Question 1

In the following sentence completion question, select the most appropriate word to fill the blank so that the sentence is grammatically correct and meaningful: Sita felt obligated to ______ Geeta.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence completion question tests your knowledge of verb collocations, that is, which verbs naturally follow specific phrases in English. The sentence Sita felt obligated to ______ Geeta describes a sense of duty that Sita experiences towards Geeta, and you must select the verb that gives the most natural and meaningful expression to that duty. Given Data / Assumptions: The key phrase is felt obligated to followed by a blank before the object Geeta. The context does not explicitly describe any action like crying or giving, so you must rely on how the phrase feel obligated to is typically used in standard English. Usually, it is followed by a verb that expresses something one should do for another person, often by way of communication, explanation, or assistance. Concept / Approach: In everyday usage, feel obligated to is frequently followed by verbs such as tell, inform, help, or repay. Among the given options, inform fits best because it naturally forms the collocation feel obligated to inform someone, often about an important fact or decision. The other verbs either do not take a person as a direct object in this structure or do not convey the idea of a moral or social duty. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the phrase felt obligated to as an indicator of a sense of duty.Step 2: Recognise that the verb you choose must take the person Geeta as its object.Step 3: Test each verb mentally: cry Geeta is ungrammatical; decide Geeta is incorrect; give Geeta needs an object of what is given; support Geeta is possible but less natural with felt obligated to in exam style English.Step 4: Observe that inform Geeta is a standard pattern, meaning to give Geeta important information.Step 5: Conclude that inform is the verb that best fits both grammar and meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute the answer into the sentence: Sita felt obligated to inform Geeta. This sentence is smooth, natural, and clearly implies that Sita believed it was her duty to tell Geeta something. If you use support instead, the sentence Sita felt obligated to support Geeta is understandable but has a slightly different nuance and is less typical for exam based collocation questions, which are often built around communication verbs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: cry cannot take Geeta directly as an object and does not convey a sense of duty. decide usually takes on or about as a preposition or a clause, not a person as direct object. give needs another object, as in give Geeta the book, otherwise the idea is incomplete. support Geeta is grammatically acceptable but is less collocationally strong with felt obligated to in exam focused standard English, and the more precise match is feel obligated to inform someone about something important. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose verbs based only on emotional tone, such as cry or support, without checking grammatical patterns. Another issue is ignoring the direct object and not asking which verb naturally takes a person after it. Always test the full phrase out loud or in your mind to see whether it sounds like a real sentence you might encounter in formal usage. Final Answer: The most appropriate verb to complete the sentence is inform, giving Sita felt obligated to inform Geeta.

Question 2

In this vocabulary and sentence completion item, choose the word that best completes the sentence meaningfully: We ______ peace in our fast escalating technological careers and lifestyle without creating that beautiful notion of love based emotions.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question combines vocabulary knowledge with contextual reading. The sentence describes modern people surrounded by fast escalating technological careers and lifestyle, yet still looking for peace without building loving emotional connections. You must choose a verb that expresses what we do with peace in this context. Given Data / Assumptions: The structure is We ______ peace in our fast escalating technological careers and lifestyle. The blank clearly demands a verb. The rest of the sentence contrasts technological pressure with love based emotions, suggesting a philosophical or reflective tone. Only one of the given options is a verb that fits both grammar and meaning naturally. Concept / Approach: The commonly used collocation in English is seek peace, meaning to search for peace or to try to find calm and harmony. The other words given in the options either function as adjectives or nouns, or do not make sense before the noun peace. Recognising fixed phrases like seek peace, seek truth, or seek happiness is important for exam oriented vocabulary questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the grammatical role of the blank. It comes after the subject We and before the object peace, so it must be a verb.Step 2: Check which of the options are verbs. seek is clearly a verb; bleak is an adjective; meek is an adjective; geek is usually a noun; peek is a verb but has a different meaning.Step 3: Consider meaning. seek peace is a common phrase meaning to try to find peace, which fits the reflective tone of the sentence.Step 4: Test the other verbs mentally. We peek peace is meaningless, as peek means to look quickly or secretly and does not take peace as a natural object.Step 5: Conclude that the only verb that both fits grammatically and suits the context is seek. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute seek into the sentence: We seek peace in our fast escalating technological careers and lifestyle without creating that beautiful notion of love based emotions. The sentence now clearly expresses the idea that people search for peace but ignore emotional foundations. None of the other options produce a natural or meaningful sentence when substituted. Why Other Options Are Wrong: bleak describes a situation that is cold, empty, or without hope and cannot act as a verb. meek means gentle or submissive and also functions only as an adjective. geek is mainly a noun for a person very interested in technology or hobbies. peek means to look quickly, but the phrase peek peace is not used in English and does not convey the intended idea of searching. Therefore, they are all unsuitable in this context. Common Pitfalls: Some students get distracted by rhyme and sound patterns, since bleak, meek, geek, and peek all rhyme, and they may guess instead of focusing on grammar. Others may not recognise how frequent the collocation seek peace is in philosophical or motivational writing. Always check part of speech first, then collocational usage, before selecting an answer. Final Answer: The correct word to complete the sentence is seek, giving We seek peace in our fast escalating technological careers and lifestyle without creating that beautiful notion of love based emotions.

Question 3

In the following vocabulary question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one that best expresses the meaning of the word Grudging.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of English vocabulary, specifically the adjective grudging. Such synonym questions appear frequently in competitive exams because they measure both depth of vocabulary and sensitivity to connotation, that is, the emotional colour associated with a word. Given Data / Assumptions: You are given the target word grudging and five possible meanings: envious, favouring, generous, contented, and unwilling. The word grudging often describes a feeling or an attitude when someone does something with reluctance or with hidden resentment, rather than with open enthusiasm. Concept / Approach: The adjective grudging usually modifies nouns like admiration, respect, or apology to indicate that the feeling or action is not freely offered. It is connected with the idea of a grudge, which is a long lasting feeling of resentment. Therefore, a grudging attitude has a negative nuance, close to resentful or envious, rather than positive feelings such as generosity or contentment. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the meaning of grudge, which is a feeling of resentment or deep seated ill will.Step 2: Understand that grudging as an adjective often describes something done with reluctance, perhaps because of hidden envy or resentment.Step 3: Compare this idea with the options. Envious directly matches the notion of jealousy and resentment at another person success or advantages.Step 4: Notice that favouring, generous, and contented all carry positive tones and do not match the negative, reluctant sense of grudging.Step 5: Recognise that unwilling overlaps partly with the idea of reluctance but does not capture the specific sense of jealousy that often underlies a grudging attitude. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine the phrase grudging admiration. It suggests admiration that is given reluctantly and often with underlying envy. If you replace grudging with envious, as in envious admiration, the overall negative shading remains similar. However, if you try generous admiration or contented admiration, the tone changes completely and loses the sense of reluctance. This test supports envious as the closest in meaning among the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Favouring suggests actively supporting someone, which is the opposite of a resentful attitude. Generous describes open handed, kind behaviour, not reluctance or jealousy. Contented means satisfied and at peace, which again clashes with the unease implied by grudging. Unwilling only expresses lack of desire to act but does not include the element of resentment or envy that makes a grudge so strong. Therefore, these alternatives do not fully match the meaning of grudging in typical exam usage. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose unwilling because they focus only on the reluctance aspect and ignore the deeper emotional colour connected with the word grudge. Another mistake is to think that because grudging sometimes appears before positive nouns like respect, its meaning must also be positive. Always consider both the root word and the emotional tone of common collocations when answering synonym questions. Final Answer: The word Envious best expresses the meaning of grudging among the options given.

Question 4

In the following vocabulary question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word Allay as used in standard English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This synonym question focuses on the verb allay, which is often used in formal or semi formal English to describe reducing negative feelings such as fear, pain, or suspicion. Understanding such words is important because they frequently appear in editorials, reports, and exam passages. Given Data / Assumptions: The options provided are relieve, understand, increase, annoy, and complicate. The verb allay typically collocates with words like fears, doubts, anxiety, or concerns. Therefore, your task is to find which option matches the idea of reducing or calming down something unpleasant. Concept / Approach: Allay means to make something less strong or less severe, especially negative emotions or worries. It is close in meaning to ease, calm, or relieve. It never means to make something worse. So any option that suggests increasing, irritating, or complicating a situation must be rejected. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall typical phrases such as allay fears, allay doubts, or allay anxiety, which all point toward soothing and reducing intensity.Step 2: Compare this idea with the option relieve, which also means to lessen pain, stress, or difficulty.Step 3: Examine understand, which refers to comprehension rather than reduction of discomfort.Step 4: Note that increase, annoy, and complicate all move in the opposite direction by making things more intense, more irritating, or more difficult.Step 5: Select relieve as the closest equivalent in meaning to allay. Verification / Alternative check: Test the substitution in a sample sentence such as The government tried to allay public fears. If you replace allay with relieve, the sentence becomes The government tried to relieve public fears, which is natural and accurate. Replacing it with understand, increase, annoy, or complicate does not make sense in context and changes the intended meaning completely. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Understand refers to mental comprehension and does not capture the idea of reducing anxiety. Increase directly contradicts allay, since allay means to reduce. Annoy means to irritate or bother, which would intensify discomfort rather than calm it. Complicate means to make something more complex or difficult to handle, again the opposite of easing or soothing. None of these share the core meaning that allay has in common with relieve. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to pick understand because students associate allay with dealing with doubts and therefore think of mental processes. Another pitfall is not reading all options carefully and overlooking the clear positive match relieve. Always check whether the option you choose can appear in the same sentence as the word being tested without changing the overall meaning. Final Answer: The word Relieve is the best synonym for allay among the given alternatives.

Question 5

In the following vocabulary question, out of the given alternatives, select the word that is opposite in meaning to the word Grumpy.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your knowledge of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The target word is grumpy, a common descriptive adjective in English. Knowing its opposite helps you understand emotional descriptions in stories, conversations, and comprehension passages. Given Data / Assumptions: You are given five options: cross, bad tempered, irritable, pleasant, and sulky. The word grumpy describes a person who is easily annoyed, in a bad mood, and not cheerful. Therefore, you must locate the option that represents the opposite emotional state, namely someone cheerful, easygoing, or in a good mood. Concept / Approach: Grumpy is negative in tone and suggests frequent complaining or irritation. Words like cross, bad tempered, irritable, and sulky all describe similar negative moods. An antonym must reverse this quality and indicate happiness or agreeableness. Among the options, pleasant stands out as the only clearly positive attitude word that contrasts with grumpy. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Clarify the meaning of grumpy as easily annoyed, complaining, and not cheerful.Step 2: Group the options based on whether they are positive or negative in emotional tone.Step 3: Recognise that cross, bad tempered, irritable, and sulky all describe negative moods related to anger or sadness.Step 4: Notice that pleasant alone suggests a cheerful, friendly, and agreeable personality.Step 5: Conclude that pleasant is the direct opposite of grumpy in this set of choices. Verification / Alternative check: Think of two sentences. One says He is always grumpy in the morning, and the other says He is always pleasant in the morning. The meaning clearly reverses, with the first implying irritation and the second implying friendliness. If you replace grumpy with cross or sulky, the negativity remains. This check confirms that pleasant is the natural antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cross means slightly angry or annoyed, which is very close in meaning to grumpy rather than opposite. Bad tempered describes a person who often gets angry, again similar to grumpy. Irritable also means easily annoyed or offended, almost a synonym. Sulky describes someone who is silent and unhappy due to resentment. All four are therefore negative mood words and cannot be antonyms of grumpy. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overthink and look for a less obvious answer, especially if the correct one appears too simple. Another mistake is to confuse similar sounding words and treat cross or sulky as different enough from grumpy to count as opposites. Always remember that antonyms must reverse the emotional value, not merely differ slightly in shade. Final Answer: The antonym of grumpy is Pleasant.

Question 6

In the following vocabulary item, select the option that is opposite in meaning to the word Celestial.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question focuses on the adjective celestial. The word is frequently used in literature, religion, and astronomy to describe things connected with the sky or heaven. Understanding its opposite helps you follow contrasts in descriptive writing and philosophical texts. Given Data / Assumptions: You must choose from heavenly, blessed, hellish, holy, and divine. Celestial usually means heavenly or relating to the sky, stars, or the spiritual realm above the earth. Therefore, an antonym should refer to the opposite realm or a strongly negative spiritual state. Concept / Approach: The natural contrast in many traditions is between heaven and hell. Celestial shares the same positive heavenly association as words like heavenly, holy, and divine. An antonym must reverse this by pointing to hell or infernal regions, which is exactly what hellish does. Hellish describes something extremely unpleasant or literally of hell, making it the direct opposite in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that celestial refers to things connected with the sky, angels, or heaven.Step 2: Identify which options carry a similar positive spiritual meaning. Heavenly, blessed, holy, and divine all match that side.Step 3: Recognise that hellish refers to hell, torment, or extreme unpleasantness.Step 4: Note the clear heaven versus hell opposition used in religious and literary language.Step 5: Select hellish as the antonym that best contrasts with celestial. Verification / Alternative check: Consider two phrases: celestial beauty and hellish landscape. The first suggests something heavenly and pure, while the second suggests something horrible and infernal. Replacing celestial with heavenly produces almost the same meaning, so heavenly is a synonym, not an opposite. Similar reasoning applies to blessed, holy, and divine. Only hellish truly reverses the positive spiritual association of celestial. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Heavenly is almost identical in meaning to celestial, indicating something of heaven. Blessed means favoured or made holy, again positive. Holy refers to sacred or dedicated to God. Divine pertains to God or a deity. All four words are on the same semantic side as celestial and cannot be antonyms. They reinforce rather than oppose the idea of heavenly nature. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates confuse antonyms with unrelated words and may avoid hellish because it seems extreme or informal. Others might think blessed is opposite because they focus only on religious versus astronomical contexts. However, exam questions usually rely on the clear heaven versus hell contrast when pairing celestial and hellish. Final Answer: The correct antonym of celestial is Hellish.

Question 7

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in the correct logical order so that it reads as a meaningful statement: The existence of P can be traced back to Q mammals on the earth R at least the Triassic time.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This jumbled sentence question tests your ability to rearrange labelled parts so that a scientifically meaningful and grammatically correct statement emerges. The sentence deals with the prehistoric origin of mammals and references the Triassic period, which is an era in geological time. Given Data / Assumptions: The fixed opening is The existence of, followed by three labelled parts: P can be traced back to, Q mammals on the earth, and R at least the Triassic time. Your task is to order P, Q, and R so that the sentence clearly states how long mammals have existed on earth. Concept / Approach: A natural English sentence here would be The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. In this structure, mammals on the earth immediately follows the phrase the existence of, because that phrase needs a noun phrase to complete it. The verb phrase can be traced back to follows next, and the time expression at least the Triassic time comes at the end. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach a suitable noun phrase to The existence of. Only Q mammals on the earth functions as a noun phrase and completes this beginning.Step 2: Place the verb phrase that comments on this noun phrase. P can be traced back to clearly performs this role.Step 3: Reserve the time phrase R at least the Triassic time for the end of the sentence, since time expressions usually come after the main verb phrase.Step 4: Combine the parts in the order Q P R to form The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time.Step 5: Check for both grammatical correctness and logical scientific sense. Verification / Alternative check: If you try a different order such as P Q R, you get The existence of can be traced back to mammals on the earth at least the Triassic time, which is grammatically awkward and places mammals after the verb phrase instead of as the main noun. Other combinations like Q R P or R P Q break normal English word order and make the statement confusing or ungrammatical. Why Other Options Are Wrong: QRP produces The existence of mammals on the earth at least the Triassic time can be traced back to, which misplaces the time expression and leaves the preposition to stranded. PRQ begins with can be traced back to, leaving the subject incomplete. PQR and RPQ similarly disrupt the natural flow from subject to verb to time phrase. Only QPR preserves a clear subject phrase, followed by the verb phrase, and finally the time reference. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes rush and pick P first because can be traced back to looks like the main action of the sentence. Others do not recognise that the existence of must be immediately followed by a noun phrase. Always check which fragment can complete the initial phrase and which parts are adjuncts that can be placed later. Final Answer: The correct rearrangement is QPR, giving The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time.

Question 8

A sentence has been given in the active voice; out of the four alternatives, select the option that best expresses the same idea in the passive voice: Why did your mother write such a book?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of converting a question from active voice to passive voice. The original active question is Why did your mother write such a book. You must preserve both the tense and the interrogative structure while changing the focus from the agent your mother to the object such a book. Given Data / Assumptions: The active sentence uses the auxiliary did to mark simple past tense and places the subject your mother before the main verb write. In passive voice, the object such a book should become the subject, and your mother should appear in a by phrase. The tense must remain in the simple past, and the question word why must stay at the beginning. Concept / Approach: To change a simple past question in active voice to passive voice, we follow a clear pattern. The object moves to the subject position, the auxiliary be takes the same past tense form was, and the main verb takes the past participle written. The agent your mother is added after by. The standard structure therefore becomes Why was such a book written by your mother. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence, which is such a book.Step 2: Move this object to the subject position in the passive sentence.Step 3: Replace did write with the passive combination was written to keep the simple past tense.Step 4: Add the preposition by followed by the original subject your mother.Step 5: Keep why at the beginning to preserve the interrogative form, giving Why was such a book written by your mother. Verification / Alternative check: You can mentally reverse the passive form Why was such a book written by your mother back into active voice. Moving such a book after the verb and bringing your mother back to subject position yields Why did your mother write such a book, which matches the original sentence. This confirms that tense, meaning, and question order are preserved. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Why is such a book written by your mother uses is written, which is present tense, not simple past, so it changes the time reference. Why did your mother wrote such a book places wrote after did, which is grammatically wrong, since did must be followed by the base form write. Why was such a book wrote by your mother uses wrote instead of the past participle written after was and is therefore incorrect. For what reason did your mother write such a book is still in the active voice, so it does not satisfy the requirement to convert into passive voice. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes forget to change the main verb to the past participle in passive structures or they change the tense unintentionally when they pick is instead of was. Others produce a correct passive clause but fail to keep the question word at the front, which spoils the interrogative form. Always check tense, verb form, and the presence of the question word when converting active questions to passive. Final Answer: The correct passive form of the sentence is Why was such a book written by your mother?

Question 9

A sentence has been given in direct speech; choose the option that best expresses the same idea in indirect reported speech: He said, "The dog died in the night."

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of changing a statement from direct speech to indirect or reported speech. The original direct speech sentence is He said, The dog died in the night. You must choose the reported version that preserves the meaning and uses correct sequence of tenses. Given Data / Assumptions: The reporting verb is said, which is in the simple past. The reported clause is The dog died in the night, also in simple past. Standard rules of reported speech state that when the reporting verb is in the past tense and the reported statement describes a past event, the tense in the reported clause often shifts one step back, from simple past to past perfect, to show that the event happened before the act of reporting. Concept / Approach: When converting to indirect speech, we usually remove quotation marks, introduce the conjunction that, and adjust the tense where appropriate. Here, the event of the dog dying clearly occurred before the moment of saying. Therefore, the best reported version uses past perfect had died after the reporting verb said. This expresses completed action prior to another past action. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting verb said and note that it is in past tense.Step 2: Recognise the original reported clause, The dog died in the night, which is simple past.Step 3: Apply the sequence of tenses rule, changing died to had died in the reported clause.Step 4: Introduce the conjunction that after said to link the reporting clause and the reported clause.Step 5: Form the final indirect sentence He said that the dog had died in the night. Verification / Alternative check: Ask whether the reported sentence clearly shows that the dog dying happened before the act of saying. The form had died makes that ordering clear. If you keep died in simple past in indirect speech, meaning is still understandable, but exam rules usually prefer past perfect in such cases. The chosen option follows the textbook pattern for reported statements. Why Other Options Are Wrong: He informed about the death of the dog changes the wording and omits the time reference in the night, so it does not accurately report the original statement. He says the dog died in the night uses present tense says instead of past tense said and therefore changes the time of reporting. He said the dog has died in the night uses present perfect has died, which suggests relevance to the present moment and clashes with the past reporting verb. He said that the dog dies in the night uses simple present tense dies, which implies a habitual action rather than a single event, so it distorts the meaning. Common Pitfalls: Many learners forget to adjust the tense in the reported clause when the reporting verb is in the past. Others focus only on the word order and miss subtle changes in meaning produced by different tenses such as has died or dies. In exams, it is safest to follow the standard pattern of shifting simple past to past perfect when reporting a completed event from a past point of view. Final Answer: The correct indirect speech form is He said that the dog had died in the night.

Question 10

In the following spelling question, a word has been written in four different ways; out of the alternatives, select the correctly spelt form of the common workplace word for a person who works with you.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question focuses on a very common English word used in professional and academic settings, namely the noun for a person who works with you in the same organisation or profession. Correct spelling of such high frequency words is essential in emails, letters, and examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are Culleague, Coleague, Colleague, Colleegue, and Collegue. All of them resemble the correct word but contain different combinations of vowels and double consonants. Only one matches the standard dictionary spelling. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling of the word is colleague. It comes from a Latin root meaning chosen together. The internal structure is col lea gue, with a double l but a single g, and the vowel sequence e a g u e at the end. Remembering common patterns such as league and colleague can help fix the spelling in your mind. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that the familiar workplace term is spelled colleague in formal English.Step 2: Break it into parts: col plus league, which makes it easier to remember.Step 3: Compare each option with this known pattern. Only option Colleague has the correct sequence c o l l e a g u e.Step 4: Notice that the other options add or remove letters or change the arrangement of vowels.Step 5: Select Colleague as the correctly spelt form. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling phrases like friends and colleagues or dear colleagues in formal communications. The spelling colleague with the final gue ending is consistent with other English words of French origin, such as league, intrigue, and fatigue. The other listed forms do not appear in standard dictionaries as accepted spellings of this word. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Culleague begins with cu instead of co and therefore does not match the known form. Coleague misses one of the internal letters and does not preserve the league pattern. Colleegue introduces an unnecessary double e before g, making the word look unnatural. Collegue omits the final a before gue, changing the familiar league ending. All four are typical distractors that test whether you know the exact order of letters. Common Pitfalls: Because colleague is often pronounced with a long vowel sound, many learners are unsure where to place the double consonant and extra vowels. They may also confuse it with college or colleague like forms. Creating a mental link between colleague and league and remembering that both share the sequence league can greatly reduce spelling errors. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word for a person who works with you is Colleague.

Question 11

In the following passage on technical skill and teaching, some of the words have been left out; read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Technical skill ____________ to the ability an…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze passage deals with the concept of technical skill in the field of teaching and learning. The first blank you must fill completes the definition of technical skill. Correctly choosing the verb here is crucial because it sets the grammatical pattern for the rest of the sentence and ensures that the definition reads smoothly and formally. Given Data / Assumptions: The key sentence is Technical skill ____________ to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy, tools and techniques involved in the teaching and research of a specific subject. The subject is the singular noun phrase technical skill. The words that follow describe a definition, namely the ability and knowledge to use certain methods and tools. Concept / Approach: In formal English, when we present definitions, we commonly use the simple present tense of a linking or defining verb, such as means, denotes, or refers to. The expression refers to the ability is a standard way of stating what a term means. Because the subject technical skill is singular, the verb must also be singular in form. The simple present of refer for a singular subject is refers, not refer. Other forms like reference or referred do not fit grammatically in this position. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject technical skill as singular.Step 2: Recall that we use the simple present tense for general truths and definitions.Step 3: Choose the base verb refer and apply the correct singular form in simple present, which is refers.Step 4: Insert the verb into the sentence: Technical skill refers to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy, tools and techniques involved in the teaching and research of a specific subject.Step 5: Read the sentence with the inserted verb to check for natural flow and correctness. Verification / Alternative check: If you try other options, the sentence becomes ungrammatical or unnatural. Technical skill refer to the ability breaks subject verb agreement. Technical skill reference to the ability does not work because reference is a noun, not a verb in this context. Technical skill referred to the ability uses past tense and suggests a completed action, which is inappropriate for a timeless definition. Technical skill relates to the ability is possible in some contexts but in this passage the repeated wording at the end clearly expects the exact expression refers to the ability, making refers the precise answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: refer lacks the necessary s for a singular subject in the simple present tense. reference changes the part of speech and disrupts the structure. referred moves the action to the past instead of expressing a general definition. relates would change the collocation pattern used in the rest of the passage, which consistently depends on the phrase refers to. Therefore, they are not the best fit for a formal definitional sentence. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates overlook subject verb agreement when focusing on meaning and choose refer because they recognise the phrase refer to. Others may not notice that the passage repeats the same sentence later, which strongly hints at the correct form. Always ensure that your chosen verb agrees with the subject in number and tense, especially in definition style sentences. Final Answer: The correct verb for the blank is refers, giving Technical skill refers to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy, tools and techniques involved in the teaching and research of a specific subject.

Question 12

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Technical skill ____________ to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy,…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question focuses on a common fixed expression in English used to introduce an example. The sentence describes ability in programming or software designing and operating a computer and explains that this ability is an example of a technical skill. Your task is to supply the correct preposition for that expression. Given Data / Assumptions: The relevant portion of the passage reads Ability in programming or software designing and operating a computer is, ___________ instance, a technical skill. We know that the writer wants to say that this ability is, for example, a technical skill. Therefore, the blank must be filled with a preposition that participates in a standard phrase meaning for example. Concept / Approach: In English, the idiomatic expression used to introduce an example is for instance. It has the same meaning as for example. The preposition for is fixed in this phrase and cannot be replaced by of, from, at, or by without sounding incorrect. Recognising such fixed combinations is essential for scoring well in cloze tests. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full clause Ability in programming or software designing and operating a computer is, blank instance, a technical skill.Step 2: Paraphrase it as Ability in programming is, for example, a technical skill.Step 3: Recall that the set phrase equivalent to for example is for instance.Step 4: Insert for into the blank to form the complete phrase for instance.Step 5: Check that the sentence now reads smoothly and correctly. Verification / Alternative check: Test each wrong option in the sentence. Of instance, from instance, at instance, and by instance are not used in standard English to mean for example. Only for instance is widely accepted in written and spoken English for this purpose. The rhythm and familiarity of the expression also make the correct answer easy to recognise once you know it. Why Other Options Are Wrong: of is used in phrases like in case of or of course, but not with instance in this pattern. from normally indicates origin or movement away and does not match the meaning needed here. at marks location or time, as in at home or at night, and is unsuitable. by can suggest agency or means, as in by car or by the teacher, but again does not produce a known idiom with instance. None of these alternatives convey the sense of providing an example. Common Pitfalls: One common error is to treat the blank as an isolated preposition choice and forget to recall fixed expressions that native speakers actually use. Another pitfall is confusing for instance with in this instance, which has a different structure. In cloze tests, always look for complete phrases that you have seen many times in authentic English, not just isolated grammar rules. Final Answer: The correct choice is for, giving the phrase for instance in the sentence Ability in programming or software designing and operating a computer is, for instance, a technical skill.

Question 13

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Technical skill ____________ to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy,…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This cloze question deals with preposition use in a sentence about teaching and technical skills. The specific blank appears in the phrase There are two things a teacher should understand __________ transformational technical skills. You must choose the preposition that links understand with the object transformational technical skills in a natural and idiomatic way. Given Data / Assumptions: The subject is a teacher, and the verb is understand. The object is transformational technical skills, a phrase describing a category of skills that change students. The sentence is listing two things that a teacher should grasp in relation to these skills. Thus the preposition should connect understand with a topic or subject matter. Concept / Approach: In standard English, when we talk about the subject or topic that someone understands, we frequently use the preposition about. For example, we say understand about finance or understand about computers. Therefore, understand about transformational technical skills is the most natural and grammatically correct choice. Other prepositions like at, among, upon, or over do not form a standard collocation with understand in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the phrase a teacher should understand blank transformational technical skills.Step 2: Note that we are talking about understanding a topic or area of knowledge.Step 3: Recall that common patterns are understand about a subject, know about a subject, and learn about a subject.Step 4: Insert about into the blank to get understand about transformational technical skills.Step 5: Test the sentence for naturalness and confirm that it flows well. Verification / Alternative check: Try replacing about with each of the other options. Understand at transformational technical skills is ungrammatical. Understand among transformational technical skills suggests being surrounded by skills rather than understanding them, which is illogical here. Understand upon and understand over do not form idiomatic combinations in this sense. Only understand about expresses the idea of having knowledge regarding a subject or domain. Why Other Options Are Wrong: at is mainly used for places or points in time. among indicates being surrounded by a group or being included in a set. upon is a more formal version of on but is not linked with understand in this way. over can indicate control or position above something, as in control over, but not understanding about. Therefore, these prepositions do not correctly connect the verb understand with the object of knowledge in this sentence. Common Pitfalls: Some learners mistakenly focus on transformational and try to connect it with among or over because those words sometimes appear with groups or control. However, the governing word here is understand, and you must choose the preposition that forms a natural phrase with it. Always identify which word the preposition truly depends on before making your choice in a cloze test. Final Answer: The correct preposition is about, so the sentence reads There are two things a teacher should understand about transformational technical skills.

Question 14

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. Technical skill ____________ to the ability and knowledge to use the pedagogy,…

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Introduction / Context: This cloze question examines your understanding of adjective use and collocations in English. The sentence describes a teacher who needs to understand the potential of students well enough to ask discerning questions. You must select the word that completes the phrase He should be ____________ enough with their potential in a grammatically correct and natural way. Given Data / Assumptions: The structure given is He should be blank enough with their potential to ask discerning questions. The verb be is followed by a complement that must be an adjective to describe the state of the teacher. Enough indicates degree of that quality, and the preposition with links the adjective to the noun potential. Concept / Approach: In English, the common adjective used with enough and with in this context is familiar, as in be familiar enough with a subject. The phrase be familiar with something means to have sufficient knowledge or experience of it. The words familiarly, familiarness, and familiarity are related but have different grammatical roles, and acquainted requires a different preposition pattern. Therefore, familiar is the most appropriate choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify that the complement after be should be an adjective describing the teacher.Step 2: Recognise that the pattern be familiar with something is standard English for having knowledge of it.Step 3: Combine familiar with enough to mirror common phrases like sufficiently familiar with.Step 4: Insert familiar in the blank to produce He should be familiar enough with their potential to ask discerning questions.Step 5: Confirm that the sentence now reads smoothly and conveys the intended idea. Verification / Alternative check: Test each alternative. Familiarly is an adverb and cannot directly follow be in this position. Familiarness is a rarely used noun form and does not fit after be with enough. Familiarity is also a noun, so be familiarity enough with sounds wrong. Acquainted is an adjective but the usual pattern is acquainted with, and the phrase acquainted enough with their potential would be less natural in this pedagogical context than familiar enough with their potential. The passage also uses familiar earlier as the most straightforward word for knowing a subject well. Why Other Options Are Wrong: familiarly cannot serve as a subject complement; it modifies verbs, not subjects. familiarness is not standard modern usage and would disrupt the flow of the sentence. familiarity would require a different construction such as his familiarity with their potential, not be familiarity enough. acquainted shifts the nuance slightly and is less commonly combined with enough in this structure; moreover, the standard exam collocation emphasises familiar enough with as the ideal expression for adequate knowledge. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes choose familiarity because they associate it strongly with knowledge, but they ignore the grammar of the be verb plus complement. Others may be tempted by acquainted because it also takes with, without noticing that the phrase familiar enough with is far more frequent. Always check the part of speech and typical collocations when answering cloze questions. Final Answer: The correct word for the blank is familiar, giving He should be familiar enough with their potential to ask discerning questions.

Question 15

In the following idiom and phrase question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the expression Ask for trouble in everyday English usage.

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Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the idiom ask for trouble. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the individual words. They are very common in spoken and written English, so mastering them is essential for exam success and real life communication. Given Data / Assumptions: The expression ask for trouble appears in contexts where someone behaves in a way that is almost certain to lead to problems. The options range from descriptions of behaviour to character traits. You must pick the one that captures the idea of inviting difficulties through careless or risky actions. Concept / Approach: In everyday English, if you say Someone is asking for trouble, you mean that the person is doing something unwise that will probably create difficulties. The phrase does not literally mean that the person wants trouble, but that their actions make trouble very likely. Therefore, the correct explanation must stress behaviour that leads to problems, not simply being clumsy or questioning too much. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall examples such as Driving so fast in the rain is asking for trouble or If you ignore safety rules, you are asking for trouble.Step 2: Notice that in these examples, the focus is on actions that increase the risk of negative consequences.Step 3: Compare this idea with option Act in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties, which matches the sense exactly.Step 4: Examine the other options and see that they describe specific types of people or behaviours that do not necessarily involve inviting trouble.Step 5: Select the option that generalises the idea of risky behaviour leading to problems. Verification / Alternative check: Try substituting the chosen explanation back into the idiom: He is asking for trouble means He is acting in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties. The sentences line up in meaning. None of the other options can replace ask for trouble in such examples without changing the sense. For instance, He is a clumsy person who keeps making mistakes does not fit grammatically or semantically in place of the idiom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Be the self appointed guardian of your neighbourhood describes a particular role, not the general idea of inviting trouble, even though such a person might sometimes face danger. A clumsy person who keeps making mistakes refers to lack of skill, not deliberate risky behaviour. A person who has no work is bound to create trouble for others introduces the idea of idleness, which is unrelated to the idiom meaning. To ask many questions about every small issue describes inquisitive behaviour, not necessarily actions that create risk. None of these options capture the core idea of bringing problems on yourself by acting carelessly. Common Pitfalls: Some students think literally and interpret ask for trouble as requesting trouble from others, or they connect it with being troublesome in general. Others may be distracted by options that mention trouble directly but change the structure completely. Always recall how the idiom is used in real sentences and match that usage to the most accurate paraphrase given in the options. Final Answer: The idiom ask for trouble means Act in a way that is likely to incur problems or difficulties.

Question 16

In the following English question, select the option that best explains the meaning of the idiom “drive someone up the wall”.

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Introduction: The idiom drive someone up the wall is a common expression in everyday English. Questions based on idioms test whether a learner can move beyond literal meanings and understand figurative usage in context. Competitive examinations often include such idiom based questions because they reveal how comfortable candidates are with natural language, spoken English, and real life communication where such phrases regularly appear. Given Data / Assumptions: - The idiom given is drive someone up the wall. - Four alternatives are provided, each offering a possible meaning. - Only one option accurately captures the figurative sense of the idiom. - No specific sentence context is provided, so the standard dictionary meaning must be used. Concept / Approach: Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be understood by simply translating the individual words. The phrase drive someone up the wall uses a dramatic picture of a person trying to escape by climbing a wall. Figuratively, it refers to a situation where someone feels so annoyed or frustrated that they almost want to escape the situation. Therefore, the correct approach is to recall or deduce the figurative meaning as used in modern English conversations and reading passages. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note that drive someone up the wall is not about literal driving or a physical wall. Step 2: Recall that the idiom is commonly used when something or someone is extremely annoying or irritating. Step 3: Compare this idea with the options and find which one talks about strong irritation or anger. Step 4: Select the option that clearly expresses making someone very irritated or angry. Verification / Alternative check: Native usage examples confirm this meaning. For instance, a speaker may say The constant noise is driving me up the wall to express strong irritation. This clearly supports the interpretation that the idiom refers to intense annoyance, not success, escape, or literal movement over an obstacle. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A talks about helping someone achieve success, which has a positive tone and does not include irritation. Option B describes overcoming an obstacle, often a positive achievement, and does not express annoyance. Option C refers to closing someone's path of escape, which might involve trapping someone but not necessarily making them irritated in the idiomatic sense. Only Option D matches the idea of strong irritation or anger. Common Pitfalls: Learners often try to interpret idioms literally, which leads to confusion. Another common mistake is choosing an option that sounds dramatic without checking whether it matches standard dictionary usage. It is important to build a habit of learning idioms in phrases and sentences rather than isolating single words. Final Answer: To make someone very irritated or angry. is the correct meaning of the idiom drive someone up the wall.

Question 17

In English vocabulary, select the best one word substitute for the expression “become liquid, typically during decomposition”.

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Introduction: One word substitution questions test a learner's depth of vocabulary by asking for a single precise word that can replace a longer description. The phrase become liquid, typically during decomposition refers to a specific scientific and descriptive process in which a solid substance gradually turns into a liquid, often by attracting moisture from the air. Finding the exact term for this process shows familiarity with higher level English vocabulary often used in science, literature, and formal writing. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase given is become liquid, typically during decomposition. - We must select one word that accurately captures this sense. - Four options are given: Deliquesce, Petrify, Cohere, Anneal. - Exactly one option must match the description. Concept / Approach: The key idea is a process where a solid turns into liquid as part of decomposition or by absorbing moisture. The technical term deliquesce refers to the process in which a substance absorbs moisture from the air until it dissolves and forms a solution. The other words relate to very different processes, so understanding each word helps eliminate incorrect choices and choose the most accurate substitute. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that deliquesce means to become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air, often seen in certain salts. Step 2: Note that petrify means to turn to stone or to make someone extremely frightened, which is opposite of becoming liquid. Step 3: Understand that cohere means to stick together or hold together as a unified whole. Step 4: Remember that anneal is a term from metallurgy that refers to heating and slowly cooling metal or glass to remove internal stresses. Step 5: Match the description become liquid, typically during decomposition with deliquesce and select it. Verification / Alternative check: Dictionaries define deliquesce as to melt or become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air, especially in relation to certain chemical compounds. This matches the description of becoming liquid during decomposition or exposure to moisture. None of the other words involve a change from solid to liquid, which confirms the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Petrify involves turning into stone or causing extreme fear, which is the opposite of liquefaction. Cohere describes sticking together, not dissolving. Anneal is related to heat treatment of metals or glass and does not involve decomposition into liquid form. Therefore, they cannot substitute the given phrase. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse rare scientific or technical words or select options based on guesswork. To avoid such mistakes, it is useful to make personal vocabulary lists of advanced words and revise them with example sentences. Associating deliquesce with damp, melting salt or sugar imagery also helps memory. Final Answer: Deliquesce is the correct one word substitute for become liquid, typically during decomposition.

Question 18

In English vocabulary, choose the best one word substitute for the phrase “praise highly in speech or writing”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: One word substitution questions help test precise vocabulary and understanding of subtle differences between words with similar tones. The phrase praise highly in speech or writing describes a very strong positive expression about a person or thing, often used at formal events, in tributes, or in literature. The correct answer must capture both the idea of praise and the manner in which it is delivered, that is through spoken or written language. Given Data / Assumptions: - The phrase given is praise highly in speech or writing. - Four options are provided: Chide, Eulogise, Chastise, Reprimand. - Only one option should match the positive sense of high praise. - The remaining options suggest criticism or scolding. Concept / Approach: Eulogise is a verb that means to praise someone or something very highly, especially in a formal speech or written text. It is commonly seen in the context of funeral speeches, public tributes, and ceremonial addresses. In contrast, chide, chastise, and reprimand all involve scolding or expressing disapproval. Understanding the positive versus negative tone of the words helps us quickly eliminate the wrong choices and identify the correct one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase praise highly in speech or writing and note its positive and formal tone. Step 2: Recall that eulogise means to strongly praise someone, often in a speech or article, especially after their death. Step 3: Recognise that chide, chastise, and reprimand all imply scolding, criticism, or correction of wrongdoing. Step 4: Eliminate the words that clearly carry a negative sense and choose the positive word eulogise. Verification / Alternative check: Standard dictionaries define eulogise as to speak or write in high praise of someone or something. Example sentences such as The mayor eulogised the retiring teacher confirm that the word refers to formal praise. The collocations eulogise a leader, eulogise the efforts of a team, or eulogise the bravery of soldiers further strengthen this meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Chide means to scold mildly. Chastise means to punish or criticise severely. Reprimand means to formally express disapproval. All three convey negative feedback rather than praise and therefore do not match the definition provided in the question. They are antonyms in tone rather than synonyms. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes select words simply because they have seen them in serious or formal contexts, forgetting to check whether the emotional tone is positive or negative. It is important to group similar words by meaning and tone while learning vocabulary, for example grouping eulogise, applaud, commend together and keeping chide, rebuke, reprimand in a different group for criticism. Final Answer: Eulogise is the correct one word substitute for the phrase praise highly in speech or writing.

Question 19

In the following sentence, choose the option that best improves the bracketed part: “Humongous changes (has occurred) in the last two decades.” If no improvement is needed, select “no improvement”.

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Introduction: This question tests subject verb agreement in English grammar, an essential area for error spotting and sentence improvement tasks. The sentence Humongous changes has occurred in the last two decades describes large changes over a period of twenty years. To make the sentence grammatically correct, the verb phrase must agree with the plural subject changes and also fit the present perfect tense referring to the recent past with the time expression in the last two decades. Given Data / Assumptions: - Original sentence: Humongous changes has occurred in the last two decades. - Bracketed part to improve: has occurred. - Options include different verb phrases and a no improvement option. - The subject is changes, which is clearly plural. Concept / Approach: In English, verbs must agree in number with their subjects. Plural subjects take plural verbs, while singular subjects take singular verbs. With present perfect tense, has is used with singular third person subjects and have is used with plural subjects and with the pronouns I and you. The noun changes is plural, so the correct auxiliary must be have. Also, occurred is the past participle form of occur, which is required in the present perfect structure have or has occurred. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject of the sentence. It is changes, a plural noun. Step 2: Recall that plural subjects require the auxiliary have in the present perfect tense. Step 3: The structure should be have plus past participle, so the verb phrase must be have occurred. Step 4: Check the options and choose have occurred as the grammatically correct phrase. Verification / Alternative check: If we read the improved sentence aloud, Humongous changes have occurred in the last two decades, it sounds natural and follows standard rules. Similar correct examples are Many developments have occurred recently or Major reforms have taken place in the last few years. This confirms that have occurred is the appropriate choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B, have occur, is wrong because occur must be in the past participle form occurred in present perfect constructions. Option C, have occurring, uses the present participle occurring, which does not fit the required tense. Option D, no improvement, would keep has occurred, which disagrees with the plural subject changes and is therefore ungrammatical in this context. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often get confused when a plural noun is followed by a complex phrase, losing track of the true subject. Another frequent error is using the base verb instead of the past participle after have or has. Practice by marking subjects and verbs in sentences, and by rewriting sentences in different tenses to observe patterns of agreement. Final Answer: have occurred is the correct improvement for the bracketed part in the sentence.

Question 20

In the following sentence, choose the option that best improves the bracketed part: “The joy of (cook) a meal with freshly grown herbs was boundless.” If no improvement is needed, select “no improvement”.

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Introduction: This sentence improvement question tests the correct use of verb forms after prepositions and nouns like joy of, habit of, interest in, and so on. In English, when a verb follows a preposition such as of, in, on, or for, the verb typically appears in the gerund form, that is the ing form used as a noun. The sentence describes the happiness someone feels when preparing a meal with fresh herbs, so the grammar must reflect this standard pattern. Given Data / Assumptions: - Original text: The joy of (cook) a meal with freshly grown herbs was boundless. - The bracketed part cook must be improved. - Options are cooked, cooking, cooks, and no improvement. - The phrase joy of suggests that a gerund form will follow. Concept / Approach: Gerunds are verb forms ending in ing that function as nouns. After prepositions like of, English generally uses a gerund, not a base verb or a finite verb. Phrases such as joy of reading, pleasure of travelling, and habit of smoking all follow this pattern. Therefore, in this sentence the correct form after of is cooking, which names the activity that gives joy. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the structure joy of plus verb, where the verb must act like a noun. Step 2: Recall that after the preposition of, the standard form is a gerund like reading, writing, or cooking. Step 3: Among the options, cooking is the gerund form of cook. Step 4: Replace cook with cooking and read the full sentence to confirm that it sounds natural and grammatically correct. Verification / Alternative check: The corrected sentence The joy of cooking a meal with freshly grown herbs was boundless is smooth and idiomatic. Similar correct constructions include The joy of helping others is immense and The pleasure of listening to music relaxes the mind. These parallels confirm that cooking is the correct choice here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, cooked, is a past form and would not logically follow of in this structure. Option C, cooks, is a present tense verb and cannot function as a noun after of. Option D, no improvement, would keep cook, which is the base verb and incorrect in this context because it does not match the gerund pattern after a preposition. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes forget that verbs can act as nouns and choose a finite verb simply because they recognise it. Another common mistake is mixing gerunds and infinitives incorrectly after prepositions. Remembering the simple rule that a verb directly after a preposition almost always appears in the ing form helps prevent such errors. Final Answer: cooking is the correct improvement for the bracketed part in the sentence.

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