Question 1

Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains a grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) Reasonable ambition, if supported B) at persistent efforts, C) is likely …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks preposition choice with support. The idiomatic preposition after supported in this sense is by, not at, when indicating the means or agent that provides support. Given Data / Assumptions: Target collocation: supported by Current phrase: supported at persistent efforts Intended meaning: efforts provide the support Concept / Approach: In passive-like constructions, by commonly introduces the agent or the means. Therefore, supported by persistent efforts is the correct phrasing. Using at mis-specifies the relationship and sounds non-idiomatic. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the head verb supported and its expected preposition.Step 2: Replace the incorrect preposition at with by.Step 3: Confirm that the noun phrase persistent efforts naturally follows by.Corrected fragment: supported by persistent efforts, Verification / Alternative check: Parallel examples: sustained by hard work; powered by solar energy. The by-phrase introduces the source or agent of support. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) Conditional modifier is grammatical. C) Predicate is acceptable and agrees with the singular subject ambition. D) Object noun phrase the desired results is idiomatic. Common Pitfalls: Prepositions are often confused due to first-language influence. Memorize core collocations such as dependent on, interested in, and supported by. Final Answer: Option B contains the error. Use by instead of at.

Question 2

Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains a grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) Their only demand B) for additional wages were C) considered sympathetica…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks subject–verb agreement across intervening prepositional phrases. The head noun demand is singular; the prepositional phrase for additional wages does not change the subject number. Given Data / Assumptions: Subject head: demand (singular) Intervening phrase: for additional wages Verb given: were (plural) Concept / Approach: Agreement must be with the head noun, not with a nearby plural noun inside a prepositional phrase. Therefore, the verb should be was, not were. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Strip modifiers: Their only demand ... were considered.Step 2: Identify head noun number: demand is singular.Step 3: Match the verb accordingly: use was for singular subject.Corrected fragment: for additional wages was Verification / Alternative check: Paraphrase: The only demand was considered sympathetically. This reads naturally and confirms singular agreement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) Determiner phrase correctly identifies a single demand. C) Adverb sympathetically is correctly placed. D) Prepositional phrase by the progressive management correctly indicates the agent in passive voice. Common Pitfalls: Writers may be distracted by the plural noun wages and mistakenly choose a plural verb. Always align the verb with the true subject. Final Answer: Option B contains the error. Replace were with was.

Question 3

Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains a grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) They have been B) struggling with the management C) from the past five ye…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests correct preposition with duration expressions. With a duration expressed as the past five years, English uses for, not from. From marks a starting point and typically pairs with to or until, while for marks duration. Given Data / Assumptions: Aspect: present perfect progressive have been struggling Duration phrase as written: from the past five years Intended meaning: action has continued for a period of five years up to now Concept / Approach: Use for + period to indicate duration and since + point-in-time to indicate a starting point. The phrase from the past five years is unidiomatic in this construction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Decide if we express a period or a starting point.Step 2: Choose for with a period: for the past five years.Step 3: Keep the perfect progressive aspect to show continuity.Corrected fragment: for the past five years Verification / Alternative check: Alternative with since: since 2020 or since April 2020 would also work, because since introduces a point in time. But when we retain the wording the past five years, for is required. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) Auxiliary sequence They have been is correct. B) The prepositional phrase with the management is natural. D) The contrastive clause is grammatical. The pragmatic choice of are not considered may be stylistic but not grammatically wrong. Common Pitfalls: Learners may use from with duration because it appears in from X to Y frames. For a single duration noun phrase, prefer for, not from. Final Answer: Option C contains the error. Use for the past five years.

Question 4

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Your machine would not have B) given you so much trouble C) if you had D) maintained it proper. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In error-spotting questions for English grammar, the sentence is split into parts. Your task is to identify the part that violates standard usage. This item tests adverb vs. adjective choice after a verb like “maintain,” and the idiomatic collocation used to describe the manner of maintenance. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is a third conditional: “would not have … if you had …” Segment D reads “maintained it proper.” Standard English prefers an adverb “properly” after a verb to modify the action. Concept / Approach: Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. After an action verb like “maintained,” the word describing the manner of maintaining must be an adverb. Therefore, “properly” is required, not “proper.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the tense frame. The auxiliary “would not have” with “if you had” signals a counterfactual past (third conditional).Step 2: Check each segment for grammar. A: correct modal perfect phrase. B: direct object phrase, idiomatic. C: correct past perfect clause opener. D: verb “maintained” followed by “proper.”Step 3: Decide adjective or adverb. “Maintained” is a verb; the manner should be an adverb “properly.”Step 4: Propose correction: “if you had maintained it properly.” Verification / Alternative check: Substitute a synonymous adverb such as “correctly” to confirm the pattern: “maintained it correctly” fits; hence “properly” is the right form. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Grammatically fine for a conditional result. B: Natural collocation “so much trouble.” C: Correct past perfect trigger in third conditional. E: Not applicable because D contains an error. Common Pitfalls: Confusing adjective/adverb forms (proper vs. properly) and overlooking collocations after verbs. Learners sometimes accept “maintained it proper” due to colloquial influence, but it is non-standard in formal English. Final Answer: D) maintained it proper.

Question 5

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Our system of assigning B) different jobs to different people C) should be based on D) their strengths and weaknesses. E) …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence tests parallel structure and correct prepositional phrasing with “based on,” as well as agreement between a complex noun phrase and its complement. Given Data / Assumptions: Head noun phrase: “Our system of assigning …” Prepositional complement: “based on their strengths and weaknesses.” No discordant tense or number markers appear. Concept / Approach: “System of assigning” takes a prepositional complement beginning with “based on.” The phrase “their strengths and weaknesses” is a balanced, plural compound matching “different jobs to different people.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check subject and complement: “system … should be based on …” is idiomatic.Step 2: Verify parallelism: “strengths and weaknesses” is a natural pair.Step 3: Ensure prepositional choice: “based on” is standard usage. Verification / Alternative check: Replace with a synonymous structure: “should rely on their strengths and weaknesses.” The meaning remains coherent, confirming correctness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, C, D each read naturally without grammar errors in standard English. E is correct because the sentence contains no error. Common Pitfalls: Some learners suspect “based on” as a dangling modifier. Here, it clearly links to “system,” so there is no dangling issue. Likewise, “their” refers back to “different people.” Final Answer: E) No error

Question 6

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Even though it was B) raining bad I C) went out to D) get some medicines. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks adverb vs. adjective usage after weather-related verbs and punctuation/pausing within a clause introduced by a concessive marker “Even though.” Given Data / Assumptions: Segment B uses “raining bad I.” “Raining” is a verb-like usage; manner adverb should follow. A comma is normally expected after the subordinate clause. Concept / Approach: “Rain” when used progressively as a verb takes an adverb of manner like “heavily” or “badly,” not the adjective “bad.” Also, after a lengthy dependent clause beginning with “Even though it was …,” a comma is typically placed before the main clause. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the dependent clause: “Even though it was raining …”Step 2: Replace “bad” with an adverb like “heavily” or “badly.”Step 3: Insert a comma after the dependent clause: “Even though it was raining heavily, I …”Step 4: The rest of the sentence is acceptable: “went out to get some medicines.” Verification / Alternative check: Try “Even though it was raining badly, I went out …” The meaning and grammar improve, confirming Segment B as erroneous. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Correct concessive opener. C: Grammatically fine verb phrase. D: Acceptable object phrase. E: Not applicable because B contains an error. Common Pitfalls: Learners often use adjectives where adverbs are needed, especially with weather verbs. Also, missing a comma after an introductory dependent clause is common, but the principal tested error here is the adverb choice in B. Final Answer: B) raining bad I

Question 7

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) The new facts he B) has discovered and the new C) arguments he has advanced D) has not changed my opinion. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question examines subject–verb agreement across a compound subject joined by “and.” The error lies in choosing the correct auxiliary form “have/has” to match a plural subject. Given Data / Assumptions: Compound subject: “the new facts … and the new arguments …” Predicate verb phrase uses “has not changed.” Plural subject requires plural auxiliary “have.” Concept / Approach: With coordinated nouns linked by “and,” the subject is plural, so the verb must also be plural. Therefore, “have not changed” is correct, not “has not changed.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the head subject elements: “facts” and “arguments.”Step 2: Determine number: Two plural nouns linked by “and” produce a plural subject.Step 3: Adjust verb to match: use “have not changed.”Step 4: Corrected clause: “have not changed my opinion.” Verification / Alternative check: Replace the subject with a singular to test: “The new set of facts and arguments has …” In the original, no collective “set” exists; the head is plural, confirming “have.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, C: Each segment is grammatically well-formed. E: Not applicable because D contains the error. Common Pitfalls: Writers are misled by the proximity of a singular auxiliary in relative clauses or by the distance between subject and main verb. Always return to the true grammatical subject before choosing verb number. Final Answer: D) has not changed my opinion.

Question 8

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Immediately after boarding the bus, B) Mahesh asked the conductor. C) that if he knew D) where the museum was, E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence tests reported speech structure and conjunction choice after reporting verbs such as “ask.” The clash “that if” is ungrammatical in standard English in this context. Given Data / Assumptions: Reporting clause: “Mahesh asked the conductor …” Embedded question about knowledge: “if he knew where the museum was.” Presence of “that if” indicates redundant complementizers. Concept / Approach: After “ask,” use “if” or “whether” for yes/no indirect questions, not “that.” The sequence should be “asked … if he knew where …” A full stop after “conductor” is also stylistically awkward mid-sentence, but the principal grammatical error tested is the “that if” combination in Segment C. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the reporting frame: “asked.”Step 2: Choose correct subordinator: use “if/whether,” not “that if.”Step 3: Form the indirect question: “if he knew where the museum was.”Step 4: Optional punctuation fix: remove the period in B to avoid sentence break. Verification / Alternative check: Try “Mahesh asked the conductor whether he knew where the museum was.” The clause is now smooth and grammatical. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Proper introductory adverbial phrase with comma. B: The period is stylistically off but the grammatical core error targeted is in C; typical tests expect exactly one grammatical error. D: “where the museum was” is well-formed for backshifted reported speech. E: Not applicable since C has an error. Common Pitfalls: Stacking complementizers like “that if” is a common learner error. Remember: after “ask,” select “if” or “whether” alone for yes/no content questions. Final Answer: C) that if he knew

Question 9

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Twenty-five kilometres B) from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack C) are D) a long distance. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks subject–verb agreement for distances, sums, and periods of time. In English, a distance expressed as a single measure typically takes a singular verb when viewed as a unit. Given Data / Assumptions: Subject phrase: “Twenty-five kilometres from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack.” Predicate verb: “are.” Predicate complement: “a long distance.” Concept / Approach: Amounts taken as a unit (time, money, distance) generally agree with a singular verb: “Twenty-five kilometres is …,” “Ten years is …,” “Five hundred rupees is …” when treated as a single measure. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognize the unit-of-measure subject.Step 2: Apply singular agreement: use “is.”Step 3: Correct clause: “Twenty-five kilometres … is a long distance.” Verification / Alternative check: Replace with singular noun “distance”: “This distance is long.” The predicate remains singular, confirming “is.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Correct numeral-noun phrase for distance. B: Locative prepositional phrase adds information, not agreement. D: Noun phrase complement is appropriate. E: Not applicable because C is erroneous. Common Pitfalls: Learners are distracted by the plural-looking “kilometres.” Treat the measure as a unit; use a singular verb in formal English when emphasizing the total amount as one entity. Final Answer: C) are

Question 10

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) He loosened his temper B) whenever he knows C) things do not take place D) as per his planning. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The item examines idiomatic usage and tense consistency in habitual vs. past narratives. The phrase “loosened his temper” is non-idiomatic; standard English uses “lost his temper.” Given Data / Assumptions: Segment A: “He loosened his temper.” Segment B: Present tense “knows” mixed with past “loosened.” Segments C and D are structurally acceptable though D is slightly formal. Concept / Approach: Idioms must be used as established: the fixed expression is “lose one’s temper.” Additionally, maintain consistent tense. If the sentence describes a habitual reaction, simple present is preferable: “He loses his temper whenever he knows …” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Replace the nonstandard phrase with the idiom “lost his temper” (past narrative) or “loses his temper” (habitual).Step 2: Align tenses. If habitual, change “loosened” to “loses.”Step 3: Optional stylistic tweak: replace “as per his planning” with “according to his plans.” Verification / Alternative check: Test the idiom in standard corpora or by substitution: “He lost his temper …” is widely attested; “loosened his temper” is not. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: Tense mismatch exists, but the primary error targeted is the idiom in A in typical single-error questions. C: Grammatically acceptable clause. D: Formal but grammatical; not the key error. E: Not applicable since A has an error. Common Pitfalls: Inventing near-idioms like “loosened his temper” leads to awkwardness. Also, mixing past and present tenses in a habitual statement confuses time reference. Correct both when revising. Final Answer: A) He loosened his temper

Question 11

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) He was very disappointed B) when he found C) that someone else D) had secured higher marks. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks tense sequencing in reported content and idiomatic use of “disappointed.” The sentence narrates a past event with a prior action embedded via past perfect. Given Data / Assumptions: Main clause: “He was very disappointed.” Time of realization: “when he found …” Earlier action: “someone else had secured higher marks.” Concept / Approach: Past perfect (“had secured”) is used for an action completed before another past moment (“found”). The pattern “was disappointed when he found that …” is idiomatic and standard. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the time points: disappointment (past), finding (past), securing marks (prior to finding).Step 2: Verify form: past perfect for the earlier action is correct.Step 3: Confirm natural collocation: “secured higher marks” is standard in academic results contexts. Verification / Alternative check: Change the embedded verb to simple past: “someone else secured higher marks.” The meaning remains, but past perfect neatly shows prior completion; both can be acceptable, so the given is certainly not erroneous. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A–D: Each part is grammatical and idiomatic. E: Correct because the sentence contains no error. Common Pitfalls: Over-correcting to remove past perfect even when it clarifies sequence. Keep it when you want to foreground an action preceding another past point. Final Answer: E) No error

Question 12

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) In a very harsh tone, B) he shouted at his servants C) and told them that D) he does not need their services. E) No error

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This sentence tests sequence of tenses in reported speech. The reporting verb “told” is in the past, so the backshifted content typically follows suit unless expressing a timeless truth. Given Data / Assumptions: Reporting frame: “he shouted … and told them that …” Embedded clause uses present: “he does not need …” No timeless truth is being stated; it is a situational fact. Concept / Approach: When the reporting verb is past, the embedded clause usually shifts to past: “did not need.” The present “does not need” clashes with the narrative past unless deliberately indicating ongoing current relevance, which is not signaled here. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify tense of reporting verb: past (“told”).Step 2: Backshift the reported content: “he did not need their services.”Step 3: Keep the rest of the structure unchanged. Verification / Alternative check: Try the fully backshifted version: “and told them that he did not need their services.” The narrative reads smoothly and consistently in past time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A, B, C: Each part is grammatical and sets the reporting context. E: Not applicable because D contains an error. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to backshift tense after a past reporting verb. Keep exceptions for universal truths or still-true facts, but mark them clearly; otherwise, backshift is preferred. Final Answer: D) he does not need their services.

Question 13

English Grammar — Spot the error (choose the incorrect part; select 'No error' if the sentence is correct). Sentence parts: A) Honesty, integrity and being intelligent B) are the qualities which C) we look for when D) we interview applicants. E) No …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests parallelism in coordinated lists. The items joined by commas should share the same grammatical form for clarity and correctness. Given Data / Assumptions: First two items are nouns: “honesty,” “integrity.” Third item is a gerund phrase: “being intelligent.” Predicate: “are the qualities which we look for …” Concept / Approach: To maintain parallel structure, all coordinated items should match in form. Replace “being intelligent” with the noun “intelligence” to align with “honesty” and “integrity.” Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify forms: noun, noun, gerund phrase.Step 2: Convert the third to a noun: “intelligence.”Step 3: Revised subject: “Honesty, integrity, and intelligence are the qualities …” Verification / Alternative check: Read aloud with the change: “Honesty, integrity, and intelligence are …” The rhythm and grammar are improved; the list is parallel. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B–D: These segments are grammatically fine. E: Not applicable because A contains an error. Common Pitfalls: Mixing forms in lists (noun + noun + gerund) is a frequent issue. Aim for consistent parts of speech to preserve clarity and style. Final Answer: A) Honesty, integrity and being intelligent

Question 14

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Conditional Perfect) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error in the sentence below. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: They could have helped him had they approached by him for help…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In this error-spotting question, we are checking the correct use of conditional perfect constructions and active/passive voice in formal written English. The focus is on how past unreal conditions are expressed and how the auxiliary sequence should be formed when a passive meaning is intended. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence is: "They could have helped him had they approached by him for help well in advance." We must find which underlined part (A–D) contains the error; option E means no error. Register is standard formal English. Concept / Approach: The structure "could have + past participle" expresses past ability/opportunity not realized. The clause starting with "had" is the inverted form of "if + past perfect," e.g., "Had he approached them..." For a passive meaning with "approach," the correct passive perfect requires "been approached": "had they been approached by him." Without "been," the phrase is ungrammatical. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the conditional pattern: "They could have helped him had ..." indicates a past unreal/remote condition.2) Check the verb form after "had": It should be past perfect (active) or past perfect passive.3) The fragment "had they approached by him" lacks the auxiliary "been" required for passive perfect.4) Correct passive: "had they been approached by him..." (or better active alternative: "had he approached them...").5) Therefore, the error lies in part C. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite actively: "They could have helped him had he approached them well in advance." This is idiomatic and grammatical. If you prefer passive, include "been": "had they been approached by him." Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: "They could have" correctly starts a conditional perfect result clause.B: "helped him" is a correct past participle phrase complementing "could have."D: "for help well in advance" is acceptable as an adverbial phrase of time and purpose.E: "No error." is incorrect because part C has a form error. Common Pitfalls: Students often omit "been" in passive perfect forms after "had." Another pitfall is mixing active and passive participants (e.g., "they approached by him") which yields a broken structure. Also watch the inversion "Had + subject + past participle" as a substitute for "If + subject + had + past participle." Final Answer: had they approached by him

Question 15

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Correlative Conjunctions) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error in the sentence below. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: So longer as you are honest and forthright I will support…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests knowledge of fixed phrases and correlative conjunctions. The idiomatic expression is "so long as" meaning "provided that." Any alteration of its internal form (e.g., "longer") is incorrect. Given Data / Assumptions: Target sentence: "So longer as you are honest and forthright I will support you in this task." We must pick the erroneous fragment among A–D; E means there is no error. Formal, standard English conventions apply. Concept / Approach: The collocation is fixed: "so long as" = "as long as" = "provided that." The comparative form "longer" is not part of the set phrase and renders the clause ungrammatical or non-idiomatic. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the phrase in A: "So longer as".2) Compare with the correct idiom: "so long as".3) Recognize that "longer" incorrectly modifies the set phrase.4) The rest of the sentence is semantically and grammatically acceptable.5) Therefore, part A contains the error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewrite correctly: "So long as you are honest and forthright, I will support you in this task." Adding a comma before the independent clause improves readability. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: "you are honest" is a valid predicate within the conditional clause.C: "and forthright I will" is acceptable; ideally a comma after "forthright" can be added for clarity.D: "support you in this task." is correct and idiomatic.E: "No error." is wrong because A is erroneous. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes replace parts of fixed expressions ("so long as") with comparative/superlative forms, assuming normal adjective rules apply. Fixed phrases must be memorized and used unchanged. Final Answer: So longer as

Question 16

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Prepositions / Introductory Phrases) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: On his attitude it seems that what he wants is that the decision-mak…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The question examines appropriate prepositional choices and idiomatic introductory phrases used to express inference. English prefers "From his attitude," "Judging by his attitude," or "Going by his attitude" rather than "On his attitude." Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence under review: "On his attitude it seems that what he wants is that the decision-making power should rest with him." Task: Identify the erroneous fragment among A–D. Register: Standard written English. Concept / Approach: When drawing conclusions based on evidence, English uses prepositions like "from" or participial openers like "judging by." The preposition "on" here is unidiomatic and incorrect. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Examine the opener "On his attitude".2) Replace with idiomatic alternatives: "From his attitude," "Judging by his attitude," or "Going by his attitude".3) Confirm remaining clause is coherent and grammatical.4) Conclude part A is the error. Verification / Alternative check: Recast: "From his attitude, it seems that he wants the decision-making power to rest with him." This is idiomatic and clear. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: Correctly introduces the matrix clause of appearance ("it seems that ...").C: Noun phrase "the decision-making power" is fine.D: Modal "should rest" is acceptable and natural in formal English.E: Not applicable because A is erroneous. Common Pitfalls: Translating directly from other languages can lead to incorrect prepositions ("on" vs "from"). Always check idiomatic English usage for inferential openers. Final Answer: On his attitude

Question 17

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Tense Consistency) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: Foolishly Madhu threw some water on the electric heater when it catches fire and she g…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks tense consistency in narrative past contexts. When the main verbs are in the past, all time-linked events should also be in the past unless a habitual or timeless action is intended. Given Data / Assumptions: Main clause: "Madhu threw ... and she got ..." Subordinate clause in C currently: "when it catches fire" All actions refer to a specific past incident. Concept / Approach: Use past simple for completed events in a past narrative. Present simple "catches" is incorrect for a specific past event; it should be "caught." Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the time frame: past narrative ("threw", "got").2) Align the temporal clause: change "catches" to "caught".3) Optional: improve safety phrasing, but grammar focus is tense match.4) Therefore, part C contains the error. Verification / Alternative check: Corrected: "Foolishly, Madhu threw some water on the electric heater when it caught fire, and she got a shock." Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Past verb "threw" is correct; a comma after "Foolishly" is stylistic.B: Prepositional phrase is fine.D: "got a shock" correctly narrates a past result.E: Incorrect because C is wrong. Common Pitfalls: Mixing narrative tenses undermines clarity. Maintain consistent past forms unless stating general truths or habitual actions. Final Answer: when it catches fire

Question 18

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Prepositions with 'suffer') Identify the part that contains a grammatical error. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: Though he suffered of fever, he attended office and completed all the pending…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem evaluates correct prepositional usage after verbs. With "suffer," standard collocations are "suffer from + illness" and "suffer + injury" (without a preposition). Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "Though he suffered of fever, he attended office and completed all the pending work by sitting late." Target: Identify the erroneous fragment. Concept / Approach: In idiomatic English, we say "suffered from fever," not "suffered of fever." The preposition "of" is incorrect in this collocation. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Locate verb + preposition pairing: "suffered of".2) Replace with "suffered from."3) The remaining clauses are grammatically acceptable though "attended office" could be improved to "attended the office" or "went to the office."4) Conclude part A is erroneous. Verification / Alternative check: Corrected: "Though he suffered from fever, he went to the office and completed all the pending work by staying late." Why Other Options Are Wrong: B: Acceptable in many exam registers; article usage may vary regionally.C: Grammatically fine as the start of a compound predicate.D: "by sitting late" is idiomatic regionally; "by working late" might be stylistically better.E: Not applicable; A contains the error. Common Pitfalls: Confusing "suffer from" with "suffer of" due to literal translations. Always learn verb–preposition collocations. Final Answer: Though he suffered of fever,

Question 19

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Collocations: vary / one another) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: All individuals are different so their tastes vary from one another.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item checks idiomatic collocations with "vary" and the correct completion of the phrase. While "differ from one another" is common, with "vary" the natural phrasing is "vary from person to person" or "vary from one person to another." Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "All individuals are different so their tastes vary from one another." We select the fragment that makes the sentence non-idiomatic. Concept / Approach: The verb "vary" commonly takes complements like "from person to person" or "widely/considerably," whereas "one another" typically follows "differ from one another." Thus, the completion "vary from one another" is not idiomatic. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the collocation around "vary from ...".2) Recognize that the complement should be "person to person" or "one person to another."3) Therefore the fragment "one another" is the problematic part.4) A corrected version: "All individuals are different, so their tastes vary from person to person." Verification / Alternative check: Substitute "differ" to test: "tastes differ from one another" reads better, confirming that "vary" is mismatched with "one another" in this construction. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Grammatically fine subject and copula.B: Coordination is acceptable; a comma before "so" is optional stylistically.C: "tastes vary from" is fine until the complement appears.E: Not correct, since D is the problem. Common Pitfalls: Overgeneralizing "one another" after any comparative verb leads to awkwardness. Match collocations precisely: "differ from one another" vs "vary from person to person." Final Answer: one another.

Question 20

English Grammar — Error Spotting (Articles / Redundancy) Identify the part that contains a grammatical error. If there is no error, choose 'No error'.  Full sentence: The future is yet to come but you have a a lot from us in future.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question targets article usage and redundancy. English avoids duplicated articles and requires "the" before "future" in temporal references like "in the future." Given Data / Assumptions: Sentence: "The future is yet to come but you have a a lot from us in future." Task: Identify the erroneous fragment A–D. Concept / Approach: Two issues appear in D: (1) redundant article "a a"; (2) idiomatic requirement "in the future," not "in future" in standard formal English (although "in future" exists in some varieties, the exam standard prefers "in the future"). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Spot duplicated article: "a a".2) Correct temporal phrase: "in the future".3) A possible full correction: "…but you have a lot to learn from us in the future."4) Therefore, part D contains the error. Verification / Alternative check: Rewritten: "The future is yet to come, but you have a lot to learn from us in the future." This reads naturally and formally. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A: Fine as a subject phrase.B: Acceptable idiom meaning something has not happened yet.C: "but you have a" anticipates a noun phrase and is okay before correction in D.E: Not valid because D has errors. Common Pitfalls: Accidental duplication of articles in fast drafting is common. Also note variety differences: some dialects permit "in future"; standardized tests often expect "in the future." Final Answer: a lot from us in future.

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