Question 1

Reading comprehension on vadu mangai: what may happen if there is adequate rainfall?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to infer a likely outcome based on a condition that is the opposite of the one described in the passage. The text states that the vadu mangai season is expected to be short due to poor rainfall. You must reason what would probably occur if rainfall were adequate, using cause and effect logic and reading between the lines, which is a key skill in reading comprehension. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage opens by stating that, because of poor rainfall over the past few months, the vadu mangai season is expected to be short this year. It then describes varieties of vadu mangai and how they reach local markets. The main cause of the short season mentioned explicitly is "poor rainfall". The question asks you to consider the opposite condition, that is, "adequate rainfall". We assume all other factors remain similar, so we focus only on the impact of rainfall. Concept / Approach: When the passage gives a direct cause and effect statement, such as "due to poor rainfall, the season is expected to be short", you can reverse this relationship for a hypothetical condition. If poor rainfall shortens the season, adequate rainfall would reasonably lengthen it. In inference questions, you should not invent new causes but translate the given relationship into the opposite scenario carefully. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key causal statement in the passage: poor rainfall leads to a shorter vadu mangai season. Step 2: Imagine the opposite condition: instead of poor rainfall, there is adequate rainfall. Step 3: Apply the logic of the original cause and effect: if lack of rain reduces the harvest time, adequate rainfall would increase the duration and possibly the yield. Step 4: Look at the options and see which one matches this logical consequence. Step 5: Option B states that the vadu mangai season will be longer that year, which is the direct opposite of a short season caused by poor rainfall and is therefore consistent with the passage. Verification / Alternative check: Check whether any options contradict the basic logic of the text. Adequate rainfall generally supports better agricultural output, longer availability, and more harvest. It does not, by itself, cause commercial buyers to change their behaviour or reduce their purchases. Thus, saying that local vendors will get fewer mangoes or that companies will buy less is not supported by the passage. The only safe, text based inference is that the previously shortened season would no longer be short and is likely to extend. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Suggests that local vendors will get fewer mangoes, which goes against the normal expectation that adequate rainfall increases crop yield. Option C: Claims that commercial pickle companies will buy in smaller quantities, but the passage does not link rainfall level to company purchasing strategy. Option D: Vendors will be able to sell quickly is already happening in the passage on good days and is not specifically tied to rainfall levels. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to over interpret hypothetical conditions and make assumptions that are not backed by the passage. Another pitfall is ignoring explicit cause and effect relations already stated. When the passage clearly links poor rainfall with a short season, the safest inference for adequate rainfall is the reversal of that effect. Always prefer the most direct and text based inference instead of speculating about new factors. Final Answer: If there is adequate rainfall, it is reasonable to expect that the vadu mangai season will be longer that year, so option B is correct.

Question 2

Reading comprehension on vadu mangai: from where do the more popular vadu mangai mangoes come?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on a factual detail from the reading passage about vadu mangai mangoes. The passage describes two distinct varieties from different locations and explicitly names which one is more popular. Such questions check your ability to pick out specific information accurately rather than rely on memory of general ideas only. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage mentions two distinct varieties of vadu mangai available near Coimbatore. One variety, which is closest to Coimbatore and appears first in markets, is the Thadagam variety. The second variety is described as "the more popular variety" and is from the Thirumoorthy Hills near Udumalpet. The question asks about the source of the "more popular vadu mangai mangoes". Other place names in the passage include Coimbatore and Ram Nagar, which have different roles. Concept / Approach: In detail based comprehension questions, you should carefully reread the lines that talk about popularity, frequency, or any superlatives. The phrase "the second and more popular variety" is the key. Then you must connect that description with its associated location. It is important not to confuse the location of markets (such as Ram Nagar) with the location where the mangoes are grown (like Thirumoorthy Hills). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Find the sentence that uses the words "second" and "more popular variety". Step 2: Read that sentence fully: it tells you that the second and more popular variety is from the Thirumoorthy Hills, near Udumalpet. Step 3: Identify the exact location mentioned as the origin of this more popular variety: "Thirumoorthy Hills". Step 4: Compare this with the options. One option is Udumalpet, another is Thirumoorthy Hills. The passage clearly states that the variety is from the Thirumoorthy Hills, which are near Udumalpet. Step 5: Choose the option that exactly matches the location named as the source of the more popular variety, which is Thirumoorthy Hills. Verification / Alternative check: Check each option against the passage. Coimbatore is mentioned as the main city near which the two varieties are available, but not as the specific source of the more popular variety. Ram Nagar is described as the street corner where small vendors sell the mangoes, not as the place where they grow. Udumalpet is a nearby town mentioned only to locate the Thirumoorthy Hills. Therefore, Thirumoorthy Hills is the precise answer to the question about origin. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Udumalpet is only used as a reference point ("near Udumalpet") and is not itself stated as the place where the more popular mangoes grow. Option B: Coimbatore is the central city around which the varieties are available but not the specific origin of the more popular variety. Option D: Ram Nagar is the street corner marketplace in Coimbatore where vendors sell the mangoes; it is not the agricultural source. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes pick a place name that they remember more easily, such as Coimbatore or Ram Nagar, instead of checking the exact line in the passage. Another pitfall is ignoring the difference between "near" and "from": the passage says "from the Thirumoorthy Hills, near Udumalpet", so writing Udumalpet as the answer would be imprecise. Always answer with the most accurate term the passage provides. Final Answer: The more popular vadu mangai mangoes are from Thirumoorthy Hills, so option C is correct.

Question 3

Reading comprehension on vadu mangai: which description best fits the vadu mangai mangoes in the passage?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This reading comprehension question asks you to recall how the vadu mangai mangoes themselves are described in the passage. Unlike inference based questions, this one focuses on a direct description, so the answer is found almost word for word in the text. It tests your attention to detail and your ability to remember descriptive adjectives used by the author. Given Data / Assumptions: The passage narrates how the vadu mangai season is short and describes the varieties around Coimbatore. Small vendors bring sacks of these mangoes to a street corner in Ram Nagar. The passage states that these are "tiny tender mangoes". No other strong descriptive adjectives like "big", "juicy", "orange", "sour", or "sweet" are highlighted in the passage. The question asks which of the given descriptions best matches the vadu mangai mangoes mentioned. Concept / Approach: When a comprehension question asks "which of the following best describes", you should locate and quote the exact descriptive phrase used by the writer. If one of the options repeats that phrase or closely matches it, that option is likely correct. You should be careful not to be misled by attractive but unsupported descriptive words such as "juicy" or "sour and sweet" if they do not appear in the passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Revisit the lines that describe what the vendors bring to the street corner. Step 2: Note the exact wording: "Small vendors bring sacks full of these tiny tender mangoes to one particular street corner in Ram Nagar during the season." Step 3: Identify the key descriptive adjectives used: "tiny" and "tender". Step 4: Compare each answer choice with that description. Step 5: See that option C repeats both adjectives: "Tiny and tender". Verification / Alternative check: The other options introduce new information that the passage does not provide. Nowhere does the text call the mangoes big, juicy, orange, sour, or sweet. Therefore, these options are speculative and not supported by the passage. The only option that directly matches the author's description is the one that describes the mangoes as tiny and tender, mirroring the exact expression used. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "Big and juicy" contradicts the text, which specifically calls them "tiny". Option B: "Orange but raw" introduces colour and ripeness information that is not discussed in the passage. Option D: "Sour and sweet" describes taste, which is not mentioned anywhere in the passage. Common Pitfalls: One common error is relying on general knowledge of mangoes rather than the exact words of the passage. Readers may assume that pickling mangoes must be sour or that all mango descriptions mention taste or juiciness. In competitive exams, however, the correct answer must be text based and not just plausible from outside knowledge. Always return to the passage and match adjectives precisely. Final Answer: The vadu mangai mangoes are described in the passage as tiny and tender, so option C is correct.

Question 4

One word substitution: a single verb meaning to rummage about in a place or container in search of something

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a one word verb that captures the meaning of the longer phrase "to rummage about in a place or container in search of something". Such questions are important in English exams because they test your range of verbs and your ability to choose a term that matches both the action and its purpose, which here is searching in a slightly thorough or secretive way. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase describes someone rummaging about, that is, searching actively through a place or container. The purpose is to look for something that may be hidden, lost, or not immediately visible. The context suggests a continuous or energetic search, rather than a single quick look. The options are "to rake", "to excavate", "to ferret", and "to poke". We must find the verb that most naturally fits this idea in standard English usage. Concept / Approach: The key word in the phrase is "rummage", which itself means to search thoroughly by moving things around. In idiomatic English, the expression "to ferret about" or "to ferret around" is commonly used to describe searching in a place or among objects in order to find something. The verb "to ferret" has a figurative meaning derived from the way ferrets hunt in burrows, so it fits well with the idea of rummaging. Other options either focus on different actions or lack the searching nuance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Match each option to its usual meaning in English. Step 2: "To rake" usually means to gather or scrape things together using a rake; it is not mainly used for searching inside containers. Step 3: "To excavate" means to dig out earth or remove material, typically in construction or archaeology, not to search in cupboards or bags. Step 4: "To ferret" (often used as "to ferret about" or "to ferret around") means to look around in a place in a persistent way to find something, very close to rummaging. Step 5: "To poke" means to prod something with a finger or stick; while it can be part of searching, it does not itself convey the idea of thorough rummaging. Step 6: Conclude that "to ferret" best matches the sense of the phrase given. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by forming natural sentences. "She ferreted about in the drawer for her keys" is a standard sentence in English. In contrast, "She excavated in the drawer" or "She raked in the drawer" sound odd or incorrect. The idiomatic pairing "ferret about" is very close in meaning to "rummage about", confirming that "to ferret" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "To rake" focuses on gathering leaves or similar items and does not naturally collocate with searching containers. Option B: "To excavate" suggests large scale digging and is too strong and specialised for everyday container searching. Option D: "To poke" implies prodding, not a full rummaging or searching action. Common Pitfalls: Students may be misled by literal images, such as raking through something, but idiomatic usage is more important than imagination. Another pitfall is ignoring collocations: many verbs acquire their meaning from the phrases they commonly appear in. Knowing that English speakers say "ferret about for something" can help you choose correctly. Building a habit of reading widely improves recognition of such collocations. Final Answer: The best one word substitute is "to ferret", so option C is correct.

Question 5

Idiom and phrase: what does the expression "to buy a lemon" mean?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of the idiom "to buy a lemon". Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the individual words. This idiom is widely used, especially in contexts involving second hand cars or other expensive items that turn out to be faulty. Understanding idioms is essential for scoring well in English vocabulary and usage sections of competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom in question is "to buy a lemon". The context is general English idiomatic usage, often related to purchases. The answer choices refer to vehicles, recipes, useful insignificant things, and unnecessary purchases. We assume standard modern usage of the idiom, as found in common English references. Concept / Approach: In modern English, especially in American usage, "a lemon" is a slang term for a car or other product that looks fine at first but has many mechanical problems or defects. Therefore, "to buy a lemon" means to buy something, typically a vehicle, that turns out to be faulty and causes repeated trouble. The idiom has nothing to do with food recipes or with buying unnecessary items in general. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or look up the standard meaning of the idiom "a lemon" in the context of purchases. Step 2: Note that the term is especially associated with defective cars that break down often or require frequent repairs. Step 3: Examine option A: it directly mentions "to purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems", which aligns exactly with the idiomatic meaning. Step 4: Examine option B: it talks about recipes and has no connection with the idiom as used in English. Step 5: Consider option C: it suggests buying something insignificant that later becomes useful, which is almost the opposite of buying a faulty product. Step 6: Consider option D: it mentions buying unnecessary stuff, which may be wasteful but does not capture the idea of hidden defects and constant problems. Step 7: Conclude that option A is the only one that accurately reflects the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this meaning by thinking of common usage contexts such as "He bought a second hand car, but it turned out to be a lemon." The sentence clearly expresses disappointment due to mechanical faults. Nothing in the typical usage suggests anything about recipes or items that later become helpful. The focus is on hidden faults and repeated breakdowns, which option A captures. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: This is unrelated to the idiom and seems to be a distractor built around literal food imagery. Option C: Describes a lucky outcome where an insignificant item becomes very useful, which is positive, whereas buying a lemon is negative. Option D: Refers to impulsive or unnecessary shopping, which is a different idea from buying a defective product. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes misinterpret idioms literally or confuse them with similar sounding phrases. Another trap is to pick a vaguely negative option without checking that it matches the specific nuance of the idiom. For "buy a lemon", the key idea is not just a bad financial decision but a purchase that repeatedly fails due to defects. Remembering a few typical example sentences can help anchor idioms in your mind. Final Answer: The expression "to buy a lemon" means to purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems, so option A is correct.

Question 6

Antonym question: select the word that is opposite in meaning to "mere"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of antonyms, specifically for the word "mere". Knowing antonyms is important because exam questions often ask you to find a word that expresses the opposite idea to a given word. "Mere" is frequently used in English to mean "only" or "nothing more than", and it often downplays importance or size. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: "mere". Options: "unadorned", "immense", "sheer", and "blunt". We are asked for the opposite in meaning, not just a different meaning. We assume the common usage of "mere" as in "a mere child" or "a mere formality". Concept / Approach: "Mere" usually conveys smallness, insignificance, or the idea of "only". An antonym should therefore communicate largeness, significance, or something more than ordinary. Among the options, "immense" directly suggests something very large in size, amount, or degree, which contrasts well with the minimising tone of "mere". Other options are either similar in meaning or unrelated in sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the meaning of "mere": it generally means "only" or "no more than", often used to play down importance. Step 2: Evaluate option A, "unadorned": this means plain or without decoration, which is not the opposite of "mere". Step 3: Evaluate option B, "immense": this means extremely large or great, which is a strong contrast to the sense of smallness and insignificance implied by "mere". Step 4: Evaluate option C, "sheer": in many contexts, "sheer" can mean "absolute" or "nothing other than", which is actually quite similar to "mere" rather than opposite. Step 5: Evaluate option D, "blunt": this describes a person or thing that is not sharp or is direct in speech; it does not oppose the meaning of "mere". Step 6: Conclude that "immense" is the only option that clearly conveys an opposite sense. Verification / Alternative check: Try using the words in similar sentence patterns and see the contrast. For example, "It was a mere detail" suggests it was a small or unimportant detail. If you say, "It was an immense detail", the sentence sounds odd but clearly signals something very large or significant, which is the opposite in spirit. Meanwhile, "a sheer detail" is closer to "only a detail", reinforcing that "sheer" is not an antonym, but almost a synonym in such a context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "Unadorned" deals with decoration or style and does not naturally contrast with "only" or "insignificant". Option C: "Sheer" can mean "pure" or "nothing other than", which is conceptually similar to "mere" rather than opposite. Option D: "Blunt" is about physical sharpness or a direct manner of speaking, unrelated to the sense of quantity or importance in "mere". Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be drawn to "sheer" because they have seen phrases like "sheer luck" or "sheer nonsense" and confuse it with opposition, but in many contexts "sheer" and "mere" can be used similarly. Another pitfall is ignoring the nuance of "mere" as belittling something. Always think of typical sentences that use the word and then imagine what an opposite description would look like. Final Answer: The correct antonym of "mere" among the given options is "immense", so option B is correct.

Question 7

Error spotting in comparative sentence: identify the part with an error in "The population of Mumbai is greater than in any city in USA"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This grammar question tests error spotting in a comparative sentence that contrasts the population of Mumbai with that of cities in the United States of America. The challenge lies in correctly comparing quantities and using appropriate prepositions and structures. Such questions are common in competitive exams to check whether candidates can maintain grammatical parallelism in comparisons. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is divided into four parts for error identification. Part A: "The population of Mumbai" Part B: "is greater than" Part C: "in any city in USA." Part D: "No error" The intended meaning is that the population of Mumbai is greater than the population of any city in the USA. Concept / Approach: When comparing quantities like populations, we must compare like with like. The phrase "the population of Mumbai" should be compared with "the population of any city in the USA", not with "in any city in USA". The word "in" makes the phrase ungrammatical because it introduces a prepositional phrase instead of a noun phrase that matches "population". Correct usage would be "that of any city in the USA" or simply "the population of any city in the USA". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the sentence as a whole: "The population of Mumbai is greater than in any city in USA." Step 2: Notice that the comparison is incomplete: we do not have a clear noun phrase after "than" that corresponds to "population". Step 3: Recognise that the correct comparison should be between two populations, so we expect something like "than that of any city in the USA". Step 4: Identify where the problem starts. The phrase "in any city in USA" begins in part C. Step 5: Realise that "in any city in USA" is not parallel to "the population of Mumbai" and therefore introduces the error. Verification / Alternative check: Construct a corrected version of the sentence: "The population of Mumbai is greater than that of any city in the USA." Here, "that" refers to "population", so both sides of the comparison match. We could also say, "The population of Mumbai is greater than the population of any city in the USA." In both cases, the error is removed by replacing the problematic phrase from part C. Parts A and B remain unchanged, which confirms that the error lies specifically in part C. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Part A): "The population of Mumbai" is grammatically correct and clearly introduces the subject of comparison. Option B (Part B): "is greater than" is the correct comparative phrase to express that one quantity is larger than another. Option D (No error): This would only be correct if no part of the sentence contained a grammatical problem. Since part C is faulty, option D cannot be chosen. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to ignore the need for parallel structure in comparisons and to accept "than in any city" because it sounds somewhat natural in quick speech. However, in formal written English, especially in exam contexts, comparisons must be precise. Another pitfall is to think there is an error in article usage with "the USA". While it would be preferable to add "the" before USA, the main tested error here is the comparative structure in part C. Final Answer: The error is in part C, so option C is the correct choice.

Question 8

Contextual vocabulary: choose the best word to complete "The bank ______ his house as he had failed to pay the instalments"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests contextual vocabulary in a sentence about a bank taking action against a borrower who failed to pay instalments. The verb must fit both the formal financial context and the idea of seizing property due to non payment. Such fill in the blank questions check whether you can choose a word that is semantically and collocationally appropriate. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "The bank ______ his house as he had failed to pay the instalments despite repeated warnings." The subject is "The bank", which is a financial institution. The object is "his house", a piece of property. The cause is failure to pay instalments, indicating a legal or financial penalty. Options are "mobbed", "confiscated", "hijacked", and "captured". Concept / Approach: The correct verb should describe a lawful or official seizure of property as a consequence of non payment. In English, "confiscate" means to officially take something away, especially as a punishment or because of a law or rule. Banks and authorities may confiscate property in such contexts. Other verbs like "mob", "hijack", and "capture" belong to different semantic fields such as crowds, criminal seizure of vehicles, or military action and do not fit the banking context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the scenario: because the man did not pay instalments, the bank legally took over his house. Step 2: Consider "mobbed": this means a crowd surrounding or attacking someone; banks do not "mob" houses. Step 3: Consider "confiscated": this means officially seized as a penalty, perfectly matching what a bank may do with a house on loan default. Step 4: Consider "hijacked": this describes unlawfully seizing a vehicle, aircraft, or similar, not a legal action by a bank. Step 5: Consider "captured": often used in war or games; a bank does not "capture" a house in standard formal English. Step 6: Conclude that "confiscated" is the only verb that accurately matches the situation. Verification / Alternative check: You can test each verb in a full sentence. "The bank confiscated his house" is a natural and grammatically correct sentence describing legal seizure. In contrast, "The bank hijacked his house" or "The bank mobbed his house" sound wrong and misleading. "The bank captured his house" also seems out of place, as "capture" suggests an enemy or prey rather than overdue loan action. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "Mobbed" involves a crowd behaviour and is unrelated to banking or property law. Option C: "Hijacked" is connected with illegal seizure of vehicles or aircraft, not with lawful property repossession. Option D: "Captured" usually applies to enemies, animals, or pieces in a game, not to legal financial procedures. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted by "captured" because it loosely suggests taking control, but good vocabulary use requires both correct meaning and suitable context. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the subject of the sentence; verbs that fit criminal or informal contexts are unlikely to be correct when the subject is a bank. Always consider how commonly a verb is used with the type of subject and object presented. Final Answer: The most appropriate verb is "confiscated", so option B is the correct answer.

Question 9

Sentence rearrangement: arrange P, Q, and R to complete "At one level, ___ such cases of violence"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your skill in sentence rearrangement at the clause level. You are given three labelled parts P, Q, and R, which must be arranged after the initial phrase "At one level," to form a coherent sentence about the limits of law in understanding cases of violence. Such questions test logical flow, grammar, and your ability to recognise complete ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: Starter: "At one level," P: "the law in understanding" Q: "such cases of violence" R: "one senses the limits of" The final sentence must be grammatically correct and make logical sense. Concept / Approach: To solve rearrangement questions, first identify which fragment can act as the subject or main clause. Here, R ("one senses the limits of") clearly functions as the main clause because it has an implicit subject "one" and a verb "senses". Next, look for objects or prepositional phrases that naturally follow it. The expression "the limits of the law in understanding such cases of violence" is a natural continuation. So we must form that phrase using P and Q in the correct order. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach R to the initial phrase: "At one level, one senses the limits of ...". This is grammatically sound and clearly introduces a main clause. Step 2: Consider what "the limits of" should be followed by. We expect a noun phrase like "the law in understanding such cases of violence". Step 3: Examine P: "the law in understanding". This fits immediately after "the limits of" to give "the limits of the law in understanding". Step 4: Examine Q: "such cases of violence". This naturally completes the phrase "the law in understanding such cases of violence". Step 5: Combine the parts: "At one level, one senses the limits of the law in understanding such cases of violence." Step 6: Map the order used: R followed by P followed by Q, which is RPQ. Verification / Alternative check: Try alternative orders and see why they fail. If we start with P after the starter ("At one level, the law in understanding"), we get a fragment that lacks a clear verb and subject. If we start with Q ("At one level, such cases of violence"), we still miss a main verb and the sentence does not directly present a complete thought. Only R provides both a subject and a verb ("one senses"), and P plus Q then complete the object phrase smoothly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (RQP): "At one level, one senses the limits of such cases of violence the law in understanding" is ungrammatical and breaks the natural phrase "the law in understanding such cases of violence". Option B (PQR): "At one level, the law in understanding such cases of violence one senses the limits of" leads to an awkward and almost meaningless structure. Option D (QRP): "At one level, such cases of violence one senses the limits of the law in understanding" disturbs normal word order and creates confusion. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes start with phrases that sound abstract or important, like "the law", without checking whether there is a verb to support them. Another pitfall is ignoring standard English patterns like "limits of the law" and "understanding such cases of violence". Paying attention to which fragments combine into familiar collocations and grammatical structures is crucial for success in rearrangement questions. Final Answer: The correct order is RPQ, forming the sentence, "At one level, one senses the limits of the law in understanding such cases of violence."

Question 10

Error spotting: identify the part with an error in "For a full week she enjoyed the benefits of being a big sister"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an error spotting question where you have to decide whether any part of the given sentence contains a grammatical mistake. The sentence talks about someone enjoying the benefits of being a big sister for a full week. These questions test your overall sense of correct English structure, including prepositions, verb forms, and noun usage. Given Data / Assumptions: Part A: "For a full week" Part B: "she enjoyed the benefits" Part C: "of being a big sister." Part D: "No error" The complete sentence is: "For a full week she enjoyed the benefits of being a big sister." Concept / Approach: To solve such a question, read the entire sentence and check whether it sounds natural and follows standard grammar rules. Look at tense consistency, subject verb agreement, correct prepositions, and whether the phrases fit together logically. If you cannot find any error in parts A, B, or C, then you should choose "No error", which corresponds to part D. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part A: "For a full week" correctly introduces a duration of time and is grammatically sound. Step 2: Examine part B: "she enjoyed the benefits" is in simple past tense and agrees with the subject "she". The phrase "enjoyed the benefits" is natural English. Step 3: Examine part C: "of being a big sister" correctly uses the preposition "of" after "benefits" and describes the state of being a big sister; there is no error in structure or meaning. Step 4: Combine all parts: "For a full week she enjoyed the benefits of being a big sister." The sentence is grammatically correct and expresses a clear idea. Step 5: Since there is no grammatical error in parts A, B, or C, the correct choice is "No error", which is represented by part D. Verification / Alternative check: You can test the sentence by paraphrasing it: "She enjoyed what it meant to be a big sister for an entire week." This paraphrase shows that the meaning is clear and the original version is well formed. There is no tense shift, no missing article, and no incorrect preposition. If you try to change any part, such as replacing "of being" with "to be", the original sentence still does not become more correct than it already is. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: The phrase "For a full week" is a standard time expression and is correctly used. Option B: "She enjoyed the benefits" is correct, with proper verb form and object. Option C: "Of being a big sister" is a correct complement to "benefits", using the gerund "being" in a natural way. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes assume that every error spotting question must contain an error and waste time trying to invent one. Examiners deliberately include sentences with no error to test whether candidates have the confidence to choose "No error". Another pitfall is over analysing correct structures like "benefits of being", which is a perfectly normal English phrase. Trust your sense of correct usage when nothing obviously wrong appears. Final Answer: There is no error in the sentence, so the correct option is D.

Question 11

Synonym question: select the word that is closest in meaning to "to ordain"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to select the synonym of the verb "to ordain". The word is often used in religious as well as formal contexts. Knowing both its literal and extended meanings will help you choose the closest matching word from the options. Synonym questions check whether you understand subtle shades of meaning in English verbs. Given Data / Assumptions: Target verb: "to ordain". Options: "to anoint", "to retract", "to veto", and "to void". We must look for the closest overall meaning, not just partial overlap. We assume common usage in both religious and official contexts. Concept / Approach: "To ordain" has two main senses. In a religious sense, it means to make someone a priest or minister by a special ceremony. In a more general legal or formal sense, it means to order or decree something officially. Among the choices, "to anoint" is the closest match because in religious contexts it also refers to a ceremonial act of appointing or consecrating someone, often with oil. The other options ("retract", "veto", and "void") express cancelling or rejecting something, which is the opposite direction of creating or establishing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the primary meanings of "to ordain": to officially make someone a priest or to officially order or decree something. Step 2: Evaluate "to anoint": this means to put oil on someone as part of a religious ceremony, often to show that the person is chosen or consecrated for a holy office. Step 3: Notice that both "ordain" and "anoint" share the idea of official or religious appointment, making them close in meaning. Step 4: Evaluate "to retract": this means to take back a statement or promise, which is unrelated to appointing or decreeing. Step 5: Evaluate "to veto": this means to refuse to approve a decision, again involving rejection rather than appointment. Step 6: Evaluate "to void": this means to cancel or make something invalid, which is opposite to establishing or ordering. Step 7: Conclude that "to anoint" is the synonym that best matches the word "ordain". Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences. "The bishop will ordain five new priests on Sunday" and "The bishop will anoint the new priests during the ceremony" are closely related uses. In contrast, "The bishop will veto five new priests" or "void five new priests" make no sense. In non religious use, "The court ordained that the policy be changed" could be loosely compared with "the court decreed that", but none of the given alternatives cover that meaning better than "anoint" covers the ceremonial aspect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "To retract" is about taking back a statement and is semantically distant from making an official appointment. Option C: "To veto" refers to rejecting or blocking a decision, the opposite direction from ordaining something into effect. Option D: "To void" is to cancel or make null and void, again a cancelling action rather than an appointing or decreeing action. Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is focusing only on the legal meaning of "ordain" and looking for a verb about rules or laws, which might cause confusion if no perfect match appears among the options. In such cases, falling back on the more familiar religious meaning and checking for ceremonial or consecrating verbs is a good strategy. Another mistake is picking a negative verb like "void" just because it sounds formal. Always check whether the core idea of the target word is preserved. Final Answer: The closest synonym for "to ordain" in this set is "to anoint", so option A is correct.

Question 12

Synonym question: select the word that is closest in meaning to "stranded"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word "stranded". In English, "stranded" is often used for people or vehicles left without a way to move or return, and for ships stuck on a shore or sandbank, unable to move because of low water or other obstacles. Knowing this helps you pick the option that most closely matches this idea of being stuck or left helpless. Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: "stranded". Options: "to douse", "aground", "to swamp", and "to inundate". We must choose the word that can function as a close synonym in typical contexts where "stranded" is used. We assume the common contexts: stranded travellers, stranded vehicles, or ships stranded on a sandbank. Concept / Approach: In a physical sense, a ship that is "aground" is stuck on the ground under shallow water and cannot move. This is very close to being stranded at sea. More generally, "stranded" implies being left in a difficult position with no way to move or get help. The word "aground" specifically captures the idea of a vessel being stuck on the bottom, so it is a strong synonym in that domain. The other options focus on water related actions but do not convey the idea of being left stuck. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that "stranded" means left without a way out or stuck, as in "stranded passengers" or "a stranded ship". Step 2: Evaluate "to douse": this means to pour liquid over something or extinguish a fire with water; it is unrelated to being stuck. Step 3: Evaluate "aground": this describes a ship that has run onto the shore or seabed and is stuck there, closely matching the sense of a vessel being stranded. Step 4: Evaluate "to swamp": this means to flood or overwhelm, not to leave something stuck without movement. Step 5: Evaluate "to inundate": this also means to flood or overwhelm with water or work; again, it does not mean being left helplessly stuck. Step 6: Conclude that "aground" is the best synonym, especially in the context of ships or boats. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example uses. "The ferry ran aground during the storm" is very similar to saying "The ferry was stranded during the storm". For people, we might say "They were stranded at the station" but would not use "aground" for people. However, in the set of options provided, "aground" is the only word that shares the sense of being stuck in place. The other verbs describe actions involving water but not the condition of being left without escape. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "To douse" focuses on pouring liquid or extinguishing and is unrelated to being stranded. Option C: "To swamp" suggests flooding or overwhelming, which may cause problems but does not itself mean stuck without movement. Option D: "To inundate" similarly means to flood or overwhelm and lacks the sense of helpless immobility that "stranded" carries. Common Pitfalls: Because several options are related to water, students sometimes choose them based on that association alone. However, semantic precision matters: only "aground" actually describes the condition of a vessel stuck on the ground and unable to move. Always look beyond general themes like water and focus on the exact idea expressed by the main word. Final Answer: The closest synonym of "stranded" in the given options is "aground", so option B is correct.

Question 13

Sentence improvement: choose the correct preposition to complete "All the allegations levelled ___ the poor watchman were found to be baseless"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests sentence improvement by focusing on the correct preposition used with the phrase "allegations levelled". In English, certain verbs and expressions naturally combine with specific prepositions. Knowing these collocations is essential for natural and grammatically correct writing, especially in formal contexts like legal or official statements. Given Data / Assumptions: The original sentence fragment is: "All the allegations levelled (over) the poor watchman were found to be baseless." The word "over" appears in brackets as the part to be improved. The options are "upon", "off", "against", and "no improvement". The sentence concerns allegations made about or directed at the poor watchman. Concept / Approach: The standard collocation in English is "to level allegations against someone". This phrase is widely used in news reports and legal language. The preposition "against" correctly conveys the idea that the accusations are directed toward a person. Other prepositions like "over" or "upon" do not naturally follow "level allegations". Therefore, the goal is to replace "over" with "against" to achieve idiomatic and grammatically proper English. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the core phrase: "allegations levelled ___ the poor watchman". Step 2: Recall standard usage: we say "allegations levelled against someone". Step 3: Test option A: "allegations levelled upon the poor watchman" sounds unnatural and is not a recognised idiom. Step 4: Test option B: "allegations levelled off the poor watchman" is clearly wrong; "off" does not fit here. Step 5: Test option C: "allegations levelled against the poor watchman" is standard and clear English. Step 6: Option D ("no improvement") would preserve "over", which is not the standard preposition for this phrase. Step 7: Conclude that "against" is the correct improvement. Verification / Alternative check: Look at how newspapers and legal documents describe accusations. You will commonly see sentences like "Serious allegations were levelled against the minister" or "Charges were brought against the company". In each case, "against" indicates the target of the accusation. Replacing "against" with "over" or "upon" would sound odd and non idiomatic. Therefore, "against" is the only acceptable choice here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: "Upon" is used after verbs like "rely upon" or "decide upon", but not after "level allegations". Option B: "Off" has meanings related to separation or removal and does not collocate with "allegations levelled". Option D: "No improvement" would keep an incorrect preposition, leaving the phrase unidiomatic. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to treat prepositions as interchangeable or to choose them based only on vague intuition. Many English phrases, especially in legal or formal contexts, use fixed preposition patterns that must be memorised. Another pitfall is assuming that "over" is correct merely because you see it in phrases like "argue over" or "dispute over", which are different constructions. Final Answer: The improved and idiomatic phrase is "allegations levelled against the poor watchman", so option C is correct.

Question 14

Sentence rearrangement: order P, Q, and R to complete "It is the right to ___ privacy that protects us from"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is another sentence rearrangement task involving three parts P, Q, and R that must be arranged to form a meaningful statement about privacy and the behaviour of doctors. The sentence begins with "It is the right to" and ends with "privacy that protects us from", so we must arrange the fragments to create a logical and grammatically correct middle part. Given Data / Assumptions: Starter: "It is the right to" P: "who see us at our most vulnerable" Q: "the indiscretions of doctors" R: "privacy that protects us from" The completed sentence should express that the right to privacy protects us from the indiscretions of doctors who see us when we are most vulnerable. Concept / Approach: The fragment R contains the key noun "privacy" and the clause "that protects us from", which clearly continues from "the right to". Therefore, R should follow the starter. After R, we expect to see the thing we are protected from, such as "the indiscretions of doctors". Finally, we can add a relative clause that describes which doctors, namely those who see us at our most vulnerable. That gives the natural order R, then Q, then P. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach R to the starter: "It is the right to privacy that protects us from". This is grammatically sound and expresses a clear idea. Step 2: Decide what we are protected from. Fragment Q reads "the indiscretions of doctors", which is the obvious direct object of "protects us from". Step 3: Attach Q next: "It is the right to privacy that protects us from the indiscretions of doctors". This is already a complete, meaningful clause. Step 4: Now consider P: "who see us at our most vulnerable". This fragment describes "doctors", so it should immediately follow "doctors" as a relative clause. Step 5: Attach P at the end: "It is the right to privacy that protects us from the indiscretions of doctors who see us at our most vulnerable." Step 6: The order used is R followed by Q followed by P, that is RQP. Verification / Alternative check: Check if any other order could work. If you start with Q after the starter ("It is the right to the indiscretions of doctors"), the phrase becomes meaningless and grammatically incorrect, because we do not have "the right to the indiscretions". If you put P earlier, you would get phrases like "the indiscretions of doctors who see us" preceding "privacy", which breaks the smooth flow of "the right to privacy that protects us from". The only order that keeps "right to privacy" intact and places the relative clause correctly after "doctors" is RQP. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (QRP): leads to "the indiscretions of doctors privacy that protects us from who see us at our most vulnerable", which is ungrammatical and jumbled. Option B (QPR): starts with "the indiscretions of doctors", making it impossible to link back smoothly to "right to". Option C (PRQ): begins with "who see us at our most vulnerable", but there is no noun before it for "who" to relate to, so it cannot be correct. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes focus too much on the emotional phrase "at our most vulnerable" and try to place it earlier, but this fragment must logically qualify "doctors". Another common mistake is ignoring the fixed expression "the right to privacy", which should stay intact because it is a well known legal and ethical phrase. Recognising such fixed expressions makes sentence rearrangement much easier. Final Answer: The correct order is RQP, forming the sentence, "It is the right to privacy that protects us from the indiscretions of doctors who see us at our most vulnerable."

Question 15

Antonym question: select the word that is opposite in meaning to "to comprise"

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the antonym of the verb "to comprise". In English, "comprise" means "to consist of" or "to include", especially when talking about the parts that make up a whole. The correct antonym should therefore express an opposite idea, such as rejecting, denying, or not including something, rather than listing or containing parts. Given Data / Assumptions: Target verb: "to comprise". Options: "to dispute", "to embody", "to span", and "to encompass". We must choose the option that is opposite in meaning to "to comprise". We assume the standard meaning of "comprise" as "to be made up of" or "to include". Concept / Approach: "To comprise" and "to encompass" are very close in meaning: both suggest including or containing parts within a whole. "To span" means to extend across a range or distance, which is not opposite but somewhat related. "To embody" means to represent or give form to an idea or quality, again not opposite. "To dispute" means to question, challenge, or argue about something, which is conceptually opposite to calmly accepting that parts form a whole; it suggests disagreement rather than inclusion. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define "to comprise": for example, "The committee comprises ten members" means the committee consists of, or includes, ten members. Step 2: Evaluate "to embody": this means to represent or personify something, not to be opposite of including parts; if anything, it is another way of expressing content or form. Step 3: Evaluate "to span": this means to extend across a certain area, period, or range. It does not directly contradict "comprise". Step 4: Evaluate "to encompass": this is almost a synonym for "to comprise", meaning to include or surround comprehensively. Step 5: Evaluate "to dispute": this means to argue about, challenge, or deny a claim, which opposes the idea of calmly describing what something consists of. Step 6: Conclude that among the given choices, "to dispute" is the best opposite in sense, since it indicates disagreement rather than inclusion. Verification / Alternative check: Consider example sentences. "The syllabus comprises five units" states that the syllabus includes five units. An opposite action would be to challenge or question such a claim: "The students dispute that the syllabus comprises only five units." In contrast, using "encompass" or "embody" in such a sentence would not express opposition. "Span" might describe the range of the syllabus but does not contradict the idea of comprising units. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: "To embody" suggests representing something in concrete form, which is not the opposite of including components. Option C: "To span" focuses on the extent or range and can co exist with comprising; it is not antonymous. Option D: "To encompass" is near synonymous with "to comprise", both involving inclusion of parts within a whole. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates mistakenly choose a near synonym instead of an antonym because they are more familiar with words like "encompass" or "embody". It is crucial to pause and ask whether the chosen word truly expresses an opposite idea. Also, some students expect a perfect direct opposite for every verb, which is not always available; in such cases, selecting a word that contrasts in function or attitude, like "to dispute" does here, is the best approach. Final Answer: The word that is most opposite in meaning to "to comprise" among the given options is "to dispute", so option A is correct.

Question 16

In the following English question, out of the four alternatives, select the option which best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to have a cast-iron stomach", referring to a person who can eat or drink almost anything.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The idiom "to have a cast-iron stomach" is a colourful English expression used in everyday conversation. It does not literally refer to a stomach made of iron. Instead, it figuratively describes a person who can eat or drink almost anything without feeling sick, uncomfortable, or upset. This question tests your understanding of idiomatic language and your ability to choose the most accurate meaning from similar sounding alternatives. Given Data / Assumptions: The key expression is "cast-iron stomach". We are looking for the meaning of an idiom, not a literal description. The correct option must match how native speakers commonly use this phrase. Context is usually about food, drink, and digestion. Concept / Approach: Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be completely understood from the individual words. "Cast-iron" suggests something very strong, durable, and resistant to damage. When this is applied to "stomach", the image is of a stomach that is so strong that nothing upsets it. Therefore, the idea is not about greed, poison, or harsh words, but about being able to consume almost any kind of food or drink without any digestive problems. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the literal image: a stomach made of cast iron would be very strong and resistant. Step 2: Recall common usage: people say "he has a cast-iron stomach" when someone can eat spicy, oily, stale, or unusual food without getting sick. Step 3: Compare each option with this idea of physical tolerance to food and drink. Step 4: Notice that option b directly mentions the ability "to eat or drink anything without any problems", which matches the idiom exactly. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other options describe digestive strength or resistance to food-related issues. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the meaning by thinking of situations where the idiom is used. For example, if a person eats street food in many places without ever falling ill, friends might remark that he has a cast-iron stomach. The focus is always on the ability to digest anything comfortably. This aligns perfectly with option b and not with the other interpretations, which talk about greed, harsh words, or poison in life, which are unrelated to digestion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "a very greedy person" talks about greed or wanting more, not about digestion or physical tolerance to food. Option c: "to be indifferent to harsh words" describes emotional toughness, not stomach strength. Option d: "to face so many difficulties in life that one now becomes immune to even poison" is overly dramatic and shifts the meaning to life struggles instead of eating and drinking. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse physical toughness in terms of health with emotional or mental toughness. Phrases like "hard-hearted" or "thick-skinned" refer to emotions, while "cast-iron stomach" refers specifically to digestion and food tolerance. Another common error is over interpreting the word "poison" and imagining life problems, which moves away from the idiomatic everyday usage. Always think about how the phrase is used in real life conversations. Final Answer: The idiom "to have a cast-iron stomach" means to be able to eat or drink anything without any problems.

Question 17

In the following question on voice change, a sentence is given in the active voice; out of the four alternatives, select the passive voice form that best expresses the same meaning: "The event manager is making all the reservations."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of changing a sentence from the active voice to the passive voice while preserving the tense and meaning. The original sentence is "The event manager is making all the reservations." We need to recognise the tense, identify the object and subject, and then convert the structure correctly to form an accurate passive construction. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: "The event manager is making all the reservations." Subject: "The event manager". Object: "all the reservations". Tense: present continuous (is making). We must keep the time reference and meaning unchanged. Concept / Approach: In English, the present continuous tense in the active voice has the pattern: subject + is/am/are + present participle (verb + ing) + object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object becomes the new subject, the auxiliary verb changes to the appropriate form of "to be" plus "being", and the main verb changes to the past participle form. The agent (the original subject) is then introduced by the preposition "by". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verb phrase "is making" as present continuous. Step 2: Identify "all the reservations" as the object that will become the new subject in the passive form. Step 3: In passive, present continuous becomes "is being" or "are being" plus past participle, depending on whether the new subject is singular or plural. Step 4: "All the reservations" is plural, so we use "are being made". Step 5: Attach the agent phrase "by the event manager" to show who is doing the action. Step 6: The final passive sentence is "All the reservations are being made by the event manager." Verification / Alternative check: To verify, convert the passive option back into active voice. "All the reservations are being made by the event manager" becomes "The event manager is making all the reservations." This matches the original sentence perfectly in both tense and meaning. None of the other options preserve the present continuous sense of an action that is happening now. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "would be made" changes the tense to a conditional or future-in-the-past sense, which is not present continuous. Option c: "would have been made" suggests a hypothetical completed action in the past, which is not implied in the original sentence. Option d: "will have been made" refers to future perfect, suggesting completion by a future time, again not matching the ongoing action of "is making". Common Pitfalls: Learners often ignore the tense and simply choose any passive structure that sounds formal. Another common error is using "is made" instead of "is being made" for present continuous, which changes the meaning to a general fact rather than an action in progress. Always match both the time reference and the aspect (continuous, simple, perfect) when changing voice. Final Answer: The correct passive form is All the reservations are being made by the event manager.

Question 18

In the following sentence improvement question on modal verbs, choose the correct option to replace the bracketed verb so that the sentence is grammatically correct and natural: "I am the only man in the world who (can) paint a picture so true to li…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of relative clauses and the correct use of modal verbs in English. The sentence is a self confident statement: "I am the only man in the world who can paint a picture so true to life," he said. We need to decide whether the modal "can" is appropriate, or whether an alternative modal verb such as "will", "could" or "may" would better convey the intended meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: Speaker is talking about his current, general ability. Sentence structure: main clause "I am the only man in the world" plus relative clause "who can paint a picture so true to life". The verb in the relative clause must agree with the present claim of capability. The context suggests strong assurance, not just possibility or permission. Concept / Approach: The modal "can" is commonly used to express ability. In relative clauses beginning with "who", when we describe what someone is capable of doing at present, we use "can" to show that the ability exists now. Other modals like "could" may express past ability or a weaker, hypothetical sense, while "may" expresses permission or possibility. "Will" usually refers to future actions or willingness, which does not fit with the idea of a general present talent. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the time frame: "I am" is present tense, so the ability should also be expressed in the present. Step 2: Recognise that the speaker is claiming a unique ability in the world. Step 3: Match this with the modal that expresses present ability, which is "can". Step 4: Check each alternative: "will" (future), "could" (past or tentative ability), "may" (permission or possibility) do not match the confident present claim. Step 5: Conclude that the original wording with "can" is already correct, so "no improvement" is the right choice. Verification / Alternative check: If we substitute each option into the sentence, we get versions like "who will paint", "who could paint", or "who may paint". None of these expresses a strong present ability in the same way as "who can paint". They either shift the time frame or weaken the certainty. Therefore the original modal "can" is the best and most natural choice in standard English, confirming that no improvement is needed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "will" suggests future action or determination, not a general talent that exists now. Option b: "could" often refers to past ability or a polite hypothetical statement, which does not suit the proud present claim. Option c: "may" usually expresses permission or possibility and sounds unusual when describing a personal skill. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes change modals simply because they see one in brackets, assuming it must be wrong. Another mistake is to focus only on one part of the sentence without checking tense consistency between the main clause and the relative clause. Always consider whether the speaker is talking about present, past, future, or hypothetical situations before you decide on the correct modal verb. Final Answer: The sentence is already correct, so the right choice is no improvement.

Question 19

In the following one-word substitution question related to finance and trading, select the term that means to sell stocks, securities, or commodities in advance of acquiring them, with the aim of making a profit when the price falls.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your knowledge of a specific financial term widely used in stock markets and trading. The phrase describes the act of selling stocks or other securities before actually owning them, with the expectation that their price will fall and they can be bought back later at a lower price. This practice is very common among traders and is known by a particular one-word term in English financial vocabulary. Given Data / Assumptions: The action described is selling before buying. The aim is to profit when the price of the asset falls. The context is clearly financial, related to stocks, securities, or commodities. We need the standard technical term used by traders. Concept / Approach: In stock market terminology, this practice is called "short selling", and the verb form commonly used is "to short" or "shorting" a stock or security. The trader borrows the shares, sells them at the current price, and hopes to buy them back later at a lower price to repay the borrowed shares and keep the difference as profit. The other options in the question are general words related to cheating or fraud, but they are not technical trading terms and do not specifically describe this legal, though risky, financial strategy. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the description involves selling something you do not yet own. Step 2: Note the goal: to benefit when the price goes down later. Step 3: Recall the standard market term "short selling" and its verb form "shorting". Step 4: Compare the options: only "shorting" is a recognised financial term that exactly matches this behaviour. Step 5: Confirm that the remaining words are more general and relate to deception, not specifically to this trading strategy. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this meaning by thinking of financial news headlines such as "Traders are shorting the stock" or "He made money by shorting the market." In each case, the trader expects prices to fall. Financial textbooks, business newspapers, and investment websites all use "shorting" in this way. The other terms in the options list are rarely, if ever, used in serious financial writing to describe a legitimate trading move. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "bilking" means cheating someone out of money, usually by fraud, not a technical market strategy involving price movements. Option b: "duping" means deceiving or tricking someone, again unrelated to the formal practice of selling borrowed shares. Option c: "conning" is informal slang for cheating or tricking another person, which is not the precise concept described in the question. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to choose a word that sounds related to money or cheating without recognising whether it is a specialised term or everyday slang. Remember that exam questions on one-word substitutions usually expect a precise, standard expression rather than casual or emotional words. Focus on the technical description given in the question and match it with the correct financial vocabulary. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is shorting.

Question 20

In the following direct and indirect speech question, convert the given courtroom remark into indirect speech by selecting the most appropriate reported form of: "Do you have anything to say on behalf of the accused?" said the judge finally.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question deals with changing a direct question into indirect speech in a formal legal context. The original sentence is a judge addressing someone in court: "Do you have anything to say on behalf of the accused?" said the judge finally. We must choose the reported version that preserves meaning, tense, and politeness, while following standard rules of reported speech in English. Given Data / Assumptions: Reporting verb: "said", later converted to "asked". Direct question: "Do you have anything to say on behalf of the accused?" Question type: yes or no question introduced by "do". Time of reporting is in the past. We need correct sequence of tenses and conjunction. Concept / Approach: In reported speech, yes or no questions introduced by "do", "does" or "did" are generally reported using "if" or "whether". The auxiliary "do" disappears and the main verb takes the appropriate tense. When the reporting verb is in the past ("said" or "asked"), the tense in the reported clause usually shifts one step back: present simple becomes past simple, present perfect becomes past perfect, and so on. Also, in modern usage, we do not normally insert the word "that" before "if" in this structure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Change the reporting verb: "said" becomes "asked" because the judge is asking a question. Step 2: Remove the question word order and auxiliary "do"; use a conjunction like "if". Step 3: Change "do you have" (present simple) into "he had" (past simple) to match the past reporting verb. Step 4: Keep the rest of the clause the same: "anything to say on behalf of the accused." Step 5: Combine these elements: "The judge finally asked if he had anything to say on behalf of the accused." Verification / Alternative check: Read the chosen option aloud and mentally convert it back into direct speech. "The judge finally asked if he had anything to say on behalf of the accused" corresponds naturally to "The judge finally said, 'Do you have anything to say on behalf of the accused?'" The meaning and formality are both preserved. The tense shift from "have" to "had" is standard in reported speech with a past reporting verb. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: Combines "asked that if", which is awkward; "has" is also incorrect because the verb should shift to the past form "had". Option c: Uses "has had", which is an unnecessary present perfect form and does not fit the original simple present question. Option d: Uses "that whether" together, which is redundant and incorrect in this structure. Common Pitfalls: Many learners overuse the conjunction "that" or forget to change the tense in the reported clause. Another typical mistake is to keep the question word order ("asked if had he anything") instead of using normal statement order ("if he had anything"). Always ensure you apply both the correct conjunction and the correct word order when transforming questions into reported speech. Final Answer: The correct reported sentence is The judge finally asked if he had anything to say on behalf of the accused.

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