Question 1

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: Because she had a ______ demeanour, she was a desirable friend.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Vocabulary and context based questions often require you to choose the word that best completes a sentence so that the overall meaning is natural and logical. Here, the sentence describes a woman whose demeanour made her a desirable friend. Demeanour refers to a person's outward behaviour and manner. The blank must therefore be filled with a word that aligns with a positive, friendly personality rather than a harsh or unfriendly one. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is: Because she had a ______ demeanour, she was a desirable friend. - The options are pleasant, severe, mean, and nasty. - Desirable friend suggests someone whom others like and want to be close to. - We assume standard meanings of the adjectives as they are used in general English. Concept / Approach: The key concept is semantic compatibility. The describing word must match the idea of a friend who is liked and valued. Pleasant means friendly, agreeable, and enjoyable to be with. Severe implies strict and harsh. Mean describes someone unkind or cruel, and nasty suggests unpleasant and spiteful behaviour. Only pleasant carries the positive connotation that fits with becoming a desirable friend. The other options clearly conflict with the positive tone of the sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the clue word in the sentence, which is desirable friend. Step 2: Recall that desirable friend implies a person who is warm, kind, and easy to get along with. Step 3: Check option pleasant. A pleasant demeanour means a friendly and agreeable manner, which fits the idea of being a desirable friend. Step 4: Check option severe. A severe demeanour suggests strictness and a hard expression, which usually does not make someone desirable as a friend. Step 5: Check option mean. A mean demeanour suggests cruelty or unkindness, which clashes with the idea of an attractive personality. Step 6: Check option nasty. A nasty demeanour is openly unpleasant or malicious, again opposite to what would attract friends. Step 7: Conclude that only pleasant maintains the positive tone of the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, substitute each option back into the sentence and read it aloud. Because she had a pleasant demeanour, she was a desirable friend sounds smooth and meaningful. The other combinations, such as severe demeanour or nasty demeanour, create contradictions. People rarely call someone a desirable friend because that person is severe, mean, or nasty. This context based check confirms that pleasant is the only reasonable answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Severe is wrong because it conveys strictness and hardness, traits that may inspire fear or respect but not necessarily friendly affection. Mean is wrong because it refers to cruelty or unkindness, qualities that would discourage close friendship. Nasty is wrong because it implies malicious and offensive behaviour. Each of these adjectives spoils the positive tone of the sentence and contradicts the idea of being a desirable friend. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall in such questions is ignoring the emotional tone of the entire sentence and focusing only on the blank. Some test takers also confuse pleasant with polite or formal and might think severe indicates strength in character. To avoid mistakes, always look for contextual clues like desirable, kind, loving, or respected and match them with adjectives that share similar positive or negative associations. Final Answer: The word that correctly completes the sentence is pleasant, giving the phrase pleasant demeanour.

Question 2

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: If your child has not met the ______ vaccination requirements, he or she will not be allowed to attend public school.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Many countries and school systems impose health rules that children must follow before joining public schools. Vocabulary based fill in the blank questions use such real life contexts to test understanding of adjectives like optional and compulsory. In this sentence, the focus is on vaccination requirements that must be satisfied, not merely suggested. Choosing the correct adjective requires careful attention to the meaning of the entire sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence given is: If your child has not met the ______ vaccination requirements, he or she will not be allowed to attend public school. - The options are optional, referral, compulsory, and guideline. - The final clause will not be allowed indicates a strict rule rather than a suggestion. - We assume the context is a formal policy issued by school authorities or government agencies. Concept / Approach: The key concept here is obligation versus choice. Optional means something that can be done by choice and is not required. Compulsory means something that is mandatory and must be done. Referral relates to sending someone to another person or institution for advice or treatment. Guideline usually refers to a general rule or piece of advice but does not itself function as an adjective describing requirements. Because the sentence describes requirements that must be met before attending school, compulsory is the adjective that matches the sense of obligation and strict enforcement. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the consequence mentioned in the sentence: will not be allowed to attend public school. Step 2: Recognise that this consequence arises only when a rule is binding and not followed. Step 3: Examine optional. If something is optional, failure to comply normally does not lead to a strict penalty such as being barred from school, so this does not fit. Step 4: Examine referral. This word does not describe the type of requirements and belongs to a different semantic field. Step 5: Examine guideline. The phrase guideline requirements sounds awkward, and guideline on its own is more often a noun than an adjective. Step 6: Examine compulsory. Compulsory vaccination requirements means mandatory immunisation rules that must be followed, which fits perfectly with the idea of denying admission if they are not met. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute each option into the sentence as a quick test. Optional vaccination requirements contradict the idea of strong enforcement. Referral vaccination requirements do not make sense in standard usage. Guideline vaccination requirements is grammatically clumsy. Compulsory vaccination requirements, however, is a familiar collocation often used in policy documents. This substitution method confirms that compulsory is the only logical and natural sounding choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Optional is wrong because it suggests freedom of choice, which conflicts with the strict condition of not being allowed into school. Referral is wrong because it normally describes letters or recommendations to see specialists, not the nature of requirements themselves. Guideline is wrong because it refers to a general principle or recommendation rather than a binding condition, and it also functions as a noun in regular usage. None of these convey the mandatory nature implied by the later part of the sentence. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes pick guideline because they associate it loosely with rules, without noticing that the grammar of the phrase guideline requirements is awkward. Others may choose optional if they focus only on the word requirements and not on the strong consequence mentioned later. To avoid these pitfalls, always read the entire sentence, pay attention to penalties or outcomes, and match them carefully with adjectives that imply obligation, choice, or recommendation. Final Answer: The adjective that correctly completes the sentence is compulsory, giving the phrase compulsory vaccination requirements.

Question 3

In the following question, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word: Stymie.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Synonym questions test your knowledge of word meanings and your ability to choose the option that is closest in sense to the given keyword. The word stymie is often used in academic reading passages, newspaper editorials, and formal writing. Understanding its meaning helps you follow arguments about policies, projects, or investigations that face obstacles or delays. Given Data / Assumptions: - The keyword is Stymie. - The options are Explicate, Abet, Impede, and Aid. - Only one option should match the core meaning of stymie. - We assume standard modern English usage without any specialised technical sense. Concept / Approach: Stymie means to block, hinder, or prevent progress. It is commonly used when plans, investigations, or negotiations are obstructed by some difficulty. Impede means to slow down or prevent movement or progress, and thus shares this core idea of obstruction. Explicate means to explain in detail. Abet means to assist or encourage, especially in wrongdoing. Aid means to help or support. Since the last three imply help rather than hindrance, they represent the opposite semantic field to stymie. Therefore impede is the correct synonym. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a simple definition of stymie, such as to block or obstruct. Step 2: Compare this definition with each option in turn. Step 3: Explicate means to explain something clearly, which is unrelated to blocking progress. Step 4: Abet means to assist or encourage, especially in committing a crime, which is the opposite of obstructing. Step 5: Impede means to hinder or obstruct the movement or progress of someone or something, which closely matches stymie. Step 6: Aid means to help or support, and therefore stands opposite to hindering or blocking. Step 7: Conclude that Impede is the best synonym for stymie. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, you can place each option into an example sentence. The new regulations may stymie economic growth can easily be rewritten as The new regulations may impede economic growth, and the meaning remains almost identical. If you try Explicate, the sentence becomes illogical because explaining growth does not match the idea of blocking it. Abet and Aid both suggest help, so they do not fit the negative context of stymie. This substitution method confirms that impede is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Explicate is wrong because it deals with clarification and explanation and has no built in sense of obstruction. Abet is wrong because it signals assistance, often in a negative act, but still implies helping rather than hindering. Aid clearly means to help or support, which is directly opposite to creating obstacles. None of these three options preserve the idea of blocking progress. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse stymie with words that sound somewhat similar but are different in meaning. Another pitfall is to choose a familiar word like aid simply because it is known, without fully considering the meaning of the keyword. To avoid such mistakes, always recall a brief definition of the given word and match it carefully with each option. Building vocabulary through reading and using new words in sentences helps reinforce correct meanings. Final Answer: The word that is similar in meaning to stymie is Impede.

Question 4

In the following question, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word: Suffix.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Questions about prefixes and suffixes test your understanding of how English words are formed. A suffix is a meaningful element that is added to the end of a base word to create a new form, such as adding ness to happy to form happiness. Recognising what a suffix does helps you decode unfamiliar words and understand grammatical changes such as verb to noun or adjective to adverb. Given Data / Assumptions: - The keyword is Suffix. - The options are Addition, Basic, Root, and Focal. - We must identify the option whose meaning is closest to the function or idea behind suffix. - We assume the standard linguistic meaning of suffix as used in English grammar and word formation. Concept / Approach: A suffix is a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical role. Therefore the idea of adding something at the end is central. The word Addition captures this sense of something extra that is attached. Root refers to the base part of a word without prefixes or suffixes. Basic refers to something fundamental and does not imply attachment at the end. Focal refers to something that is central or of main importance. Among the options, only Addition clearly reflects the idea of something that is added on. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the simple definition of suffix as a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word. Step 2: Examine Addition, which means something that is added to an existing amount or structure. Step 3: Examine Basic, which relates to fundamental nature and does not suggest being added at the end. Step 4: Examine Root, which is actually the base part of a word and is opposite in role to a suffix. Step 5: Examine Focal, which refers to the main point of interest and is not connected with word endings. Step 6: Conclude that Addition is the closest in meaning, since a suffix is literally an added element. Verification / Alternative check: Consider an example word like kindness. The base word is kind and the suffix is ness. The suffix is clearly an addition that changes the adjective kind into the noun kindness. If we tried to describe ness as a root, it would be incorrect because the root is kind. Thinking about several examples like helpful, carefully, and movement makes it clear that what these endings share is the fact that they are added, not basic or focal in isolation. This process reinforces Addition as the best match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Basic is wrong because it refers to something fundamental rather than an attached component. Root is wrong because it is the original core part of a word, not the extra letters placed at the end. Focal is wrong because it refers to the main center of attention, which has no direct connection to the technical meaning of suffix in grammar. None of these alternatives expresses the notion of something that is added on to a base word. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse root and suffix because both are discussed in word formation. It is important to remember that the root is the starting point and suffixes and prefixes are added parts. Another pitfall is selecting familiar words without analysing the key concept. To avoid such mistakes, always restate the given term in your own words and then test each option against that restatement. Final Answer: The word that is closest in meaning to suffix is Addition, since a suffix is an added element at the end of a word.

Question 5

In the following question, select the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word: Sultry.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Antonym questions test your understanding of a word by asking you to choose an option with the opposite meaning. The word sultry commonly appears in descriptions of weather and atmosphere in literature and news reports. Knowing its meaning and opposite helps you interpret passages about climate, physical comfort, and emotional mood. Given Data / Assumptions: - The keyword is Sultry. - The options are Frigid, Muggy, Sticky, and Soggy. - Only one option should represent an opposite or near opposite meaning. - We assume sultry is used in its usual sense related to hot and humid weather. Concept / Approach: Sultry is used to describe weather that is hot and often uncomfortably humid. It can also be used metaphorically for a very warm and heavy atmosphere. Therefore, the opposite should express cold conditions. Frigid means extremely cold, usually in a way that feels harsh or uncomfortable. Muggy, sticky, and soggy all suggest dampness or humidity and either neutral or warm conditions, not cold. Thus, frigid is the clear antonym among the given options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that sultry weather is hot, heavy, and humid, often making people feel tired or sweaty. Step 2: Examine Frigid. This word means intensely cold and is frequently used to describe freezing temperatures. Step 3: Examine Muggy. Muggy means warm and humid, which is actually very close to sultry rather than opposite. Step 4: Examine Sticky. Sticky weather refers to a humid and uncomfortable atmosphere, again related to sultry conditions. Step 5: Examine Soggy. Soggy suggests heavy wetness, as in soaked ground or objects, not the contrasting idea of cold. Step 6: Conclude that Frigid provides a strong contrast to hot and humid and is the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a sentence such as The city was sultry in the month of June, with no breeze at all. To express the opposite condition, we might write The city was frigid in the month of January, with icy winds blowing. Substituting muggy or sticky would preserve the idea of uncomfortable humidity and therefore would not create an opposite picture. Soggy might describe wet grounds after rain but does not directly oppose the heat aspect of sultry. This sentence transformation confirms that frigid is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Muggy is wrong because it describes warm, humid conditions, which are similar to sultry. Sticky is wrong for the same reason; it evokes a sense of damp heat making skin feel tacky. Soggy is wrong because it focuses on wetness rather than temperature and does not really counter the heat dimension of sultry. None of these options gives the cold contrast that an antonym should provide. Common Pitfalls: Many learners see moisture related words like muggy or sticky and assume they are opposite to sultry, forgetting that sultry itself includes humidity. Others may not distinguish clearly between temperature and wetness. A practical tip is to imagine a weather forecast scale from extremely hot to extremely cold, and then find the opposite end of where the given word sits. For sultry, that opposite point is a very cold word like frigid. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to sultry is Frigid.

Question 6

In the following question, select the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word: Supple.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Antonym questions help you understand subtle differences between words that describe physical properties or character traits. The word supple is often used to talk about materials, bodies, or movements that are easily bent and gracefully flexible. To find its opposite, you need a word that expresses stiffness or a tendency to break rather than bend. Given Data / Assumptions: - The keyword is Supple. - The options are Flexible, Brittle, Pliable, and Bending. - Only one option should capture the opposite meaning to supple. - We assume the common physical sense of supple as easily bent without breaking. Concept / Approach: Supple describes something that is easily bent, soft, and elastic, such as a supple leather belt or a supple dancer's body. Therefore, the antonym should describe something that does not bend easily and instead tends to crack or snap. Brittle means hard but likely to break or shatter when bent or under pressure, which directly contrasts with supple. Flexible, pliable, and bending all carry meanings close to supple rather than opposite, since they also indicate ease of movement or bending. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that supple means easily bent, flexible, and graceful in movement. Step 2: Compare this with Flexible. Flexible also means capable of bending easily without breaking, so it is similar in meaning. Step 3: Compare with Pliable. Pliable means easily bent or influenced, which again is close to supple. Step 4: Compare with Bending. Bending suggests the ability or action of flexing, which is related to flexibility. Step 5: Consider Brittle. Brittle materials are hard but break or crack easily and do not bend well, which is the opposite of supple. Step 6: Choose Brittle as the correct antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Use each option in a contrasting sentence. For example, The gymnast had a supple body that allowed her to perform difficult moves can be contrasted with The dry twig was so brittle that it snapped in two with slight pressure. This contrast pairs supple with brittle naturally. If we try to contrast supple with flexible or pliable, the opposition disappears because both sides indicate similar properties. Bending is more a description of action than a property and does not stand as an opposite idea. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Flexible is wrong because it practically repeats the meaning of supple, indicating ease of bending. Pliable is wrong because it also denotes flexibility and ease of shaping. Bending is wrong because it describes a movement or process that goes along with flexibility rather than contradicting it. None of these options introduces the idea of fragility and tendency to break that characterise the opposite of supple. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to mistake similar words for antonyms when the exam asks for the opposite. This happens when candidates rush and select the first familiar word without checking whether it really contrasts in meaning. A helpful habit is to first decide clearly whether the stem word is positive or negative and then search for an option that reverses that quality, rather than one that merely repeats it. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to supple is Brittle.

Question 7

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Barking up the wrong tree.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be understood simply by translating the individual words. The phrase barking up the wrong tree comes from hunting imagery, where a dog might bark at a tree that does not actually contain the animal it is chasing. In modern usage, this idiom is applied to situations where someone is pursuing a mistaken line of thought or blaming the wrong person. Given Data / Assumptions: - The idiom is Barking up the wrong tree. - The options are: scolding the one who is innocent, expecting a favour from a heartless person, looking in the wrong place, and requesting but in an arrogant manner. - Only one option should capture the main idea of making a wrong assumption or following the wrong lead. - We assume the standard figurative meaning used in everyday English. Concept / Approach: Barking up the wrong tree means directing effort or blame in the wrong direction, such as accusing the wrong suspect or trying a strategy that cannot succeed because the basic assumption is wrong. Looking in the wrong place describes this idea well, because it suggests searching where the answer or target is not actually located. While scolding the innocent person sometimes overlaps with accusing the wrong person, the idiom is broader and covers any mistaken line of action, not just scolding. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a simple definition of the idiom as following a mistaken course of action based on a wrong assumption. Step 2: Examine option scolding the one who is innocent. This is one possible example of being wrong, but it is narrower than the idiom and focuses only on scolding. Step 3: Examine expecting a favour from a heartless person. This describes a hopeless expectation but does not match the core idea of misdirected suspicion or effort. Step 4: Examine looking in the wrong place. This directly reflects the metaphor of a dog barking at a tree where the animal is not present. Step 5: Examine requesting but in an arrogant manner. This relates to attitude, not to the correctness of the target or goal. Step 6: Conclude that looking in the wrong place is the most accurate and general expression of the idiom's meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Consider an example: If you think money alone will bring you happiness, you are barking up the wrong tree. Replacing the idiom with looking in the wrong place keeps the meaning: If you think money alone will bring you happiness, you are looking in the wrong place. The sentence still warns about a mistaken focus. The other options either change the situation to scolding or begging and therefore do not fit every possible context in which the idiom is used. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Scolding the one who is innocent is wrong because it only captures one type of error, whereas the idiom also applies to mistaken theories or strategies. Expecting a favour from a heartless person is wrong because it emphasises the emotional character of the person, not the wrong target of effort. Requesting but in an arrogant manner is wrong because it focuses on tone rather than the correctness of the direction. None of these options fully reflect the broader idea of misdirected effort or attention. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes treat idioms too literally and imagine a dog barking and a tree, leading them to select options that mention animals or anger. Others pick a very specific situation that seems somewhat related rather than the broad meaning. The best approach is to memorise a short, clear paraphrase of common idioms and then pick the option that matches that paraphrase most closely, not one that invents a new story. Final Answer: The idiom barking up the wrong tree means looking in the wrong place or pursuing a mistaken line of action.

Question 8

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Call it a day.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In informal English, the idiom call it a day is frequently used in workplaces, schools, and casual conversations. Idioms like this do not mean what their individual words might suggest to a literal reader. Instead, they carry a fixed, figurative meaning that speakers recognise as a unit. Here the exam tests whether you know what people mean when they decide to call it a day at work or during an activity. Given Data / Assumptions: - The idiom is Call it a day. - The options are: to start a job wishing for success, to take a break or a holiday, assign different days to different tasks, and to declare the end of a task. - Typically, the idiom appears when someone decides to stop working for the moment or for the rest of that day. - We assume standard conversational English usage. Concept / Approach: Call it a day means to decide to stop working on something, usually because enough has been done or because continuing would not be useful. It does not normally refer to long holidays or the beginning of tasks. The idea is that the current period of effort is over. Among the options, to declare the end of a task best matches this sense of formally or informally deciding that work is finished for now. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a simple paraphrase of call it a day, such as to stop working for the rest of the day. Step 2: Examine option to start a job wishing for success. This is about beginning work, which is the opposite of stopping. Step 3: Examine option to take a break or a holiday. This suggests a temporary pause or a longer vacation, but the idiom usually implies finishing work, not just pausing. Step 4: Examine option assign different days to different tasks. This has nothing to do with ending an activity. Step 5: Examine option to declare the end of a task. This describes deciding that the work is complete, which matches the idiom. Step 6: Select to declare the end of a task as the best representation of the idiom's meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the sentence We have done enough coding for today, let us call it a day. If we replace the idiom with to declare the end of a task, the sense remains the same: We have done enough coding, so we declare this work finished for today. Replacing it with to take a break or a holiday would suggest that work may continue soon or that a long vacation is being planned, which changes the meaning. This comparison confirms that declaring the end of a task is the correct paraphrase. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To start a job wishing for success is wrong because it refers to the beginning of an activity, while call it a day refers to stopping. To take a break or a holiday is wrong because a break may be short and a holiday may be long, but the idiom focuses on finishing work for the present, not on resting. Assign different days to different tasks is wrong because it refers to scheduling, which is unrelated to the idea of ending work. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to confuse call it a day with take a day off or go on holiday, which refer more clearly to rest and absence rather than simply declaring work complete. Another error is to over analyse the literal words call and day. The safest approach is to learn idioms as complete units and to link them with short paraphrases you can recall quickly under exam conditions. Final Answer: The idiom call it a day means to declare the end of a task or to decide to stop working for the present.

Question 9

Choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement. Would you mind (to carrying) this bag for me?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Questions that test improvement of sentences often focus on fixed grammatical patterns with particular verbs or expressions. The structure would you mind is a polite way of making a request in English. It is followed by a gerund form of a verb, not by an infinitive with to. Recognising which form naturally follows would you mind is the key to answering this item correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is: Would you mind (to carrying) this bag for me? - The options are to carry, carrying, carry, and no improvement. - The bracketed phrase to carrying is clearly awkward and ungrammatical. - We assume the sentence aims to be a polite request addressed to another person. Concept / Approach: After the expression would you mind, the correct pattern is would you mind plus verb plus ing, such as would you mind opening the window. This means the suitable form here is carrying. Using to plus base verb or bare base verb without ing is not accepted in this structure. Therefore, among the options, carrying is the only one that fits English usage rules. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the fixed phrase would you mind, which is a polite way to ask someone to do something. Step 2: Recall the grammar rule that would you mind is followed by a gerund form, that is, the ing form of a verb. Step 3: Examine option to carry. This is an infinitive form and does not follow the standard pattern after would you mind. Step 4: Examine option carrying. This is the gerund form carry plus ing and fits the required structure. Step 5: Examine option carry. This is the base form and would suit patterns like please carry but not would you mind. Step 6: Examine option no improvement. Since to carrying is already wrong, this option cannot be correct. Step 7: Conclude that the correct improvement is carrying. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence with each option and see which one sounds natural. Would you mind carrying this bag for me is a familiar and grammatically correct request. Would you mind to carry this bag for me sounds foreign and incorrect in standard English. Would you mind carry this bag for me is also wrong because the verb needs the ing form. Therefore, only carrying passes this naturalness test and respects the rule for this expression. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To carry is wrong because would you mind is not followed by an infinitive with to. Carry is wrong because it is missing the ing ending that is required after would you mind. No improvement is wrong because the original phrase to carrying is a mixture of patterns and does not occur in accepted English grammar. Thus, all these options fail to match the fixed idiomatic structure. Common Pitfalls: Many learners confuse would you mind with would you like, since would you like is often followed by to plus base verb. Mixing up these two patterns leads to errors like would you mind to help me. To avoid such problems, it is helpful to memorise entire chunks such as would you mind plus verb plus ing and to practice them in short dialogues until they become automatic. Final Answer: The bracketed part should be replaced with carrying, so the correct sentence is Would you mind carrying this bag for me?

Question 10

Choose the alternative that best improves the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement. The child (would have jumped) with delight on seeing the joker at the circus.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of tense and aspect usage in a simple narrative sentence. The scenario describes a child reacting with delight when seeing a joker at a circus. The original bracketed phrase would have jumped introduces an unnecessary conditional or hypothetical sense, while the rest of the sentence reads like a straightforward description of what actually happened. Choosing the best improvement involves aligning the verb form with the intended simple past meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: - The sentence is: The child (would have jumped) with delight on seeing the joker at the circus. - The options are jumping, jumped, to jump, and no improvement. - The context suggests that the child actually reacted with joy when the joker appeared. - We assume a simple past narrative describing a real event, not a hypothetical situation. Concept / Approach: In English, would have plus past participle usually describes an unreal past situation or an event that was expected but did not actually happen. For a real, completed action in the past, the simple past form is more suitable. Thus, jumped expresses a factual reaction. The other alternatives either change the sentence structure or do not fit grammatically after the subject the child. The best approach is to choose the form that tells a simple story in the past without adding hypothetical meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider whether the sentence describes a real event or a hypothetical one. The presence of on seeing the joker at the circus suggests a real occurrence. Step 2: Recognise that would have jumped is used when the action did not actually happen but was possible under some condition, which does not match this context. Step 3: Examine option jumping. The child jumping with delight would require a different structure and does not fit smoothly with the rest of the sentence. Step 4: Examine option jumped. This is the simple past tense, correctly showing a completed action. Step 5: Examine option to jump. This infinitive would need an appropriate verb before it, such as began to jump, which is not provided. Step 6: Examine option no improvement. Since the original form is inappropriate for a real past action, no improvement cannot be correct. Step 7: Conclude that jumped is the correct replacement for would have jumped. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence with jumped and read it aloud: The child jumped with delight on seeing the joker at the circus. This version is clear, natural, and grammatically correct. It describes a simple, completed reaction. If we retain would have jumped, the sentence feels incomplete, as if a condition is missing. Similarly, The child jumping with delight on seeing the joker sounds like a fragment rather than a full statement. This comparison confirms that jumped is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jumping is wrong because it turns the phrase into a participial form that would need a different sentence structure. To jump is wrong because the sentence lacks a main verb to pair with this infinitive. No improvement is wrong because would have jumped does not fit a direct narrative of a real event. Among all options, only jumped provides a straightforward and grammatically sound description of what the child did. Common Pitfalls: Some learners use would have plus past participle too freely, believing it adds emphasis to a past action. In reality, this form often introduces a conditional or unreal flavour, which can distort the intended meaning. A helpful tip is to reserve would have for cases where the condition is clear, such as He would have gone if he had known, and to use simple past for ordinary factual past actions. Final Answer: The bracketed part should be replaced with jumped, giving the correct sentence The child jumped with delight on seeing the joker at the circus.

Question 11

Select the one-word substitute for the following description: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One-word substitution questions test your ability to match a precise definition with a single, appropriate English word. This skill is important for concise writing and for understanding academic texts that use abstract nouns. In this item, the description highlights exposure to the possibility of attack or harm. The correct one-word substitute must capture this idea of being open to danger or damage. Given Data / Assumptions: - The description is: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed. - The options are Vigour, Vulnerability, Fortitude, and Clout. - Only one of these words accurately expresses the idea of susceptibility to harm. - We assume general usage in social, physical, or emotional contexts. Concept / Approach: The noun Vulnerability refers exactly to the state of being open to injury, attack, or criticism. It is used both for physical situations, such as vulnerable populations, and for emotional states, such as emotional vulnerability. Vigour refers to physical strength and energy. Fortitude describes courage in facing pain or adversity. Clout refers to influence or power, especially in politics or business. Thus, only Vulnerability matches the notion of exposed weakness described in the question. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key elements in the description: quality or state, exposed, possibility of attack, possibility of harm. Step 2: Examine Vigour. This indicates strong health or energy and does not involve exposure to harm. Step 3: Examine Vulnerability. This word is commonly defined as the state of being easily hurt, attacked, or damaged. Step 4: Examine Fortitude. This indicates strength of mind that helps someone face danger or pain with courage, which is different from being exposed to harm. Step 5: Examine Clout. This refers to influence or power and therefore does not imply weakness or exposure. Step 6: Select Vulnerability as the correct one-word substitute for the definition. Verification / Alternative check: Consider how these words are used in real sentences. One might speak of the vulnerability of coastal cities to storms, which aligns exactly with being exposed to the possibility of harm. In contrast, the vigour of the athlete emphasizes strength, the fortitude of the soldier stresses courage, and the clout of a leader stresses power. None of these three words suggests a risk of being attacked or harmed. Checking against dictionary definitions will also confirm that vulnerability is the closest match. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vigour is wrong because it stresses energy and robustness rather than exposure. Fortitude is wrong because it highlights inner strength and bravery in facing danger, not the susceptibility to damage. Clout is wrong because it indicates influence or power, which usually reduces vulnerability rather than increases it. None of these terms fit the aspect of being open to attack or harm that the definition requires. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to pick a positive sounding word like Fortitude simply because attack or harm appears in the definition and learners think of courage. However, the definition asks for the state of being exposed, not the strength to face that exposure. Another pitfall is to confuse vulnerability with weakness. While related, vulnerability can exist even when there is strength, as in vulnerable systems that are otherwise powerful. Paying close attention to the wording of the definition helps avoid such confusion. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute is Vulnerability.

Question 12

Select the one-word substitute for the following description: A solemn promise or undertaking.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: One-word substitution questions ask you to replace a longer phrase or definition with a concise term that carries the same meaning. In formal and legal contexts, words that describe promises and commitments are very important. The definition here focuses on a solemn promise or undertaking, which implies seriousness, responsibility, and often public or formal declaration. Given Data / Assumptions: - The description given is: A solemn promise or undertaking. - The options are Pledge, Deceit, Myth, and Perjury. - The word we choose should reflect seriousness and commitment. - We assume normal English usage without any very specialised religious or legal meanings beyond standard ones. Concept / Approach: Pledge means a serious promise or agreement to do something or not to do something. It often involves a sense of honour or obligation. Deceit refers to dishonest behaviour intended to mislead. Myth is a traditional story or widely held but false belief. Perjury is the crime of telling a lie in a court after promising to tell the truth. Among these, only Pledge captures the neutral, formal idea of a solemn promise or undertaking without necessarily involving a courtroom or falsehood. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Highlight the key parts of the definition: solemn and promise or undertaking. Step 2: Examine Pledge. This word is commonly defined as a serious promise or agreement, often made in a formal setting. Step 3: Examine Deceit. This refers to trickery or fraud, which is the opposite of honest promise. Step 4: Examine Myth. This refers to a traditional or legendary story, not a promise or commitment. Step 5: Examine Perjury. This refers to lying under oath in a court of law, which involves breaking a promise rather than making a solemn one. Step 6: Conclude that Pledge is the only option that satisfies the full definition. Verification / Alternative check: Test each option in sentences similar to the definition. For example, He took a pledge to serve his country faithfully aligns perfectly with the idea of a solemn promise. If we use Deceit, the sentence He took a deceit makes no sense. Replacing it with Myth or Perjury also does not work. Additionally, dictionary entries confirm that pledge is a formal promise or agreement to do something, which is exactly what the question describes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Deceit is wrong because it emphasises dishonesty and trickery rather than commitment. Myth is wrong because it denotes stories or beliefs, not promises. Perjury is wrong because it refers to breaking a sworn promise in a legal setting by lying, which is almost the opposite of fulfilling a solemn undertaking. None of these alternatives captures the neutral and serious sense of a promise conveyed by the definition. Common Pitfalls: Some learners confuse legal terms and may pick Perjury because it involves oaths and promises in court, but that word focuses on the violation of an oath, not the oath itself. Others may be attracted to unusual words like Myth without checking if the meaning matches. The best strategy is to focus on the core words in the definition and mentally match them to a simple, known term that you have seen used in similar contexts. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitute for a solemn promise or undertaking is Pledge.

Question 13

In the following question, four words are given. Select the correctly spelt word from the options: consenssus, concensus, concenssus, consensus.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spelling questions involving abstract nouns such as consensus help build your formal writing skills. Consensus is a common term in academic and professional English, referring to general agreement among a group of people. Because the pronunciation can be confusing, many learners misspell it, especially in the middle consonants. Recognising the correct pattern of letters is important for exams and written communication. Given Data / Assumptions: - The options given are consenssus, concensus, concenssus, and consensus. - Only one of these matches the standard English spelling. - We assume the usual meaning of consensus as general agreement or collective opinion. - There is no regional variant that changes the basic sequence of letters. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling consensus follows the pattern con plus sensus. The letter c does not appear before the second syllable, and there is no double s in the middle. Many wrong spellings arise from overuse of c or extra s characters. By breaking the word into two parts, con and sensus, and remembering that both parts use a single s at each position, you can identify the correct option. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall seeing consensus in sentences such as There is a consensus among experts. Step 2: Visualise the spelling as con followed by sensus, giving consensus. Step 3: Examine consenssus. This form adds an extra s in the middle, producing sss, which is not standard. Step 4: Examine concensus. This form inserts an unnecessary c in the second syllable, breaking the con plus sensus pattern. Step 5: Examine concenssus. This combines the extra c and extra s errors, making it clearly wrong. Step 6: Examine consensus. This option matches the remembered pattern and is widely used in formal writing. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the correct form by recalling common phrases such as broad consensus, social consensus, or expert consensus. In each case, the base word consensus appears with a single c at the beginning and no double s cluster in the middle. If you have access to a dictionary in a real study environment, a quick check would confirm consensus as the only correct spelling. The other variants do not appear as valid entries. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Consenssus is wrong because it inserts an extra s, leading to an unnatural triple s sequence. Concensus is wrong because of the extra c, which does not belong in the second syllable. Concenssus combines both errors, making the word far from the accepted form. None of these alternatives matches the visually and phonetically balanced spelling that native writers use. Common Pitfalls: One common pitfall is to rely purely on sound and imagine that consensus should match census or other similar sounding words, which may lead to inserting an extra c. Another is to add an extra s due to the hissing sound in the middle of the word. To avoid these mistakes, practice writing consensus while saying it slowly, and remember the internal sequence sensus. Over time, your visual memory of the correct spelling will become strong enough to spot incorrect forms quickly. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is consensus.

Question 14

In the following question, four words are given. Select the correctly spelt word from the options: presedents, pricedents, precedents, prisedents.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Legal and academic English makes frequent use of the noun precedents, which refers to earlier decisions or examples that guide future actions. Spelling questions based on such words help you read complex texts with confidence. Because the pronunciation may mislead learners into using wrong vowel combinations, it is useful to understand the internal structure of the word. Given Data / Assumptions: - The options provided are presedents, pricedents, precedents, and prisedents. - Only one option is the standard spelling of the plural noun meaning earlier examples or decisions. - We assume the general legal and everyday sense of precedents. - There are no widely accepted variant spellings in modern English. Concept / Approach: The word precedents is derived from the verb precede, meaning to come before, plus the noun forming suffix ents. This yields the spelling precedents with the letter e after pr and another e after c. The incorrect options change vowels or consonants so that they no longer reflect this base form. By identifying the base verb precede, we can lock in the correct spelling for the related noun. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the verb precede, spelled p r e c e d e, which means to go before in time or order. Step 2: Form the noun precedent and its plural precedents by adding ent and then s, keeping the core p r e c e d sequence. Step 3: Examine presedents. This word uses s instead of c and also changes the internal vowel pattern, so it no longer matches precede. Step 4: Examine pricedents. This inserts i after pr and changes the pronunciation to something like prai, which is incorrect. Step 5: Examine prisedents. This includes s and i in the wrong places, moving further away from the base precede. Step 6: Examine precedents. This word keeps the pre plus cede structure and is consistent with the base verb. Verification / Alternative check: Think of a legal example: The judge followed earlier precedents in this case. In written judgments and law books, the word appears as precedents, not in any of the incorrect forms. Additionally, if you look at the singular form precedent, you can see that only option precedents functions as its plural. The others would not even produce a recognisable singular form, which confirms that they are misspellings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Presedents is wrong because it replaces c with s, losing the connection with the root precede. Pricedents is wrong because it adds i after pr, suggesting a completely different sound and structure. Prisedents is wrong for similar reasons, mixing s and i in confusing ways. None of these forms appears in formal writing or dictionaries as the plural of precedent. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse precedent with president, leading them to spell precedents in a way that resembles the plural of president. This is why forms like presedents appear. To avoid this, focus on the root precede and link it mentally with the idea of going before. Once you have fixed that connection, the spelling precedents will feel more natural, and you will be less likely to mix it up with words related to presidents or prices. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is precedents.

Question 15

The question below consists of three labelled parts X, Y, and Z. Out of the four options, select the most logical order of the labels to form a coherent sentence: They had been thrown X - upon their own exertions at an Y - battle to fight with pover…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Jumbled sentence questions require you to reorder labelled parts so that the final result is grammatical and meaningful. In this item, the sentence describes people who, from an early age, had to rely on their own efforts and struggle against poverty and ignorance. The labels X, Y, and Z must be arranged in a way that respects natural English word order and logical flow of ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: - The fixed opening is They had been thrown. - Label X is upon their own exertions at an. - Label Y is battle to fight with poverty and ignorance. - Label Z is early age, and had a hard. - Four possible orders of these labels are XZY, YXZ, ZYX, and XYZ. - We assume the intended final sentence is about being thrown at an early age upon their own efforts and having a hard battle against poverty and ignorance. Concept / Approach: The target is to preserve logical collocations and grammatical structures. The phrase at an early age should remain together, and the phrase had a hard battle to fight with poverty and ignorance should also remain in a logical order. Label X ends with at an, label Z begins with early age and continues with and had a hard, while label Y completes the idea with battle to fight with poverty and ignorance. Placing X first, Z next, and Y last produces natural combinations at an early age and had a hard battle to fight with poverty and ignorance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that X ends with at an and Z starts with early age. Together, they easily form the phrase at an early age. Step 2: Observe that Z also contains and had a hard, which naturally leads into the noun phrase battle to fight with poverty and ignorance found in Y. Step 3: Consider the sequence XZY after the opening words. This gives: They had been thrown upon their own exertions at an early age, and had a hard battle to fight with poverty and ignorance. Step 4: Check the grammar and meaning of this combined sentence. It is smooth, grammatically correct, and logically coherent. Step 5: Test another order such as XYZ. This produces an awkward phrase had a hard early age, and had a hard battle, which repeats had a hard and disrupts the flow. Step 6: Test ZYX or YXZ and note that at an and early age are split in unnatural ways, ruining the important collocation at an early age. Step 7: Conclude that XZY is the only order that preserves all natural combinations. Verification / Alternative check: Read the full reconstructed sentence carefully: They had been thrown upon their own exertions at an early age, and had a hard battle to fight with poverty and ignorance. The meaning is clear: from a young age, they were forced to rely on themselves and struggled against difficult circumstances. Now try YXZ or ZYX and you will find that phrases such as battle to fight with poverty and ignorance upon their own exertions at an sound clumsy and incorrect. This reading check confirms that XZY is the best arrangement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option YXZ breaks the phrase at an early age and misplaces upon their own exertions, making the sentence confusing. Option ZYX starts with early age, and had a hard, which does not follow smoothly after They had been thrown and also puts battle to fight with poverty and ignorance in the wrong place. Option XYZ repeats had a hard in an unnatural way and fails to keep at an early age as a single unit. All these sequences damage either grammar or clarity. Common Pitfalls: In jumbled sentence questions, learners sometimes focus only on local connections between two adjacent fragments and ignore the global sentence structure. Another pitfall is to choose the order that seems shortest rather than the one that preserves important collocations such as at an early age and hard battle. To avoid errors, first identify such fixed or semi fixed groups of words and ensure they remain intact in your chosen sequence. Final Answer: The most logical and grammatically correct order of the labels is XZY, giving a clear and meaningful sentence.

Question 16

Sentence arrangement: choose the logical order of X, Y, and Z about time zone and spatial autonomy

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to arrange labelled parts of a sentence, here marked as X, Y, and Z, into the most logical and grammatically correct order. The sentence talks about an unstated assumption that links the idea of granting a different time zone with the idea of conceding spatial autonomy. Sentence arrangement questions are common in competitive exams because they assess logical flow, grammar, and understanding of complex ideas in English. Given Data / Assumptions: The stem begins with the phrase: "The unstated assumption is". X: conceding spatial autonomy. Y: that the grant of a different time. Z: zone is only the first temporal step towards. We must combine these parts with the stem to form one meaningful sentence. Concept / Approach: To solve sentence arrangement questions, you should first identify which part can logically follow the introductory stem, then see which parts connect grammatically and logically. Here, the stem ends with "is", which is usually followed by a clause beginning with "that". Next, you need to ensure that phrases that clearly belong together, such as "time" and "zone", appear adjacent. Finally, the expression "step towards" must be followed by the goal, which here is "conceding spatial autonomy". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start from the stem "The unstated assumption is". A natural continuation is a clause that begins with "that", so part Y is a strong candidate. Step 2: Attach Y: "that the grant of a different time". This still feels incomplete because "time" needs a noun like "zone". Step 3: Follow with Z: "zone is only the first temporal step towards". Now "time zone" forms a complete unit and the phrase "step towards" clearly demands a goal. Step 4: Finally, use X: "conceding spatial autonomy". This provides the goal of the step mentioned in Z. Step 5: The complete sentence becomes: "The unstated assumption is that the grant of a different time zone is only the first temporal step towards conceding spatial autonomy." Verification / Alternative check: Read the full sentence after arranging as YZX. It is grammatically correct and conveys a clear, logical idea. If you try starting with X or Z immediately after the stem, the structure becomes awkward. For example, "The unstated assumption is conceding spatial autonomy" sounds incomplete without "that" and does not clearly indicate that this is an assumption derived from the grant of a time zone. Similarly, placing Z immediately after the stem breaks the phrase "time zone". So YZX is the only natural arrangement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option ZXY: Begins with "zone is only the first temporal step towards", which cannot directly follow "The unstated assumption is", and it separates "time" and "zone". Option XZY: Starts with "conceding spatial autonomy", which does not fit smoothly after "is" without a conjunction and also misplaces "time" and "zone". Option YXZ: Places the goal "conceding spatial autonomy" before "zone is only the first temporal step towards", which reverses the logical direction of the step and its goal. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates focus only on the meaning and ignore grammatical connectors like "that" and required collocations such as "time zone". Others may try to put the striking phrase "conceding spatial autonomy" early, even though it logically comes at the end as the result of the temporal step. Always check collocations, conjunctions, and natural clause order rather than relying on intuition alone. Final Answer: The correct logical and grammatical order is YZX, so option "YZX" is the right choice.

Question 17

Change of voice: choose the correct passive form of the sentence "My friends are going to watch a movie tonight"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of active and passive voice in English grammar, particularly with progressive and future like constructions such as "are going to watch". Moving correctly between active and passive forms requires careful handling of tense, aspect, and auxiliary verbs, while preserving the original meaning and time reference of the sentence. Given Data / Assumptions: Active voice sentence: "My friends are going to watch a movie tonight." Subject in the active sentence: "My friends". Object in the active sentence: "a movie". Time adverbial: "tonight". We must form a grammatically correct passive sentence that keeps the same time reference and meaning. Concept / Approach: To form the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive one, and the original subject is introduced with "by". The main verb is converted into a past participle, and the auxiliary structure is adjusted so that the tense and aspect stay the same. For constructions like "be going to + verb", the passive form generally follows the pattern "be going to be + past participle". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the active structure: "are going to watch" is the verb phrase in the present continuous like future pattern. Step 2: Move the object "a movie" to the subject position in the passive sentence. Step 3: Keep the auxiliary "are going to", and insert "be" before the past participle to maintain the passive structure. Step 4: Change the main verb "watch" to its past participle "watched". Step 5: Add the original subject "my friends" after "by" to show the agent: "by my friends". Step 6: Attach the time expression "tonight" at the end, as in the original sentence. Step 7: The final correct passive sentence is: "A movie is going to be watched by my friends tonight." Verification / Alternative check: Check the tense and meaning. The original talks about a planned activity in the near future. The passive form "is going to be watched" correctly preserves the future plan. The subject "a movie" is now in focus, and the agent "my friends" is still mentioned. There is no change in time reference or meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "My friends will have watch a movie by tonight." This uses an incorrect verb form ("have watch" instead of "have watched") and is still in active voice, not passive. Option C: "A movie was going to be watched by my friends tonight." The past form "was going to" shifts the time reference and implies a plan in the past, not the current plan expressed in the original sentence. Option D: "My friends will have to watch a movie by tonight." This introduces obligation ("will have to") and changes the meaning completely, and it remains active voice. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often confuse "going to" future with simple future or perfect future and change the tense inadvertently. Another frequent mistake is forgetting to include "be" before the past participle in passive constructions like "going to be watched". Always keep the tense and time reference identical to the original sentence when converting between active and passive. Final Answer: The correct passive form is "A movie is going to be watched by my friends tonight.", which corresponds to option A.

Question 18

Change of speech: choose the correct indirect version of "What time does the flight arrive?" she asked the receptionist

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of converting direct speech to indirect (reported) speech, especially for interrogative sentences in the present simple tense. It focuses on the correct use of reporting verbs, sequence of tenses, and word order when the original sentence is a question beginning with a wh question word such as "what" or "when". Given Data / Assumptions: Direct sentence: "What time does the flight arrive?" she asked the receptionist. Reporting verb: "asked". The question is about time and begins with the wh word "what". The tense inside the question is present simple: "does the flight arrive". We need a grammatically correct reported question in indirect speech. Concept / Approach: When reporting a wh question in indirect speech, we keep the wh word, change the word order to that of a statement, and usually shift the tense back one step when the reporting verb is in the past. The auxiliary "do / does" in present simple questions is dropped in indirect speech, and the main verb returns to its past simple form. Therefore "does the flight arrive" normally becomes "the flight arrived" when reported. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting clause: "she asked the receptionist". The verb "asked" is in the past tense. Step 2: Retain the wh word "what", which introduces the reported question. Step 3: Change the structure "does the flight arrive" to the statement word order "the flight arrives" and then apply backshift of tense due to the past reporting verb. Step 4: Apply sequence of tenses: present simple "arrives" usually changes to past simple "arrived" in reported speech. Step 5: Remove the auxiliary "does", since it is used only for question formation and is not needed in reported speech. Step 6: Combine all parts: "She asked the receptionist what time the flight arrived." Verification / Alternative check: The final sentence is grammatically correct and follows all rules of reported speech. It keeps the wh word "what", uses the correct subject verb order "the flight arrived" instead of question order, and shifts the tense from present simple to past simple. The meaning remains the same: she wanted to know the time of arrival of the flight. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "what time the flight arrive" is incorrect because "arrive" is in the base form and should be in past simple "arrived". Option C: "when does the flight arrive" wrongly keeps the auxiliary "does" and question order; in indirect speech we do not use such direct question structure after the reporting verb. Option D: "what was going to be the time for the flights arrival" is overly wordy, changes the tense and structure, and uses an unnatural expression for a simple time enquiry. Common Pitfalls: Students often forget to change the word order from question pattern to normal statement order in reported questions. Another common issue is forgetting to remove auxiliary verbs like "do" or "does", which are only needed in direct questions. Also, many candidates either forget to shift the tense when necessary or change it when it is not required. In this case, shifting "arrive" to "arrived" is appropriate because the reporting verb is in the past. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech form is "She asked the receptionist what time the flight arrived.", which corresponds to option A.

Question 19

Reading comprehension on vadu mangai: in the passage, what is "Thadagam"?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question checks your ability to interpret a specific reference inside a passage about vadu mangai mangoes in and around Coimbatore. The term "Thadagam" appears in the passage, and you need to infer what exactly it refers to, based on the descriptions provided. Such questions assess careful reading and the skill of linking named entities to their definitions in the text. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage discusses the vadu mangai season being short due to poor rainfall. It mentions two distinct varieties available near Coimbatore. It states that the closest to Coimbatore, and the one that appears in the markets first, is the Thadagam variety. The second and more popular variety is from the Thirumoorthy Hills near Udumalpet. The context is clearly about types of vadu mangai mangoes, not festivals or language. Concept / Approach: In vocabulary in context questions, you should always look at the immediate sentence and its surrounding lines rather than relying on outside knowledge. Here, the word "variety" immediately follows "Thadagam", which is a strong clue. Since the passage is consistently talking about varieties of vadu mangai mangoes, the logical conclusion is that Thadagam is the name of one such variety. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the sentence that contains the word "Thadagam" in the passage. Step 2: Read the full sentence: it says that the closest to Coimbatore, and the one that appears in the markets first, is the Thadagam variety. Step 3: Notice the word "variety" immediately after "Thadagam". The passage already mentions "two distinct varieties". Step 4: Observe that the overall topic is types of vadu mangai mangoes grown in different regions. Step 5: Link these clues together to see that Thadagam must be one of the vadu mangai varieties. Verification / Alternative check: Check whether any of the options fit the textual evidence. The passage does not mention any festival connected to Thadagam, nor does it switch from a discussion about mango varieties to a cultural festival. There is also no indication that Thadagam is a word meaning "monsoon" in the local language. The phrase "Thadagam variety" is a direct pointer that it is a type of mango. The passage also contrasts it with the variety from Thirumoorthy Hills, reinforcing that both are varieties of vadu mangai. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: A festival celebrated in Coimbatore is never mentioned in the passage, so this is an invented meaning. Option C: There is no evidence that Thadagam is a local term for monsoon; the surrounding sentences are about mango harvests. Option D: The passage talks about tender mangoes and varieties, not about prepared pickle products, so this does not match. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink such questions and bring in outside knowledge about names or places. Another mistake is to ignore the word immediately following the term being tested; here "variety" is a crucial clue that many candidates may skip. Always rely on the textual context and do not assume meanings that the passage does not support. Look for repeated themes, like varieties, harvest, or season, and tie the unknown term to those themes. Final Answer: From the passage, "Thadagam" clearly refers to a variety of vadu mangai mangoes, so option B is correct.

Question 20

Reading comprehension on vadu mangai: why do local markets get only a small portion of the mango harvest?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question asks you to identify the reason why only a small portion of the vadu mangai mango harvest reaches local markets. The passage describes how the mangoes are grown, how they are bought by different buyers, and how they finally appear in local street markets. The task is to locate the specific cause mentioned by the author and distinguish it from other incidental details in the passage. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage explains that there are two varieties of vadu mangai near Coimbatore. Representatives from commercial pickle brands buy these mangos in large lots directly from wholesalers. Only a small portion of the yearly harvest trickles down to local markets. Small vendors then bring sacks of these tender mangoes to a particular street corner during the season. Local markets operate during fixed morning hours depending on how quickly the stock is sold. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to focus on the sentence that directly explains why the local markets receive limited quantities. Many reading comprehension options include statements that are true but not the main cause. The correct approach is to find the explicit cause and effect structure in the passage, usually signalled by words like "because", or by two consecutive sentences where one states a fact and the next describes its result. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Locate the line that mentions "Only a small portion of the year's harvest trickles down to the local markets." Step 2: Read the preceding sentence: it says that representatives from commercial pickle brands whisk these mangos away in big lots directly from the wholesalers. Step 3: Understand the connection: large commercial buyers purchase much of the harvest in bulk, leaving only a limited quantity available for local markets. Step 4: Evaluate the options and see which one captures this reason most accurately. Step 5: Identify that option A, about commercial pickle companies buying the mangoes in huge quantities, directly matches the cause stated in the passage. Verification / Alternative check: Check whether the other options genuinely explain why the local markets receive only a small portion of the harvest. The passage does mention that vendors may leave early if their produce is sold quickly, but this describes the selling pattern at the market, not the limited inflow. There is no mention of the number of vendors being only three, and the fact that sellers are small vendors does not, by itself, explain why the harvest reaching them is small. Only the bulk buying by commercial pickle brands clearly accounts for the reduced volume in local markets. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: Early selling times, such as finishing by 9.00 am, show high demand and quick sales but do not explain why the total quantity reaching the market is small. Option C: The passage never states that there are only three vendors, so this option is invented and unsupported. Option D: Describing the sellers as small vendors is a background detail and not presented as a reason for limited supply. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake in such questions is confusing consequences with causes. Students see that mangoes sell quickly and think that is the main reason for scarcity in markets, but the passage clearly explains that the scarcity originates earlier in the supply chain, at the wholesaler level. Always identify whether the option describes a cause or merely a related fact. Stick closely to the passage and do not guess. Final Answer: Local markets get only a small portion of the mango harvest because commercial pickle companies buy the mangoes in huge quantities, which is stated in option A.

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