty, or violence. Dictionaries and standard usage guides also define slob as a person who is lazy and untidy. This confirms that slob is the precise one word substitute required by the question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Hog refers to a pig and is often used metaphorically for a greedy or selfish person who takes more than their share, not specifically for laziness and lack of cleanliness. Swine also means pig and is a strong insult that suggests someone is disgusting or mean, but it is not the standard label for an untidy person in everyday speech. Brute describes someone who is cruel, savage, or lacking in human feelings, which is different from simply being lazy and dirty. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake in such questions is to choose a word only based on its negative tone, without checking whether its meaning matches all parts of the description. Since all four options sound insulting, candidates may randomly pick any animal word. Another pitfall is to assume that any animal related word must refer to dirtiness alone. To avoid these problems, learners should focus on the exact traits mentioned in the phrase and try to recall the core meaning and typical usage of each option. Building a mental link between slob and messy, untidy person makes it easier to answer such questions quickly in exams. Final Answer: slob

Question 2

Select the antonym of the adjective therapeutic, that is, a word meaning harmful rather than healing.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the ability to identify antonyms, that is, words opposite in meaning. The target word is therapeutic, an adjective most often used for something that heals, cures, or is beneficial for health and well being. To answer correctly, the learner must pick the option that describes something harmful or damaging rather than curative. Antonym questions are important in competitive exams because they require a clear understanding of word meaning, not just a vague sense of familiarity with the word form. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: therapeutic. Options: ameliorative, analeptic, salubrious, inimical. The task is to find the opposite meaning, not a synonym. We assume standard usage of these adjectives in the context of health and benefits. Concept / Approach: Therapeutic describes something that has a healing effect, such as therapeutic treatment, therapeutic massage, or therapeutic exercise. The antonym should therefore express the idea of harming, injuring, or working against health or benefit. The options ameliorative, analeptic, and salubrious all describe positive, improving, or health giving effects. The word inimical, however, means harmful, hostile, or unfriendly. In medical or general contexts, inimical to health or inimical to recovery clearly stands opposite to therapeutic. Recognising the roots and connotations of these words allows us to choose the correct antonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that therapeutic is associated with healing and cure, for example therapeutic drugs or therapeutic benefits. Step 2: List synonyms in your mind such as healing, curative, beneficial, and health giving. Step 3: Look for an option that directly contradicts this sense and suggests harm or damage. Step 4: Examine inimical, which means hostile, harmful, or unfriendly, often used in expressions like inimical to progress or inimical to health. Step 5: Compare this with ameliorative, analeptic, and salubrious, all of which have positive, helpful meanings that are close to therapeutic. Step 6: Conclude that inimical is the only option that stands as a true opposite to therapeutic. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, consider example phrases. A therapeutic remedy helps in recovery, while an inimical remedy would be harmful to recovery. In contrast, an ameliorative treatment improves a condition, an analeptic drug stimulates and restores, and a salubrious climate is good for health. All three positive words are aligned with or similar to the idea of therapy and benefit rather than standing against it. Therefore, inimical clearly functions as the antonym because it indicates something that works against health, well being, or desired outcomes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ameliorative means tending to improve or make better, especially a bad situation, so it is closer to therapeutic than to its opposite. Analeptic refers to a drug or agent that restores health, strength, or alertness, again a positive and restorative meaning. Salubrious means health giving or beneficial, often used to describe air, climate, or environment, which is clearly similar in direction to therapeutic. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to pick a word simply because it is unfamiliar or sounds complicated. Many candidates assume that strange or technical sounding options must be negative. Another pitfall is not reading the question carefully and accidentally choosing a synonym instead of an antonym. To avoid such mistakes, always spend a moment recalling what the target word means and then look for a word that directly contradicts that meaning, not just any difficult adjective. Linking inimical with hostile and harmful in your memory will help you quickly spot it as the correct antonym when therapeutic appears in any exam. Final Answer: inimical

Question 3

Select the antonym of the phrasal verb to perpetuate, that is, to make something continue indefinitely.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the antonym of the verb to perpetuate. In English, to perpetuate means to cause something to continue or to make it last for a very long time, sometimes indefinitely, for example to perpetuate a tradition or to perpetuate a problem. Antonym questions require the learner to identify not just related meanings but the exact opposite. Here, the opposite would be a verb that suggests stopping, ending, or bringing something to a close instead of continuing it. Given Data / Assumptions: Target verb: to perpetuate. Options: to eternize, to canonize, to cease, to bolster. The task is to select the word that has an opposite meaning. Context is general English usage, not specific religious or technical jargon alone. Concept / Approach: To perpetuate carries the idea of preserving or prolonging something. A government could unintentionally perpetuate inequality, or individuals may perpetuate myths by repeating them. The correct antonym must therefore express the idea of stopping or bringing an end to whatever is being discussed. Among the given options, to cease directly means to stop, to come to an end, or to cause something to stop. The other verbs to eternize, to canonize, and to bolster all involve maintaining, honouring, or strengthening something, so they are closer in spirit to perpetuate rather than being its opposites. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that to perpetuate means to cause something to continue, often for a very long time. Step 2: Think of typical phrases such as perpetuate injustice or perpetuate a custom, which clearly indicate continuation. Step 3: Look for an option that clearly expresses the idea of stopping or ending these things. Step 4: Examine to cease, which means to stop or bring to an end, for example cease fire or cease operations. Step 5: Compare this with to eternize, which means to make eternal or to immortalise, thus directly supporting indefinite continuation rather than ending. Step 6: Note that to canonize means to declare someone a saint or to honour something formally, and to bolster means to support or strengthen, both of which again help continuation rather than cessation. Verification / Alternative check: Verify by constructing parallel sentences. If a policy perpetuates poverty, it makes poverty continue. In contrast, a good policy might cease poverty, meaning it brings poverty to an end. Substituting to eternize or to bolster in that structure shows that those verbs do not express the opposite. For example, to eternize poverty would mean to make it last forever, which is even stronger in the same direction as perpetuate. Therefore, to cease stands out as the only true antonym in the given list. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To eternize means to make something eternal or everlasting, which is very similar in idea to making something continue and thus close to perpetuate, not opposite. To canonize refers to officially declaring someone a saint or raising something to a high, honoured status, which again tends to preserve and respect rather than end. To bolster means to support or strengthen, as in bolster someone confidence or bolster an argument, which helps something continue or grow instead of stopping it. Common Pitfalls: Many learners get confused when several options share a broadly positive or formal tone. They may incorrectly choose a word that sounds impressive rather than focusing on the exact meaning. Another common pitfall is to think only about partial aspects of the target word and not its core idea of making something last. To avoid such errors, always start by clearly defining the target word in your own mind. Then deliberately look for a word that reverses that meaning almost completely. In this case, once you know that perpetuate equals continue or sustain, it becomes much easier to see that cease, meaning stop or end, is the correct antonym. Final Answer: to cease

Question 4

In the following grammar question on error spotting, identify the part of the sentence that contains an error: The task of (A) writing a autobiography (B) is a difficult one (C).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Error spotting questions are designed to test a learner grasp of English grammar and usage. The sentence is divided into labelled parts, and the candidate has to find the segment containing a mistake. In this question, the sentence reads The task of writing a autobiography is a difficult one. The structure is fairly simple, so the main focus is likely on articles, noun forms, or prepositional usage. Recognising small yet important errors such as incorrect use of a and an is essential for accurate written and spoken English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: The task of (A) writing a autobiography (B) is a difficult one (C). Option D corresponds to No error. We need to find the segment that contains a clear grammatical or usage error. Standard rules of English articles before vowel and consonant sounds apply. Concept / Approach: The sentence structure The task of writing an autobiography is a difficult one is otherwise correct in terms of verb agreement and word order. The error lies in part B, where the phrase a autobiography appears. In English, the indefinite article a is used before words beginning with a consonant sound, and an is used before words beginning with a vowel sound. The word autobiography begins with a vowel sound, so the correct phrase is an autobiography. Identifying this basic rule of article usage immediately reveals the error segment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence: The task of writing a autobiography is a difficult one. Step 2: Check each part for subject verb agreement, noting that task and is agree in number, so part A and part C are structurally fine. Step 3: Focus on part B, which contains the phrase a autobiography. Step 4: Recall the rule that a comes before consonant sounds, as in a book, a car, and an comes before vowel sounds, as in an apple, an essay. Step 5: Observe that autobiography starts with the vowel sound aw, so it should take the article an rather than a. Step 6: Conclude that part B contains the error and should be corrected to an autobiography. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, say the corrected sentence aloud: The task of writing an autobiography is a difficult one. It sounds natural and adheres to standard English rules. If we retain a autobiography, the sentence feels awkward and clearly conflicts with the widely taught rule for article usage. There are no other issues in the sentence. The phrase the task of writing is grammatically correct, and the clause is a difficult one correctly uses the singular verb and predicate complement. Therefore, the only error is in part B, the article before autobiography. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (The task of) is correct because the phrase introduces the subject of the sentence properly. Option C (is a difficult one) is grammatically accurate and matches the singular subject task. Option D (No error) is incorrect because we have clearly identified an error in part B. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates read quickly and miss small article errors, especially when they are more focused on verbs and tenses. Another pitfall is confusion between spelling and sound; some learners mechanically look at the letter rather than the pronunciation. The key is to remember that the choice between a and an depends on the sound that immediately follows, not just the first letter. Words like university, which start with a consonant sound, take a, whereas autobiography, which begins with a vowel sound, correctly takes an. Practising such examples can greatly reduce errors in exam conditions. Final Answer: B

Question 5

In the following question on idioms and phrases, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression down to the wire.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idioms and phrases are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed directly from the literal meanings of their individual words. This question asks about the idiom down to the wire. Such expressions often come from sports, history, or everyday practices and are widely used in journalism, sports commentary, and casual conversation. Understanding them is important for reading comprehension and effective speaking. Here, the learner must choose the option that correctly explains what it means when a contest, event, or decision goes down to the wire. Given Data / Assumptions: Idiomatic expression: down to the wire. Four explanatory options are provided. Only one option captures the accepted figurative meaning. Context is general English, often seen in sports or competitive situations. Concept / Approach: Down to the wire is an idiom that originated from horse racing, where a wire used to mark the finish line. When a race stayed undecided until the horses reached that line, it was said to go down to the wire. In modern usage, the idiom describes any situation where the result is not known until the very last moment. This could be an election, a sports match, a business deal, or even a student completing a project just before the deadline. Therefore, the correct option must mention a situation whose outcome is only decided at the last minute, rather than any reference to bombs, bondage, or spending money. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that in sports commentary, people often say The match went down to the wire when both teams were close until the final seconds. Step 2: Understand that this implies the result was uncertain until the end, not that resources were used up or that something exploded. Step 3: Read option C, which states to denote a situation whose outcome is not decided until the very last minute and see that this matches the sense described above. Step 4: Compare option C with other options that mention bondage, bombs, or finishing resources, which are not part of the established meaning of the idiom. Step 5: Conclude that option C is the most accurate and comprehensive explanation of down to the wire. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, use the idiom in a few sentences. We can say The election went down to the wire because the winner was declared only after the last votes were counted. Another example is Our project completion came down to the wire, meaning it was finished at the last possible moment. In both cases, the key idea is that the final result was not decided until the very end. None of the example usages suggests an explosion, breaking chains, or spending every last rupee. Therefore, the definition in option C is correctly aligned with common usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, removing the bondage that is keeping one down, suggests freedom or liberation but has no connection with the original sports based origin of the idiom. Option B, the last second before the bomb explodes, is dramatic but inaccurate and seems to borrow imagery from films rather than language history. Option D, finishing all available resources to the last penny, describes using up resources but does not capture the specific idea of an undecided outcome until the end. Common Pitfalls: In idiom questions, learners sometimes choose answers with extreme or dramatic descriptions because they appear memorable, even when those descriptions are not accurate. Another pitfall is to focus entirely on the literal words wire and imagine physical wires like electric cables or bombs, which leads to incorrect interpretations. To avoid these mistakes, it helps to read widely and notice idioms in context. Over time, one acquires a natural sense of phrases like down to the wire, which are then easily matched with their correct meanings in exam questions. Final Answer: to denote a situation whose outcome is not decided until the very last minute

Question 6

In the following question on Direct and Indirect speech, choose the reported form of the sentence: Manoj said, I must go now.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks knowledge of Direct and Indirect (reported) speech. The original sentence Manoj said, I must go now is in direct speech. The task is to express it in indirect speech while maintaining correct tense, pronoun, and time reference. Many competitive exams include such questions, because they test understanding of how spoken words are reported later by another person. Correct reporting involves changes in pronouns, time adverbs such as now or today, and sometimes modal verbs depending on the context. Given Data / Assumptions: Direct speech: Manoj said, I must go now. Reporting verb: said. Reported clause: I must go now. We need a grammatically correct indirect sentence that preserves meaning. The reporting verb is in past tense, so normal rules of backshifting may apply, but modal must can remain must in many contexts. Concept / Approach: When changing from direct to indirect speech, we usually remove quotation marks and introduce a conjunction such as that. Pronouns change according to the subject of the reporting verb. Here, I refers to Manoj, so it becomes he in indirect speech. The time adverb now should shift to then because the reporting is done at a later point. The modal must can remain must when it expresses a general necessity or obligation at the time referred to, although in some contexts it can become had to. Among the options, the sentence Manoj said that he must go then correctly applies these changes without introducing spelling errors or tense mistakes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Remove the quotation marks and introduce the reporting clause with that, resulting in Manoj said that. Step 2: Change the pronoun I to he, because Manoj is the speaker. Step 3: Retain the modal must to keep the sense of strong necessity, giving he must go. Step 4: Replace the time adverb now with then, as commonly done when reporting at a later time. Step 5: Combine the parts to get Manoj said that he must go then. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option for both grammar and spelling. Option A, Manoj said that he must go then, is free of errors and follows standard rules for pronoun and time shift. Option B uses than instead of then, which is a spelling mistake, because than is used for comparison, not time reference. Option C changes must to has to and leaves out that, which might be acceptable in some spoken contexts but shifts the nuance of necessity and mix tenses, since said is past and has to is present. Option D combines should be going than, which is awkward and again misspells then. Therefore, option A is the best and most correct answer for standard written English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B is incorrect due to the misuse of than where then is required. This confuses comparison with time reference. Option C alters the modal from must to has to and uses a present tense auxiliary with a past reporting verb, which is not ideal for formal indirect speech in exams. Option D introduces should be going and again uses than, resulting in both a grammatical and spelling problem that changes the meaning and tone of the sentence. Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse the words then and than, especially in speech where they sound similar for some speakers. Another pitfall is to change modals like must into should or has to without checking whether the strength of obligation is preserved. For exam purposes, it is safer to keep must as must when it expresses strong necessity at the time of speaking. Careful reading and attention to spelling are crucial in such questions, because even a small mistake like than instead of then can make an otherwise correct sentence unacceptable. Final Answer: Manoj said that he must go then.

Question 7

Select the one-word substitute that best expresses the meaning of the phrase: “To exclude someone from a society or group.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question tests knowledge of precise one-word substitutions in English. The phrase given is “To exclude from a society or group,” and the learner has to identify the single verb that most accurately conveys this meaning. Mastering such one-word substitutes is very important for competitive exams, as they appear in synonym, antonym, and cloze tests, and they also help candidates express ideas clearly and concisely in both spoken and written English. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase to be substituted is “To exclude from a society or group.” All options are English verbs or verb phrases that describe some type of removal, rejection, or social action. The task is to choose the option whose core meaning matches the idea of formally excluding a person from a group or community. Concept / Approach: The approach is to understand the nuance of each option and decide which one specifically refers to exclusion from a group or community. In vocabulary questions, it is not enough that a word appears somewhat similar. The exact context of the phrase matters. Here, the phrase describes a social action of shutting someone out from a society, a club, a community, or a group. The word we need must capture this social exclusion, often as a deliberate and sometimes formal act, rather than merely sending someone away or refusing to deal with them commercially. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core meaning of the phrase: to exclude someone from participation in a community or group, often in a formal or social sense. Step 2: Examine “to ostracise.” This verb means to exclude, shun, or refuse to associate with a person, especially from a group or community, often as a form of social punishment. Step 3: Examine “to deport.” This means to expel a foreigner from a country, usually by legal or governmental order. It is about sending a person out of a country, not specifically about social exclusion from a group. Step 4: Examine “to boycott.” This means to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest. It involves refusing to deal with someone or something, but it does not necessarily mean removing a person from a society or group. Step 5: Examine “to snub.” This means to insult someone by ignoring them or treating them coldly. It is rude behavior but does not fully capture the idea of formally excluding the person from a group. Step 6: Compare all meanings and see which verb is the closest match to formal social exclusion from a group. “To ostracise” fits perfectly. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by placing each option into the original phrase: “To ostracise someone is to exclude them from a society or group” makes complete sense and is a standard dictionary definition. “To deport someone from a society or group” does not sound idiomatic; deport is used with a country. “To boycott a person” is to refuse dealings, not to throw them out of a community. “To snub a person” is to slight them but not necessarily banish them. Therefore, the best and most precise one-word substitute remains “to ostracise.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: to deport: Refers to expelling a person from a country by legal authority, not to social exclusion from a group or community. to boycott: Means to refuse to deal with or support as a protest, more about economic or social protest than formal exclusion from a group. to snub: Means to ignore or treat with coldness or disdain, but the person still remains part of the group, so it is not full exclusion. Common Pitfalls: Students often pick words like “deport” or “boycott” because they sound strong and negative. However, vocabulary questions demand precision. “Boycott” often involves a group refusing to buy goods or use services, not throwing someone out of membership. “Deport” is a legal removal from a country, not everyday group exclusion. Another pitfall is confusing “snub” with complete exclusion; a snub is a rude act, but the person is still part of the social circle. Remember that “ostracise” is specifically about excluding or shunning someone from a group or community, which is exactly what the phrase describes. Final Answer: The one-word substitute that best expresses “To exclude from a society or group” is to ostracise.

Question 8

Select the English word that is correctly spelt among the given options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks spelling skills in English by asking you to identify the single correctly spelt word among several options. Spelling questions are very common in competitive exams because they reveal how familiar a candidate is with standard written English and scientific or technical vocabulary that frequently appears in academic texts and everyday usage. Given Data / Assumptions: The four options are: glucose, hermetec, wigling, and derrogate. Exactly one of these words is spelt correctly according to standard English spelling. The word list contains one common scientific term and three incorrectly formed words. Concept / Approach: The concept tested here is knowledge of standard spellings of common English words, especially those that are used in science and general communication. A candidate should recognize which words exist in English in that form and which are misspelt or do not exist at all. The best approach is to recall known words and then check each option against that mental vocabulary. If necessary, one can also think of the word roots and standard suffixes to see which form is correct. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at “glucose.” This is a very common term in biology and chemistry. It is the name of a simple sugar that serves as a major energy source in the body. The standard spelling is g-l-u-c-o-s-e. Step 2: Check if there is any common alternative spelling for “glucose.” There is not; “glucose” is spelled exactly in this way in dictionaries, textbooks, and medical reports. Step 3: Consider “hermetec.” The correct related English word is “hermetic,” which refers to something that is airtight or sealed. The given spelling “hermetec” is therefore incorrect. Step 4: Consider “wigling.” The correct verb is “wiggling,” from the base “wiggle,” and the present participle or gerund is formed by adding “-gling” after removing the “e” if needed. The correct spelling is “wiggling,” not “wigling.” Step 5: Consider “derrogate.” The usual English word is “derogate” or “derogatory.” The spelling “derrogate” with double “r” is not standard and is considered incorrect. Step 6: Since “glucose” is a well-known word with correct spelling and the other three are clearly incorrect, “glucose” is the only correctly spelt word. Verification / Alternative check: If we consult standard usage from school textbooks and dictionaries, “glucose” appears frequently as the name of a sugar. In contrast, the other three forms do not appear in standard dictionaries in these spellings. We can also cross-check by thinking of familiar phrases: “blood glucose level” is common and always written with this spelling. This confirms that “glucose” is the correct option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: hermetec: Incorrect because the accepted adjective is “hermetic,” not “hermetec.” The final letters “ec” are wrong. wigling: Incorrect because the correct form is “wiggling,” with double “g.” English often doubles the consonant when adding “-ing” to a one-syllable verb like “wiggle.” derrogate: Incorrect because the correct verb is “derogate,” and the adjective is “derogatory.” The extra “r” creates a non-standard spelling. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to overthink and suspect the familiar word. Sometimes candidates believe that the obviously known term might be a trick, so they hesitate to choose it. Another pitfall is being confused by unfamiliar words and assuming that unusual spellings must be correct because they look complicated. However, in spelling questions, the safest strategy is to rely on words that you truly recognize from trustworthy sources, rather than guessing that an odd form is correct. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word among the given options is glucose.

Question 9

Complete the sentence by choosing the most appropriate word: If immigrants do not learn to speak the native languages of their new countries, they will not be able to _____________ themselves into society.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a vocabulary and usage question that tests knowledge of the correct verb to describe becoming a part of society. It highlights how language skills are essential for successful adjustment in a new country. The key idea is about immigrants blending into, fitting into, or becoming fully accepted members of the community. The correct answer must match this context both in meaning and typical usage in modern English. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence talks about immigrants, their ability to speak native languages, and their success in becoming part of a new society. The blank is followed by “themselves into society,” so we need a reflexive verb that fits grammatically before “themselves.” The options are: conjoin, interface, integrate, and reconciliate. Concept / Approach: We must find a verb that collocates naturally with “themselves into society” and expresses the idea of becoming a functional and accepted member of a community. In English, the standard expression is “to integrate into society.” The other options either have technical meanings or are not idiomatic with this structure. Checking collocations (typical word pairings) is an efficient way to solve such questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the meaning of the sentence. It states that immigrants need language skills; otherwise, they will fail to become part of their new society. Step 2: Consider “conjoin.” This means to join together or unite two things, but it is rarely used reflexively about people joining a social system. We normally say “conjoined twins” or “two ideas conjoin,” not “conjoin themselves into society.” Step 3: Consider “interface.” This is mainly used for interaction between systems, devices, or sometimes groups, and it usually takes the preposition “with” rather than “into.” “Interface themselves into society” is unnatural and inaccurate. Step 4: Consider “integrate.” This means to combine or become part of a group or society so that all separate elements work together. The common expression is “integrate into society,” which is exactly the sense required here. Step 5: Consider “reconciliate.” The common verb in English is “reconcile,” not “reconciliate.” Even “reconcile” is used with people and differences, not with “themselves into society” in this form. Therefore, it is incorrect both in form and in collocation. Step 6: Conclude that “integrate” is the only option that correctly and naturally completes the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: If we read the completed sentence with “integrate,” it becomes: “If immigrants do not learn to speak the native languages of their new countries, they will not be able to integrate themselves into society.” This is a very common and natural sentence in academic writing, newspapers, and discussions about migration. The meaning is clear and the grammar is correct. With any of the other options, the sentence would sound awkward or incorrect, which confirms the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: conjoin: Used for joining two or more objects or ideas together, not for people becoming part of a social system. It does not collocate with “themselves into society.” interface: Usually used in technical or organizational contexts with “with,” as in “interface with a system.” It does not express the idea of becoming part of society. reconciliate: This form is not standard; the usual verb is “reconcile.” Even then, one reconciles people or differences, not “themselves into society” in this structure. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to choose a word that sounds advanced or technical, like “interface,” without checking if it truly fits the context and preposition. Students may also be misled by “conjoin” because it looks similar to “join,” but the usage pattern is different. Another pitfall is not recognizing that “reconciliate” is not a standard English verb. The safest strategy in exams is to rely on common collocations that you have seen in reliable English usage, such as “integrate into society.” Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is integrate.

Question 10

In this passage about the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), select the word that best completes the blank at the beginning of the sentence: ______ the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the government had purchased assets of struggling banks.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is based on a passage that discusses the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a financial rescue measure. The blank appears at the start of a sentence that introduces the program and its role. The objective is to choose the correct preposition that accurately describes actions carried out within the framework of a named program. Understanding typical prepositional phrases used in formal English, especially in economic and policy discussions, is crucial here. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence in the passage reads: “________ the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the government had purchased assets of struggling banks with a view to ensuring that they did not collapse...” The options given are: Below, Down, Lower, and Under. The context is formal: government action taken as part of an official program. We assume the passage follows standard educated English usage as seen in economics and policy writing. Concept / Approach: In formal English, when describing actions carried out within a policy, law, scheme, or program, the preposition “under” is most commonly used. For example, we say “under the scheme,” “under the law,” or “under the program,” meaning “within the authority or framework of.” Other options like “below,” “down,” or “lower” normally refer to physical position or degree, not to legal or administrative coverage. The approach is to match the idiomatic phrase used with named programs and check which option collocates correctly with “the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the structure: “_____ the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the government had purchased assets...” The blank clearly requires a preposition. Step 2: Test “Below.” The phrase “Below the Troubled Asset Relief Program” suggests physical position, as if something is physically under a label, which does not fit the context of government action. Step 3: Test “Down.” “Down the Troubled Asset Relief Program” is not a recognized phrase; “down” usually indicates direction or reduction, not legislative or programmatic authority. Step 4: Test “Lower.” This is an adjective, not a preposition, so it does not fit grammatically before the name of a program in this sentence structure. Step 5: Test “Under.” “Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)” is a standard and idiomatic phrase, meaning that the actions were carried out within the rules, authority, or framework of that program. Step 6: Since only “Under” works grammatically and contextually, it is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by comparing with other typical sentences: “Under the scholarship scheme, students receive financial aid,” or “Under the new policy, taxes were reduced.” In all such cases, “under” links actions to the program or policy that authorizes them. This mirrors the structure in the given passage about TARP, confirming that “Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)” is the correct and natural phrase in formal English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Below: Used mainly for physical or figurative lower position (for example, below the line, below average). It is not used to describe actions taken within a program. Down: Often indicates direction or reduction (for example, sit down, prices are down). It does not connect to policies or programs in this way. Lower: Functions as an adjective or a verb (to lower something). It cannot grammatically fill this blank as a preposition before a program name. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes become unsure about simple prepositions in formal contexts and overthink the options. They may feel that “down” or “below” somehow suggests financial decline, because the passage is about troubled banks. However, the grammar and common usage patterns are more important than any symbolic association. Another pitfall is ignoring how such phrases appear in real official documents; government communications almost always say “under a scheme” or “under a program.” Learning such fixed expressions can greatly improve performance in cloze tests and reading comprehension questions. Final Answer: The correct preposition to complete the sentence is Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Question 11

In this TARP passage sentence, select the word that best completes the blank: “... the government had purchased assets of struggling banks with a view ______ ensuring that they did not collapse ...”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks understanding of a fixed English expression that often appears in formal and academic writing: “with a view to doing something.” The sentence is part of a passage about TARP in which the government buys assets with a particular purpose. The blank appears after the phrase “with a view,” and the candidate must select the correct word that leads into a verb form and completes the idiomatic structure. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence from the passage is: “... the government had purchased assets of struggling banks with a view ______ ensuring that they did not collapse ...” Options: to, of, so, for. The phrase “with a view ... ensuring” needs to be grammatically and idiomatically correct. Standard English uses certain set phrases, especially in formal contexts like economics and policy discussion. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the idiom “with a view to,” which means “with the intention of” or “in order to.” It is always followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). Therefore, the correct pattern is “with a view to ensuring,” where “ensuring” is the gerund. The other options do not form a standard idiom and would make the sentence awkward or wrong. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the fixed phrase. We know that in formal English, people say “with a view to improving,” “with a view to reducing,” etc. Step 2: Test “to.” The complete part would be “with a view to ensuring that they did not collapse.” This matches the known idiom and is grammatically correct. Step 3: Test “of.” “With a view of ensuring” is not standard usage. While “view of” can appear in other contexts (“in view of something”), it does not work with “with a view” in this idiom. Step 4: Test “so.” The phrase “with a view so ensuring” is grammatically incorrect and unidiomatic. Step 5: Test “for.” “With a view for ensuring” is also not a recognized expression and sounds incorrect in formal writing. Step 6: Since “to” is the only word that completes the idiom “with a view to + gerund,” it is the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by substituting another verb: “The company invested in training with a view to increasing productivity.” This clearly shows that “with a view to” is the correct pattern. Using “with a view of increasing” or “with a view for increasing” would be considered non-standard in exam-oriented English. The same logic applies to “with a view to ensuring that they did not collapse.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: of: “With a view of ensuring” is not idiomatic. “In view of” exists as another phrase, but that is different and does not fit here. so: Does not fit after “with a view” and results in ungrammatical phrasing. for: “With a view for ensuring” is incorrect; “for” may introduce purpose in other structures, but not in this fixed expression. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes mix up “in view of” (meaning “because of” or “considering”) with “with a view to” (meaning “with the intention of”). They may also choose a preposition based on guesswork instead of recognizing the idiom. To avoid this, it is helpful to memorize common academic and formal phrases such as “with a view to improving,” “in accordance with,” and “by virtue of.” These high-frequency chunks of language often appear in reading passages and cloze tests in competitive exams. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the idiomatic expression is to, giving “with a view to ensuring.”

Question 12

In this TARP passage sentence, select the word that best completes the blank: “... ensuring that they did not collapse taking ______ them the rest of the financial system.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of a common English phrase that describes one thing dragging another down with it. In the passage about the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the fear is that if struggling banks collapse, they may pull down the rest of the financial system. The blank appears in the structure “collapse taking ______ them the rest of the financial system,” and the correct answer must complete this expression naturally and accurately. Given Data / Assumptions: The key part of the sentence is: “... ensuring that they did not collapse taking ______ them the rest of the financial system.” Options are: from, all, along with, also with. The context describes a chain reaction: failure of some banks can affect the entire system. We assume standard, idiomatic English usage as found in editorial and academic writing. Concept / Approach: In English, when we say that one event or entity causes another to fall or suffer at the same time, we often use the phrase “take something along with it” or “taking something along with it.” For example, “The company collapsed, taking many small suppliers along with it.” The correct prepositional phrase in this pattern is “along with,” which means “together with” in a negative or consequential sense. The other options either do not fit grammatically or do not convey the intended nuance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: if the banks fail, they might cause the entire financial system to fail as well. Step 2: Test “from.” “Collapse taking from them the rest of the financial system” does not make sense; “from” suggests removal or source, which is not the intended idea here. Step 3: Test “all.” “Collapse taking all them the rest of the financial system” is ungrammatical and does not form a meaningful phrase. Step 4: Test “along with.” The phrase becomes “collapse taking along with them the rest of the financial system,” which is grammatically correct and expresses the idea that the collapse can drag the rest of the system into crisis together with the failing banks. Step 5: Test “also with.” “Collapse taking also with them the rest of the financial system” is awkward and not idiomatic. The placement of “also” is unnatural and the phrase is rarely used in this form. Step 6: Conclude that “along with” is the only option that fits both the grammar and meaning properly. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify using similar sentences from general English: “The landslide destroyed the road, taking along with it several houses,” or “The company went bankrupt, taking along with it many jobs.” In each case, “taking along with it” means causing something else to be destroyed or severely harmed at the same time. The structure in the TARP passage matches this pattern, confirming that “along with” is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: from: Usually indicates origin, separation, or removal, and does not form a conventional phrase with “taking” in this context. all: Functions as a determiner or pronoun and cannot fill this prepositional slot correctly. It does not create a coherent phrase after “taking.” also with: While “also” can indicate addition, the phrase “taking also with them” is not idiomatic and sounds forced in formal writing. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted by “also with” because it seems to indicate addition, but it is not how native usage works here. Others may get confused because “along with” can also be used in positive contexts (“He came along with his friend”) and may not immediately associate it with negative outcomes like collapse. The key is to focus on the structure “taking along with,” which is widely used to describe something pulling other things into the same fate. Final Answer: The correct phrase to complete the sentence is along with.

Question 13

In this TARP passage sentence, select the word that best completes the blank: “These assets ______ later at a profit by the government!”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on correct tense, voice, and phrasal verb usage in English. The sentence comes from a passage describing how the government first purchased troubled assets and later sold them at a profit. The blank occurs in a passive construction: “These assets ______ later at a profit by the government!” Candidates must identify the grammatically correct and contextually appropriate passive form of the phrasal verb “dispose of.” Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is about a completed action in the past: the government later sold off the assets. Options: “are disposed of,” “were disposed of,” “are disposed off,” and “had been disposed off.” The phrase “later at a profit” suggests a simple past event that followed earlier actions already described in the passage. The correct phrasal verb is “dispose of,” not “dispose off.” Concept / Approach: The main concepts are: Correct form of the phrasal verb “dispose of,” which always takes “of,” not “off.” Correct tense for an event that occurred later in the past, in a narrative written mostly in simple past. Passive structure: subject (assets) + was/were + past participle + “by the government.” Considering these, we must choose a passive, simple past form of “dispose of.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main verb phrase: “dispose of assets,” which means to sell or get rid of them. Step 2: Recall that the correct preposition in this phrasal verb is “of.” The spelling “off” is wrong in this context. Step 3: Examine the narrative tense of the passage. It discusses past events: the government had purchased assets and later sold them at a profit. Therefore, simple past passive is natural. Step 4: Evaluate option “are disposed of.” This is present simple passive, which does not match the clearly past time reference “later ... by the government.” Step 5: Evaluate option “were disposed of.” This is simple past passive, which aligns with the narrative and describes a completed action in the past. It also uses the correct preposition “of.” Step 6: Evaluate option “are disposed off.” This is present passive and also uses the incorrect preposition “off,” so it fails both in tense and spelling of the phrasal verb. Step 7: Evaluate option “had been disposed off.” This is past perfect passive but again uses “off,” which is wrong. Moreover, the sentence does not require past perfect because there is no later past reference that would demand this tense. Step 8: Conclude that “were disposed of” is the only fully correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: We can restate the sentence: “These assets were disposed of later at a profit by the government.” This fits naturally into the narrative sequence: first the government purchased the assets, then, some time later, it disposed of them profitably. The tense is simple and clear, and the passive voice is correct, since the focus is on the assets rather than on the government as the actor. Why Other Options Are Wrong: are disposed of: Uses present tense and does not match the narrative context of completed past events. It suggests a regular or present-time action, which is not intended here. are disposed off: Incorrect on two counts: present tense instead of past, and wrong preposition (“off” instead of “of”). had been disposed off: The use of past perfect is not necessary because there is no second, later past reference. More importantly, it uses “off” rather than “of,” making the phrasal verb itself incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse “of” and “off” in phrasal verbs. “Dispose of” is the fixed phrase that means to get rid of; “off” typically suggests separation or movement away in other contexts. Another pitfall is overusing the past perfect tense when simple past is enough. Past perfect is used when one past action clearly occurs before another past reference point, but here the narrative simply states a later past event and does not contrast it with a still later time. Therefore, simple past passive is the best choice. Final Answer: The correct completion of the sentence is were disposed of.

Question 14

In this TARP passage sentence, select the word that best completes the blank: “... the banks now find themselves ______ with loans made by them to an individual with negative net worth.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests understanding of vocabulary in an economic and financial context. In the passage, the banks are described after they have made loans to an individual with negative net worth. The expression “find themselves ______ with loans” describes their burden or difficulty. The correct answer must be the verb or participle that best conveys the idea that the banks are burdened by problematic loans. Given Data / Assumptions: The key part of the sentence reads: “the banks now find themselves ______ with loans made by them to an individual with negative net worth.” Options: saddled, baffled, puzzled, caught. The context is financial strain, not emotional confusion. We assume standard usage in economic commentary, where certain verbs are regularly used to describe financial burdens. Concept / Approach: In financial and economic writing, the phrase “saddled with debt” or “saddled with loans” is very common. It means being burdened or weighed down by heavy obligations. The other options primarily relate to confusion or surprise, which do not fit the sense of long-term liability. The approach is to match the collocation “find themselves ______ with loans” with the word that naturally forms a common and meaningful phrase in this domain. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the scenario. Banks gave loans to a person with negative net worth. Now they are facing the consequences of those risky loans. Step 2: Consider “saddled.” This word is frequently used metaphorically to describe a person or institution burdened with debt, responsibility, or problems. Phrases like “saddled with debt” are common in financial reporting. Step 3: Consider “baffled.” This means deeply confused or perplexed. While banks may be confused, the sentence specifically emphasizes the financial burden, not confusion. Step 4: Consider “puzzled.” Similar to “baffled,” this refers to being confused by a situation. It does not fit naturally with “with loans” in the sense of long-term financial strain. Step 5: Consider “caught.” “Caught with loans” is not a standard phrase and does not strongly convey the idea of being weighed down by bad assets. It suggests being trapped or discovered, which is not the nuance the passage emphasizes. Step 6: Recognize that “saddled with loans” is a textbook expression for being burdened with problematic loans and fits perfectly in this context. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by checking parallel usage: newspapers and articles often state that “households are saddled with high mortgage debt” or “governments are saddled with heavy public debt.” The structure “find themselves saddled with” is also common and means that they unexpectedly or unfortunately end up bearing a heavy burden. Substituting into the sentence gives a natural result: “the banks now find themselves saddled with loans made by them to an individual with negative net worth,” which clearly shows that the loans have become a problematic burden. Why Other Options Are Wrong: baffled: Refers to confusion or inability to understand. It would be used as “baffled by the situation,” not “baffled with loans.” It does not express financial burden. puzzled: Similar to “baffled,” this relates to mental confusion. It does not collocate with “with loans” to mean ongoing financial strain. caught: Suggests being trapped or discovered doing something, but “caught with loans” is not a standard or clear phrase in this context. It fails to emphasize the idea of a burdensome liability. Common Pitfalls: Students may focus on the emotional reaction of the banks and choose “baffled” or “puzzled,” imagining that the banks are surprised by the situation. However, the sentence is written in an economic context, where the key idea is financial burden, not surprise. Another pitfall is not recognizing fixed expressions like “saddled with debt,” which appear frequently in business news and editorials. Building familiarity with such collocations greatly improves performance in reading comprehension and vocabulary questions. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is saddled, giving “find themselves saddled with loans.”

Question 15

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains an error: “It was (1) difficult decided (2) about break up. (3) No error (4).”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests grammar and sentence structure, specifically the correct use of adjectives, infinitives, and verb forms in English. The sentence “It was difficult decided about break up” is broken into parts, and the candidate must identify which part contains a grammatical error. Such questions are very common in competitive exams because they check whether a learner can recognize incorrect verb patterns and unnatural phrasing in everyday English sentences. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into four parts: (1) “It was”, (2) “difficult decided”, (3) “about break up.”, and (4) “No error”. We are told to select the part that contains the error, or choose “No error” if the sentence is correct. The intended meaning is likely: “It was difficult to decide about the break-up.” The sentence uses “difficult” as an adjective and attempts to express a decision about ending a relationship or arrangement. Concept / Approach: In English, we commonly use the pattern “It is/was + adjective + to + verb” to express that an action is difficult, easy, important, and so on. For example, “It is difficult to decide,” “It was easy to understand.” After an adjective like “difficult,” we do not directly use a past tense verb like “decided”; instead, we use an infinitive “to decide.” Also, the phrase “about break up” is not very elegant, but the primary grammatical error lies in the verb form “decided” after “difficult.” Therefore, we carefully analyze each part to see which one breaks the standard pattern most clearly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part (1): “It was.” This is correct. The subject “It” and the past tense “was” form a valid beginning. Step 2: Examine part (2): “difficult decided.” Here, “difficult” is an adjective, and “decided” is a past tense verb. In correct English, we expect “difficult to decide,” not “difficult decided.” This suggests a clear error in part (2). Step 3: Examine part (3): “about break up.” Although a more natural phrase would be “about the break-up” or “about breaking up,” this part can be considered a secondary issue. Examination questions usually focus on the most obvious and unambiguous error, which here is the verb form in (2). Step 4: Confirm that the main structural pattern should be “It was difficult to decide about the break-up.” The only absolutely incorrect part for exam purposes is the combination “difficult decided.” Step 5: Conclude that part (2) is where the grammatical error lies. Verification / Alternative check: We can reconstruct the corrected version: “It was difficult to decide about the break-up.” If we adjust only the verb in part (2) from “decided” to “to decide,” the sentence becomes grammatically acceptable in the context of exam-level English. This confirms that the primary error is the wrong verb form following “difficult.” Error-spotting questions typically want the candidate to notice the wrong pattern “adjective + past tense verb” where “adjective + to + verb” is required. Why Other Parts Are Not Selected: Part (1) “It was”: Correct subject–verb combination in the past tense. Part (3) “about break up”: While “about the break-up” or “about breaking up” would be stylistically better, exam questions usually avoid making such ambiguous stylistic issues the key error when there is a clearer and more obvious grammar mistake elsewhere. Part (4) “No error”: This is never chosen when an actual grammatical error is present. Common Pitfalls: A common error among learners is to directly attach a past tense verb after an adjective, such as “It is difficult understood” or “It was easy solved,” instead of using “to understand” or “to solve.” Another pitfall is focusing only on the last part of the sentence and ignoring a clear error in the middle. When tackling error-spotting questions, always check for standard patterns like “It is/was + adjective + to + verb” and ensure that the correct verb form is used. Final Answer: The erroneous part of the sentence is in segment 2, which contains “difficult decided.” It should be “difficult to decide.”

Question 16

In the following question, some part of the given sentence may contain an error. Identify the part that has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select 'No error'. Sentence: In June 2017, an anodyne footnot…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is from the common exam pattern of error spotting, where a single sentence is split into numbered parts. Your job is to locate the exact part that contains a grammatical or usage error. The sentence here talks about a footnote in June 2017 describing a fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Bank of Baroda. The key test area is correct noun and adjective use in formal written English. Given Data / Assumptions: We are given one complete sentence broken into parts (1), (2) and (3). Part (1): “In June 2017, an anodyne footnote to the Bank of Baroda's (BoB) quarter results mentioned a”. Part (2): “fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB),”. Part (3): “headquartered in Pretoria.” Part (4): “No error.” is the option if the whole sentence is correct. We must check each underlined part for grammar, word choice and natural usage in standard English. Concept / Approach: The main concept tested here is correct use of the noun quarter and the adjective quarterly in the context of financial results. In business English, companies publish quarterly results, not quarter results. We can also say the quarter's results. The phrase “Bank of Baroda's quarter results” in part (1) is therefore non standard. The rest of the sentence, describing a fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank, headquartered in Pretoria, is grammatically sound and idiomatic. So the error lies in part (1), in the phrase “quarter results”. Step-by-Step Solution: Check part (1): “Bank of Baroda's (BoB) quarter results”. In financial reporting, we say “quarterly results” or “results for the quarter”, not “quarter results”.Recognise that the intended meaning is “results for a particular quarter of the financial year”. The standard adjective is “quarterly”.Therefore, a correct version would be: “In June 2017, an anodyne footnote to Bank of Baroda's quarterly results mentioned a …”.Check part (2): “fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB),” – this is correct and natural usage.Check part (3): “headquartered in Pretoria.” – correctly placed past participle phrase modifying “the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)”.Since part (2) and part (3) are correct, the only error is in part (1), so the answer is option 1. Verification / Alternative check: If we rewrite the entire sentence correctly, it becomes: “In June 2017, an anodyne footnote to Bank of Baroda's (BoB) quarterly results mentioned a fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), headquartered in Pretoria.” This is smooth and grammatically correct. Notice that we have not changed the meaning, only the form of the phrase “quarter results” to “quarterly results” or we could also say “results for the quarter”. Because the exam sentence intentionally keeps “quarter results” to create an error, option 4 (No error) cannot be correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part (2) correctly uses “fine levied by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)”. The preposition by with levied is standard. Part (3) correctly uses “headquartered in Pretoria” as a reduced relative clause describing SARB. There is no tense, agreement or preposition problem in parts (2) or (3). Hence options 2 and 3 are incorrect choices. Since an error clearly exists, option 4 (“No error”) is also wrong. Common Pitfalls: Many learners rush through long noun phrases and miss subtle but important collocation issues like quarter results versus quarterly results. In financial contexts, always remember that results are quarterly, annual, half yearly, etc. The noun quarter usually needs an apostrophe in this meaning (“the quarter's results”) or is embedded in a longer prepositional phrase (“results for the March quarter”). Noticing these standard patterns will help you accurately identify errors in similar exam questions. Final Answer: The error is in part 1 (“quarter results” should be “quarterly results” or “the quarter's results”).

Question 17

In the following question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four options: I am awful ______ picking vegetables.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of common adjective + preposition collocations in everyday English. The sentence describes someone who is bad at a particular activity, namely picking vegetables. You must choose the preposition that naturally follows the adjective awful in this context, creating a grammatically correct and idiomatic phrase. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “I am awful ______ picking vegetables.” Options: for, at, of, as. The speaker wants to say that they are very bad at the skill of selecting vegetables. We need the preposition that correctly forms a phrase with awful meaning “very bad at something”. Concept / Approach: In English, adjectives often take fixed prepositions, and using the wrong one sounds unnatural even if the rest of the grammar is correct. With awful, when we mean “very bad at doing something”, the standard structure is awful at + noun / gerund. Examples include “awful at maths” or “awful at driving”. Therefore, the correct preposition is at. The other options (for, of, as) do not collocate with awful in this meaning and would be marked wrong in an exam. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the adjective: awful, used in the informal sense of “very bad”.Notice that it is followed by a gerund phrase “picking vegetables”, which behaves like a noun.Recall the common pattern: good at, bad at, terrible at, awful at + activity.Insert at into the sentence: “I am awful at picking vegetables.” This sounds natural and correct.Check other options: for, of and as do not form standard collocations “awful for picking vegetables”, “awful of picking”, or “awful as picking vegetables”, so they must be rejected. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with similar sentences: “I am terrible at singing,” “She is very good at public speaking,” “They are bad at time management.” In all these examples, the adjective relating to ability is followed by at. Substituting for or of in these sentences would make them sound wrong to native speakers. Thus, the same rule applies to “I am awful at picking vegetables”, confirming that at is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: For is often used to express purpose or benefit (good for health) and does not fit after awful to indicate lack of skill. Of is used in phrases like afraid of, proud of, capable of, but awful of normally introduces a judgement about someone's behaviour (“It was awful of him to say that”), not a lack of ability. As is used in comparisons or roles (“work as a teacher”) and cannot correctly link awful with an activity. Therefore, none of these prepositions gives the intended meaning of being bad at something. Common Pitfalls: Many learners try to guess prepositions based on direct translation from their mother tongue, which often leads to errors. A better strategy is to memorise common adjective + preposition pairs as fixed expressions: good at, bad at, awful at, brilliant at, interested in, keen on, fond of, etc. Once you recognise that awful at is the correct pair for describing poor ability, questions like this become straightforward in exams. Final Answer: The correct sentence is: “I am awful at picking vegetables.”

Question 18

In the following question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four options: The demand of self-esteem is that you should never stand _______ for what you have the power t…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to dignity and self respect. The sentence talks about the “demand of self esteem” and advises that a person should not put themselves in a lowly position when they have the ability to earn something. You must choose the word that creates a familiar moral idea in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: “The demand of self-esteem is that you should never stand _______ for what you have the power to earn.” Options: abetting, begging, caging, daring. Key idea: if you can earn something yourself, you should not lower yourself to a humiliating posture to get it. The blank should complete a well known phrase connected with standing in a humble or humiliating position. Concept / Approach: There is a common expression: never stand begging for what you have the power to earn. It means that a self respecting person should not beg for favours or help if they are capable of working and achieving the result themselves. In this context, begging naturally fits after stand to convey this idea. The other options do not form any idiomatic or logical combination with stand that reflects the moral about self esteem. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognise the theme: self esteem and the idea of not degrading oneself.Recall the set phrase: “never stand begging for what you have the power to earn”.Insert begging into the blank: “never stand begging for what you have the power to earn.”Check sense: this exactly matches the meaning that you should not humiliate yourself when you can earn something through your own effort.Confirm that other options (abetting, caging, daring) neither fit the structure nor the moral message. Verification / Alternative check: Test each option in the sentence: “Never stand abetting for what you have the power to earn” – abetting means helping or encouraging wrongdoing; this is grammatically and logically wrong.“Never stand caging for what you have the power to earn” – caging does not collocate with stand and gives no clear meaning.“Never stand daring for what you have the power to earn” – daring usually describes boldness, so it contradicts the idea of lowering oneself.“Never stand begging for what you have the power to earn” – this is grammatically correct and communicates a well known moral. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Abetting is used with crimes or wrong acts (abetting a thief), and it cannot describe your posture or attitude towards what you can earn. Caging is associated with putting someone or something into a cage and makes no sense with stand. Daring is an adjective or noun linked to bravery; “stand daring” does not express humility or humiliation. None of these three words conveys the idea of lowering oneself in a degrading manner to obtain something that could be earned through effort. Common Pitfalls: Students may get distracted by the unusual word abetting or think of daring as something positive. However, instead of guessing based on difficulty level of words, you should look for familiar expressions and strong collocations: stand begging is a natural combination, while stand abetting or stand caging are not. Remember that exam setters often embed well known quotes or moral sayings in such fill in the blank questions; recognising them quickly gives you an advantage. Final Answer: The correct sentence is: “The demand of self-esteem is that you should never stand begging for what you have the power to earn.”

Question 19

In the following question, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word: Imitate.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a vocabulary question that asks for a synonym of the verb imitate. Such questions are common in competitive exams to check whether you know precise meanings and can distinguish between words that might look similar but are actually unrelated. Here you must pick the word that most closely matches the idea of copying someone or something. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: imitate. Options: Reverse, Ape, Clash, Repulse. We need the option that is nearest in meaning to imitate in ordinary English usage. Imitate can mean to copy someone's actions, speech or style, sometimes in order to learn or sometimes to mock. Concept / Approach: To imitate is to copy or mimic the behaviour, appearance or speech of another person, animal or thing. Ape, as a verb, also means to copy or mimic, often in an exaggerated or silly way. Reverse means to turn something the other way around or move backwards. Clash describes conflict or a loud metallic noise. Repulse means to drive back or disgust. Among the given options, only ape captures the copying aspect of imitate. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the meaning of imitate: to do something in the same way as someone else, often by copying their mannerisms, style or actions.Check Ape: as a verb, it means to mimic or copy somebody, often without understanding, which is very close to imitate.Check Reverse: it deals with direction or order, not copying behaviour.Check Clash: it refers to a disagreement or a harsh sound, unrelated to imitation.Check Repulse: it refers to driving back or causing disgust, which is also unrelated.Therefore, Ape is the correct synonym for imitate in this question. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences:“Children often imitate their parents.”“Children often ape their parents.”Both sentences describe children copying the behaviour of their parents. While ape can carry a slightly negative or mocking tone, the core meaning of copying remains the same. If we replace imitate with reverse, clash or repulse, the sentences become meaningless. This confirms that ape is the closest match to imitate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reverse focuses on changing direction or order and has nothing to do with copying another person. Clash usually describes conflict, disagreement or a harsh sound and does not involve imitation. Repulse is about pushing someone away or causing strong dislike. None of these words shares the central meaning of imitate, which is copying behaviour, style or action. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers may be misled by the informal tone of ape and think it is less suitable for a formal exam. However, competitive exams often use such verbs precisely because they want to test nuanced understanding. It is useful to remember that ape can be both a noun (the animal) and a verb (to copy). Linking imitate with ape in your memory will help you answer similar synonym questions correctly and quickly. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of “Imitate” is Ape.

Question 20

In the following question, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word: Incumbent.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose the option that gives the closest meaning to the word incumbent as used in formal English. While incumbent can also refer to someone currently holding an office, in many exam questions it is used in the sense of something being necessary or obligatory. You must recognise which sense fits the options provided. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: incumbent. Options: Increase, Redundant, Choice, Required. No sentence is given, so we look at dictionary meanings and see which option matches one of them. Common meaning in moral or legal contexts: incumbent on someone = required as a duty. Concept / Approach: Incumbent, when followed by on or upon, means necessary, required or obligatory as a duty or responsibility. For example, “It is incumbent on all citizens to obey the law” means it is required of them. Among the given options, Required matches this sense directly. Increase relates to growth, redundant means unnecessary, and choice refers to an option or selection. None of these except Required carries the idea of duty or obligation. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall key usage: “It is incumbent on you to submit the form on time” = “It is required of you.”Compare this with each option:Increase – does not mean duty, just growth in size or number.Redundant – means not needed, the opposite of required.Choice – means an option among several possibilities.Required – directly reflects something that must be done or fulfilled.Thus, the best synonym for incumbent in the duty sense is Required. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the phrase “an incumbent duty”. If we paraphrase as “a required duty”, the meaning remains the same: a duty that you must perform. If we try “an increase duty” or “a redundant duty” or “a choice duty”, these phrases either do not make sense or completely change the meaning. This confirms that Required is the only option that works as a substitute for incumbent in this exam context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Increase focuses on rising quantities and has no connection with obligation. Redundant actually means superfluous or unnecessary, which clashes with the idea of something being binding or compulsory. Choice indicates freedom to select, which suggests the opposite of compulsion. Therefore, none of these three conveys the central idea of an obligation that is incumbent on someone. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes only remember incumbent in political news (“incumbent prime minister”), where it means “currently holding office”. Without a sentence to guide the meaning, you must rely on the options. Here, no option relates to current office, so the exam expects you to know the secondary meaning of incumbent as “required or obligatory”. Learning both senses and linking incumbent on with required of will help you address such synonym questions with confidence. Final Answer: The word that best expresses the meaning of “Incumbent” (in the sense tested here) is Required.

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