Question 1

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the option that best replaces the bracketed part. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement: The doctor removed the eye patch and asked him how he (were feeling).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of tense, subject verb agreement, and common reporting structures in English. The sentence describes a doctor who has just removed an eye patch and then asks the patient about his condition. The bracketed phrase were feeling is grammatically incorrect for the subject he in this context. Choosing the correct form is important for producing natural and accurate English, especially in reported speech related to questions. Given Data / Assumptions: • Original sentence: The doctor removed the eye patch and asked him how he (were feeling).• Options: was felt, has feeling, was feeling, no improvement.• Subject inside the bracketed clause is he, singular third person.• The action is in the recent past described by removed and asked. Concept / Approach: The construction asked him how he was feeling is an example of an indirect question in reported speech. In such structures, we use a normal statement word order and choose a verb form that agrees with the subject and fits the time sense. The past continuous tense was feeling fits well here because the doctor is inquiring about the patient's ongoing state at that moment in the past. The auxiliary verb were is used with plural subjects or with you, not with he. Therefore, we must replace were feeling with was feeling to correct the grammar. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the subject of the embedded clause, which is he.Step 2: Note that he is singular and third person, so it requires was rather than were in the past tense.Step 3: Understand that the doctor was asking about a temporary state at that time, so a continuous form like was feeling is natural.Step 4: Evaluate was felt. This is a passive form and does not fit the pattern how he was felt, which is incorrect for describing personal sensations.Step 5: Evaluate has feeling. This combines present perfect auxiliary has with a noun feeling and does not make sense in the structure how he has feeling.Step 6: Conclude that was feeling is the only grammatically and contextually correct replacement. Verification / Alternative check: Read the improved sentence aloud: The doctor removed the eye patch and asked him how he was feeling. It sounds natural and matches real life conversation between doctor and patient. If we try the original form were feeling, it clashes with the singular subject he. If we try was felt, the meaning becomes unclear and unnatural. Thus, both usage and grammar confirm was feeling as the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: was felt wrongly uses the passive voice, which is not suitable for expressing how a person experiences a physical or emotional state. has feeling mixes tenses and structures and does not fit after how he. no improvement would retain were feeling, which breaks the rule that he takes was in the simple past and also does not suit standard reported speech patterns. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse was and were when they think of polite or hypothetical expressions like if I were you, but that is a different subjunctive construction. Here we are dealing with a simple past time statement about a real situation, so normal subject verb agreement rules apply. Another pitfall is choosing no improvement out of haste without carefully checking agreement and tense. Always match the subject with the correct auxiliary and consider whether a continuous form is suitable for describing an ongoing state. Final Answer: The correct improvement is was feeling.

Question 2

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the option that best replaces the bracketed part. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement: It is nothing less than magic which (will transformed) tiny teeny seeds into fruits of …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of verb forms and subject verb agreement in present tense descriptions. The sentence praises a process by calling it nothing less than magic, and then describes what this magic does with seeds. The phrase will transformed is grammatically wrong because it incorrectly combines a modal auxiliary with a past participle form. You must pick the option that fits the present tense idea and matches the singular subject magic. Given Data / Assumptions: • Original sentence: It is nothing less than magic which (will transformed) tiny teeny seeds into fruits of life.• Options: transform, transforms, transforming, no improvement.• Subject of the relative clause is magic, which is singular.• The main clause uses present tense is, indicating a general truth or habitual fact. Concept / Approach: In relative clauses beginning with which that describe a singular noun in the present tense, we usually use the simple present tense with appropriate agreement. Since magic is singular, the correct verb form is transforms. The combination will transformed mixes a future auxiliary will with a past participle transformed and is ungrammatical. The phrase describes what magic regularly does, not a one time future action, so simple present is most suitable. Therefore transforms is the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the main structure: It is nothing less than magic which ____ tiny teeny seeds into fruits of life.Step 2: Recognise that the noun magic is singular and acts as the subject of the relative clause which transforms.Step 3: Since is is in the present tense and the statement expresses a general truth about growth, choose simple present for the verb.Step 4: Check transform. This form is used with plural subjects or with I, you, we, they, but not with a singular third person like magic.Step 5: Check transforming. This would require an auxiliary such as is or was to form a continuous tense, which is not provided in the clause.Step 6: Conclude that transforms is correct because it agrees with magic and fits the general present time reference. Verification / Alternative check: Read the improved sentence with transforms. It is nothing less than magic which transforms tiny teeny seeds into fruits of life sounds smooth and expresses a general, almost poetic fact about nature. If we keep will transformed, the clause becomes It is nothing less than magic which will transformed, which is clearly wrong. Using transform without s breaks agreement with the singular subject, and transforming needs an auxiliary. This confirms that transforms is the only grammatically sound option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: transform lacks the s required for a singular third person subject in the simple present tense, so it produces an agreement error. transforming cannot stand alone without a helping verb and would require wording like which is transforming, which changes the style of the sentence. no improvement would retain will transformed, which is an incorrect combination of auxiliary and participle in this context. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes get confused by poetic or emotional language and overlook basic grammar rules. Another mistake is to be misled by the presence of will and think that a future form is appropriate, even when the sentence describes an eternal truth about growth and life. To avoid these errors, first identify the subject and the tense of the main clause, then apply standard subject verb agreement rules in the relative clause. Final Answer: The correct improvement is transforms.

Question 3

The sentence below consists of parts labelled A, B, and C. Out of the four options given, select the most logical order of the parts to form a coherent sentence: Many a bird found A secure in the branches B safety in the trees and C built their nest…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to arrange jumbled sentence parts into a logically and grammatically correct order. The base sentence describes birds finding safety in trees and building nests where they feel secure. Such questions check not only knowledge of grammar but also the ability to sense natural English sentence flow and meaningful relationships between ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base clause: Many a bird found ...• Labeled parts: A secure in the branches, B safety in the trees and, C built their nests, feeling.• Options are sequences BAC, BCA, ACB, ABC.• We assume the final sentence must be complete, grammatical, and meaningful. Concept / Approach: The logical idea is that birds first find safety in the trees, then build their nests, and while doing so they feel secure in the branches. So the order of actions and descriptions should follow a natural sequence: find safety, build nests, feel secure. In English word order, the object of found must come immediately after found, and the participial phrase feeling secure in the branches should appear near built their nests to describe how they felt during that action. Therefore, the correct arrangement must place B immediately after found, followed by C, and then A. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with the fixed beginning Many a bird found.Step 2: Identify which part can directly follow found as its object. B safety in the trees and fits well, giving Many a bird found safety in the trees and.Step 3: Next, look for a clause that can continue the sentence after and. C built their nests, feeling works naturally: and built their nests, feeling.Step 4: Finally, place the remaining part A secure in the branches to complete the participial phrase, giving feeling secure in the branches.Step 5: Put it all together: Many a bird found safety in the trees and built their nests, feeling secure in the branches.Step 6: This sequence corresponds to B C A, so the correct option is BCA. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other sequences briefly. BAC would produce found safety in the trees and secure in the branches built their nests, which is ungrammatical. ACB would generate found secure in the branches built their nests, feeling safety in the trees and, which breaks meaning and order. ABC would create found secure in the branches safety in the trees and built their nests, feeling, which is awkward and incorrect. Only BCA yields a smooth and meaningful sentence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: BAC misplaces secure in the branches before built their nests, so the verb built loses its clear subject and object structure. ACB and ABC both break the natural flow from finding safety to building nests and then describing the feeling of security, leading to clumsy and confusing sentences. None of them preserve both grammatical correctness and logical sequence of actions in the way BCA does. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to arrange parts based only on grammar fragments without checking the actual meaning of the whole sentence. Another pitfall is to place descriptive phrases too early, which interrupts the basic subject verb object pattern. The safe strategy is always to first find the main clause structure and then attach descriptive or participial phrases in positions that make sense both grammatically and logically. Final Answer: The correct logical order of the parts is BCA, giving the sentence Many a bird found safety in the trees and built their nests, feeling secure in the branches.

Question 4

In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Select the correctly spelt English word.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question tests your ability to recognise the correct standard English spelling among several similar looking options. The target word is declination, a noun used in contexts such as astronomy and general English to indicate a bending down, a slope, or a polite refusal. Correct spelling is essential in formal writing, academic work, and competitive exams, and questions like this help identify how well you know common prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Given Data / Assumptions: • Options: daclination, declineation, declination, daclineation.• Only one option matches the correct dictionary spelling.• We assume familiarity with related words like decline and inclination.• The correct form should follow normal English word formation rules. Concept / Approach: The word declination is formed from the root decline plus the suffix ation. When a verb ends in e, that e is usually dropped before adding the noun forming suffix ation, as in combine to combination and donate to donation. Thus, decline becomes declination. The incorrect alternatives introduce extra letters, wrong vowel patterns, or misordered consonants that do not follow typical English patterns and are not found in standard dictionaries. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise the base word decline, which you likely know.Step 2: Recall that the noun from decline is declination, following the pattern verb plus ation.Step 3: Examine option C declination. It matches the expected pattern exactly and looks familiar from usage in geography and astronomy.Step 4: Check option B declineation. This form doubles the vowel sequence e e and is not a standard construction in English.Step 5: Look at options A daclination and D daclineation. Both begin with dac, which does not correspond to the base decline and so appear random and incorrect.Step 6: Conclude that declination is the only correctly spelt option. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by recalling common phrases such as the declination of the star or moral declination, where the noun refers to angle or moral decline. Dictionaries and textbooks consistently use declination, never declineation or the other forms. The word formation rule of dropping final e before ation further supports this spelling pattern. Therefore, option C is correct beyond doubt. Why Other Options Are Wrong: daclination and daclineation change the base decline into dacline or dacl, which is meaningless and violates the connection with the root word. declineation keeps the full verb decline and simply adds ation, resulting in an awkward and nonstandard form with repeated vowels. None of these appear in respectable English usage, so they are incorrect spellings. Common Pitfalls: Candidates often get confused when they see an option that contains the full base word plus a suffix, such as declineation, and may mistakenly think it looks more complete. Another mistake is to rely on sound alone, since declination and declineation sound similar when spoken. The safe method is to recall standard spelling rules and base word transformations, especially the treatment of silent e before ation. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word among the options is declination.

Question 5

In the following sentence, some part may have an error. Identify the part that contains a grammatical or usage error, or select No Error if the sentence is correct: At this moment that (1) terrible door burst noisily open and (2) banged for the wall…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question tests your understanding of correct preposition use and natural collocations in English. The sentence describes a dramatic moment when a terrible door bursts open and then hits a wall. While the overall structure is understandable, one part uses an incorrect preposition, which makes the sentence sound unnatural and grammatically wrong. Identifying such subtle errors is important for scoring well in competitive examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence divided into parts: At this moment that (1) terrible door burst noisily open and (2) banged for the wall. (3) No Error (4).• Options 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond to different segments.• We assume standard British or Indian English usage.• Only one part contains a clear grammatical or usage error. Concept / Approach: When we describe one thing hitting another, English usually uses the preposition against, as in banged against the wall, knocked against the door, or crashed against the rocks. The preposition for is not used in this context. Therefore, the phrase banged for the wall is incorrect; the natural phrase is banged against the wall. We must locate the part that contains this incorrect preposition usage, which is part 3, and mark that as the error. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine part 1 At this moment that. This phrase is slightly dramatic but grammatically acceptable as a narrative opening.Step 2: Examine part 2 terrible door burst noisily open and. The verb burst open and the adverb noisily are correctly used here.Step 3: Examine part 3 banged for the wall. Here, the verb banged should be followed by the preposition against when describing a collision with the wall.Step 4: Recognise that for is incorrect in this collocation; correct English would be banged against the wall.Step 5: Therefore, the error lies in part 3.Step 6: Select option 3 as the answer, which corresponds to part 3. Verification / Alternative check: Try reading the corrected version: At this moment that terrible door burst noisily open and banged against the wall. This version sounds natural and matches standard usage found in literature and everyday speech. No other part of the sentence requires correction for basic grammar, so it is reasonable to conclude that part 3 alone contains the error through the incorrect preposition for. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part 1 At this moment that sets the scene and, though slightly stylistic, does not break core grammar rules. Part 2 terrible door burst noisily open and correctly uses burst open to describe sudden opening accompanied by noise. Part 4 No Error is meant for sentences that are completely correct, which is not the case here because part 3 clearly misuses for. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 4 are not appropriate answers. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes focus too much on dramatic adjectives like terrible and may suspect them unnecessarily, ignoring the real grammatical issue. Another common mistake is to overlook prepositions, which are small words but very important for natural English. Developing a habit of reading widely helps build a sense of which preposition normally follows which verb, making such questions easier over time. Final Answer: The part that contains the error is 3, because the phrase should be banged against the wall, not banged for the wall.

Question 6

In the following sentence, some part may have an error. Identify the part that contains a grammatical or usage error, or select No Error if the sentence is correct: While an electron (1) carries a negative electrical (2) charge, a neutron is neutral…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This error spotting question links basic physics knowledge with English grammar. The sentence compares the charge of an electron with that of a neutron. At the same time, it checks whether the sentence structure, agreement, and usage are correct. You must carefully read each part and decide whether any segment needs correction, or whether the entire sentence is already accurate and clear. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence parts: While an electron (1) carries a negative electrical (2) charge, a neutron is neutral. (3) No Error (4).• We assume these scientific facts are correct in a basic sense.• We must check grammar, not advanced physics detail.• One option is No Error, which we choose if the sentence is fully correct. Concept / Approach: The sentence uses while to introduce a contrast between the properties of an electron and a neutron. The structure While X carries a negative electrical charge, Y is neutral is standard and correct. The verb carries agrees with the singular subject electron, the phrase negative electrical charge is a valid scientific description, and a neutron is neutral is a correct and complete clause. Therefore, no part of the sentence requires grammatical correction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check part 1 While an electron. The subject an electron and the conjunction while are correctly used to start a contrast clause.Step 2: Check carries a negative electrical in part 2. The verb carries properly agrees with the singular subject electron, and negative electrical naturally leads into charge.Step 3: Check part 3 charge, a neutron is neutral. This part completes the object of carries with charge and then introduces the contrasting clause a neutron is neutral, which is grammatical and meaningful.Step 4: Verify that punctuation and word order are normal and that no article or preposition is missing.Step 5: Since none of the parts 1, 2, or 3 contain a mistake, the correct choice must be No Error.Step 6: Therefore, select option 4. Verification / Alternative check: Read the entire sentence smoothly: While an electron carries a negative electrical charge, a neutron is neutral. It is clear, concise, and grammatically standard. It also correctly expresses a basic scientific fact. There is no awkward phrasing or agreement problem. This confirms that the sentence is error free and supports choosing No Error as the answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Marking option 1 would imply an error in While an electron, but both the conjunction and article usage are fine. Option 2 would suggest a problem in carries a negative electrical, yet the verb and adjectives are correctly used. Option 3 would claim an error in charge, a neutron is neutral, but that segment is properly punctuated and logically completes the contrast. Hence, none of 1, 2, or 3 is correct as the error location. Common Pitfalls: Some students doubt scientifically loaded phrases like negative electrical charge and may suspect them without reason. Others may assume that every question must contain an error and hesitate to select No Error even when the sentence is clearly correct. The key is to trust systematic checking: if each segment follows grammar and makes sense, then No Error is the right choice. Final Answer: The sentence is grammatically correct in all its parts, so the correct choice is 4 (No Error).

Question 7

In the following sentence, a blank has been given. Select the option that best completes the sentence meaningfully: The big stone monument was the only __________ the lost traveller remembered.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a vocabulary based fill in the blank that tests your ability to choose the most contextually appropriate word. The sentence describes a lost traveller who remembers only one thing in the surroundings a big stone monument. The missing word must match this context and express the idea that the monument served as a point of reference or guidance for the traveller. Choosing the right noun here is about both meaning and typical collocation in English. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence: The big stone monument was the only __________ the lost traveller remembered.• Options: specimen, souvenir, piece, landmark.• The traveller is lost and uses memory of the monument to orient himself.• We assume a normal context of navigation or recalling locations. Concept / Approach: In geography and daily life, a landmark is a prominent object or structure that helps people recognise or navigate a place. Monuments, towers, temples, and bridges are typical landmarks. Thus, landmark is the natural word to use when talking about the only object that a lost traveller remembers as a reference point. The other options either refer to different concepts or do not fit how English normally describes such situations. Therefore, the conceptual link between monument and landmark guides us to the correct answer. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key idea the traveller is lost and remembers only one thing that could guide him.Step 2: Recall the meaning of landmark an easily recognisable object or feature that helps people know where they are.Step 3: Insert landmark into the sentence: The big stone monument was the only landmark the lost traveller remembered. This sounds natural and meaningful.Step 4: Examine specimen. This refers to an example of something, often used in scientific contexts, and does not match the navigational sense here.Step 5: Examine souvenir. This is a memento or keepsake that someone carries away from a place, which does not fit the idea of a fixed structure guiding a lost person.Step 6: Examine piece. It is too vague and does not specifically relate to navigation or location. Verification / Alternative check: You can test the sentence with each option. The big stone monument was the only specimen the lost traveller remembered feels scientific and out of place. Using souvenir suggests that the traveller carried the monument, which is impossible. Piece is a generic word and fails to capture the function of the monument as a guide. Only landmark creates a coherent image of a large visible structure that the traveller can recognise and use to find his way. Why Other Options Are Wrong: specimen is commonly used for samples in biology, geology, or museums, not for objects used to navigate an area. souvenir is a small object bought or kept as a reminder of a trip, not a large fixed structure out in the landscape. piece can refer to any portion or item and gives no idea of recognisable location. None of these words align with the role of a monument in helping a lost traveller remember where he has been. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be tempted by souvenir simply because travellers and souvenirs are commonly associated in travel stories. However, the sentence clearly refers to something in the environment, not something the traveller carries. The best strategy is to focus on the function of the object in context here, a guide to place and direction rather than a keepsake. Final Answer: The word that best completes the sentence is landmark.

Question 8

In the following sentence, a blank has been given. Select the option that best completes the sentence meaningfully: The airline was unable to give us a reason for the ______________ departure delay.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks you to choose the adjective that best describes a departure delay for which the airline could not give any reason. The context is about explanation and clarity. When we say there is no satisfactory reason for something, we often use the word inexplicable. Recognising the subtle differences between similar looking words is very important in English language exams. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sentence: The airline was unable to give us a reason for the ______________ departure delay.• Options: indivisible, invincible, invisible, inexplicable.• The key idea is that the airline cannot explain why the delay occurred.• We assume normal usage in customer service or travel contexts. Concept / Approach: The adjective inexplicable means that something cannot be adequately explained or understood. This is exactly what happens when an airline cannot give a reason for a delay. The other options have meanings that do not fit this context. Indivisible means that something cannot be divided. Invincible means too powerful to be defeated. Invisible means something cannot be seen. Only inexplicable relates to the lack of explanation, so it is the conceptually correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase was unable to give us a reason, which clearly points to the idea of something that cannot be explained.Step 2: Recall that inexplicable means impossible or very difficult to explain.Step 3: Insert inexplicable into the sentence: The airline was unable to give us a reason for the inexplicable departure delay. This sounds natural and precise.Step 4: Try indivisible. It gives the strange idea that the delay cannot be divided, which is meaningless here.Step 5: Try invincible. That would suggest the delay is some kind of unbeatable enemy, which does not suit the context.Step 6: Try invisible. That would mean the delay cannot be seen, which does not match the idea of lack of explanation. Verification / Alternative check: In real life, customer complaints and news reports frequently use the collocation inexplicable delay to describe situations where no one knows the cause. This matches the pattern in the sentence. The other adjectives are used in very different contexts, such as indivisible unity of a nation, invincible army, or invisible ink. These comparisons confirm that only inexplicable belongs with departure delay in this context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: indivisible is connected with mathematics or political slogans, not with travel delays. invincible refers to strength that cannot be overcome and thus does not relate to reasons or explanations. invisible is about visibility, not about understanding. None of them convey the idea that no explanation is available for the delay, so all are contextually wrong. Common Pitfalls: Because all the options begin with the prefix in, many candidates may rely on guesswork instead of meaning. This is risky. The better strategy is to recall or infer the core meaning of each adjective and then match it with the context. Paying close attention to collocations like reason for the delay strongly guides you toward inexplicable as the only suitable choice. Final Answer: The adjective that best completes the sentence is inexplicable.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines your knowledge of synonyms, specifically for the verb cajole. Synonym questions test not only basic meaning but also the emotional tone and typical usage of words. Cajole is often used in everyday English to describe a gentle way of persuading someone by using praise or repeated friendly requests. Selecting the closest synonym requires understanding this nuance. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: Cajole.• Options: Disenchant, Entice, Repulse, Bully.• We assume standard dictionary meanings.• The correct synonym must reflect persuasion with a pleasing or tempting approach. Concept / Approach: Cajole means to persuade someone to do something by flattery, gentle urging, or pleasant talk. It usually implies soft and friendly pressure rather than force or fear. The word entice means to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something pleasant, which is very close to this idea. In contrast, disenchant means to cause someone to lose their illusions, repulse means to drive back or disgust, and bully means to force someone using threats. Therefore, entice is the nearest in sense and tone to cajole. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall or infer the meaning of cajole persuade gently with flattery or sweetness.Step 2: Examine entice, which means to attract or tempt by offering something desirable.Step 3: Note that both cajole and entice involve drawing someone towards an action in a pleasant way, not by direct force.Step 4: Look at disenchant, which means to free from illusion or disappointment, usually making someone less enthusiastic, so it is almost the opposite in effect.Step 5: Consider repulse, which carries the idea of driving away or causing strong dislike, again opposite in direction to persuasion.Step 6: Check bully, which is about harsh, threatening pressure rather than gentle coaxing, so it is not a synonym. Verification / Alternative check: Compare sample sentences. She managed to cajole him into joining the team can be rephrased as She managed to entice him into joining the team, and the meaning remains very similar. However, if we tried She managed to bully him into joining the team, the emotional tone changes from soft persuasion to harsh coercion. Sentences with disenchant or repulse would reverse the direction of influence. This confirms that entice best matches cajole in typical contexts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Disenchant means to take away someone's dreams or illusions, often making them feel disappointed, which is unrelated to gently persuading them. Repulse suggests pushing someone away or causing disgust, which is the opposite of attracting them. Bully implies intimidation and threat, not soft verbal charm. None of these share the friendly persuasive quality of cajole. Common Pitfalls: Examinees sometimes focus only on the fact that bully and cajole both describe ways of influencing people and mistakenly treat them as similar. However, the manner and emotional tone are completely different. Remember that synonyms must match both meaning and usual emotional colour. Always think of example sentences and mental images for each word before choosing your answer. Final Answer: The word that is most similar in meaning to Cajole is Entice.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This synonym question tests knowledge of slightly advanced vocabulary. The word fustian is not very common in everyday conversation, but it appears in literature and critical writing to describe a particular style of speech or writing. Understanding such words helps in reading higher level texts and in answering verbal ability questions in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: Fustian.• Options: Bombastic, Modest, Timid, Courteous.• We assume standard dictionary definitions.• The context is description of language, style, or manner of expression. Concept / Approach: In modern usage, fustian refers to pompous, inflated, or pretentious speech or writing, usually full of grand words but lacking real substance. The closest common synonym among the options is bombastic, which also describes language that is showy and inflated beyond what the situation requires. Modest describes humility or lack of show, timid refers to shyness or lack of courage, and courteous relates to politeness. None of these last three capture the idea of overblown language. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that fustian in the context of language means overly grand or pretentious style.Step 2: Examine bombastic, which describes speech or writing that is full of long, impressive sounding words used more to impress than to communicate clearly.Step 3: Note that bombastic and fustian both suggest exaggeration and lack of simplicity, especially in rhetoric or formal addresses.Step 4: Look at modest. It suggests simplicity or humility, which is opposite in tone to fustian.Step 5: Consider timid, which concerns a person's lack of confidence or courage, not style of speech.Step 6: Check courteous, which deals with politeness and good manners, again unrelated to inflated style. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a literary critic writing The speech was full of fustian promises versus The speech was full of bombastic promises. In both cases, the critic is complaining that the language is over the top and probably insincere. Modest promises would mean simple and not exaggerated, timid promises would mean hesitant, and courteous promises would focus on politeness. These do not share the critical tone of fustian, which clearly aligns with bombastic. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Modest suggests restraint and lack of display, which is far from the excessive, showy quality implied by fustian. Timid refers to personal fearfulness or shyness and does not comment on style of writing or speaking. Courteous indicates politeness and respect, which could describe someone's manner, but not the inflated content of their speeches. Therefore, these options do not function as synonyms for fustian. Common Pitfalls: One pitfall is to pick words only on the basis of vague familiarity rather than precise meaning. Another is to assume that any rare word must have a positive meaning, but fustian actually carries a negative judgement about style. To avoid such mistakes, associate each difficult word with a short phrase or image, for example, fustian speech equals empty grand sounding talk. Matching that image to bombastic makes the answer clearer. Final Answer: The word that is most similar in meaning to Fustian is Bombastic.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to select an antonym, that is, a word opposite in meaning to the given word. The adjective cavalier describes a particular careless or dismissive attitude, often linked with a sense of superiority. Understanding such personality describing adjectives is important for reading character sketches and opinion pieces in English. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: Cavalier.• Options: Condescending, Curt, Humble, Haughty.• We assume the common modern meaning of cavalier as showing a lack of proper concern and an air of superiority.• We must pick the option whose meaning is opposite to this attitude. Concept / Approach: Cavalier in this context describes someone who is dismissive, casually unconcerned, or arrogant about important matters. The person behaves as if they are above rules or responsibilities. An antonym must show the reverse attitude. Humble means having or showing a modest or low view of one's own importance, and such a person is usually careful, respectful, and not dismissive. Therefore, humble stands opposite to cavalier. Condescending and haughty both express superiority, like cavalier, while curt refers to brief and possibly rude speech, not necessarily the opposite attitude. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that cavalier means showing a dismissive or careless attitude, often due to a sense of superiority.Step 2: Examine humble, which describes someone modest, respectful, and not full of self importance.Step 3: Recognise that a humble person takes duties and others feelings seriously, which is the opposite of a cavalier attitude.Step 4: Check condescending. This means showing that you consider yourself superior, often by talking down to others, which is similar in tone to cavalier, not opposite.Step 5: Consider curt. It means brief and possibly rude in speech but does not directly signal the opposite of a cavalier attitude.Step 6: Look at haughty, which again describes proud and superior behaviour, close in meaning to cavalier rather than opposite. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine two managers. One has a cavalier attitude toward safety rules, meaning he ignores them carelessly. Another is a humble manager who listens carefully and follows rules sincerely. These two behaviours clearly contrast. If we describe someone as condescending or haughty, we still suggest superiority and lack of respect, much like cavalier. Curt only comments on short speech, not on concern for responsibilities. Hence, humble functions as the best antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Condescending implies an attitude of patronising superiority, which is close to cavalier in looking down on others. Curt indicates abrupt and possibly rude speech but does not guarantee concern or seriousness, so it is not a direct opposite. Haughty means arrogantly superior and disdainful, again sharing the same proud and dismissive tone as cavalier. Therefore, these words cannot be chosen as antonyms. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse synonym and antonym questions when all the options are somewhat negative. It is important to focus on the exact instruction opposite in meaning and not simply pick any word with a negative flavour. Clarifying the core sense of the given word cavalier and then mentally searching for its reverse attitude helps avoid such errors. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to Cavalier is Humble.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This antonym question tests your understanding of the word vigilance and your ability to identify its opposite. Vigilance is an important concept in many fields, including security, quality control, and health, and it generally refers to watchfulness and careful attention. Selecting the opposite meaning involves thinking about what happens when that watchfulness is missing. Given Data / Assumptions: • Target word: Vigilance.• Options: Indifference, Diligence, Acuity, Circumspection.• We assume standard dictionary meanings.• The correct antonym should express lack of concern and lack of watchfulness. Concept / Approach: Vigilance means the quality of being very careful to notice things, especially signs of danger or problems. It implies alertness and constant attention. The opposite of this quality would be indifference, where a person does not care, does not pay attention, and is unconcerned. Diligence means careful and persistent effort, which is close to vigilance, not opposite. Acuity refers to sharpness of perception. Circumspection means cautiousness. All these three involve some level of care or awareness, so none of them can be antonyms of vigilance. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand vigilance as watchful attention to possible danger or difficulty.Step 2: Look at indifference, which means lack of interest, concern, or sympathy, often leading to inattention.Step 3: Recognise that someone who is indifferent is unlikely to be vigilant, making indifference a natural opposite.Step 4: Examine diligence, which describes steady and careful effort and is often associated with careful work, not the opposite of vigilance.Step 5: Consider acuity, which means sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing, again related to alertness rather than its opposite.Step 6: Check circumspection, which means carefulness and thoughtfulness before acting, clearly linked to caution and attention, close to vigilance. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a security guard. A vigilant guard watches every entrance and movement carefully. An indifferent guard sits idly and ignores what is happening around him. The behaviours are clearly opposite. A diligent guard would do his duties seriously, and a circumspect guard would be cautious, which are qualities similar to vigilance. Acuity would describe his sharp eyesight or hearing, which supports vigilance, not cancels it. These comparisons confirm indifference as the antonym. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Diligence implies hardworking and careful behaviour, which often overlaps with the idea of being vigilant. Acuity refers to sharpness of mind or senses, which contributes to vigilance. Circumspection means considering risks carefully before acting and is close to cautious alertness. None of these express the absence of concern or attention that defines the opposite of vigilance, whereas indifference does. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students confuse vigilance with diligence because both involve care, and may mistakenly try to match it with another positive quality. It is important to separate the ideas of watchful attention and hard work. For antonym questions, the first step should always be to clarify the central idea of the given word and then search for a term that negates that idea, not just one that seems unrelated. Final Answer: The word that is opposite in meaning to Vigilance is Indifference.

Question 13

In the following question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the English idiom give somebody a ring.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your understanding of the idiom give somebody a ring, which is commonly used in informal spoken English. Many idioms involve everyday objects such as rings, but their meanings are often different from the literal meanings of the words. Here you must select the option that best matches how native speakers actually use this expression in daily conversation and writing. Given Data / Assumptions: • Idiom: give somebody a ring.• Options describe different possible actions involving a person.• We assume everyday British or Indian English usage.• The correct meaning is the one most frequently used in standard communication. Concept / Approach: In informal English, give somebody a ring means to call that person on the telephone. The word ring here refers to the ringing sound a phone makes, not to a jewellery item. While rings are also associated with marriage proposals, the idiom propose marriage is expressed differently, for example, ask for someone's hand. The other options introduce emotional or relational ideas that are not part of the idiom's actual meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall common conversations such as I will give you a ring tomorrow, which clearly means I will call you on the phone tomorrow.Step 2: Connect the word ring with the ringing of a telephone rather than a piece of jewellery.Step 3: Evaluate option C Call someone on the telephone, which matches exactly this everyday usage.Step 4: Check option A Propose marriage. Although rings are used in engagements, the phrase used is give someone a ring or put a ring on someone's finger in a different context, not give somebody a ring as a fixed idiom meaning propose.Step 5: Option B Inform about the death of a loved one is too specific and has no idiomatic support from this phrase.Step 6: Option D Trap somebody in a difficult relationship is a figurative idea not associated with this idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Look at additional example sentences. You can say Do not worry, I will give you a ring when I reach home safely. In such contexts, it clearly refers to a phone call. Dictionaries and spoken English guides list give somebody a ring as a phrasal expression for making a telephone call. None of the answer choices except Call someone on the telephone captures this standard meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Propose marriage belongs to a different meaning of ring related to jewellery and engagement, and there is no fixed idiom give somebody a ring used in that sense in modern everyday English. Inform about the death of a loved one is a very specific situation and cannot be inferred from the phrase. Trap somebody in a difficult relationship is an imaginative interpretation, but no such idiomatic usage exists for give somebody a ring. Therefore, these options must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Students may overthink the presence of ring and focus on the image of engagement rings, leading to the marriage proposal option. To avoid this, remember that idioms must be learned in the contexts in which people actually use them and that many such phrases are linked to older technologies like ringing telephones. Always recall sample sentences you have heard or read before selecting an answer. Final Answer: The idiom give somebody a ring means Call someone on the telephone.

Question 14

In the following question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the English idiom leave no stone unturned.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This idiom question checks whether you understand the figurative meaning of leave no stone unturned. The phrase is widely used in newspapers, speeches, and everyday conversation to describe determined effort. You must select the option that matches this established figurative sense, not a literal picture of stones and treasure. Given Data / Assumptions: • Idiom: leave no stone unturned.• Options suggest different interpretations of effort and achievement.• We assume standard English usage in motivational and descriptive contexts.• The question focuses on describing effort, not literal physical actions. Concept / Approach: Leave no stone unturned comes from the idea of a person searching for something valuable by turning over every stone to check underneath. Figuratively, it means to use every possible method and make every possible attempt to achieve a goal or find something. It does not require that a hidden treasure actually exist, nor does it comment on the success level; it focuses on the completeness of effort. Therefore, the option that says try every possible course of action in order to achieve something is the correct match. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall notices like The police left no stone unturned in their search for the missing child, which highlight thorough effort.Step 2: See that the emphasis is on trying every possible way, not only on a specific type of task.Step 3: Examine option D Try every possible course of action in order to achieve something, which accurately captures this idea.Step 4: Option A Search for the hidden treasure is too literal and limited to one context, not to general usage.Step 5: Option B Do a futile task incorrectly suggests that the effort is pointless, which is not part of the idiom's meaning.Step 6: Option C Be known for achieving a tremendous feat talks about fame and success, while the idiom is about effort, regardless of fame. Verification / Alternative check: Consider more examples. A candidate might say I left no stone unturned in preparing for the exam, meaning that he or she used all available resources and methods. The outcome may or may not be success, but the effort was complete. This exactly matches option D. No other option reflects the general and figurative nature of the idiom across different situations such as investigations, job searches, or problem solving. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Search for the hidden treasure takes the original literal story behind the idiom but does not describe the figurative sense used in modern English sentences. Do a futile task suggests that the effort is useless or cannot succeed, which is not implied by the idiom. Be known for achieving a tremendous feat shifts focus from effort to later recognition and achievement, which again is not intrinsic to the phrase. As a result, these options do not correctly explain the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes choose very specific or dramatic sounding options instead of the one that captures the common, practical meaning. It is important to remember that idioms are used in many everyday contexts and usually have a broad, general meaning. Mentally replace the idiom in a simple sentence and test each option to see which keeps the overall sense intact. Final Answer: The idiom leave no stone unturned means Try every possible course of action in order to achieve something.

Question 15

In the following sentence improvement question, choose the option that best replaces the bracketed part. In case no improvement is needed, select no improvement: She and Dad would (has had loved) Amit.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence improvement question tests your knowledge of correct verb forms after the modal would. The sentence She and Dad would (has had loved) Amit describes a hypothetical or unreal past situation in which both parents would have felt love for Amit. The bracketed phrase has had loved is grammatically incorrect. You must identify the correct auxiliary verb sequence that should follow would in such constructions. Given Data / Assumptions: • Original sentence: She and Dad would (has had loved) Amit.• Options: has loved, have loved, to loved, no improvement.• Subject is compound She and Dad, which is plural.• The modal auxiliary would is already present before the bracketed phrase. Concept / Approach: In English, when we express a hypothetical or unreal situation in the past with would, we usually follow it with have plus past participle, for example would have loved, would have gone, would have helped. The correct pattern is would have loved, not would has loved or would has had loved. The auxiliary has belongs to the present perfect and cannot directly follow would. Therefore, the replacement must be have loved, giving would have loved Amit. This matches standard conditional or hypothetical structures. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognise that would introduces a conditional or hypothetical meaning.Step 2: Recall the standard form would have plus past participle to refer to past time conditions that did not actually occur.Step 3: Apply this pattern to the main verb love, giving would have loved.Step 4: Evaluate option B have loved, which will give the sentence She and Dad would have loved Amit, matching the correct pattern.Step 5: Check has loved. This would produce She and Dad would has loved Amit, which is grammatically wrong because has cannot follow would.Step 6: Check to loved, which is incorrect because to is followed by the base form love, not loved.Step 7: Since the original has had loved is also wrong, no improvement cannot be chosen. Verification / Alternative check: Read the correct sentence: She and Dad would have loved Amit. It clearly expresses that if circumstances had allowed, both parents would have felt love for Amit in the past. This structure matches countless similar sentences such as They would have enjoyed the trip or I would have helped you if I had known. Any other combination with has or had after would produces an unnatural or incorrect form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: has loved cannot follow would because has is already a finite auxiliary verb used in the present perfect, and English does not allow would has in this way. to loved violates the rule that the infinitive form uses the base verb, so it should be to love, not to loved. no improvement would keep the sequence has had loved, which is doubly incorrect, combining two auxiliary verbs has and had in a way that does not match any standard tense or modal pattern here. Common Pitfalls: Examinees sometimes overcomplicate verb phrases and may think that adding more auxiliaries like has or had will make the structure sound more advanced. In fact, English verb groups follow clear, limited patterns. After modals such as would, could, and should, the first auxiliary must be have for perfect aspect or be for continuous or passive forms. Remembering these patterns will help you quickly reject incorrect combinations in sentence improvement questions. Final Answer: The correct improvement of the bracketed part is have loved, giving the sentence She and Dad would have loved Amit.

Question 16

In the following sentence, choose the option that best replaces the bracketed part to make the sentence grammatically correct. If no improvement is required, select the option labelled no improvement. Someone must (being) killed.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of how modal verbs combine with perfect aspect to describe a strong logical conclusion about a past event. In English grammar, forms like must have been, must be, and must be being are often confused by learners, especially when used with passive voice structures such as killed, arrested, or punished. The sentence here suggests that something very serious has happened in the past, and we have evidence that makes the speaker almost sure someone lost life. Therefore, the verb phrase in brackets needs to be corrected so that it clearly expresses a deduction about a completed past action. Given Data / Assumptions: The information in the sentence is limited, but we can still note the key points and rely on general grammar rules about modals and passives. The main clause is Someone must (being) killed. The word must is a modal verb expressing strong probability or near certainty. The verb killed is a past participle used in a passive structure. The bracketed word being is ungrammatical in this pattern. Concept / Approach: When we use must to talk about a logical conclusion about a past event in passive voice, the normal structure is must + have been + past participle. The form must have been killed means that, based on evidence, the speaker concludes that a killing has definitely happened in the past. The structure must be killed would describe necessity in the present or future, not a deduction about a completed event. The structure must being killed is simply wrong in standard English. Therefore, the bracketed part needs to become have been so that the full verb phrase reads must have been killed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the function of must in the sentence. It expresses a strong logical conclusion about something that already happened. Step 2: Recall that for past deductions we use must + have + past participle, not must + be or must + being. Step 3: Notice that killed is already a past participle, so the missing part is the perfect passive helper have been. Step 4: Replace the bracketed being with have been, giving Someone must have been killed, which is grammatically complete and meaningful. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify the correctness by comparing with similar standard sentences, such as There is blood on the floor, someone must have been hurt or The lights are off and the door is locked, they must have gone home. In each of these, must have + past participle describes a logical conclusion about a past action. Applying the same rule, must have been killed is the only correct and natural pattern in formal English. Reading the full sentence aloud confirms that Someone must have been killed sounds natural, while the other options feel incomplete or incorrect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option has been gives Someone must has been killed, which is ungrammatical because must cannot be followed by a present perfect form with has. Option been would give Someone must been killed, which is also incorrect because a helping verb like have or be is missing. Option to be would give Someone must to be killed, which is not correct either, because modals take the bare infinitive be rather than to be, and it would also suggest future necessity, not a past conclusion. Option no improvement keeps being, resulting in Someone must being killed, which is clearly wrong in standard English grammar. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to ignore the time reference and simply use must be with any past participle, such as Someone must be killed, which actually describes something that should happen in the present or future rather than something that already happened. Another frequent mistake is mixing must with has or had directly, for example must has been, which is never correct in English. Learners also sometimes confuse continuous passive forms like is being killed with perfect passive forms like has been killed, but here the context clearly points to a completed past action. Remember that must have + past participle is the standard pattern for strong logical conclusions about the past. Final Answer: The correct improvement of the bracketed part is have been, so the sentence should read Someone must have been killed.

Question 17

Select the one word that best substitutes the following expression: the state or quality of being holy.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for a one word substitute for a longer description. Such questions test a learner understanding of precise English nouns that capture specific abstract ideas, which is very useful for competitive exams, formal writing, and comprehension of academic texts. Here, the expression is the state or quality of being holy, so we are looking for a word that summarises religious purity, sacredness, and moral elevation in a single term. Given Data / Assumptions: The stem gives enough information to identify the required word if we know common abstract nouns related to morality and religion. The phrase is the state or quality of being holy. Holy suggests something sacred, devoted to God, pure, or saintly. The options include several abstract nouns related to character and behaviour. We assume the word needed is standard and commonly used in formal English. Concept / Approach: In English, many abstract nouns are formed from adjectives by adding endings like ity, ness, or ship. The adjective holy is closely associated with the noun holiness, but in more formal and literary contexts, sanctity is often used as the single word that means the state of being sacred, holy, or saintly. By contrast, the other options relate to greed, meanness, or miserliness, which are opposite in sense. Therefore, our strategy is to match each option with its known meaning and see which one correctly expresses spiritual or moral holiness. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the given phrase, which is being holy, that is being sacred, pure, or devoted to religious purposes. Step 2: Recall that the noun sanctity is commonly defined as the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. Step 3: Compare sanctity with the other options and confirm that it is the only one that carries a positive religious or spiritual sense. Step 4: Conclude that sanctity is the best one word substitute for the given expression. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by thinking of common phrases where this word appears, such as the sanctity of life, the sanctity of marriage, or the sanctity of a temple. In each of these examples, sanctity clearly refers to holiness and sacredness. Dictionaries also define sanctity as the state of being holy or extremely important and deserving respect. Substituting the word in the original expression, the sanctity of the place fits naturally, confirming that this choice matches the required meaning exactly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Avarice means extreme greed for wealth or material gain, which is morally negative and unrelated to holiness. Baseness refers to moral lowliness or lack of principles, again the opposite of being holy. Parsimony means extreme unwillingness to spend money, that is stinginess or miserliness. Piety refers to religious devotion or dutiful respect, which is close in field but describes behaviour rather than the abstract state of holiness itself. Therefore, sanctity is the most accurate substitute for the state or quality of being holy. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse piety and sanctity because both occur in religious contexts. However, piety highlights acts of devotion and reverence, whereas sanctity focuses on the inherent holiness or sacred quality of a person, place, or thing. Another typical error is choosing a word simply because it sounds formal or unfamiliar, without checking its meaning. In one word substitution questions, it is vital to know exact definitions rather than rely on vague impressions. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for the state or quality of being holy is Sanctity.

Question 18

Select the one word that best substitutes the following description: a substance that easily evaporates at normal temperatures.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This one word substitution question checks understanding of scientific and descriptive vocabulary used to talk about physical properties of substances. The phrase given in the stem describes how a substance behaves at normal temperatures, specifically that it evaporates easily. This type of vocabulary appears in chemistry, environmental science, and general science passages, so knowing the exact term helps in both theory and reading comprehension. Given Data / Assumptions: The clue in the stem focuses on evaporation behaviour. The expression is a substance that easily evaporates at normal temperatures. Normal temperatures means usual room or atmospheric conditions, not extreme heat. The correct word should be a standard scientific or semi technical term. We assume the question is about physical properties, not moral or emotional qualities. Concept / Approach: In chemistry and physics, substances that readily change from liquid to gas at ordinary temperatures are called volatile substances. The word volatile can also be used metaphorically for situations that are unstable or likely to change suddenly, but its original sense is about easy evaporation. Our approach is to match each option with its core meaning and see which one naturally describes a physical property related to evaporation. Words like steadfast and enduring describe stability or lasting quality, definite is about clarity, and dense is about thickness or compactness, none of which relate to evaporation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the key idea in the phrase, namely easily evaporates at normal temperatures, which points to rapid change from liquid to gas. Step 2: Recall that the standard term for such substances in science is volatile, as in volatile liquids or volatile solvents. Step 3: Compare the meanings of the other options and confirm that they do not describe evaporation or physical state changes. Step 4: Select Volatile as the one word that accurately captures the description. Verification / Alternative check: We can check by using the word in typical scientific phrases: volatile organic compounds, volatile liquid, volatile solvent. In each of these, the idea is that the substance evaporates quickly at ordinary temperatures. If we substitute any other option, the phrase becomes meaningless, for example steadfast liquid or enduring solvent, which clearly do not describe evaporation. Standard definitions of volatile in a scientific context also state that it means easily evaporated at normal temperatures, which matches the stem exactly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Steadfast means firm, loyal, or determined, usually describing a person character, not a physical property of matter. Enduring means lasting for a long time, again about duration rather than evaporation. Definite means clear, precise, or exact, which has nothing to do with state changes. Dense describes something that is closely compacted in substance or has high mass per unit volume, not easy evaporation. None of these options communicates the idea of quick evaporation, so they are not suitable substitutes. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to think of volatile only in its emotional sense, as in a volatile situation, and overlook its original scientific meaning. Another pitfall is to guess based on sound or unfamiliarity, choosing a word that looks technical without checking whether its meaning matches the description. In competitive exams, it is important to connect words like volatile to their domain specific usage, especially in science related passages. Final Answer: The correct one word substitute for a substance that easily evaporates at normal temperatures is Volatile.

Question 19

In the following question, several spellings of the same word are given. Select the correctly spelt word that refers to a person who places another in a hypnotic state.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests spelling of a common, though slightly technical, English word related to psychology and therapy. Correct spelling is important in exams, formal writing, and professional communication because wrong letters can change the appearance of a word enough to confuse readers or suggest weak language skills. Here, the word refers to a person who uses hypnosis, so we must recall both the root word and the standard way English forms agent nouns from it. Given Data / Assumptions: The stem tells us that all options are possible spellings of the same intended word. The target word is someone who performs hypnosis. The familiar root in English is hypno, as in hypnosis and hypnotic. Agent nouns are often formed with the ending ist, as in dentist or pianist. We assume British spelling, which still uses the same form for this word. Concept / Approach: The correct spelling comes from the root hypo plus not plus ist, combining to form hypnotist. The cluster hypn is fixed and the vowel o appears before the t. English does not usually replace i with y in this word, and the consonant sequence should remain stable. The simplest way to solve the question is to quickly write the word from memory, then compare it with each option and see which one matches exactly. We also verify that the vowels and consonants appear in the right order without extra or missing letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the base word hypnosis, which clearly begins with h y p n o and continues with s i s. Step 2: Form the agent noun by adding the ending ist to the base idea, giving hypnotist for a person who performs hypnosis. Step 3: Compare this with each option and check letter by letter for correct order and typical English spelling patterns. Step 4: Confirm that hypnotist is the only option that correctly matches the remembered spelling. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by thinking of related words. Hypnotic is spelled h y p n o t i c and hypnosis is spelled h y p n o s i s, so the cluster hypno is stable. The word hypnotist simply attaches ist to this family of words. Dictionaries and textbooks on psychology use the spelling hypnotist, and any other arrangement, such as hipnotist or hypnotyst, would be flagged as incorrect. Reading the options aloud also helps, because the correct spelling feels familiar from common usage in media and books. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The option hypnotyst incorrectly uses y instead of i in the ending and does not match standard English patterns for this word. Hipnotyst and hipnotist drop the second h and use hipno instead of hypno, which is not the accepted spelling. Hypnotis omits the final t and does not show the full ist ending used to form agent nouns. Although these variations may sound similar when pronounced, they are orthographically wrong and would be considered spelling mistakes in exams and formal writing. Common Pitfalls: Learners often confuse i and y in English spellings or try to simplify clusters by dropping letters, especially in less common words. It is important to remember that the hypno family keeps the h y p n o pattern without simplification. Another pitfall is assuming that if a word sounds correct, any approximate spelling is acceptable. In exam contexts, only the exact dictionary spelling earns full marks. Therefore, memorising the correct forms of technical words like hypnotist is useful for both scoring well and writing accurately. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word is hypnotist.

Question 20

In the following question, several spellings of the same word are given. Select the correctly spelt word that means to develop or form a theory.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This spelling question focuses on a verb that is frequently used in academic writing, philosophy, and science. The word means to develop or form a theory about something. Many learners see both British and American spellings, which can add confusion. Knowing the standard forms and their variants is important for exams, where any deviation from accepted spelling is treated as an error. Given Data / Assumptions: The stem asks for the correctly spelt form of a known verb. The intended meaning is to form a theory. In British English, the spelling generally uses ise, as in theorise. In American English, the spelling generally uses ize, as in theorize. We assume the test follows British conventions, as many competitive exams do. Concept / Approach: The root word is theory, which ends with y. When forming the verb in British English, the y changes to i and the ending ise is added, giving theorise. In American English, the ending ize is used, giving theorize, which is also a valid spelling but may not be the preferred one in this exam context. The other options either change the vowels incorrectly or drop letters. A structured approach is to recall the base noun theory, then apply the standard verb forming rule and compare the result with the options. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start from the noun theory and note the y at the end. Step 2: Apply the British English pattern for verb formation, changing y to i and adding ise, which yields theorise. Step 3: Check each option against this pattern, looking for correct sequence t h e o r i s e. Step 4: Confirm that theorise is the only option that fully matches the correct British English spelling. Verification / Alternative check: We can check by forming related words like organise, criticise, and generalise, which also use the ise ending in British English. The structure is consistent across many verbs. If the exam allowed American spelling, theorize would also be acceptable, but the presence of theorise in the options and the exam tradition suggests that theorise is preferred. Dictionaries list theorise as the British form meaning to develop an explanation based on observation and reasoning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Theurise and theuris incorrectly replace the o with u, breaking the link with the root theory and creating a non standard form. Theoris drops the final e and does not clearly indicate verb formation, looking incomplete and unnatural in English orthography. Theorize is a correct American spelling but does not match the typical British English standard that most such exams expect, and the question asks for one correct spelling, making theorise the safest and most accurate choice in this context. Common Pitfalls: One common pitfall is confusing British and American variants and assuming that any variant is acceptable in all exams. Another issue is ignoring the root word and guessing based on sound alone, which leads to errors such as replacing vowels arbitrarily. Learners should connect theorise directly to theory and remember the simple y to i rule when adding ise in British English. Doing so helps secure marks not only in spelling questions but also in writing tasks where correct form signals precision and care. Final Answer: The correctly spelt word, following standard British English, is theorise.

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