Question 1

In the following spelling question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is correctly spelt in standard English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question focuses on spelling in English, particularly on recognising a correctly spelt word among several incorrect options. Accurate spelling is important in written communication, examinations, and professional contexts. Here, three of the words are misspelt or non standard, and only one is an accepted spelling in standard English, especially in British usage, which many competitive exams follow. Given Data / Assumptions: Four words are provided, but only one is correct. The exam most likely follows British spelling conventions. The word parts "amphybia", "indanted", and "ancumber" resemble real words but are distorted. "Levelled" is a common English word related to "level". Concept / Approach: To solve spelling questions, you should look for familiar roots and patterns and compare them to standard usage. The forms "amphybia", "indanted", and "ancumber" seem to be incorrect attempts at "amphibia" or "amphibian", "indented" or "intended", and "encumber". In contrast, "levelled" is the correct past tense and past participle of "level" in British English, where double consonants are often used before adding "ed" or "ing" to a stressed syllable. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Carefully read each option and see if it matches any known English word. Step 2: Recognise that "amphybia" is probably intended to look like "amphibia", but the "y" is incorrect and the whole form is not standard. Step 3: Notice that "indanted" does not correspond to a common English word and seems wrongly formed. Step 4: Observe that "ancumber" is likely a distorted form of "encumber". Step 5: Confirm that "levelled" is a correct spelling, especially in British English, for the verb "to level" in its past tense. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify "levelled" by recalling phrases like "The ground was levelled before construction" or "They levelled the playing field." Dictionaries that use British spelling list "levelled" and "levelling" with double "l". American English sometimes uses "leveled", but exams that focus on general English often accept or prefer the British forms. The other three options do not appear as standard words in recognised dictionaries. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "amphybia" is incorrect; the accurate biological term is "amphibia" or "amphibian". Option b: "indanted" does not correspond to any common English word and has no clear meaning. Option c: "ancumber" is incorrect; the proper verb is "encumber", meaning to burden. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is being misled by unfamiliar but complex looking spellings. Candidates may assume that the longest or most unusual looking word is correct. Another pitfall is forgetting the difference between British and American spellings. To avoid errors, constantly read good quality English texts and pay attention to how common verbs and nouns are spelt in context. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is levelled.

Question 2

In the following sentence completion question, choose the verb that best completes the sentence in standard English: "A large crowd ____________ to get a glimpse of their favourite star."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests vocabulary and collocation, that is, the natural combination of words in English. The sentence describes a common situation where many people come together in one place to see a famous person. You must select the verb that fits both the meaning and the usual patterns of English usage with the noun "crowd". Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is "a large crowd". The purpose is "to get a glimpse of their favourite star". We need a verb in the past tense that describes people coming together. The sentence describes a typical public gathering, not a formal protest or a technical activity. Concept / Approach: Certain verbs naturally go together with certain nouns. The expression "a crowd gathered" is a very common collocation, used to describe people coming together in a place. While verbs like "clustered" or "rallied" can also refer to groups, they have specific shades of meaning. "Rallied" often refers to political meetings or protests, and "compiled" is used for collecting information or documents, not people. Therefore, we choose the verb that is most natural and commonly used with "crowd" in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the general meaning of the sentence: many people came together to see someone famous. Step 2: Recall commonly used phrases: "a crowd gathered", "people gathered at the gate", and similar expressions. Step 3: Compare "gathered" with "rallied": "rallied" suggests organised political activity or support campaigns. Step 4: Compare "gathered" with "clustered": "clustered" suggests small groups huddling closely, and is less natural with "a large crowd" in this context. Step 5: Reject "compiled", which relates to data or documents, not crowds of people. Verification / Alternative check: Read the completed sentence: "A large crowd gathered to get a glimpse of their favourite star." This sounds natural and is frequently used in news reports and everyday descriptions. Substituting other options gives less natural or incorrect sentences, such as "A large crowd compiled", which is clearly wrong. Therefore, "gathered" is the best and most idiomatic choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: "rallied" is mostly used for organised events like political rallies or campaigns, which is not stated here. Option c: "clustered" suggests a group huddling closely together, often in small numbers, and does not fit well with "a large crowd" in this general sense. Option d: "compiled" means collected or put together information or data, and cannot grammatically or logically describe a crowd. Common Pitfalls: Candidates may focus only on dictionary meanings without considering typical usage patterns. It is important to read English newspapers and books to absorb natural collocations. When in doubt, ask yourself which combination you have actually seen or heard in real life English, such as "a crowd gathered" versus "a crowd compiled". Final Answer: The correct verb is gathered.

Question 3

In the following spelling question, out of the four given alternatives, select the word that is correctly spelt and commonly used in English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question assesses your ability to recognise a correctly spelt English word among several incorrect spellings. Spelling questions often include one correct standard word and three distractors that look similar but have extra letters, missing letters, or incorrect combinations. Here, the correctly spelt word is a somewhat advanced vocabulary term that appears in literature and formal writing. Given Data / Assumptions: Four options are given, but only one is correct. The options resemble real words but contain likely errors. The exam may draw words from literary or descriptive English. The correct option must match dictionary spelling. Concept / Approach: "Pulchritude" is a formal noun in English meaning physical beauty or attractiveness. It is uncommon in everyday conversation but is a well known word in advanced vocabulary lists and examinations. The other words in the options list either are not standard English or are incorrectly formed. Recognising prefixes, suffixes, and common patterns in English helps to eliminate wrong options even when the correct word is rare. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine each option and check whether it resembles any known English word. Step 2: "Tidlers" seems related to "tiddlers", a word for small fish or children, but the exact spelling is not standard here. Step 3: "Thistlees" looks like a mistaken attempt at "thistles"; the double "e" is unnecessary. Step 4: "Tenderred" suggests "tendered" or "tender", but the double "r" is incorrect in this position. Step 5: "Pulchritude" is recognised as a correct word meaning beauty, and the spelling matches standard dictionaries. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, recall that "pulchritude" is often used in contexts such as "a woman of great pulchritude" or "the pulchritude of the natural landscape". Dictionaries confirm both the spelling and meaning. The other three items do not appear in formal dictionaries with those exact spellings, making them unreliable choices in a competitive exam context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "tidlers" is not a standard spelling for any common English word; the more familiar form is "tiddlers". Option b: "thistlees" adds an unnecessary "e" and does not match the correct plural "thistles". Option d: "tenderred" has an extra "r" and does not represent the correct past tense "tendered". Common Pitfalls: Students are sometimes tempted to avoid unusual looking words and pick the most familiar ones, even if they are misspelt. However, exams often include advanced vocabulary precisely to reward students who read widely. It is a good habit to build a vocabulary notebook and regularly review new words and their correct spellings. This strategy will help in both spelling and usage based questions. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is pulchritude.

Question 4

In the following passage-based cloze test, select the word that best completes the first blank so that the sentence reads naturally in English: "In a strange ____________, the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is part of a larger passage based cloze test that explores social reactions to disturbing events. The specific sentence is "In a strange ____________, the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern." The blank requires a word that fits both grammatically and logically, and that is commonly used in such abstract discussions. Understanding collocations and typical phrase patterns in English is essential for solving this type of question. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase begins with "In a strange ...". The sentence talks about "the production and the consumption of the event". The overall meaning is abstract and reflective rather than technical. Options are "way", "form", "step", and "method". Concept / Approach: "In a strange way" is a very common idiomatic expression in English used when the speaker wants to say "in a strange manner" or "in an unusual sense". It introduces a reflective comment or paradoxical observation. The other words like "form", "step", and "method" are more concrete and less natural in this exact structure. Cloze tests often rely on picking the most natural sounding collocation, not just any word that is grammatically possible. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence mentally: "In a strange ____________, the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern." Step 2: Try each option: "In a strange form", "In a strange step", "In a strange method", and "In a strange way". Step 3: Notice that only "In a strange way" is a natural fixed expression in English. Step 4: Check whether "way" makes sense semantically: it suggests an unusual manner in which the event is produced and consumed, which fits a reflective social commentary. Step 5: Confirm that this choice creates a smooth and idiomatic reading of the passage. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, imagine the whole paragraph. The author is likely to say "In a strange way, the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern." This sounds like the opening of a thoughtful essay. The other words make the sentence sound awkward: "In a strange step" suggests a stage in a process, which is not the intended idea, and "In a strange method" would be followed by a different grammatical structure. Therefore "way" is the only option that fully fits the style and meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: "form" would give "In a strange form", which is possible but much less natural in this position and does not carry the idiomatic nuance of "in a strange way". Option c: "step" suggests a phase in a procedure and clashes with the contemplative tone of the sentence. Option d: "method" refers to a specific technique and does not match the broad, reflective sense of the passage. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink cloze tests and choose rarer or more technical sounding words, believing they must be correct because they seem more sophisticated. However, exam setters often prefer the most natural and commonly used expression. It is helpful to read the entire sentence and passage out loud in your mind and choose the option that sounds like something you might encounter in a serious article or essay. Final Answer: The blank is best completed by way, giving the phrase "In a strange way".

Question 5

In the following passage-based cloze test, select the pronoun that best completes the second blank so that the sentence reads naturally: "___________ wonders whether newer forms of 'noncaring' or violence are appearing."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues the same reflective passage and focuses on appropriate pronoun choice in formal English. The sentence is "___________ wonders whether newer forms of noncaring or violence are appearing." We need a subject that fits the reflective, general tone of an essay or article discussing society and ethics. Given Data / Assumptions: The blank begins the sentence. The verb is "wonders", a third person singular form. The passage has a formal, essay like tone. Options are "Anyone", "One", "Someone", and "Somebody". Concept / Approach: In formal English, especially in reflective or philosophical writing, "One" is often used as an impersonal pronoun meaning "a person in general". It pairs naturally with third person singular verbs like "wonders". Expressions such as "One wonders", "One feels", or "One might ask" are common in essays and discussions. "Anyone", "Someone", and "Somebody" are less formal and do not collocate as smoothly with "wonders" in this style of writing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the tone of the passage: it is reflective, serious, and analytical. Step 2: Test each option: "Anyone wonders", "One wonders", "Someone wonders", "Somebody wonders". Step 3: Notice that "One wonders" is a familiar formula used in editorials and academic essays. Step 4: Observe that "Anyone wonders" sounds awkward; we usually say "Anyone would wonder". Step 5: "Someone" and "Somebody" suggest a particular but unknown individual, not a general reflective voice. Verification / Alternative check: Read the sentence within the larger passage: "In a strange way, the production and the consumption of the event become cause for concern. One wonders whether newer forms of noncaring or violence are appearing." This flows smoothly and sounds like a line from a thoughtful article. Substituting other options breaks the formal tone or creates grammatical awkwardness, which confirms that "One" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "Anyone wonders" is unusual in standard English; a more natural phrase would be "Anyone would wonder", which is not what we have here. Option c: "Someone wonders" implies a specific but unidentified person, which does not fit the author's general philosophical style. Option d: "Somebody" is informal and again suggests a specific individual rather than a general thoughtful observer. Common Pitfalls: Many learners are not comfortable with the impersonal use of "One" and therefore avoid it, even when it is the most appropriate in formal writing. They may instead choose "Someone" or "Anyone", which are more familiar in conversation. To improve, read editorials, opinion pieces, and academic essays where "One" is used in this way, and practice forming similar sentences. Final Answer: The correct pronoun is One, giving the expression "One wonders whether newer forms of noncaring or violence are appearing."

Question 6

In the following passage-based cloze test, select the abstract noun that best completes the third blank so that the phrase reads naturally: "Somehow, silence, even __________________, quietly suppresses a meditation on such events."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item continues the same reflective passage and examines your understanding of abstract nouns and subtle shades of meaning. The sentence reads, "Somehow, silence, even __________________, quietly suppresses a meditation on such events." The author is talking about social reactions or the lack of them when disturbing events occur. We need a word that intensifies the idea of silence in a negative way. Given Data / Assumptions: The structure is "silence, even X", which suggests that X is an extreme or stronger version of silence. The context involves "noncaring" and violence, so the tone is critical. Options are abstract nouns: "attention", "bias", "regard", "indifference". The chosen noun must align with the idea of not caring. Concept / Approach: Silence alone may be neutral, but when combined with a word like "indifference", it becomes morally charged, suggesting not only the absence of speech but also the absence of concern. In discussions on ethics and social responsibility, "indifference" is often contrasted with empathy or care. The expression "silence, even indifference" fits both grammatically and ideologically with the rest of the passage. The other nouns do not capture the same idea of coldness or lack of concern. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert each option into the blank: "silence, even attention", "silence, even bias", "silence, even regard", "silence, even indifference". Step 2: Notice that "attention" and "regard" both suggest some form of care or consideration, the opposite of what the author is criticising. Step 3: "Bias" refers to prejudice or preference, which is a different concept and does not intensify silence. Step 4: "Indifference" directly expresses a lack of concern or interest, which matches the theme of "noncaring". Step 5: Confirm that the phrase "silence, even indifference" sounds natural and meaningful in a critical social commentary. Verification / Alternative check: Read the entire segment of the passage: "One wonders whether newer forms of noncaring or violence are appearing. Somehow, silence, even indifference, quietly suppresses a meditation on such events." The phrase supports the idea that society not only remains silent but may also be emotionally detached. Substituting "attention" or "regard" changes the meaning to something positive, which contradicts the tone of concern in the passage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "attention" means care or focus, and it cannot logically be described as suppressing moral reflection in this context. Option b: "bias" indicates prejudice, which is not a simple extension of silence, and it does not follow the pattern "silence, even bias". Option c: "regard" suggests respect or consideration, again not fitting the negative idea of "noncaring". Common Pitfalls: Students occasionally pick words only because they are familiar rather than because they fit the deeper meaning. Abstract nouns can be confusing when their connotations are not fully understood. To improve, pay attention to how such words are used in editorials, essays, and opinion pieces, especially when authors discuss society, morality, and human behaviour. Final Answer: The blank should be filled with indifference, producing the phrase "silence, even indifference".

Question 7

In the following passage-based cloze test, select the expression that best completes the fourth blank so that the sentence reads naturally: "__________________ a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we di…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question continues the reflective passage and tests your understanding of common introductory structures in English, especially those used to indicate a role or capacity. The sentence is "__________________ a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class." The author is speaking in the role of a professor and wants to introduce this perspective smoothly. Given Data / Assumptions: The blank appears at the beginning of the sentence. The speaker is identifying their role as a professor. We need a natural and grammatical phrase. Options are "Like", "Alike", "As", and "Being". Concept / Approach: The expression "As a professor" is widely used to mean "in my role as a professor" or "in the capacity of a professor". It introduces the speaker's position or perspective. "Like a professor" would mean "similar to a professor", which is not the intended sense here because the speaker actually is a professor. "Alike" is an adverb used with "all" or "both", and does not fit this structure. "Being a professor" is grammatically possible but less concise and slightly different in tone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the intended meaning: the author is explicitly stating that they are a professor. Step 2: Test "Like": "Like a professor, I can recollect..." suggests similarity but not identity. Step 3: Test "Alike": it cannot be followed directly by "a professor" and is ungrammatical here. Step 4: Test "As": "As a professor, I can recollect..." clearly and naturally means "in my role as a professor". Step 5: Test "Being": "Being a professor, I can recollect..." is possible but less idiomatic than "As a professor" in such reflective prose. Verification / Alternative check: Read the completed sentence: "As a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class." This sounds like a typical sentence from an essay where the writer briefly mentions their professional background. The phrase "As a professor" is concise and widely used in formal writing, confirming its suitability in this passage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "Like a professor" would suggest that the speaker behaves in a way similar to a professor but does not explicitly state that they are one. Option b: "Alike a professor" is grammatically incorrect; "alike" is not used in this position. Option d: "Being a professor" is not wrong grammatically, but it is less natural and slightly heavier than the standard expression "As a professor". Exams usually favour the most idiomatic choice. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes misuse "like" and "as", not realising that "as" often introduces a role or function, while "like" compares two different things. To avoid confusion, remember that if you want to say "in the capacity of", you usually use "as". Reading formal texts where professionals introduce themselves ("As a doctor", "As a teacher") will help reinforce this pattern. Final Answer: The correct expression is As, giving the phrase "As a professor".

Question 8

In the following passage-based cloze test, select the linking word that best completes the final blank so that the sentence reads naturally: "_____________, society seems so indifferent."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question completes the reflective passage and tests your understanding of discourse markers or linking words that show contrast or result. The sentence is "_____________, society seems so indifferent." It follows sentences describing concern, silence, and emotional reactions of students. The author wants to highlight a contrast between the intense emotional responses and the wider society's lack of concern. Given Data / Assumptions: Previous lines mention students crying during discussions of disturbing events. The writer is surprised that the larger society remains unmoved. We need a connector that introduces this surprising contrast. Options are "Yet", "Thus", "Hence", and "So". Concept / Approach: "Yet" is a conjunction and adverb used to introduce a surprising contrast, similar to "however" or "nevertheless". In the passage, the fact that students cry shows deep sensitivity, but the wider society is still indifferent, which is paradoxical. "Thus" and "Hence" usually introduce logical results or conclusions, not contrasts. "So" expresses result in a more informal way. Therefore, the most suitable word to bring out the contrast between emotional reactions and social indifference is "Yet". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the last two sentences together: "As a professor, I can recollect the number of occasions when my students have cried as we discussed such events in class. _____________, society seems so indifferent." Step 2: Notice that the writer is comparing the sensitivity of students with the indifference of society. Step 3: Test each link word: "Thus, society seems so indifferent", "Hence, society seems so indifferent", "So, society seems so indifferent". Step 4: Observe that these result markers do not reflect contrast; they would suggest that indifference is a logical consequence of earlier points. Step 5: Test "Yet": "Yet, society seems so indifferent" clearly shows that despite the strong emotional responses, the larger community remains uncaring, which is the intended contrast. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine the passage in full: the author describes concern about events, the possibility of "noncaring", silence, indifference, and students crying in class. Then they say, "Yet, society seems so indifferent." This flows like a typical reflective essay, where "Yet" introduces a surprising or disappointing reality. None of the other options capture this nuance of contrast as accurately. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: "Thus" is used to introduce a conclusion or result, which does not match the idea of a contrast between sympathy and indifference. Option c: "Hence" similarly marks logical result or consequence, not a paradoxical contrast. Option d: "So" is informal and again expresses result, not the surprising opposition that the writer wants to highlight. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes memorise "thus" and "hence" as formal connectors and overuse them without checking whether they indicate result or contrast. It is very important to understand the function of each connector in context. Reading good essays and noting how writers move from one idea to the next will improve your sense of which linking word is appropriate. Final Answer: The appropriate contrastive linker is Yet, producing the sentence "Yet, society seems so indifferent.".

Question 9

In the following sentence completion question on vocabulary, select the adjective that best completes the sentence: "The recession is going to cause ___________ times for families who are already struggling to pay their bills."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of collocations and the figurative use of adjectives with the noun "times". The sentence talks about a recession, which normally leads to financial stress, uncertainty, and instability for families who are already finding it difficult to pay their bills. We need an adjective that naturally combines with "times" to describe such a troubled period. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is "The recession". The object is "families who are already struggling to pay their bills". The blank comes before "times". Options are "furious", "agitated", "turbulent", and "wild". Concept / Approach: In English, we often talk about "turbulent times" to refer to periods of great disturbance, instability, or economic uncertainty. The adjective "turbulent" is used metaphorically, drawing from its literal meaning of rough, churning water or air. The other adjectives either do not collocate naturally with "times" in this context or carry a different meaning that does not fit economic hardship. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert each adjective into the blank to see how it sounds: "furious times", "agitated times", "turbulent times", "wild times". Step 2: Consider the context of recession and financial struggle; the focus is on instability and difficulty, not anger or excitement. Step 3: Remember that "turbulent times" is a familiar phrase in news reports and articles about economic crises. Step 4: Note that "furious" usually describes a very angry person, not a period of economic hardship. Step 5: Recognise that "agitated" and "wild" do not collocate as strongly with "times" in serious economic commentary. Verification / Alternative check: Read the finished sentence: "The recession is going to cause turbulent times for families who are already struggling to pay their bills." This sounds like a realistic statement from a newspaper article or economic analysis. It expresses the idea of rough, unstable conditions. The other options feel either informal or semantically off when paired with "times" in this context, which supports the choice of "turbulent". Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "furious times" is not a standard expression; "furious" refers more to intense anger than to economic instability. Option b: "agitated times" sounds unusual; "agitated" more often describes people or feelings, not periods. Option d: "wild times" can be used informally for periods of excitement or uncontrolled behaviour, which does not fit the serious, negative tone of recession and unpaid bills. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on the emotional strength of the adjective, picking the word that sounds dramatic without checking whether it collocates naturally with the noun. Developing a strong sense of collocations comes from wide reading. Whenever you see phrases like "turbulent times", note them and try to remember them as fixed expressions that you can use in your own writing. Final Answer: The adjective that best completes the sentence is turbulent, giving the phrase "turbulent times".

Question 10

In the following direct and indirect speech question, choose the reported speech form that best expresses the meaning of the sentence: Mother said, "Lie down, Arjun."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of how to change an imperative sentence from direct to indirect speech. The direct command is "Lie down, Arjun." spoken by the mother. When reporting commands or requests, English uses a pattern with a reporting verb like "told" or "asked" followed by an object and an infinitive form of the verb ("to lie down"). Given Data / Assumptions: Speaker: Mother. Listener: Arjun. Direct command: "Lie down". We need a natural reported speech structure for an instruction from a parent to a child. Concept / Approach: When converting imperatives into reported speech, we generally follow the pattern: reporting verb (asked, told, requested, advised) + object + "to" + base form of the verb. Since this is a gentle instruction from a mother, "asked Arjun to lie down" is an appropriate and polite transformation. Using "to be lied down" would create an unnatural passive structure that does not fit the original command, and the other options do not use standard reported speech patterns. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of sentence: it is an imperative, giving an instruction. Step 2: Choose a suitable reporting verb. Both "told" and "asked" can be used, but "asked" sounds gentle and is acceptable in this context. Step 3: Place the object "Arjun" immediately after the reporting verb. Step 4: Use the infinitive form "to lie down" to transform the command into reported form. Step 5: Combine all parts: "Mother asked Arjun to lie down." Verification / Alternative check: To verify, convert the reported sentence back into direct speech. "Mother asked Arjun to lie down" corresponds naturally to Mother saying, "Lie down, Arjun." The sense of a direct instruction is maintained without any change in meaning. The grammar is correct, and the style fits the relationship between mother and child. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "Mother told lie down Arjun" is ungrammatical because the object "Arjun" should come immediately after "told", and the verb form should be "to lie down". Option b: "Mother told Arjun for lying down" uses "for" and the gerund "lying", which is not the correct pattern for reporting a command. Option d: "Mother asked Arjun to be lied down" forms a passive construction, suggesting someone else will lie Arjun down, which changes the meaning completely. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget to use the infinitive "to" when reporting commands and instead try to use gerunds or bare verbs. Another common error is to misplace the object of the reporting verb. Remember the formula: reporting verb + person addressed + "to" + base verb. Practising with many examples of imperative to reported speech conversions will strengthen this pattern in your mind. Final Answer: The correct reported sentence is Mother asked Arjun to lie down.

Question 11

In the following idiom and phrase question from current affairs and politics, select the option that best explains the expression "ethnic cleansing".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The term "ethnic cleansing" is a serious expression widely used in discussions of human rights, war crimes, and international politics. It refers to violent actions taken against a particular ethnic group in order to remove them from a region. Understanding this term correctly is important because it appears often in news reports, history texts, and examinations that deal with global issues. Given Data / Assumptions: The phrase is "ethnic cleansing". The context is political or military, not hygiene or culture in a casual sense. Options describe different types of social change or violence. We need the option closest to the mainstream understanding used in international law and media. Concept / Approach: "Ethnic cleansing" refers to systematic, often violent actions aimed at removing a particular ethnic group from a territory. This can involve mass killing, forced displacement, intimidation, and other atrocities. In many cases, it includes large scale killing of members of the targeted group and is closely related to genocide. Among the given options, the one that emphasises "mass killing of members of one ethnic group" captures the central and most horrific aspect of the term as used in common discourse and exam contexts. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the word "ethnic", which refers to groups defined by shared culture, language, or ancestry. Step 2: Focus on "cleansing", which is used metaphorically to indicate removal, not literal cleaning. Step 3: Combine these ideas: violent removal of an ethnic group from an area. Step 4: Compare the options and find the one that directly mentions "mass killing of members of one ethnic group". Step 5: Confirm that this option matches how the phrase is reported in serious international news and human rights discussions. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by recalling events in recent history where the term "ethnic cleansing" has been used, such as conflicts in the Balkans, Rwanda, or other regions. Reports describe targeted killing, forced displacement, and destruction aimed specifically at one ethnic community. While the full concept may include expulsion and terror, mass killing is a key feature and is therefore fairly represented by the correct option given in this question. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "a social revolution where negative aspects of a culture are removed" describes cultural reform, not violent targeting of an ethnic group. Option b: "to perform mass religious conversions" deals with religion, not necessarily with ethnicity, and does not inherently involve killing or expulsion. Option d: "removal of all signs of culture from a society" suggests cultural erasure in general, not the targeted abuse of a specific ethnic group. Common Pitfalls: Some students may be misled by the word "cleansing" and suppose it refers to some kind of cultural or moral purification without realising the extreme violent reality behind the term. It is important to understand that in modern political vocabulary, "ethnic cleansing" is a euphemism for actions that are often criminal and inhumane, including mass killings. Recognising this helps you interpret news and exam questions more accurately. Final Answer: The expression "ethnic cleansing" refers to the mass killing of members of one ethnic group, usually as part of a campaign to drive them out of a region.

Question 12

In the following sentence improvement question on preposition and gerund usage, choose the option that best replaces the bracketed part: "I do not want an award (for help to you)."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of preposition and gerund combinations in English. The original sentence is "I do not want an award for help to you." While the intended meaning is clear, the phrase "for help to you" is not natural. We need to choose a more idiomatic version that expresses the idea of receiving an award because one helped another person. Given Data / Assumptions: The speaker is refusing an award. The reason for the award is that the speaker has helped "you". The phrase inside brackets is "for help to you". We must make the sentence sound natural and grammatically correct. Concept / Approach: In English, when we talk about being rewarded for an action, we often use the pattern "for" + gerund (verb plus ing). For example, "for helping you", "for saving the child", or "for doing the work". The noun phrase "for help to you" sounds stiff and unnatural here, whereas "for helping you" clearly and smoothly expresses that the award is being offered because of an act of help. We must also avoid incorrect combinations such as "helping to you", which misuses the preposition "to". Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: the speaker does not want an award that is being given as a result of their act of helping. Step 2: Recognise that in such contexts we usually say "for helping you". Step 3: Replace the bracketed phrase "for help to you" with "for helping you". Step 4: Read the full improved sentence: "I do not want an award for helping you." Step 5: Confirm that it now sounds natural and grammatically accurate. Verification / Alternative check: Test each alternative. "I do not want an award to have helped you" is incorrect because it suggests the award has a purpose, which is not the intended meaning. "I do not want an award for helping to you" misuses "to" with "helping", since we help someone directly, not "to" someone. "No improvement" would leave the clumsy phrase "for help to you" unchanged. Therefore, "for helping you" is the only option that creates a clear and idiomatic sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "to have helped you" suggests an infinitive of purpose and does not fit with the idea of a reason for receiving an award. Option c: "for helping to you" incorrectly inserts "to" after "helping"; standard English requires "helping you". Option d: "no improvement" would keep an awkward and non idiomatic phrase that is not typical of natural English usage. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse the patterns "help someone" and "help to do something", and therefore incorrectly add "to" before the object. Another common issue is overusing noun forms like "help" instead of the more natural gerund "helping" in everyday sentences. Paying attention to how native speakers phrase such sentences in conversations and texts can greatly improve your sense of natural English patterns. Final Answer: The best improvement is for helping you, giving the sentence "I do not want an award for helping you."

Question 13

In the following one-word substitution question, select the verb that means to stop doing something, that is, to cease or abstain from a particular action.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one-word substitution question asks you to identify the verb that matches the definition "to stop doing something; cease or abstain." Such vocabulary items often appear in legal or formal contexts, and knowing them strengthens both your comprehension and written expression in English. Given Data / Assumptions: The definition clearly indicates stopping an action. Key ideas are "stop", "cease", and "abstain". Four verb options are provided. We must match the closest standard dictionary meaning. Concept / Approach: "Desist" is a verb commonly used in formal and legal English to mean stop doing something, especially after being warned. Phrases like "cease and desist" appear frequently in legal notices. The other options have different meanings: "endure" means to suffer patiently, "persevere" means to continue despite difficulties, and "dismay" is usually a noun or verb meaning to cause concern or distress. Only "desist" directly captures the idea of stopping or abstaining from an action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the main requirement: a verb that means "to stop doing something". Step 2: Recall the standard formal verb used in this sense: "to desist". Step 3: Compare meanings: "endure" is almost the opposite, as it means to continue to suffer. Step 4: Note that "persevere" means to keep going despite challenges, again the opposite of stopping. Step 5: Recognise that "dismay" relates to causing worry or upset, not the act of stopping. Verification / Alternative check: Use the word in a sentence: "The court ordered the company to desist from using the misleading advertisement." This matches the idea of stopping an ongoing action. If you try to insert other options, such as "endure from using" or "persevere from using", the sentence becomes ungrammatical or changes meaning entirely. This confirms that "desist" is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "to endure" means to suffer patiently, to continue through hardship, not to stop. Option c: "to persevere" is to continue doing something despite difficulty, the exact opposite of stopping or abstaining. Option d: "to dismay" means to cause someone to feel distress or concern; it has nothing to do with stopping an action. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse "cease" and "desist" with other formal sounding verbs and may pick a word simply because it feels difficult or sophisticated. Always match the exact meaning given in the definition. Building a list of common formal verbs like "desist", "refrain", "abstain", and "renounce" and learning their proper usage will help in many one-word substitution questions. Final Answer: The correct one-word substitution is to desist.

Question 14

In the following error-spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error: "I have sign over the cheque, you can collect it tomorrow."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to detect basic grammatical errors in everyday English sentences. The sentence given is "I have sign over the cheque, you can collect it tomorrow." You must identify which part contains a clear mistake. Such questions often focus on verb forms, tense, agreement, or punctuation errors. Given Data / Assumptions: The verb phrase in the first part is "have sign over". The sentence describes a completed action related to a cheque. The second part "you can collect it tomorrow" is grammatically acceptable. We must focus on tense and form of the verb. Concept / Approach: In present perfect tense, we use "have" or "has" plus the past participle of the verb. The base form "sign" cannot follow "have" directly in this tense; it should be "signed". The correct phrase is "I have signed over the cheque". The rest of the sentence, though it could be improved by stronger punctuation, is not grammatically wrong for exam purposes. Therefore, the error is in the first part of the sentence where the verb form is incorrect. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at part A: "I have sign over". The structure "have sign" is wrong because the past participle should be "signed". Step 2: Look at part B: "the cheque, you can". Though this is a comma splice, exams often focus on more obvious errors; the words themselves are grammatically compatible. Step 3: Look at part C: "collect it tomorrow." This is a correct phrase. Step 4: Conclude that the clear grammatical error is in part A. Verification / Alternative check: Correct the sentence mentally: "I have signed over the cheque; you can collect it tomorrow." Now the verb form is correct, and only a minor punctuation improvement is made by using a semicolon or full stop instead of a comma. Since the question asks about grammatical error in a specific part, and the tense formation is clearly wrong only in part A, that must be the answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option b: "the cheque, you can" could be improved for punctuation, but the words and forms are not grammatically wrong in isolation. Option c: "collect it tomorrow." is perfectly acceptable. Option d: "No error" is incorrect because there is clearly an error with the verb form in part A. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes focus too much on subtler issues like comma splices and overlook simple, essential grammar rules such as the correct use of the present perfect tense. Always check the verb form carefully when you see "have" or "has" followed by a verb. Make sure it is the past participle, not the base form. Practising common verb forms will reduce such mistakes. Final Answer: The error is in part "I have sign over", where "sign" should be "signed".

Question 15

In the following idiom and proverb question, select the alternative that best explains the meaning of the saying "every cloud has a silver lining".

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The proverb "every cloud has a silver lining" is a very common expression in English used to encourage people during difficult times. It uses the image of a dark cloud edged with bright light from the sun to convey hope. The question asks you to choose the option that best captures the core idea of this saying in simple prose. Given Data / Assumptions: The key idea is a bad or gloomy situation represented by a cloud. The "silver lining" represents something positive, hopeful, or beneficial. We are looking for the meaning, not a literal explanation of clouds. Options give different interpretations of difficulty, permanence, blessings, and curses. Concept / Approach: The proverb teaches that even in the worst situations, there is usually some hidden benefit, lesson, or opportunity. It does not say that all bad situations end quickly or that suffering is temporary, but rather that within a bad situation there is at least one good aspect. Among the options, the one that states "every bad situation has some good aspects to it" directly reflects this message and therefore is the most accurate explanation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Visualise the image: a dark cloud in the sky with a bright silver edge created by sunlight. Step 2: Connect the metaphor: the dark part is the problem or misfortune; the silver edge is the hope or benefit hidden inside it. Step 3: Examine each option and see which one talks about finding good within bad. Step 4: Option d clearly states that every bad situation has some good aspects, which fits the proverb exactly. Step 5: Confirm that other options introduce different ideas, such as permanence or curses, that do not match the original proverb. Verification / Alternative check: Think of common situations where this proverb might be used, such as losing a job but finding a better opportunity later, or facing an illness but gaining stronger relationships and appreciation for life. In each case, people use the proverb to point out the good that exists within or arises from something bad. Option d describes exactly this idea, which confirms it as the correct explanation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: "no bad situation is permanent" suggests that all problems will eventually end, which is a different message. The proverb focuses on good within the bad, not on time passing. Option b: "if one wants rain then one has to bear with dark clouds" describes accepting difficulty as a price for a desired result, which is not the same as finding good in bad situations already present. Option c: "every blessing comes with a hidden curse" reverses the idea and introduces a negative view, which is the opposite of the hopeful tone of the proverb. Common Pitfalls: Some students confuse this proverb with other sayings about patience or the temporary nature of problems. It is important to pay attention to the exact words used in the proverb and the emotion they carry. "Silver lining" clearly suggests a positive element. Remembering a few real life examples where something good came out of a bad event can help fix the meaning in your mind. Final Answer: The proverb "every cloud has a silver lining" means that every bad situation has some good aspects to it.

Question 16

Rearrange the parts of the sentence and choose the correct order of P, Q, and R: It is a crisis which P – unless policymakers Q – exercise some intelligence R – will get even worse.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests the skill of sentence rearrangement, a very common task in English grammar and competitive examinations. You are given a main clause and three labelled segments P, Q, and R that must be ordered to form a logically correct and grammatically complete sentence. The idea is to understand the meaning of the sentence about a crisis and how the conditional clause with policymakers should be positioned to make sense. Given Data / Assumptions: Main part of the sentence: It is a crisis which ... P: unless policymakers Q: exercise some intelligence R: will get even worse The final sentence must be meaningful, grammatically correct, and logically ordered. Concept / Approach: To solve this, we need to recognize the structure of a conditional sentence that uses unless. The natural meaning is that the crisis will worsen unless policymakers exercise some intelligence. So the future verb phrase about the crisis getting worse should come immediately after which, and the unless clause should follow it. We must therefore identify which sequence of R, P, and Q produces that clear meaning when placed after the words it is a crisis which. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start from the main stem: It is a crisis which ... Step 2: Consider R: will get even worse. If we place R after which, we get It is a crisis which will get even worse..., which is natural and grammatical. Step 3: Now we need the condition introduced by unless, so P must come next: unless policymakers. Step 4: After unless policymakers, we require a verb phrase describing what policymakers must do, which is Q: exercise some intelligence. Step 5: Putting them together after which gives: which will get even worse unless policymakers exercise some intelligence. Step 6: The complete sentence becomes: It is a crisis which will get even worse unless policymakers exercise some intelligence. Step 7: The order used after which is R (will get even worse), P (unless policymakers), Q (exercise some intelligence), that is RPQ. Verification / Alternative check: Try another option, such as PQR: unless policymakers exercise some intelligence will get even worse. This produces the sequence which unless policymakers exercise some intelligence will get even worse, which is awkward and ungrammatical. Similarly, RQP or QPR do not produce a natural conditional clause. Only RPQ gives a smooth and correct sentence. This confirms that RPQ is the correct order. Why Other Options Are Wrong: RQP: would give which will get even worse exercise some intelligence unless policymakers, which is incorrect in both word order and logic. PQR: gives which unless policymakers exercise some intelligence will get even worse, which is clumsy and not standard word order. QPR: yields which exercise some intelligence unless policymakers will get even worse, which does not make sense. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to start the clause with unless policymakers directly after which, just because unless looks like a strong connector. But in formal English, the main future clause will get even worse usually comes before the unless clause. Another pitfall is ignoring the subject–verb sequence and just matching words by rough meaning. Always read your reconstructed sentence fully to hear whether it sounds natural and grammatical. Final Answer: The correct order of the parts is RPQ, making the full sentence: It is a crisis which will get even worse unless policymakers exercise some intelligence.

Question 17

Improve the underlined part of the sentence: Shouts of the crowd cheering the home team now (stuff) the air.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the error improvement category and tests your ability to choose the most appropriate verb to match the context. The sentence describes loud shouts of the crowd cheering the home team. The existing verb stuff is slightly informal and does not collocate as naturally with air in standard written English. The goal is to replace it with a verb that expresses that the air is full of cheering sounds. Given Data / Assumptions: Original sentence: Shouts of the crowd cheering the home team now stuff the air. Options: fill, occupy, infest, no improvement. We want the most suitable and idiomatic verb for a formal exam context. No change in meaning is desired, only an improvement in word choice. Concept / Approach: The expression used in English for sounds, smells, or emotions being present everywhere in the surroundings is usually fill the air. For example, music filled the air, or the smell of flowers filled the air. The verb stuff tends to be used for physical objects crammed into containers and sounds quite informal. We should therefore look for a more natural collocation. Occupy is used more for time, space, or roles, and infest is used for harmful creatures. Fill is the standard verb used with air in this kind of descriptive sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the intended meaning: the air is full of the crowd's shouts. Step 2: Replace stuff with fill and read the sentence: Shouts of the crowd cheering the home team now fill the air. Step 3: Check if this is an established collocation in English. The phrase fill the air is very common and sounds natural. Step 4: Test occupy: Shouts ... occupy the air. This sounds unnatural because occupy is usually used with positions, seats, land, or time. Step 5: Test infest: Shouts ... infest the air. Infest suggests vermin or pests invading, which is negative and does not suit cheering shouts. Step 6: Test no improvement. Since stuff is not the best choice in formal English, no improvement is not correct. Verification / Alternative check: Compare other typical sentences: Perfume filled the air, Laughter filled the air, and The sound of fireworks filled the night air. All these show that fill is the normal and elegant verb to describe something being present everywhere in the air. Using stuff would make the sentence sound informal and less polished, which is not appropriate for a standard English paper. Therefore fill is clearly the best improvement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: occupy: Used for occupying a seat, a room, or time, not for sounds filling the air. infest: Associated with animals or insects invading a place, and has a strong negative tone. It is not used with shouts in this way. no improvement: Would accept stuff, but that verb is not the most accurate or natural in this context. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes select no improvement because the original sentence is understandable. However, improvement questions often replace a weaker but understandable word with a stronger, more idiomatic one. Another pitfall is to choose a fancy or rare word like infest simply because it looks impressive, but vocabulary must always match context and tone. Focus on common collocations such as fill the air when dealing with descriptive language. Final Answer: The correct improvement is fill, giving: Shouts of the crowd cheering the home team now fill the air.

Question 18

Select the correctly spelt English word from the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question tests your knowledge of standard English spellings, particularly of words that often appear in medical or psychological contexts. Many competitive exams include such questions to check whether a candidate can recognise the correct form of a word among several distractors that look similar but are wrong. Here, only one of the four given options matches the standard dictionary spelling of a real English word. Given Data / Assumptions: Options: dementia, quaterain, necrosys, frenetec. Exactly one option is spelt correctly and is a standard English word. The test focuses on recognition rather than meaning, but understanding the meanings can help too. Concept / Approach: The strategy is to identify which of the options corresponds to a known English word with correct spelling. Dementia is a well known medical term referring to a decline in cognitive function, especially in older people. The other options appear to be misspelt or distorted versions of different English words. By recalling familiar words and patterns, we can eliminate incorrect forms and choose the one that is widely used in medical and general literature. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine option a: dementia. This is a common medical term that describes a group of symptoms such as memory loss and impaired thinking. Step 2: Check the spelling of dementia. It is correctly spelt d e m e n t i a and appears exactly like that in dictionaries and textbooks. Step 3: Examine option b: quaterain. There is a word quatrain, meaning a stanza of four lines in poetry, but the spelling quaterain is incorrect and does not match any standard word. Step 4: Examine option c: necrosys. The related medical term is necrosis, which refers to the death of body tissue. Necrosys is not a standard spelling. Step 5: Examine option d: frenetec. This seems to be an incorrect attempt at frenetic, which means fast and energetic, but again the spelling here is wrong. Step 6: Since only dementia matches a recognised English word with correct spelling, it must be the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: If you check medical discussions or newspaper articles, you will often see references to dementia, especially in the context of ageing populations. Dictionary entries confirm that dementia is correctly spelt. On the other hand, searching for the other spellings in reliable dictionaries yields no valid entries. Recognising this difference is enough to confirm that dementia is the correctly spelt word. Why Other Options Are Wrong: quaterain: Incorrect spelling; the proper word is quatrain. necrosys: Incorrect spelling; the related term is necrosis, not necrosys. frenetec: Incorrect spelling; the real adjective is frenetic. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to be misled by complicated looking options that appear technical. However, difficult spellings are not automatically correct. Candidates sometimes feel unsure about common words like dementia and instead choose unfamiliar options, thinking that exams prefer rare vocabulary. In reality, exam setters often mix well known words with fabricated misspellings, so trusting your reading experience is often the best approach. Final Answer: The correctly spelt English word is dementia.

Question 19

Change the sentence from Active to Passive voice: The seawater eventually corroded the pillars of the bridge.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of voice transformation, a standard topic in English grammar. The original sentence is in the Active voice and uses the simple past tense. Your task is to select the option that correctly changes it into the Passive voice while preserving both the tense and the meaning. Knowing how to change the subject, object, and verb form is essential for this type of question. Given Data / Assumptions: Active sentence: The seawater eventually corroded the pillars of the bridge. Subject: the seawater. Object: the pillars of the bridge. Tense: simple past (corroded). We must form the passive with the object as subject and use correct past passive verb form. Concept / Approach: In transforming from Active to Passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, the subject of the active sentence is introduced by by, and the verb changes to a form of be plus the past participle. Since the original verb is in simple past (corroded), the passive should use was or were plus corroded. The adverb eventually should be placed so that the sentence remains natural and clear. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify object in the active sentence: the pillars of the bridge. Step 2: Bring this object to the subject position in the passive: The pillars of the bridge ... Step 3: Change simple past active corroded to simple past passive were corroded, because pillars is plural. Step 4: Add the agent with by: by the seawater. Step 5: Place the adverb eventually in a natural position: The pillars of the bridge were eventually corroded by the seawater. Step 6: Compare this result with the options and match it to option c. Verification / Alternative check: Check the tense and structure. The original focuses on the action done by seawater in the past. In the passive, the focus shifts to the pillars, but the time reference remains in the past through were corroded. The adverb eventually can come before or after the verb, but The pillars of the bridge were eventually corroded by the seawater is both grammatically correct and stylistically natural. This confirms option c as correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a: are being corroded is present continuous passive, which changes the tense and meaning. Option b: have been corroded is present perfect passive, again changing the tense from simple past to present perfect. Option d: have been eventually corroded is also present perfect, and the placement of eventually is awkward. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to forget that the tense must remain the same when changing voice. Many learners focus on forming a correct passive structure but accidentally change simple past into present perfect or continuous. Another pitfall is misplacing adverbs like eventually, which can make the sentence sound unnatural even if the tense is correct. Always confirm that you have used was or were plus the past participle for simple past passive and that the sentence sounds smooth when spoken aloud. Final Answer: The correct passive form is The pillars of the bridge were eventually corroded by the seawater.

Question 20

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: On the trip, we needed a guide to ____________ the foreign language for us.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of vocabulary in context, especially verbs used with foreign languages. The sentence describes a situation where travelers need a guide to help them with a foreign language. The correct verb should express the idea of explaining or translating spoken or written language so that the travelers can understand it. Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: On the trip, we needed a guide to ____________ the foreign language for us. Options: describe, illustrate, mimic, interpret. The guide is dealing with language, and the purpose is to make it understandable to the travelers. Concept / Approach: The key is to identify which verb typically collocates with foreign language and means translate or explain its meaning. In English, interpret is used for orally translating or explaining a foreign language, especially in real time. Describe and illustrate are more about explaining a concept, while mimic refers to copying someone's manner or speech without necessarily understanding it. Therefore, interpret is the most accurate choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand the context. Travelers do not understand the foreign language and need a guide to explain it to them. Step 2: Consider interpret. It means to translate or explain the meaning of words said in another language. Step 3: Insert interpret into the sentence: On the trip, we needed a guide to interpret the foreign language for us. This sounds natural and correct. Step 4: Test describe. To describe the foreign language would mean to talk about it, not to translate it. That does not match the practical need of travelers. Step 5: Test illustrate. Illustrate usually means to explain with examples or pictures, and is not the standard verb for translating language. Step 6: Test mimic. Mimic means to copy someone's sounds or actions, often as a joke, and does not involve real translation or explanation. Verification / Alternative check: Think of real situations such as international conferences, tours, or diplomatic meetings. The professional who translates spoken language is called an interpreter, and the action is called interpreting. This confirms that interpret is the correct technical and everyday term for what a guide would do with a foreign language on a trip. The sentence with interpret reads smoothly and clearly conveys the intended meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: describe: Means to give details about something, not to translate or explain another language word by word. illustrate: Means to clarify with examples or pictures, and does not specifically refer to language translation. mimic: Means to imitate someone's behaviour or speech, often without understanding the meaning, so it does not fit here. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes confuse interpret with describe, thinking both involve explanation. However, interpret is closely linked with translation between languages, while describe is more general. Another pitfall is choosing mimic because guides sometimes imitate accents, but that would not help travelers understand the meaning of what is being said. Always pay attention to collocations like interpret a foreign language in such questions. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is interpret.

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