Question 1

Improve the bracketed part of the conditional sentence by choosing the correct option: “If the screen (was any brighter), it would have been easier to read from the tablet.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question examines your understanding of conditional sentences, especially unreal conditions referring to the past. The sentence describes a past situation involving a screen that was not bright enough, and a result clause that uses would have been, which clearly refers to a past unreal result. You must choose the verb form that correctly matches this type of conditional structure in standard English grammar. Given Data / Assumptions: - Original sentence: If the screen was any brighter, it would have been easier to read from the tablet. - The result clause uses would have been, indicating a past unreal situation. - Options change the verb phrase in the if clause. - We assume the situation did not really happen, and the brightness remained insufficient. Concept / Approach: In unreal conditionals about the past, English normally uses the past perfect tense in the if clause and would have plus past participle in the result clause. The standard pattern is: If + past perfect, would have + past participle. Therefore, the ideal form here is If the screen had been brighter, it would have been easier to read from the tablet. The phrase was any brighter does not match the standard pattern and sounds like a mixed conditional that is less precise. The correct improvement is had been brighter. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of conditional by looking at the second clause: would have been easier to read shows an unreal result in the past. Step 2: Recall the correct structure for a third conditional: If + past perfect, would have + past participle. Step 3: Convert the if clause to past perfect: If the screen had been brighter. Step 4: Combine the clauses: If the screen had been brighter, it would have been easier to read from the tablet. Step 5: Compare this with option C, had been brighter, and see that it fits perfectly. Step 6: Option A, was bright enough, uses simple past and changes the meaning slightly. Step 7: Option B, was more brighter, is grammatically incorrect because more and the comparative suffix er are used together. Step 8: Option D, no improvement, would keep the weaker and less accurate form. Verification / Alternative check: Rephrase the sentence to check: Because the screen was not bright enough in the past, it was not easy to read from the tablet. If it had been brighter, it would have been easier to read. This shows clearly that had been brighter is the correct tense to use in the if clause. Native speakers regularly use this past perfect structure in similar sentences about unreal past situations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, was bright enough, suggests a real past situation and does not pair naturally with would have been, which is hypothetical. Option B breaks basic grammar rules of comparison and sounds uneducated. Option D fails to correct the mild mismatch between was any brighter and would have been in a formal exam context, where the standard pattern is expected. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse second and third conditionals and mix simple past with would have. When the result clearly refers to a past hypothetical situation, always check whether the if clause needs the past perfect. Practising with many examples such as If I had known, I would have helped and If they had left earlier, they would have caught the train will make this structure familiar and automatic. Final Answer: had been brighter is the correct improvement of the bracketed part.

Question 2

From the following options, select the word that is spelt correctly in standard English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question assesses your ability to recognise correct English spelling among several similar looking options. Correct spelling is essential for clear written communication, and competitive exams often include such questions to test careful reading and familiarity with standard forms. Three of the options contain deliberate errors, while one matches the usual dictionary spelling. Given Data / Assumptions: - Options: infarnal, dorsally, somwhat, mangoose. - Only one of these is correctly spelt. - The correct word should appear in standard dictionaries without modification. Concept / Approach: The word dorsally is an adverb related to dorsal, which means relating to the back or upper side of an animal or organ. It is correctly formed by adding the suffix ly to the adjective dorsal. The other three options appear to be misspellings of known words: infarnal for infernal, somwhat for somewhat, and mangoose for mongoose. Recognising the correct base forms helps you quickly identify which spelling is acceptable. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at infarnal and recall that the common adjective is infernal, meaning relating to hell or very bad. Step 2: Examine somwhat and remember that the correct spelling is somewhat. Step 3: Consider mangoose and recognise that the animal is spelled mongoose. Step 4: Check dorsally and recall that dorsal is a standard adjective and that dorsally is its adverbial form. Step 5: Conclude that dorsally is the only correctly spelt word among the options. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine sentences using each word. The sentence The fin is located dorsally on the fish looks scientifically correct. In contrast, The weather is infarnal or I feel somwhat tired immediately appear wrong if you are used to reading in English. Similarly, A mangoose ran across the road looks strange when you know the correct word is mongoose. This mental check reinforces that only dorsally matches standard usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Infarnal has an incorrect vowel arrangement and does not appear in reliable dictionaries. Somwhat is missing the letter e after m, which is present in somewhat. Mangoose replaces the double o in mongoose with a different pattern and is not recognised as standard spelling. Because exam questions on spelling require strictly correct forms, these three cannot be chosen as answers. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes students are tempted by very familiar words that are subtly misspelt, such as somwhat appearing similar to somewhat. To avoid this, you should read each option slowly and visualise it in a sentence or on a printed page. Regular reading of quality texts such as books and newspapers gradually builds a mental picture of correct spellings and makes it easier to spot wrong ones quickly in an exam. Final Answer: dorsally is the correctly spelt word among the given options.

Question 3

Rearrange the following sentence parts to form a complete and meaningful sentence: “All tyrants realize that, P – victims, there is sure to be one who Q – rises against them and strikes back! R – one day, amongst their many”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This jumbled sentence question checks your ability to arrange fragments in a logically and grammatically correct order. The sentence talks about tyrants, their many victims, and the idea that one victim eventually rebels. To solve it, you must recognise the natural placement of time expressions, prepositional phrases, and clauses in standard English word order. Given Data / Assumptions: - Fixed beginning: All tyrants realize that, - Part P: victims, there is sure to be one who - Part Q: rises against them and strikes back! - Part R: one day, amongst their many - We must place P, Q, and R in an order that creates a smooth, meaningful sentence. Concept / Approach: First, the sentence needs to introduce a time frame and the group being described. The fragment one day, amongst their many (R) sets up a time reference and prepares for the mention of victims. That is followed naturally by victims, there is sure to be one who (P), which introduces a particular victim. Finally, the verb phrase rises against them and strikes back (Q) completes the thought by stating what that victim does. Therefore, the correct order is R then P then Q. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Attach each fragment after the introductory clause All tyrants realize that, and check which sequence sounds natural. Step 2: Notice that R begins with one day, amongst their many, which is a natural time and grouping phrase following such a statement. Step 3: After this, P, victims, there is sure to be one who, logically identifies that group and highlights a particular member of it. Step 4: Finally, Q, rises against them and strikes back!, provides the action that this one victim performs. Step 5: Combine them: All tyrants realize that, one day, amongst their many victims, there is sure to be one who rises against them and strikes back! Step 6: This arrangement corresponds to RPQ, which is option C. Verification / Alternative check: Read the complete sentence aloud and verify that it is grammatically complete and logically coherent. The time expression one day appears in a natural position, the phrase amongst their many victims clearly explains whose victims, and the final clause describes the rebellion and revenge. If you attempt other orders such as RQP or PQR, you either separate related words like many and victims or break the connection between the clause that introduces the victim and the clause that describes the action. Why Other Options Are Wrong: RQP places rises against them and strikes back immediately after the time phrase and before the phrase victims, which leaves the sentence sounding incomplete and disordered. PQR starts directly with victims without the time phrase and delays one day, amongst their many to the end, which is unnatural and breaks the flow. QRP begins with the verb phrase rises against them and strikes back!, which has no clear subject until later, leading to confusion. Common Pitfalls: Students often look only for local pairings, such as joining one who directly with rises against them and strikes back, which is indeed correct, but they forget to place the time phrase and the noun victims correctly. A structured method is to identify introductory time or place expressions first, then group nouns with their descriptive phrases, and finally bring in the main verb clause. This approach works well in many rearrangement questions. Final Answer: RPQ is the correct sequence, so option C is the right answer.

Question 4

A sentence is given in the passive voice: “The bank account belonging to the manager has been hacked.” Select the option that best expresses the same idea in active voice, using a general or unknown subject.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question examines your ability to convert a sentence from passive voice to active voice while keeping the tense and meaning intact. The original sentence describes an action already completed on the manager's bank account by an unknown person. In such cases, English commonly uses someone as a vague subject when the real doer is unknown or unimportant. You must select the active form that sounds natural and correct. Given Data / Assumptions: - Passive sentence: The manager's bank account has been hacked. - Tense: present perfect passive (has been hacked). - The agent (person who hacked) is unknown. - Active voice must keep the present perfect aspect and the same meaning. Concept / Approach: To change a passive sentence into active voice, identify the object, the main verb, and the implied subject. The manager's bank account is the object that receives the action hacked. The implied doer is some unknown person. In active voice, we can use someone as a generic subject, and keep the verb in present perfect: has hacked. The correct active sentence therefore is Someone has hacked the manager's bank account. This retains both the tense and the idea that the doer is not specified. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the verb phrase in the passive sentence: has been hacked. Step 2: Convert this to active voice present perfect: has hacked. Step 3: Take the object, the manager's bank account, and move it after the verb in the active sentence. Step 4: Choose a suitable subject for the unknown hacker. The pronoun someone is standard for this purpose. Step 5: Form the active sentence: Someone has hacked the manager's bank account. Step 6: Match this with option D. Verification / Alternative check: Compare meaning and tense. The passive sentence focuses on the bank account and states that the hacking has already happened. The active sentence Someone has hacked the manager's bank account conveys the same situation from the perspective of the doer, still using present perfect. There is no change in time reference or in the seriousness of the event. This confirms that option D is accurate. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, They have hacked the manager's bank account, is grammatically possible but introduces an unclear pronoun they, which is weaker than someone and less preferred in exam keys. Option B, Hacking has been done to the manager's bank account, keeps the sentence in a passive-like structure and sounds awkward. Option C, Bank's account hacking has been done of the manager, is ungrammatical and unnatural, combining words in a way that would not be used in standard English. Common Pitfalls: Many learners think that any vague subject such as they will work, but exam patterns usually expect clearer choices like someone or a specific noun. Another common mistake is to leave the verb partly passive, as in hacking has been done, which does not complete the change to active voice. Always remember that in active voice the verb should directly show the action, and the subject should be the doer of the action. Final Answer: Someone has hacked the manager's bank account. is the best active voice equivalent of the given passive sentence.

Question 5

From the following options, select the word that is correctly spelt in standard English.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This spelling question checks whether you can identify the single correctly spelt word among several similar looking distractors. Correct spelling is tested frequently in English sections and is particularly important for formal writing. Three of the options are slightly altered forms of real words, while one matches the standard spelling exactly. Given Data / Assumptions: - Options: deceased, choiciest, anglecan, thankfull. - Only one of these is spelled according to standard English rules. - The others contain extra letters or incorrect letter patterns. Concept / Approach: The word deceased is a common adjective and noun meaning dead or no longer living. Its correct spelling is d e c e a s e d. The word choiciest should actually be spelled choicest, the superlative form of choice. Anglecan is a distorted form of Anglican, which refers to the Church of England or its members. Thankfull is an incorrect variant of thankful, which has only one l at the end. Therefore, deceased stands out as the only fully correct option. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at deceased and recall that it is a standard word used in legal and everyday contexts, such as the deceased person. Step 2: Check choiciest and remember that the usual spelling of the superlative is choicest, not choiciest. Step 3: Examine anglecan and recognise that the recognised term is Anglican. Step 4: Consider thankfull and recall that the correct form is thankful, with a single l at the end. Step 5: Conclude that deceased is the only correctly spelt word. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine example sentences: The deceased left no will or The deceased person's property will be distributed according to law. These sentences look and sound natural. If you attempt to use choiciest, anglecan, or thankfull in a formal text, they would be marked as spelling errors. Checking a dictionary would further confirm that deceased appears as such, while the other forms do not. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Choiciest has an unnecessary extra letter i and does not match the normal pattern of forming a superlative. Anglecan changes the vowel order and consonants from the correct word Anglican. Thankfull incorrectly doubles the final l, which is not required. Because exam questions demand strict correctness, these forms must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Students often read quickly and assume that words that look familiar must be correct, even if they contain small alterations. To avoid such traps, slow down for a moment and mentally compare each option with how you have seen it in books, newspapers, or on reputable websites. Building a habit of reading quality English material regularly will strengthen your internal sense of correct spelling and make these questions easier over time. Final Answer: deceased is the correctly spelt word among the given options.

Question 6

Select the synonym (word closest in meaning) of “nutritious”, which describes food that promotes health and growth.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This vocabulary question asks you to choose a synonym for the adjective nutritious. The word nutritious is commonly used to describe food that provides the body with the substances it needs for health, energy, and growth. Recognising synonyms like this is important for reading comprehension, descriptive writing, and understanding health related texts. Given Data / Assumptions: - Target word: nutritious. - Options: insubstantial, exceptional, nourishing, superlative. - Only one option should match the meaning related to health-giving food. Concept / Approach: Nutritious means full of nutrients and good for health. A very close synonym is nourishing, which also suggests that something supports growth, strength, or health. The other options describe different ideas: insubstantial means lacking strength or solidity, exceptional means unusual or outstanding, and superlative means of the highest quality or degree. None of these three directly expresses the idea of providing nourishment to the body. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a simple definition: nutritious food is food that is good for health and provides necessary nutrients. Step 2: Compare this with nourishing, which is used in phrases like nourishing meal or nourishing soup. Step 3: Notice that insubstantial is almost the opposite, suggesting something that is light, weak, or inadequate. Step 4: Recognise that exceptional means rare or unusually good in some way, but not necessarily healthy. Step 5: Understand that superlative means best in quality or degree, but again does not specifically refer to nutrition. Step 6: Therefore, nourishing is the correct synonym of nutritious. Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in example sentences. You might say The doctor advised me to eat nutritious food and The doctor advised me to eat nourishing food. Both sentences convey the same idea. However, The doctor advised me to eat exceptional food or superlative food sounds odd and unclear. The phrase insubstantial food suggests the opposite of what a doctor would recommend, further confirming that nourishing is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Insubstantial implies that something is not substantial enough, whether in quantity or quality, and usually suggests weakness or insufficiency. Exceptional can refer to something that stands out, which might be good or bad, but does not necessarily imply nutritional value. Superlative refers to peak quality, often in comparison, but it could refer to taste, appearance, or luxury rather than health. None of these words directly matches the health-giving aspect of nutritious. Common Pitfalls: Some students may choose superlative simply because they associate nutritious food with something good and assume the highest degree of goodness. However, synonym questions demand similarity of core meaning, not just a positive tone. Always focus on the specific idea the original word conveys. In this case, that idea is health-giving nourishment, which is expressed most clearly by the word nourishing. Final Answer: nourishing is the correct synonym of nutritious.

Question 7

In the following question on idioms and phrases, choose the option that best explains the saying “A picture paints a thousand words”.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This idiom question focuses on the famous saying A picture paints a thousand words. Idioms and proverbs like this are widely used in English to express general truths or common experiences in a memorable way. Understanding this expression helps you interpret comments about communication, media, art, and presentations. Given Data / Assumptions: - Idiom: A picture paints a thousand words. - Four alternative explanations are provided. - One option must capture the idiomatic meaning, not just a literal interpretation. Concept / Approach: The saying A picture paints a thousand words means that a single image can communicate complex ideas, emotions, and information more quickly and effectively than a long verbal or written description. It does not claim that description is impossible or that only painters can express feelings. Instead, it emphasises the powerful impact of visual representation. Therefore, the correct option will refer to conveying meaning or essence more effectively than words alone. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Think about situations where a photograph, diagram, or painting instantly makes something clear without a long explanation. Step 2: Read option A: An image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does. This matches the central idea of the idiom. Step 3: Check option B: It is impossible to describe a beautiful sight. This is too extreme; the idiom does not say impossible, only that images can be more effective. Step 4: Option C focuses on a painter versus a writer, but the idiom is about images in general, not about one profession being better. Step 5: Option D is about a beautiful poem creating a mental picture, which is a different point about poetry, not visual images themselves. Step 6: Thus, option A is the correct explanation. Verification / Alternative check: Consider the use of diagrams in textbooks. A complex process is often understood much faster through a single labelled diagram than through pages of text. This is exactly what the idiom expresses. If we try to force option B, C, or D into these situations, they do not fully match the observed effect of visuals aiding understanding quickly and powerfully. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B exaggerates by claiming that description is impossible, which is not what the idiom implies. Option C tries to turn the proverb into a comparison between professions, which is never mentioned in the original saying. Option D shifts the focus to poetry and internal mental pictures rather than the direct power of an actual image or illustration, so it misses the core idea of the idiom. Common Pitfalls: Some students are attracted to options that mention beauty or creativity, thinking that the idiom must relate to art in that narrow sense. However, the saying is used in many practical contexts, such as data visualisation, presentations, and advertising. Always look for the option that captures the broader communication principle rather than a narrower or more emotional interpretation. Final Answer: An image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does is the correct explanation of the idiom A picture paints a thousand words.

Question 8

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: “The government allocated Rs 1,000 Cr for __________________ of historical monuments.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This cloze test question evaluates your understanding of vocabulary and collocations related to heritage and public spending. The sentence describes a government allocating a large sum of money for work on historical monuments. You must choose the noun that correctly fits both the grammatical structure and the real-world context of work done on such monuments. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: The government allocated Rs 1,000 Cr for __________________ of historical monuments. - Options: resurrection, revival, resumption, restoration. - The context is government funding and heritage structures. Concept / Approach: The most common collocation in this context is restoration of historical monuments, which means repairing and preserving them to their original or previous state. Resurrection literally means bringing the dead back to life and is mainly used in religious or metaphorical contexts. Revival means bringing back popularity or activity, often of traditions, arts, or businesses rather than physical structures. Resumption means starting something again after a pause. Therefore, restoration is the only term that naturally fits both the meaning and the collocation with historical monuments. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of work that is normally done on historical buildings and monuments: cleaning, repair, conservation, and renovation. Step 2: Recall typical phrases like restoration of temples, restoration of forts, and restoration of heritage structures. Step 3: Check option D, restoration, which means returning something to its former condition. Step 4: Examine option A, resurrection, which usually refers to bringing a dead person to life and is not used for buildings in formal administrative language. Step 5: Consider option B, revival, which is more suitable for traditions, festivals, or art forms. Step 6: Evaluate option C, resumption, which refers to restarting an activity, not physically repairing structures. Step 7: Conclude that restoration is the correct choice. Verification / Alternative check: Read the full sentence with each option. The government allocated Rs 1,000 Cr for restoration of historical monuments sounds natural and mirrors headlines in newspapers about heritage conservation. The government allocated Rs 1,000 Cr for resurrection of historical monuments sounds odd and inappropriately dramatic. Revival of historical monuments is possible metaphorically, but less precise than restoration, and resumption of historical monuments is clearly incorrect because monuments are not activities that can be resumed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Resurrection is a religious term and would be an exaggeration when talking about maintenance of stone structures. Revival might refer to bringing more visitors or interest back, but the sentence specifically implies spending money on the physical monuments themselves. Resumption is used for actions such as resumption of work, resumption of talks, or resumption of services and does not collocate with monuments. Thus, these three options do not match the natural wording in this context. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes focus only on the prefix re and assume that all such words are interchangeable whenever something is improved or brought back. In reality, each word has specific usage. Learning collocations such as restoration of monuments, revival of traditions, and resumption of services helps you choose more accurately in cloze questions and improves your own writing style. Final Answer: restoration is the correct word to complete the sentence.

Question 9

In the following sentence, identify the part that contains a grammatical or usage error, or select “No error”: “He says that (A) he has done engineering (B) besides an MBA. (C) No error (D)”

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This error spotting question examines your understanding of natural, idiomatic English phrases used to describe educational qualifications. The sentence attempts to say that the person is an engineering graduate as well as having an MBA. However, one part uses an unnatural expression that does not match standard English usage, and your task is to identify which segment contains this problem. Given Data / Assumptions: - Part A: He says that - Part B: he has done engineering - Part C: besides an MBA. - Part D: No error - Intended meaning: he has studied engineering as well as completing an MBA. Concept / Approach: In natural English, we usually describe this background by saying He is an engineering graduate, He has a degree in engineering, or He has done his engineering. The phrase has done engineering without an article or possessive pronoun sounds incomplete and non idiomatic. Therefore, the error lies in Part B. Parts A and C are structurally sound for the intended meaning, and there is no major issue with the conjunction besides in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the full sentence: He says that he has done engineering besides an MBA. Step 2: Focus on has done engineering and ask whether this is how education is usually described in English. Step 3: Recall more natural versions: has done his engineering, has a degree in engineering, or has studied engineering. Step 4: Recognise that the problem is in Part B, where the noun engineering is used without a determiner or complement. Step 5: Confirm that Part A, He says that, correctly introduces reported speech. Step 6: Check that Part C, besides an MBA, correctly indicates an additional qualification. Step 7: Therefore, Part B is where the error lies. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite the sentence in a corrected form: He says that he has done his engineering besides an MBA, or He says that he is an engineering graduate besides having an MBA. Both corrected versions sound natural. Since the only change required is within Part B, this confirms that B is the part that contains the error. No structural changes are needed in Parts A and C to convey the intended meaning. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Part A is a straightforward reporting clause and is grammatically correct. Part C, besides an MBA, properly shows that the MBA is an additional qualification. Part D, No error, is wrong because we have clearly identified unnatural usage in Part B. Therefore, options A, C, and D cannot be chosen as the error location for this question. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes overlook subtle collocation errors like has done engineering because they focus only on tense and subject verb agreement. A useful strategy is to ask yourself whether the phrase sounds like something you have read in newspapers or heard in formal speech. If it sounds translated from another language or unnatural, it may be the incorrect part. Building familiarity with common ways of describing qualifications will help you in similar questions. Final Answer: B is the part of the sentence that contains the error.

Question 10

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition to complete the idiomatic expression: “Put your own house _______ order before preaching others.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question tests your knowledge of a well known English idiom: put your own house in order. The expression is used to advise someone to correct their own faults or problems before criticising others. The challenge here is to choose the correct preposition that completes the fixed phrase and preserves its idiomatic meaning. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence: Put your own house _______ order before preaching others. - Options: within, into, in, to. - The idiom is widely used in spoken and written English. Concept / Approach: The correct form of the idiom is to put one's house in order. Here, house does not literally refer to a building, but to one's personal affairs, behaviour, or organisation. The preposition in is always used with order in this expression. Other prepositions like within, into, or to either change the meaning or do not fit the fixed idiom. Therefore, the correct answer is in. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the complete idiom from common usage: put your house in order. Step 2: Insert each option in the blank and test: Put your own house in order sounds familiar and correct. Step 3: Try within: Put your own house within order is ungrammatical and not an idiom. Step 4: Try into: Put your own house into order is understandable but not the fixed idiomatic expression. Step 5: Try to: Put your own house to order is not used in standard English. Step 6: Conclude that in is the only correct choice that completes the idiom. Verification / Alternative check: Consider similar phrases like bring something in order, set things in order, or keep your room in order. In each case, the preposition in is used with order to indicate an organised or correct state. The idiom put your house in order follows the same pattern. This consistency strengthens the conclusion that only in is appropriate here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Within indicates inside the boundaries of something and does not typically form a phrase with order in this way. Into is used to indicate movement from outside to inside, which is not the point of the idiom. To is used in phrases like to order food or to put something to use, but not with house and order in this context. Because the question specifically targets a set idiom, any deviation from the standard form is incorrect. Common Pitfalls: Some learners overthink idioms and try to adjust prepositions according to literal meanings. However, idioms often follow fixed patterns that you must memorise, rather than derive logically. Reading good quality English and noting such phrases in context is an effective way to internalise them. When you encounter a familiar expression in a test, trust the version you have seen repeatedly rather than trying to invent a new variant. Final Answer: in is the correct preposition, giving the complete idiom put your own house in order.

Question 11

The sentence below is in direct speech: “Vinod said to me, ‘Has your brother returned from Dubai?’” Choose the option that best expresses the same sentence in indirect (reported) speech.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This question checks your ability to convert a yes or no type question from direct speech into indirect speech. The original sentence shows Vinod asking about the return of the speaker's brother from Dubai. When we change such sentences to reported speech, we must adjust the reporting verb, the word order, and the tense where appropriate, while keeping the meaning unchanged. Given Data / Assumptions: - Direct speech: Vinod said to me, “Has your brother returned from Dubai?” - Reporting clause: Vinod said to me. - Question type: yes or no question introduced by an auxiliary verb has. - Time of reporting is in the past. Concept / Approach: To change a direct yes or no question into indirect speech, we usually: change said to to asked, introduce the reported clause with if or whether, change the verb structure from question order to statement order, and backshift the tense if needed. Here, has returned becomes had returned in reported speech because the reporting verb is in the past. The possessive your brother becomes my brother from the speaker's point of view. Therefore, the correct reported form is Vinod asked me if my brother had returned from Dubai. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Replace said to with an appropriate reporting verb for a question, usually asked. Step 2: Introduce the reported clause with if or whether, commonly if in conversation. Step 3: Change the question word order Has your brother returned into statement order your brother has returned. Step 4: Backshift the verb has returned to had returned because the reporting verb is in past tense. Step 5: Change your to my from the reporter's perspective. Step 6: Combine: Vinod asked me if my brother had returned from Dubai. Step 7: Match this with option B. Verification / Alternative check: Check each part carefully. The reporting verb asked correctly indicates a question. The connector if is suitable for a yes or no question. The clause my brother had returned from Dubai is in correct statement order and tense. The sentence as a whole is smooth and standard. This confirms that option B accurately represents the original direct speech in reported form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A, Vinod said to me if my brother has returned from Dubai, fails to use asked and does not change the present perfect has returned to past perfect, which is required in reported speech. Option C, Vinod enquire to me, is grammatically incorrect because inquire or enquire should be used with asked or without to in this format. Option D, Vinod asks me whether my brother had returned from Dubai, incorrectly keeps the reporting verb in present tense while the reported action is clearly in the past, creating an inconsistent timeline for a standard exam question. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes forget to backshift the tense or forget to change pronouns like your to my. Another common mistake is to leave the word order in question form inside the reported clause. Always remember that after if or whether in indirect speech, the clause should follow normal statement order: subject first, then verb. Practising several examples of reported questions will make this transformation much easier. Final Answer: Vinod asked me if my brother had returned from Dubai. is the correct indirect speech version.

Question 12

Select the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word “pejorative”, which describes a word or remark that expresses disapproval or belittles someone.

Accepted Answer

Introduction: This vocabulary question asks you to identify the antonym of pejorative. The word pejorative is often used in linguistics and everyday speech to describe terms or comments that are negative, disrespectful, or belittling. To find the opposite, you must select a word that describes language or remarks that express approval or praise instead of disapproval. Given Data / Assumptions: - Target word: pejorative. - Options: rude, complimentary, derisive, cheeky. - Pejorative words carry negative or insulting connotations. Concept / Approach: Pejorative refers to expressions that devalue, insult, or diminish someone or something. An antonym must therefore describe language that is respectful, positive, or praising. Complimentary fits this requirement, because it refers to words or behaviour that express admiration or approval. The other options all carry negative or informal critical meanings and therefore cannot be antonyms. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall a simple definition: a pejorative term is an insulting or disapproving term. Step 2: Consider the natural opposite: a word that expresses approval or praise. Step 3: Check option B, complimentary, which describes remarks that compliment, praise, or flatter someone. Step 4: Examine option A, rude, which is itself negative and could be similar to pejorative, not opposite. Step 5: Option C, derisive, means mocking or expressing contempt, which is again similar to pejorative. Step 6: Option D, cheeky, describes slightly rude or disrespectful behaviour in an amusing way, also negative rather than positive. Step 7: Conclude that complimentary is the only true antonym. Verification / Alternative check: Use both words in contrasting sentences. A pejorative term for the group was considered offensive versus The speaker used complimentary language to thank the volunteers. The first sentence clearly describes disapproval, while the second describes praise. This contrast confirms that complimentary lies on the opposite side of the meaning scale from pejorative. Using rude, derisive, or cheeky in the second sentence would not create an opposite meaning, but rather another negative tone. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rude describes behaviour or speech that lacks politeness or respect, which can be pejorative itself. Derisive means expressing contempt or ridicule and is almost a synonym for pejorative rather than an antonym. Cheeky describes impudent or mildly disrespectful behaviour, often in a playful way, but still not positive or praising. None of these options provide the sense of approval or admiration that is needed for an antonym of pejorative. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may mistakenly choose a word that is simply different from pejorative, rather than strictly opposite in meaning. Others may confuse complimentary with complementary, which has a different meaning related to completing or matching. Paying close attention to spelling and to the positive or negative tone of each option helps avoid such errors. In antonym questions, always ask yourself whether the chosen word would be used in a clearly opposite context. Final Answer: complimentary is the correct antonym of pejorative.

Question 13

Select the synonym (word closest in meaning) of “transient”, which describes something that lasts only for a short time.

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Introduction: This synonym question focuses on the adjective transient. The word transient is commonly used to describe situations, events, or feelings that are temporary and do not last long. Understanding such nuanced vocabulary is important for accurately interpreting passages in literature, science, and social sciences. Given Data / Assumptions: - Target word: transient. - Options: lacerate, ephemeral, perpetual, enduring. - The correct option must express the idea of short duration. Concept / Approach: Transient means lasting only for a short time or not permanent. A close synonym is ephemeral, which also means short-lived, especially in the sense of passing quickly or existing only briefly. The other options actually move toward the opposite meaning: perpetual and enduring describe things that continue for a long time, and lacerate refers to tearing or cutting the skin or emotions. Therefore, ephemeral is the only option that matches the required sense. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the basic meaning of transient: temporary, not lasting long. Step 2: Examine ephemeral, which is used in phrases like ephemeral beauty or ephemeral success, meaning short-lived. Step 3: Consider perpetual, which means continuing forever or for a long time without interruption. Step 4: Consider enduring, which means lasting over a long period or able to continue despite difficulties. Step 5: Recognise that lacerate means to tear or deeply cut, which is unrelated to duration. Step 6: Conclude that ephemeral is the correct synonym of transient. Verification / Alternative check: Use both words in similar sentences: The city experienced a transient population of tourists during the festival and The city experienced an ephemeral population of tourists during the festival. Both convey the idea of a short-term presence. If we use perpetual or enduring, the meaning becomes opposite, suggesting a continuous or long-term situation, which conflicts with transient. Lacerate does not fit into this context at all, confirming that it is unrelated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lacerate is about physical or emotional injury and has no connection to time or duration. Perpetual suggests never-ending or extremely long-lasting, the direct opposite of short-lived. Enduring similarly indicates long duration or resilience. Since the question is specifically about a word meaning short-lived, these three options cannot serve as correct synonyms. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse words that describe emotional pain, like lacerate, with those that describe temporary phases, due to emotional associations. Others may choose perpetual or enduring because they know these are strong adjectives, but they ignore the requirement for similarity in meaning. For synonym questions, always focus on the core dictionary definition rather than emotional impressions or the strength of the word. Final Answer: ephemeral is the synonym that best matches the meaning of transient.

Question 14

Select the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word “avid”, which describes someone who is very enthusiastic or keen.

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Introduction: This question tests your ability to identify the antonym of the adjective avid. The word avid is used to describe a person who is extremely eager, keen, or enthusiastic about something, such as an avid reader or an avid sports fan. To find the antonym, you must locate the option that suggests a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Given Data / Assumptions: - Target word: avid. - Options: apathetic, desirous, devoted, fanatical. - Avid has a strongly positive, energetic meaning of eagerness. Concept / Approach: Avid describes intense interest and enthusiasm. Apathetic, on the other hand, describes a person who shows little or no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. These two words lie on opposite ends of an enthusiasm scale. Desirous, devoted, and fanatical all describe various degrees of strong interest or commitment, and therefore move in the same direction as avid rather than the opposite. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that an avid reader is someone who reads eagerly and frequently. Step 2: Think of what the opposite would be: a person who does not care much about something and shows little interest. Step 3: Examine apathetic, which means lacking interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Step 4: Check desirous, which means wanting something strongly, so it is close to eager. Step 5: Consider devoted, which suggests strong loyalty or dedication. Step 6: Look at fanatical, which means excessively enthusiastic, even more intense than avid. Step 7: Conclude that apathetic is the only word that is opposite in meaning to avid. Verification / Alternative check: Use the words in contrast: She is an avid environmentalist versus She is apathetic about environmental issues. The first sentence shows strong commitment, while the second shows lack of concern, clearly opposite attitudes. Replacing avid with desirous, devoted, or fanatical changes the degree or focus of enthusiasm but does not reverse it, confirming that they are not antonyms. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Desirous conveys strong desire and therefore matches the sense of eagerness rather than opposing it. Devoted describes loyalty and commitment, which often accompany avid interest. Fanatical suggests extreme enthusiasm or obsession, going even beyond avid in intensity. None of these options express disinterest or lack of enthusiasm, which are essential for an antonym of avid. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may pick fanatical thinking that its extremeness makes it the opposite of ordinary enthusiasm. However, the question is not about moderation versus excess, but about presence versus absence of interest. When answering antonym questions, always ask whether the chosen word would be used for a person who genuinely does not care, if the original describes someone who cares a lot. In this case, only apathetic satisfies that test. Final Answer: apathetic is the correct antonym of avid.

Question 15

In the passage about the preacher and young people, choose the correct word to complete the blank: “The preacher challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a ___________ Polish meadow to reject being passive and instead engage …

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Introduction: This cloze passage question checks your sensitivity to style and collocation in English descriptive writing. The sentence describes a large open space in Poland where many young people have gathered to listen to a preacher. Several adjectives are offered that all convey largeness, but only one combines naturally and vividly with the noun meadow in formal written English. Given Data / Assumptions: - Sentence fragment: who gathered in a ___________ Polish meadow. - Options: huge, sprawling, very big, gigantic. - The context is a descriptive, perhaps journalistic or literary passage about a large outdoor gathering. Concept / Approach: Although all four options suggest largeness, natural English writing often prefers particular adjectives with specific nouns. The phrase sprawling meadow is a common collocation and creates a clear image of a wide, extensive area spreading out in different directions. Huge and gigantic are simple size adjectives but do not provide the same sense of spread or expanse. Very big is informal and not stylistically strong enough for a descriptive passage. Therefore, sprawling is the best choice for a polished, descriptive sentence. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Insert each option into the blank and read the sentence: huge Polish meadow, sprawling Polish meadow, very big Polish meadow, gigantic Polish meadow. Step 2: Notice that sprawling Polish meadow sounds natural and vivid, suggesting a wide, open area where thousands can gather. Step 3: Huge and gigantic only tell you that the meadow is large, without indicating shape or spread. Step 4: Very big is conversational and relatively weak, not suitable for a well written passage. Step 5: Consider standard collocations from literature and journalism, where sprawling is frequently used with city, campus, or meadow. Step 6: Conclude that sprawling is the most appropriate choice. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine a news report: Hundreds of thousands of young people gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to hear the preacher speak. This sounds like a sentence you might actually read in an article. By contrast, very big Polish meadow sounds childish and unrefined, while gigantic Polish meadow may feel slightly exaggerated and less idiomatic. Huge Polish meadow is not wrong grammatically, but it has less descriptive power than sprawling and is not the preferred exam-key collocation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Huge and gigantic are both acceptable size adjectives, but they are relatively plain and lack the nuance of spread that sprawling provides. Very big is informal and redundant, using an adverb very plus a simple adjective big, which exam passages tend to avoid. Because cloze test questions are designed to test awareness of style and natural phrasing, these three options are less suitable than sprawling, which combines size and vivid imagery. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates look only at basic dictionary meanings and assume that any word meaning very large will work. However, cloze passages often require you to recognise which word sounds most natural in context. To improve in this area, pay attention to how nouns and adjectives frequently pair in the texts you read. Phrases like sprawling city, sprawling campus, and sprawling meadow are good examples to remember for future questions. Final Answer: sprawling is the correct word to complete the phrase a sprawling Polish meadow.

Question 16

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 from the four alternatives. The preacher challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a …

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Introduction / Context: This passage based question checks your understanding of modern English idioms that describe lifestyle and behaviour. The preacher is talking about a young person who hides from real life by spending time only with video games and computer screens, and he warns the audience not to become such a person. The blank is inside quotation marks, so it clearly calls for a fixed idiomatic expression rather than a simple descriptive word. Given Data / Assumptions: The person described retreats into video games and computer screens. The preacher wants young people to engage in social activism and politics instead of being passive. The blank is written in quotes "____________", so it must be a recognised expression. The options are couch potato, lazy tomato, loafer, spectator. Concept / Approach: In English, there is a very common idiom for someone who spends long hours sitting on a sofa watching television or using screens with almost no physical activity. That idiom is couch potato. To solve the question, you should recall which expression native speakers really use in media articles and speeches to criticise a passive, screen obsessed lifestyle and then match that idiom with the options given. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Focus on the phrase "who retreats into video games and computer screens". This points to someone who lives a sedentary, screen centred life. Step 2: Recall that the idiom couch potato means a person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, usually watching television or using screens, and doing very little physical activity. Step 3: Test the phrase "couch potato" in the sentence. "Reject being a couch potato who retreats into video games and computer screens" sounds completely natural. Step 4: Check "lazy tomato". This is not a standard idiom. It sounds made up for the exam and would not appear in serious writing about a pope. Step 5: Check "loafer". This word means an idle person, but it is not the well known expression used for a screen addict sitting on a couch. Step 6: Check "spectator". This means an onlooker at an event and is too general. It does not carry the idea of laziness on a sofa and does not fit the quoted phrase. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by thinking of news articles or conversations where people criticise unhealthy lifestyles. They often say that modern entertainment has turned many youngsters into couch potatoes. None of the other options appear as established idioms in similar serious contexts. This supports couch potato as the only correct answer here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: lazy tomato: Not a recognised idiom in English and would not be used in quotation marks in a formal passage. loafer: The meaning is close to lazy person, but it is not the typical image of someone glued to screens on a sofa and is not an exact idiomatic match. spectator: Refers to someone who watches an event such as a match. It has no special link to video games or televisions as a lifestyle. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on the idea of laziness and choose loafer. However, exam setters often test very specific idioms that match a cultural stereotype. Another pitfall is to think that any funny sounding phrase in quotes can work, but real idioms follow actual usage patterns. Paying attention to context and remembering which expressions are actually used in media will help you avoid such traps. Final Answer: The correct idiomatic expression for the blank is couch potato.

Question 17

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 from the four alternatives. The preacher challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a _…

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Introduction / Context: This question comes from a passage that describes how the pope spoke to a large gathering of young people. The sentence focuses on his speaking style and the way he mixed certain types of expressions into his address. The blank is part of the phrase "__________ his speech with", so we must choose the verb that naturally collocates with "speech" and the idea of adding many small elements into it. Given Data / Assumptions: The pope is addressing young people in an open meadow. The writer wants to describe how he added certain words or phrases to his speech. The pattern is "__________ his speech with __________". The options are Showering, Endowing, Glorifying, Peppering. Concept / Approach: In English, we often use the expression "to pepper a speech with" something, meaning to scatter many small references, jokes or remarks throughout the speech. This matches the image of inserting contemporary expressions or jokes here and there. The correct approach is to check which verb is actually used with "speech" in this pattern and which one maintains the meaning of adding many little elements inside a longer talk. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the structure "__________ his speech with". The missing word must be a verb in the present participle form ending in ing. Step 2: Consider the meaning. The pope is likely using modern phrases or informal expressions to connect with youngsters. These expressions are scattered through the speech. Step 3: Recall that "peppering his speech with contemporary lingo" is a standard journalistic phrase meaning he sprinkled modern expressions through his talk. Step 4: Examine "Showering his speech with". We usually shower people with praise or gifts, not a speech with something. Step 5: Examine "Endowing his speech with". To endow usually means to provide something valuable in a more permanent way, and it is not common in this structure. Step 6: Examine "Glorifying his speech with". This is not idiomatic. One glorifies a person or action, not a speech, in this way. Step 7: Conclude that "Peppering his speech with" is the only natural and well known phrase. Verification / Alternative check: You can check your understanding by thinking of similar expressions such as "peppered his conversation with jokes" or "the article is peppered with statistics". These examples confirm that peppered with is the normal collocation for adding small scattered items throughout something. No such common collocation exists for the other verbs given in the options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Showering: We say "showered her with gifts" or "showered them with praise", not "showered his speech with". The object is usually a person, not the speech. Endowing: Endow is used for long term features or funds such as "endow a chair", and it does not fit the idea of scattering small elements in a speech. Glorifying: One glorifies a person, a war, or a deed, not a speech in the sense of mixing casual expressions into it. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on the positive meaning of the verb and ignore usage patterns. "Showering" and "endowing" sound impressive, so some candidates mark them without thinking about whether they are ever used with "speech" in this grammatical form. Always check how verbs behave with common objects and prepositions, because competitive exams frequently test collocations like this. Final Answer: The correct verb to complete the phrase is Peppering.

Question 18

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 from the four alternatives. The preacher challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a _…

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Introduction / Context: This question continues the same passage about the pope addressing a huge crowd of young people. The writer wants to highlight the way in which he connected to them through his choice of words. The blank summarises the style he used, so we need an expression that fits both the idea of modern language and the tone of a serious news style report. Given Data / Assumptions: The pope is speaking to young people and wishes to engage them. Earlier in the passage, his speech is said to be "peppered" with something. The blank describes what he used in his speech to reach the audience. The options are contemporary lingo, modern linguistics, fashionable jargon, common slang. Concept / Approach: The key is to distinguish between technical terms and informal expressions. Lingo is an informal word that refers to the particular language or vocabulary of a group, often young people. Contemporary lingo therefore means the modern expressions and phrases that young people commonly use. Journals often write that a leader "peppered his speech with contemporary lingo" when he uses trendy words to sound closer to youth. That is exactly the idea in this passage. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the context of a religious leader trying to reach young listeners in a meadow and keep them engaged on a warm summer night. Step 2: The writer suggests he adapted his language to the times, so the missing phrase must refer to modern expressions. Step 3: "Contemporary lingo" directly means up to date language, especially the informal vocabulary of young people, and fits smoothly into "peppering his speech with contemporary lingo". Step 4: "Modern linguistics" is the scientific study of language. A speech is not peppered with an academic discipline, so this does not fit. Step 5: "Fashionable jargon" refers to technical words of a profession used in a showy way, which is not what the pope would typically use in an address to a general crowd. Step 6: "Common slang" emphasises very informal or even rude expressions and would sound disrespectful in a formal news passage about a pope. Verification / Alternative check: The full sentence "peppering his speech with contemporary lingo" is a recognised journalistic phrase that you might have seen in articles describing public figures attempting to sound modern. Reading it aloud shows how natural it sounds compared to the other choices, which either sound academic or casual in the wrong way. This reading test is a useful way to verify collocations in English. Why Other Options Are Wrong: modern linguistics: Names a field of study, not the vocabulary itself, so the sense is wrong. fashionable jargon: Suggests technical words used by a profession and therefore narrows the meaning too much. common slang: Slang carries a tone of rough informality and would not match the respectful description of a papal address. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes ignore tone and context. In competitive exams, you must see not only the dictionary meaning but also whether a phrase would realistically be used in a news story about a religious leader. Remember that the test of a good option is whether it sounds like a real sentence you might read in a quality newspaper. Contemporary lingo passes that test perfectly here. Final Answer: The correct expression is contemporary lingo.

Question 19

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the option which best expresses the meaning of the English idiom or phrase "tie the knot".

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Introduction / Context: The expression "tie the knot" is a very common English idiom that appears in newspapers, conversations, and competitive exams. This question checks whether you can recognise the figurative meaning of the idiom, which is quite different from its literal words. Understanding such idioms is essential for scoring well in English sections of exams and for following real-life English usage in media and literature. Given Data / Assumptions: The idiom given is "tie the knot". We must choose the option that best expresses its meaning in everyday English. The options suggest different types of actions: creating problems, making serious decisions, signing a deal, or getting married. The context is general English vocabulary, not a technical domain. Concept / Approach: Idioms are fixed expressions whose overall meaning cannot always be guessed from the individual words. Literally, "tie the knot" might make you think about fastening a rope, but the idiomatic meaning is associated with marriage. Many cultures use the symbolic idea of tying a knot or joining two things together to represent marriage. In English, "tie the knot" specifically means to get married. The approach is to recall this established idiomatic meaning rather than interpreting the words literally. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Read the idiom "tie the knot" and recognise that it is a common phrase used in talk about relationships. Step 2: Think of sentences where you have seen it: "The couple finally decided to tie the knot next summer." Step 3: Replace the idiom with each option and see which one fits: "The couple finally decided to put themselves into a problem" clearly sounds wrong and negative. Step 4: Try "make fateful decision": although marriage can be a big decision, native speakers do not use "tie the knot" with this meaning in a general sense. Step 5: Try "sign the deal": this fits a business context, not the usual context of a wedding. Step 6: Try "get married": "The couple decided to get married next summer" matches exactly how "tie the knot" is used. Step 7: Conclude that the idiom "tie the knot" means "to get married". Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the meaning by checking any standard learner's dictionary. They define "tie the knot" as to get married, usually in an informal or conversational style. You will also notice it used in entertainment news headlines when celebrities marry: "Famous actor ties the knot in a private ceremony." This confirms that the exam expects "to get married" as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: To put yourself into a problem: This is negative and suggests trouble, which is not what the idiom itself means, even though marriages can have difficulties. To make fateful decision: Marriage may be a serious decision, but the idiom is not used for all serious decisions, only specifically for marriage. To sign the deal: Refers to business agreements or contracts, and does not capture the emotional and social meaning of a wedding. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to overthink idioms and connect them to any situation that feels serious or binding. Students might feel that "make fateful decision" also involves a kind of tying, but English idioms are not that flexible. "Tie the knot" has a fixed established meaning: to get married. Always rely on memory of authentic usage, not loose associations, especially in exam conditions. Final Answer: The idiom "tie the knot" means to get married.

Question 20

Select the synonym of the word "carnal" from the following alternatives that best matches its meaning in standard English usage.

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Introduction / Context: Vocabulary questions like this test your ability to understand precise shades of meaning. The word "carnal" often appears in literature, religious writing, and moral discussions. Knowing its meaning helps you understand descriptions about human desires and behaviour. Here you must choose the synonym, that is, the word closest in meaning to "carnal". Given Data / Assumptions: Target word: "carnal". We need a synonym, not an antonym. Options given: chaste, sensual, decent, spiritual. The context is general English vocabulary and reading comprehension. Concept / Approach: The word "carnal" is derived from the Latin "caro" meaning flesh. In English it relates to bodily or fleshly desires, especially sexual or sensual appetites, as opposed to spiritual or intellectual interests. So the synonym must carry the idea of physical, especially sensual, urges. Our approach is to recall this connection to the "flesh" and then match it with the option that also refers to bodily or sexual pleasure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the core meaning of "carnal" = relating to the physical body and especially to sexual or sensual desires. Step 2: Consider "chaste". Chaste means pure, modest, and avoiding sexual activity. This is actually opposite in sense to carnal; it suggests control over such desires. Step 3: Consider "sensual". Sensual describes something related to pleasure of the senses or bodily pleasure, often with a sexual hint. This clearly overlaps with the meaning of carnal. Step 4: Consider "decent". Decent means respectable or proper according to social standards. It does not directly relate to bodily or sexual desires. Step 5: Consider "spiritual". Spiritual is the opposite field: related to the spirit, soul, or religion, not the flesh. Step 6: Conclude that "sensual" is the only option that matches the meaning of "carnal". Verification / Alternative check: A good learner's dictionary will define "carnal" as "relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities rather than spiritual matters". Many examples show phrases like "carnal desires" or "carnal sins" referring to sensual behaviour. Similarly, "sensual pleasures" refer to pleasures of the senses, particularly sexual pleasure. This confirms that "sensual" is the correct synonym here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: chaste: Means sexually pure or abstaining from sexual relations. It is very close to an antonym of carnal rather than a synonym. decent: Refers to proper or socially acceptable behaviour; it does not specifically mention physical or sexual desire. spiritual: Directly contrasts with carnal by focusing on the soul, faith, or non-material values instead of bodily urges. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates mistakenly pick "spiritual" thinking of religious writings that mention both "carnal" and "spiritual". In those texts, carnal and spiritual are contrasted, so they are opposites, not synonyms. Others may be misled by "chaste", which appears often in moral contexts, but that word actually refers to purity, the opposite of indulgent bodily desire. Always focus on the core definition rather than the general moral tone. Final Answer: The synonym of "carnal" is sensual.

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