Correct Answer: (C) conform

Explanation: The sentence already contains the preposition “to”, so the correct expression is “conform to the rules”, which means to act according to or obey the rules.

Exam Tip: These verb–preposition combinations are frequently tested:

• Conform to rules/standards
• Abide by rules (not abide to)
• Comply with rules/orders (not comply to)
• Concur with someone/an opinion = agree with

Correct Answer: (A) although

Explanation: Although is a conjunction used to express contrast between two clauses. The sentence means that the speaker wants to go to the park despite the bad weather.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these:

• Although + clause → Although it was raining…
• In spite of + noun/gerund → In spite of the rain… / In spite of raining… (not in spite of the weather is bad)
• As = because/since or while (doesn’t fit the contrast here)
• When indicates time, not contrast

Correct Answer: (C) compliment

Explanation: Compliment means an expression of praise, admiration, or respect. The sentence implies that the book is a tribute or mark of appreciation for her teacher.

Example: His speech was a compliment to his mentor’s lifelong contribution.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested words:

• Compliment = praise or admiration
• Complement = something that completes or enhances something else
• Supplement = something added to complete or improve
• Debt = money owed or an obligation to repay

Correct Answer: (C) can

Explanation: The modal “can” is used to express ability or capability.

Exam Tip: Common uses of modal auxiliaries:

• Can = Ability, permission
• Should = Advice, duty
• Must = Strong obligation or necessity
• May/Might = Possibility or permission

Correct Answer: (A) Could

Explanation: Could is commonly used to make a polite request.

Exam Tip: Common modals for requests:

• Could = Polite request
• Can = Informal request or permission
• Would = Very polite request
• Should = Advice
• Must = Strong obligation

Correct Answer: (B) though

Correct Answer: (B) filial

Explanation: Filial means relating to or befitting a son or daughter. Therefore, filial duty refers to the duty or respect that children owe to their parents.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested words:

• Filial = Relating to children and their duty towards parents
• Parental = Relating to parents
• Fraternal = Relating to brothers or brotherhood
• Ancestral = Relating to ancestors or forefathers

Correct Answer: (A) once

Explanation: Once is used as a conjunction meaning as soon as or after. It indicates that one action will happen immediately after another is completed.

Exam Tip: Common conjunctions of time:

• Once = as soon as, after
• When = at the time that
• Before = earlier than
• After = following the completion of an action

Correct Answer: (C) not been; overseeing; giving; many

Explanation: The correct sentence is:

He has not been meticulous in overseeing the project, giving rise to many irregularities.

Why?

• Has not been → Correct present perfect tense.
• Overseeing → After the preposition “in”, a gerund (-ing form) is required.
• Giving rise to → A fixed expression meaning causing or leading to.
• Many irregularities → Irregularities is a countable plural noun, so many is correct (not much).

Correct Answer: (A) look into; more

Explanation: The correct sentence is:

We need to look into this matter more thoroughly.

• Look into = to investigate or examine carefully.
• More thoroughly is the correct comparative adverbial phrase, meaning with greater care or detail.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested phrasal verbs:

• Look into = investigate
• Look up = search for information
• Look for = try to find
• Look in = make a brief visit

Correct Answer: (B) counsel

Explanation: Counsel means advice or guidance, especially wise or professional advice. The sentence expresses gratitude for a friend’s wise advice.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested words:

• Counsel = Advice; also means to advise.
• Council = A group or committee formed to make decisions (e.g., Municipal Council)
• Counsil and Cousel = Incorrect spellings.

Correct Answer: (D) pursue 

Explanation: Pursue means to continue, carry on, or devote oneself to a course of study, activity, or goal.

Exam Tip: Be careful with spelling. Pursue is the correct spelling. Also, don’t confuse:

• Pursue = Continue or strive to achieve something.
• Peruse = Read or examine carefully.

Correct Answer: (B) a stitch in time saves nine

Explanation: The proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” means solving a problem promptly prevents it from becoming much bigger or more difficult later. It fits the idea that one should not delay.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested proverbs:

• A stitch in time saves nine = Timely action prevents bigger problems
• Beggars can’t be choosers = People in need cannot be too selective.
• A bad workman blames his tools = Incompetent people blame external factors for their failures.
• All’s fair in love and war = Any strategy is acceptable in love or war.

Correct Answer: (B). number

Explanation: The correct expression is “in number”, which is used to indicate how many people or things there are.

Exam Tip: “In number” is a fixed expression commonly tested in competitive exams. Remember:

• In number = referring to the count of people or things
• In quantity = referring to the amount of an uncountable substance (e.g., produced in large quantity)

Correct Answer: (A). painting

Explanation: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. Since the question specifically asks for a gerund, painting is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Remember:

• Gerund = Verb + -ing used as a noun (painting, reading, swimming)
• After verbs like enjoy, avoid, finish, keep, suggest, only a gerund is used.
• After like, love, hate, prefer, both a gerund (painting) and an infinitive (to paint) are grammatically possible. However, since the question specifically asks for a gerund, painting is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: (D) alighted

Explanation: Alight from means to get down from or leave a bus, train, or other vehicle.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested verb combinations:

• Alight from = get down from a bus, train, etc.
• Board = get on a bus, train, or plane
• Step out of = leave a vehicle
• Move = change position (does not fit this context)

Correct Answer: (B) was

Explanation: The subject of the sentence is “The ship”, which is singular. The phrase “with its crew” is only an additional phrase and does not affect the number of the subject. Therefore, the singular verb was is used.

Exam Tip: Words and phrases such as with, along with, together with, as well as, accompanied by do not change the number of the subject. The verb always agrees with the main subject.

Correct Answer: (A) was sitting

Explanation: The sentence describes an action that was in progress when another action happened in the past. Therefore, the Past Continuous Tense (was sitting) is used for the ongoing action, while the Simple Past Tense (threw) is used for the interrupting action.

Exam Tip: A common tense pattern is:

• Past Continuous + Simple Past → An ongoing past action interrupted by another past action.
  • While I was sleeping, the phone rang.
  • While they were playing, it started to rain.

Correct Answer: (B) five-hundred rupee

Explanation: When a number + noun functions as a compound adjective before another noun, it is hyphenated, and the noun remains singular.

Exam Tip: Remember the rule for compound adjectives:

• A five-hundred-rupee note
• A ten-year-old boy 
• A three-hour journey 

When the expression comes after the noun, use the normal plural form:

• The note is worth five hundred rupees.

Correct Answer: (B) it is snowing

Explanation: The sentence describes an action happening at the present moment (“It is nine o’clock in the morning”). Therefore, the Present Continuous Tense is required.

Exam Tip: Choose the tense according to the context:

• Present Continuous = action happening now (It is snowing.)
• Simple Present = habitual actions or universal truths (It snows every winter.)
• Simple Past = completed past action (It snowed yesterday.)
• There is snow describes the presence of snow, not the action of snowfall.

Correct Answer: (D) am afraid

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these expressions:

• I am afraid… = Used for bad news, regret, or concern
• I hope… = Used for something desirable or positive
• I think… = Expresses an opinion, but is less appropriate for conveying distressing news
• I see… = Means “I understand,” not a prediction

Correct Answer: (B) took

Explanation: The time expression “last night” refers to a completed action in the past, so the Simple Past Tense is required.

Exam Tip: Time expressions like yesterday, last night, last week, ago, in 2020 usually take the Simple Past Tense.

• Simple Past → I took dinner last night.
• Present Perfect → Not used with a specific past time (have taken last night )
• Past Perfect → Used only when referring to an action completed before another past action.

Correct Answer: (A) would

Explanation: The main clause “I was sure” is in the past tense, so the future action is expressed using would, which is the future in the past.

Exam Tip: When the reporting verb is in the past tense, will usually changes to would in reported speech or when expressing future from a past point of view.

• I know I will succeed. (Present perspective)
• I knew I would succeed. (Past perspective)

Correct Answer: (D) cry

Explanation: The sentence states a general truth or habitual action, so the Simple Present Tense is used. The subject “Babies” is plural, so the base form cry is correct.

Exam Tip: Use the Simple Present Tense for:

• General truths
• Habits
• Universal facts

Also remember:

• Singular subject → He cries.
• Plural subject → They cry. 

Correct Answer: (C) Daughters-in-law

Explanation: The plural of daughter-in-law is daughters-in-law. In compound nouns, the main noun is usually made plural, not the last word.

Exam Tip: Common compound noun plurals:

• Daughter-in-law → Daughters-in-law
• Mother-in-law → Mothers-in-law
• Passer-by → Passers-by
• Commander-in-chief → Commanders-in-chief

Correct Answer: (B) late

Explanation: Late is an adverb meaning after the expected or usual time. It correctly modifies the verb reach.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these words:

• Late = after the expected time
• Later = after a particular time (See you later.)
• Latest = the most recent or newest
• Lately = recently (I haven’t seen him lately.)

Correct Answer: (D) hardest

Explanation: The blank requires a superlative adjective to describe the noun “problem.” Hardest means the most difficult and correctly modifies the noun.

Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these commonly tested words:

• Hard = difficult (adjective) / with great effort (adverb)
• Hardly = scarcely or almost not (adverb). Not the adverb of “hard”
• Harder = comparative form
• Hardest = superlative form

Correct Answer: (A) Slow

Explanation: A clock or watch that loses time is said to be slow. Therefore, “My watch is five minutes slow.” is the correct and idiomatic expression. Late is used for people or events, not for timekeeping devices.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused usages:

• Slow watch/clock = Loses time
• Fast watch/clock = Gains time
• Late = Not on time (used for people/events)
• Lately = Recently (an adverb of time)

Correct Answer: (C) As far as

Explanation: As far as is the correct conjunctional phrase indicating the limit or extent to which someone moved. Thus, “He advanced as far as he could” means he moved to the maximum possible distance.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested conjunctions:

• As far as = To the extent or limit
• Until = Up to a particular time
• While = During the time that / whereas
• As…as = Used for comparisons (e.g., as tall as, as fast as)

Correct Answer: (A) Have met

Explanation: Present Perfect Tense (have met) is used to express a past experience without specifying the exact time. The sentence means the speaker is certain that they have had the experience of meeting him at some point in the past.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested tense rules:

• Use Present Perfect (have/has + V³) for past experiences when no definite time is mentioned.
• Use Simple Past when a specific past time is given (e.g., yesterday, last year).
• Use Past Perfect only for an action completed before another past action.
• Words like before, ever, never, already, yet commonly occur with the Present Perfect.

Correct Answer: (A) Have known

Explanation: Present Perfect Tense is used with expressions of duration such as for a long time, for two years, since 2020, etc., when the action or state began in the past and continues to the present. Therefore, “I have known him for a long time.” is correct.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested tense rules:

• Use Present Perfect (have/has + V³) with for and since to show duration up to the present.
• For is used with a period of time (for two years, for a long time).
• Since is used with a point of time (since 2020, since Monday).
• Stative verbs like know, believe, own, like, love are generally not used in continuous tenses.

Correct Answer: (A) Were

Explanation: Jury is a collective noun. When the members of the group are acting individually or have different opinions, it takes a plural verb. Since the sentence says “divided in their opinion,” the correct verb is were.

Exam Tip: Remember these rules for collective nouns:

• Use a singular verb when the group acts as a single unit.
  Example: The jury was unanimous.
• Use a plural verb when the members act individually or disagree.
  Example: The jury were divided in their opinions.
• Common collective nouns: jury, committee, team, audience, family, staff, government.
• Watch for clues like their, different opinions, disagree, divided, which usually require a plural verb.

Correct Answer: (B) Sometime

Explanation: Sometime (one word) means at an unspecified time in the future or past. Therefore, “Let’s meet sometime next week.” is the correct expression.

Exam Tip: Remember the difference:

• Sometime = At an unspecified time (Let’s meet sometime tomorrow.)
• Some time = A period of time (It took some time to finish.)
• Sometimes = Occasionally (I sometimes go for a walk.)
• Some times = Several times (rarely used; e.g., Some times he succeeded, some times he failed.)

Correct Answer: (C) Had

Explanation: The correct correlative conjunction is “No sooner had + subject + past participle + than…”. Hence, the correct sentence is: “No sooner had the sun risen than the fog disappeared.”

Exam Tip: Remember these common correlative structures:

• No sooner had + subject + V³ + than…
  • No sooner had he arrived than it started raining.
• Hardly/Scarcely had + subject + V³ + when…
  • Hardly had I reached home when the phone rang.
• Do not use did, was, or has in these inversion patterns.
• These structures indicate that one action happened immediately after another.

Correct Answer: (A) Latter

Explanation: Latter means the second or later part of something already mentioned. Hence, “the latter part of the show” is the correct and idiomatic expression.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Latter = The second of two / the later part (the latter half of the match)
• Later = After a particular time (See you later.)
• Late = Not on time (He came late.)
• Lately = Recently (I haven’t seen him lately.)

Correct Answer: (B) Notwithstanding

Explanation: Notwithstanding means despite or in spite of and is correctly used before a noun or noun phrase. Hence, “Notwithstanding his humiliation, he attended the function.” is grammatically correct. Option (A) is incorrect because the correct form is in spite of, not inspite.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused expressions:

• In spite of / Despite + noun/gerund ✓
• Notwithstanding + noun/gerund ✓
• Nevertheless = However; it is a conjunctive adverb, not a preposition.
• As of = From a particular date or time (As of today, the rule is effective.)

Correct Answer: (A) Will

Explanation: The phrase “in all probability” means most likely or almost certainly. Therefore, “will” is the most appropriate modal verb to express a strong likelihood: “In all probability, it will rain tonight.”

Exam Tip: Remember the degree of certainty expressed by modal verbs:

• Will → Strong probability / near certainty ✓
• May / Might → Possibility
• Can → Ability or general possibility
• Ought (to) → Moral duty or advisability

Correct Answer: (B) Excited

Explanation: Excited is a past participle used as a participial adjective modifying John. The sentence means: “Being excited about dinner, John ran the whole way home.”

Exam Tip: Recognize common participial phrases:

• Present participle (-ing): Walking down the road, he saw a friend.
• Past participle (-ed/V³): Excited by the news, she smiled.
• Having + V³: Indicates an action completed before another action (Having finished his work, he went home.) It does not fit this sentence.

Correct Answer: (A) Occasionally

Explanation: The sentence means that a rumbling sound in the sky happens from time to time. Occasionally (an adverb of frequency) correctly conveys this meaning: “Only occasionally is there a rumble in the sky.”

Exam Tip: After Only + adverb/adverbial phrase, English often uses subject–auxiliary inversion:

• Only occasionally does he visit us.
• Only then did I realize my mistake.
• Only after the meeting did she speak.

Correct Answer: (B) To err

Explanation: The correct answer is “To err”, from the famous proverb: “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” Here, “To err” is an infinitive functioning as the subject of the sentence.

Exam Tip: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to read, to write, to swim). It can function as:

• Subject: To err is human.
• Object: He likes to read.
• Complement: Her goal is to succeed.

Correct Answer: No correct option (The question appears to contain a printing error.)

Explanation: After the modal expression had better, the base form (V₁) of the verb is required. The grammatically correct sentence is “She had better enter the room.” None of the given options is in the correct form or fits the sentence. Option (A) entered is incorrect because had better is followed by the base verb (enter), not the past tense (entered).

Exam Tip: Remember these grammar rules:

• Had better + V₁ (e.g., had better go, had better study)
• Would rather + V₁
• Let + object + V₁
• Make/Help (causative verbs) + object + V₁ (in common usage)

Correct Answer: (A) latter

Explanation: Latter refers to the second of two persons or things. The sentence implies a comparison between two plans, so latter is the correct choice. Later relates to time, not position in a pair.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Latter = The second of two things
• Former = The first of two things
• Later = At a subsequent time
• Latest = The most recent or newest

Correct Answer: (A) multicoloured

Explanation: A rainbow is a multicoloured bow that appears in the sky due to the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of sunlight in water droplets. The other options do not appropriately describe a bow in the sky.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested collocations:

• Rainbow = A multicoloured bow in the sky
• Shooting star = A meteor seen streaking across the sky
• Melodious voice = A sweet and pleasant voice
• Staring eyes = Eyes looking fixedly at something

Correct Answer: (B) Whose

Explanation: Whose is the possessive relative pronoun used to show ownership. The correct sentence is: “The man whose briefcase was lost…”

Exam Tip: Remember the uses of relative pronouns:

• Who → Subject for persons (The man who called me…)
• Whom → Object for persons (The man whom I met…)
• Whose → Possession (The girl whose bag was stolen…)
• Which → Animals/things
• That → Persons or things (but not for showing possession)

Correct Answer: (A) Rolling

Explanation: Rolling is the present participle of the verb roll and is used with the auxiliary was to form the past continuous tense: “The car was rolling down the slope.”

Exam Tip: Distinguish participles:

• Present participle (V₁ + ing): rolling, running, singing — used in continuous tenses and as adjectives.
• Past participle (V₃): broken, lost, written — used in perfect/passive constructions.
• Having + V₃: Used to show one completed action before another (Having finished his work, he left.). It does not fit this sentence.

Correct Answer: (B) That, for

Explanation: The phrasal verb is ask for (to request). Hence the correct sentence is: “Here is the man that you asked for.” The relative pronoun that correctly refers to the man.

Exam Tip: Common verb–preposition combinations:

• Ask for → request
• Ask about → inquire about
• Look for → search for
• Listen to → pay attention to
• Depend on → rely on

Correct Answer: (D) Must

Explanation: Must expresses necessity or strong obligation. The sentence means that it is essential to catch the train immediately: “You must catch the train at once.”

Exam Tip: Remember the uses of modal verbs:

• Must → Necessity, obligation
• Can → Ability, permission
• Will → Future action or willingness
• Shall → Future (mainly with I/We in formal usage), offers, or suggestions

Correct Answer: (D) To begin

Explanation: The sentence follows the common expression: “It is easy to begin but hard to finish.” Here, to begin is an infinitive used after the adjective easy.

Exam Tip: After adjectives such as easy, difficult, hard, ready, eager, glad, happy, we commonly use the to-infinitive:

• It is easy to learn.
• She is eager to help.
• This problem is difficult to solve.

Correct Answer: (B) Although

Explanation: Although is a subordinating conjunction expressing contrast or concession. The sentence means: “Although he was late, he came home by nine.” Despite is incorrect because it must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause.

Exam Tip: Remember these contrast words:

• Although / Though / Even though + Clause
  • Although he was tired, he worked.
• Despite / In spite of + Noun / Pronoun / Gerund
  • Despite the rain, we played.
  • Despite being tired, he worked.

Correct Answer: (C) Shining

Explanation: Shining is the present participle used as an adjective to describe the noun jewel. The sentence means: “A shining jewel was in the locker.”

Exam Tip: A present participle (V₁ + ing) can function as an adjective:

• a shining star
• a running stream
• a smiling child
  Not every -ing form fits every noun; choose the one that gives a logical meaning.

Correct Answer: (B) Competent

Explanation: Competent means efficient, capable, and skillful. The sentence “Finish your task in a competent manner” is the most natural and grammatically appropriate.

Exam Tip: Common adjective + manner collocations:

• Competent manner → Skillful way
• Professional manner → Formal, work-appropriate way
• Polite manner → Courteous way
• Swift usually describes speed (swift action, swift response) and is less natural with manner.

Correct Answer: (B) Permitting

Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is “Weather permitting,” which means “if the weather is favourable.” Therefore, the sentence becomes: “Weather permitting, there will be a garden party.”

Exam Tip: Common absolute constructions frequently asked in exams:

• Weather permitting → If the weather allows
• God willing → If God wishes
• Time permitting → If time allows
• All things considered → Taking everything into account

Correct Answer: (A) Creaking

Explanation: Creaking is the present participle of creak and functions as an adjective describing the door. The sentence means: “The creaking door awakened the dog.”

Exam Tip: Present participles (V₁ + ing) often function as adjectives:

• creaking door
• boiling water
• smiling child
• glowing lamp

Correct Answer: (B) Would

Explanation: Would is used to describe a habitual action in the past. The sentence means that she used to sit for hours listening to the radio (wireless).

Exam Tip: Uses of would:

• Past habit: She would visit us every Sunday.
• Polite request: Would you help me?
• Conditional: I would go if I had time.

Correct Answer: (B) To reign

Explanation: The sentence is based on the well-known expression “To reign is worth ambition.” Here, to reign is an infinitive functioning as the subject of the sentence.

Exam Tip: An infinitive (to + base verb) can act as:

• Subject: To reign is worth ambition.
• Object: She wants to study.
• Complement: His dream is to become a doctor.

Correct Answer: (C) Which

Explanation: Which is used to refer to the entire preceding clause (He is here). The sentence means: “He is here, which is fortunate.” Here, which comments on the whole situation, not on the person.

Exam Tip: Relative pronouns:

• Who → Refers to a person (subject).
• Whom → Refers to a person (object).
• Whose → Shows possession.
• Which → Refers to things or an entire preceding clause.
• That → Used in restrictive clauses, but not after a comma to refer to the whole preceding statement.

Correct Answer: (D) Being smooth

Explanation: Being smooth is a participial (absolute) construction indicating the condition under which the action took place. The sentence means: “The sea being smooth, we went for a sail.” A smooth sea is suitable for sailing.

Exam Tip: Common absolute constructions in English:

• Weather permitting, we shall start.
• The work being over, we went home.
• The sea being smooth, we went for a sail.

Correct Answer: (A) As though

Explanation: As though means “as if” and is used to compare a situation with something imaginary or unreal. The correct sentence is: “He talked to his horse as though the horse could understand.”

Exam Tip: Common conjunctions of comparison:

• As if / As though → Express an unreal or imagined situation.
  • He behaves as if he knew everything.
  • She spoke as though she had seen the incident.

Correct Answer: (C) Nearest

Explanation: Nearest is the correct word because it refers to the shortest distance from the house. Although closest is often used interchangeably in everyday English, competitive exams generally prefer nearest for physical distance or location.

Exam Tip:

• Nearest → Shortest distance (e.g., nearest bus stop, nearest post office)
• Closest → Often used for emotional relationship or similarity, though also acceptable for distance in modern English
• Next → Immediately following in order or sequence
• Farthest → At the greatest distance (opposite of nearest)

Correct Answer: (A) farther

Explanation: Farther is used for physical distance, whereas further is generally used for additional extent, degree, or figurative distance. Since the sentence refers to walking a physical distance, farther is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Farther = Greater physical distance
• Further = Additional; to a greater extent (figurative)
• Far = At or to a great distance
• Farthest = Greatest physical distance among several options

Correct Answer: (B) Are

Explanation: The correct expression is “are to + verb”, which indicates an instruction, order, or arrangement. Hence, the sentence is: “Mother says you are to go to the market at once.”

Exam Tip: Uses of be + to + verb:

• Instruction/Order: You are to report at 9 a.m.
• Official arrangement: The Prime Minister is to visit Kolkata tomorrow.
• Planned event: The meeting is to begin at 10 a.m.

Correct Answer: (D) To find

Explanation: The correct sentence is “To find fault is easy.” Here, to find is an infinitive, and the infinitive phrase “To find fault” functions as the subject of the sentence.

Exam Tip: Infinitive phrases can function as:

• Subject: To find fault is easy.
• Object: He wants to succeed.
• Complement: Her ambition is to become a doctor.

Correct Answer: (D) Despite

Explanation: Despite is the correct preposition meaning “in spite of” and is directly followed by a noun or noun phrase. The correct sentence is: “Despite his illness, he attended the function.”

Exam Tip: Common usage:

• Despite + noun/pronoun/gerund → Despite the rain, we played.
• In spite of + noun/pronoun/gerund → In spite of his illness, he came.
• Inspite is incorrect; the correct form is in spite of (three words).

Correct Answer: (A) Fed

Explanation: Fed is the correct past participle of feed and means supplied or nourished. A stream can be fed by a waterfall, meaning it receives its water from the waterfall.

Exam Tip: Common collocations:

• Fed by → Supplied with (e.g., The river is fed by glaciers.)
• Fed up (with) → Tired or annoyed (idiom)
• Filled with → Completely occupied by something
• Fulled → An obsolete word, not used in modern English grammar.

Correct Answer: (B) Shooting

Explanation: Shooting star is the standard English expression for a meteor, which appears as a bright streak of light across the night sky. Hence, shooting is the correct participle.

Exam Tip: Common participial collocations:

• Shooting star → Meteor
• Rising sun → The sun at dawn
• Rolling stone → A stone moving downhill
• Flowing river → A river in motion

Correct Answer: (B) Swift

Explanation: Swift means quick or rapid. Therefore, “Do this in a short time, in a swift manner” is the correct expression.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Swift → Fast, rapid
• Brisk → Quick and energetic
• Prompt → Done without delay
• Former → Earlier or previous
• Unwise → Not sensible

Correct Answer: (A) Having arrived

Explanation: Having arrived is a perfect participle indicating that Mary’s arrival happened before the action in the main clause. The sentence means: “Mary having arrived, we were freed from anxiety.”

Exam Tip: Types of participles:

• Present participle: smiling, running
• Past participle: broken, written
• Perfect participle: having + past participle (having finished, having arrived) — used to show one action was completed before another.

Correct Answer: (B) Ask

Explanation: The correct expression is ask permission (or more commonly ask for permission). The phrase had better is followed by the base form of the verb, so ask is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Grammar points:

• Had better + base verb → You had better leave now.
• Common collocations:
  • Ask for permission
  • Seek permission
  • Grant permission
  • Obtain permission

Correct Answer: (C) That

Explanation: The correct sentence is “Who that saw her did not pity her?” Here, that is a relative pronoun introducing the clause “that saw her”, meaning everyone who saw her.

Exam Tip: Common relative pronouns:

• Who → Refers to persons.
• Whom → Object form of who.
• Which → Refers to things or animals.
• That → Refers to persons or things in restrictive clauses and is often used after who, all, every, none, etc.

Correct Answer: (B) Whose

Explanation: Whose is the correct relative pronoun of possession. It is used to show that the rays belong to the sun. The sentence reads: “The sun, whose rays give life…”

Exam Tip: Relative pronouns:

• Who → Refers to persons.
• Whom → Object form of who.
• Whose → Shows possession (used for people, animals, and things).
• Which → Refers to things.
• That → Used in restrictive clauses but generally not after a comma.

Correct Answer: (B) That, for

Explanation: The phrasal verb is ask for, meaning to request. Therefore, the correct sentence is: “Here is the watch that you asked for.” The relative pronoun that introduces the clause referring to the watch.

Exam Tip: Common patterns with ask:

• Ask for → Request something (ask for help, ask for a book)
• Ask someone → Put a question to a person (ask him a question)
• In relative clauses, that or which can refer to things, but that is commonly used in restrictive clauses like this.

Correct Answer: (A) overflowing

Explanation: Overflowing means flowing over the banks due to excess water. The intended meaning is that the river had risen above its banks. (The more natural expression is “The river was overflowing its banks.”)

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested collocations:

• Overflowing river = A river flowing beyond its banks
• Flooded roads = Roads covered with floodwater
• Heavy rainfall = Intense rain
• River bank = The land along the edge of a river

Correct Answer: (C) Rite

Explanation: Rite means a ceremony or religious/customary ritual. The sentence refers to the last rites, which are the final religious ceremonies performed for a deceased person.

Exam Tip: Commonly confused words:

• Rite → Religious ceremony or ritual
• Right → Correct; a legal or moral entitlement
• Write → To put words on paper
• Wright → A maker or builder (e.g., playwright, shipwright)

Correct Answer: (A) Elude

Explanation: Elude means to escape from or avoid someone skillfully, especially capture or detection. Thus, “He would always elude the police” means he repeatedly managed to escape them.

Exam Tip: Commonly confused words:

• Elude → Escape from, evade
• Allude → Refer to indirectly
• Delude → Deceive or mislead
• Illude → Not a standard English word (rare/obsolete; not used in competitive exams)

Correct Answer: (B) Cite

Explanation: Cite means to quote or refer to as an example or authority. Thus, “You should cite her case as a precedent” is the correct sentence.

Exam Tip: Commonly confused words:

• Cite → Quote or refer to as evidence
• Site → A place or location
• Sight → The ability to see; a view
• Side → A part or direction of something

Correct Answer: (D) Majestic

Explanation: Majestic means grand, magnificent, or impressive in appearance, making it the most suitable adjective to describe the Taj Mahal. The other options do not fit the context.

Exam Tip: Similar adjectives:

• Majestic → Grand, magnificent
• Magnanimous → Generous and noble-hearted
• Mighty → Powerful, strong
• Mediocre → Ordinary; not very good

Correct Answer: (A) Ill-bred

Explanation: Ill-bred means badly behaved or lacking good manners. Since the child was expelled because of his behaviour, this is the most appropriate choice.

Exam Tip: Similar words:

• Ill-bred → Badly mannered, uncivil
• Ill-advised → Unwise or imprudent
• Ill-treated → Treated badly or cruelly
• Illogical → Not based on sound reasoning

Correct Answer: (C) Lavishly

Explanation: Lavishly means richly, luxuriously, or elaborately. A banquet hall is typically decorated in a grand and elegant manner, making “lavishly decorated” the correct expression.

Exam Tip: Common adverbs:

• Lavishly → Richly, magnificently
• Simply → Plainly, without extravagance
• Poorly → In an unsatisfactory manner
• Slovenly → Untidy or careless (usually describes a person’s appearance or work, not decoration)

Correct Answer: (C) Accord

Explanation: The idiom “of one’s own accord” means voluntarily or without being forced or persuaded. Hence, “He came of his own accord” means he came willingly.

Exam Tip: Important idioms:

• Of one’s own accord → Voluntarily, willingly
• Of no avail → Useless
• At one’s wits’ end → Completely puzzled
• By and large → Generally, on the whole

Correct Answer: (C) Illuminated

Explanation: Illuminated means lighted up or provided with adequate lighting. Therefore, a street that is not properly illuminated is not properly lit.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Illuminate → Light up; brighten
• Illumined → Literary form of illuminated; less commonly used
• Enlighten → Give knowledge or understanding, not physical light
• Illumed → Archaic or poetic form of illuminated, rarely used in modern English or competitive exams

Correct Answer: (B) Nonchalant

Explanation: Nonchalant means calm, cool, and unconcerned; not easily excited or disturbed. Thus, “He is so nonchalant that nothing moves him” is the correct sentence.

Exam Tip: Commonly confused words:

• Nonchalant → Calm, unconcerned
• Non-committal → Avoiding giving a definite opinion or commitment
• Nondescript → Ordinary; lacking distinctive features
• Noncombatant → A person not engaged in fighting

Correct Answer: (A) Succulent

Explanation: Succulent means juicy, tender, and pleasant to eat, especially in the context of fruits or meat. Hence, “The fruit was juicy and succulent” is the correct expression.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Succulent = Juicy and tasty
• Succinct = Brief and clearly expressed
• Sufficient = Enough; adequate
• Subtle = Delicate, not obvious, or difficult to notice

Correct Answer: (A) Garnished

Explanation: Garnished means decorated or enhanced with herbs, vegetables, or other edible items to improve the appearance or flavor of a dish. Hence, garnished is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Garnish → Decorate food with herbs or other edible items
• Garland → Decorate with flowers or wreaths
• Gather → Collect together
• Garden → Cultivate plants in a garden

Correct Answer: (B) Imposing

Explanation: Imposing means grand, impressive, or magnificent in appearance. An imposing structure appears so large or majestic that it makes nearby buildings seem small.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Imposing → Grand; majestic; impressive
• Implacable → Impossible to appease; relentless
• Impossible → Not capable of being done
• Important → Significant or of great value, but not a suitable adjective for describing a structure’s appearance

Correct Answer: (D) Winsome

Explanation: Winsome means charming, attractive, or pleasing in appearance or manner. Therefore, “Her winsome ways captivated many young men” is the most appropriate sentence.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Winsome = Charming and attractive
• Wintry = Characteristic of winter; cold
• Weird = Strange or unusual
• Wearisome = Causing tiredness or boredom

Correct Answer: (C) Rummaged

Explanation: Rummage through means to search untidily or thoroughly in order to find something. Therefore, rummaged is the correct verb for searching cupboards.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Rummage (through) → Search thoroughly or untidily
• Rustle → Steal livestock or make a soft, crackling sound
• Rupture → Break or burst
• Run through → Pass through quickly; not suitable in this context

Correct Answer: (D) Yield

Explanation: Yield means the amount of crops or produce obtained from land. Therefore, the sentence means that the produce from the farmland was sufficient to support the family.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Yield → Produce; output; harvest
• Yoke → Wooden frame used to join animals for pulling
• Yeast → Microorganism used in baking and fermentation
• Yard → Unit of length or an enclosed outdoor area

Correct Answer: (A) Noxious

Explanation: Noxious means harmful, poisonous, or injurious to health. Since vehicle fumes are harmful to the environment and human health, noxious is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Noxious = Harmful or poisonous
• Nutritious = Rich in nutrients; good for health
• Nourishing = Providing nourishment
• Notorious = Famous for something bad

Correct Answer: (C) Food

Explanation: A gourmet is a person with a refined taste for fine food and cuisine. A gourmet appreciates the quality, preparation, and flavour of food.

Exam Tip: Similar words:

• Gourmet → Connoisseur of fine food
• Gourmand → Person who eats excessively or greedily
• Epicure → One who appreciates fine food and drink
• Gastronome → Expert in food and culinary arts

Correct Answer: (C) Instinct

Explanation: The idiom “follow one’s nose” means to rely on one’s instinct or intuition, or to proceed by natural judgment without detailed directions. Hence, instinct is the correct answer.

Exam Tip: Important idioms:

• Follow one’s nose → Act according to instinct or intuition
• Play by ear → Improvise; proceed without a fixed plan
• Trust one’s gut → Rely on intuition
• By instinct → Naturally, without conscious reasoning

Correct Answer: (C) Quietude

Explanation: Quietude means a state of peace, calmness, and tranquility. Since ascetics seek peaceful and serene surroundings for meditation and spiritual practices, quietude is the most appropriate word.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Quietude = A state of peace and tranquility
• Quietness = The condition of being quiet
• Silence = Complete absence of sound
• Soundlessness = Lack of any audible sound

Correct Answer: (C) Illuminated

Explanation: Illuminated means provided with light or well-lit. Therefore, a street that is not properly lit is said to be not properly illuminated. Enlightened refers to gaining knowledge or wisdom, not physical lighting.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Illuminate = To light up; make bright
• Illumine = To light up (literary usage)
• Enlighten = To impart knowledge or understanding
• Luminous = Giving off light; shining

Correct Answer: (D) Support

Explanation: A lame duck organization is one that is weak, ineffective, or unable to function properly without assistance. Therefore, it needs support.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested idioms and expressions:

• Lame duck = A weak or ineffective person/organization needing support
• White elephant = A costly but useless possession
• Dark horse = An unexpected winner
• Red tape = Excessive official formalities

Correct Answer: (D) To avoid

Explanation: As a verb, duck means to lower the head or body quickly to avoid being hit or seen, or more generally, to evade or avoid something. Hence, “to avoid” is the best answer.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested multiple-meaning words:

• Duck (noun) = A water bird
• Duck (verb) = To avoid or dodge
• Bear (noun/verb) = An animal / to tolerate or carry
• Watch (noun/verb) = A timepiece / to observe carefully

Correct Answer: (C) Celebrated

Explanation: Celebrated means observed or marked with festivities or special events. The sentence “Tagore’s birthday was celebrated with songs” is the natural and grammatically correct expression.

Exam Tip: Common verb collocations:

• Celebrate → A birthday, festival, anniversary, victory
• Observe → A holiday, silence, tradition
• Commemorate → An event or a person’s memory
• Enjoy → An experience or activity, not a birthday itself

Correct Answer: (D) Abandoned

Explanation: Abandoned means left someone behind permanently without intending to return or care for them. Although deserted is similar, abandoned is the more natural and appropriate verb in the context of a mother leaving her child.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Abandon = To leave someone or something permanently
• Desert = To leave a person or duty without permission
• Forsake = To give up or renounce
• Neglect = To fail to give proper care or attention

Correct Answer: (D) Smelt

Explanation: The idiomatic expression “smell something wrong” means to suspect that something is not right or that something suspicious has happened. Therefore, smelt (past tense of smell) fits the sentence best.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested idiomatic expressions:

• Smell a rat = Suspect something is wrong
• Smell trouble = Sense impending danger or difficulty
• Realise = Become aware of a fact
• Guess = Form an opinion without sufficient evidence

Correct Answer: (D) Prunes

Explanation: A barber shaves hair or beards, while a gardener prunes plants by cutting away dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth.

Exam Tip: Common occupation–action pairs:

• Barber → Shaves
• Gardener → Prunes
• Tailor → Stitches
• Carpenter → Saws
• Mason → Builds with bricks or stone

Correct Answer: (C) Apprehensive

Explanation: Apprehensive means anxious, worried, or fearful about something that may happen. In the context of medical treatment, relatives are typically apprehensive about the outcome.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Apprehensive → Anxious or worried
• Suspicious → Distrustful; believing something is wrong
• Doubtful → Uncertain; lacking confidence
• Inquisitive → Curious; eager to know or learn

Correct Answer: (D) Apprehended

Explanation: Apprehend can mean to anticipate or fear that something unpleasant may happen. Thus, “We all apprehended an unknown danger” means we all sensed or feared an unknown danger.

Exam Tip: Similar words:

• Apprehend → Fear, anticipate (also: arrest or understand, depending on context)
• Anticipate → Expect or look forward to
• Foresee → See in advance; predict
• Predict → State what is likely to happen in the future

Correct Answer: (B) Effective

Explanation: Effective means producing the intended or desired result. The sentence “No method is more effective than this” is the most natural and idiomatic expression in English. Effectual also means producing an intended effect, but it is less commonly used in modern English.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Effective → Producing the desired result (most common)
• Effectual → Successful in producing the intended effect (formal/less common)
• Suitable → Appropriate or fitting
• Working → Functioning or operational

Correct Answer: (A) Observed

Explanation: Observed is the correct verb because national days and solemn occasions are observed with due respect and ceremony. While festivals and birthdays are commonly celebrated, Republic Day is conventionally said to be observed with solemnity.

Exam Tip: Common verb collocations:

• Observe → Republic Day, Independence Day, silence, traditions
• Celebrate → Birthdays, festivals, anniversaries, victories
• Perform → Duties, rituals, ceremonies
• Enjoy → Activities, events, experiences

Correct Answer: (D) Sorry

Explanation: Regret means to feel sorry or remorseful for something that has happened or something one has done. Therefore, sorry is the closest synonym.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Regret → Feel sorry; feel remorse
• Remorse → Deep regret for wrongdoing
• Repent → Feel regret and seek to change
• Sorrowful → Full of grief or sadness
• Tragic → Causing great suffering or disaster

Correct Answer: (B) Blunder

Explanation: Bungle means to carry out a task clumsily or incompetently; to make a blunder. Thus, blunder is the closest synonym.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Bungle → Blunder; botch; mishandle
• Blunder → A careless mistake
• Botch → Do a job badly
• Fumble → Handle something awkwardly or clumsily

Correct Answer: (C) Pseudonym

Explanation: A pseudonym is a fictitious name or pen name used by an author instead of their real name. Therefore, something written under an assumed name is written under a pseudonym.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Pseudonym → Pen name; assumed name used by an author
• Anonymous → Without revealing the author’s identity
• Alias → A false or alternative name, often used generally
• Fiction → Imaginary literary work, not a name

Correct Answer: (D) Parables

Explanation: A parable is a short, simple story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson, especially in religious texts such as the Bible. Hence, parables are commonly used to illustrate religious concepts.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Parable → A story conveying a moral or religious lesson
• Fable → A short story, usually with animals as characters, teaching a moral
• Legend → A traditional story about historical or mythical figures
• Story → A general narrative without necessarily having a moral or religious purpose

Correct Answer: (D) Executed

Explanation: Executed means put to death as a legal punishment after conviction. Since the sentence refers to a murderer receiving lawful punishment, executed is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Execute → Put to death legally as a punishment
• Assassinate → Murder an important person for political or ideological reasons
• Strangle → Kill by choking
• Kill → General term for causing death

Correct Answer: (D) Blocked

Explanation: Blocked means obstructed so that passage is impossible. A fallen tree blocks a road, making it impassable. The other options do not fit naturally in this context.

Exam Tip: Common collocations:

• Blocked road → Obstructed by an object
• Closed road → Officially shut to traffic
• Hindered → Delayed or impeded, but not necessarily completely obstructed
• Stopped → Refers to movement, not the condition of a road

Correct Answer: (B) Obstruct

Explanation: Obstruct means to block or prevent someone’s movement or progress physically. Since a crowd can physically block the Chairman’s way, obstruct is the most appropriate choice.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Obstruct → Block physically; stand in the way
• Hinder → Make progress difficult; hamper
• Impede → Delay or slow down progress
• Prevent → Stop something from happening altogether

Correct Answer: (C) Debatable

Explanation: Debatable means open to discussion or dispute; not settled. If the administrator could not decide, the point was debatable, making this the most appropriate choice.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Debatable → Open to argument or discussion
• Vague → Not clear or definite
• Indecisive → Unable to make decisions (describes a person, not a point)
• Pointless → Having no purpose or value

Correct Answer: (D) Conform

Explanation: The correct expression is conform to something, meaning to be in accordance with or meet a standard or rule. Since the sentence already contains the preposition “to”, conform is the correct choice.

Note: Although comply also means to obey rules or regulations, the correct collocation is comply with, not comply to.

Exam Tip: Common collocations:

• Conform to rules, standards, regulations
• Comply with laws, orders, regulations
• Agree with a person or opinion
• Follow instructions, rules, or directions

Correct Answer: (C) Solemn

Explanation: Solemn means serious, formal, and sincere, especially in the context of an oath, promise, or ceremony. Therefore, solemn promise is the correct and idiomatic expression.

Exam Tip: Common collocations:

• Solemn promise → A sincere and binding promise
• Solemn oath → A formal oath
• Grave → Serious in manner, but not used with promise
• Sober → Not intoxicated; serious in behavior
• Serious → General adjective, but solemn promise is the standard English collocation

Correct Answer: (A) Dastardly

Explanation: Dastardly means cowardly, wicked, and cruel, especially when describing an evil act such as murder. Hence, it is the most appropriate adjective in this context.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Dastardly = Cowardly and wicked
• Timid = Shy or lacking courage
• Timorous = Fearful or easily frightened
• Hateful = Deserving or expressing hatred

Correct Answer:(C) Sociable

Explanation: Sociable means friendly and willing to interact with others, especially in the company of people. Hence, it is the most suitable word for the sentence. Social relates to society or social activities, while friendly and courteous do not specifically convey ease in mixing with others.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Sociable = Enjoying the company of others; outgoing
• Social = Related to society or social activities
• Friendly = Kind and pleasant toward others
• Courteous = Polite and respectful

Correct Answer: (B) Horde

Explanation: Horde refers to a large, disorderly, or unruly group of people, and is the conventional collective noun used in this context. Therefore, “a horde of savages” is the correct expression.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested collective nouns:

• Horde = A large, unruly crowd (often used for warriors, invaders, or tribes)
• Gang = A group of criminals or workers
• Band = A group of musicians or a small organized group
• Crowd = A large number of people gathered together

Correct Answer: (D) Parsimonious

Explanation: Parsimonious means extremely frugal or stingy with money. A person who is excessively unwilling to spend money during a holiday can have a parsimonious attitude, making the sentence meaningful.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested adjectives:

• Parsimonious = Very stingy; unwilling to spend money
• Pretentious = Trying to appear more important or impressive than one really is
• Obtuse = Slow to understand; dull
• Turbulent = Disorderly, stormy, or full of conflict

Correct Answer: (A) Affluent

Explanation: Affluent means wealthy, prosperous, or financially well-off. The sentence states that doctors are among the wealthiest members of American society, making affluent the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Similar vocabulary:

• Affluent → Wealthy; prosperous; well-off
• Aristocratic → Belonging to the nobility or upper class
• Indolent → Lazy; idle
• Carping → Constantly finding fault; critical

Correct Answer: (C) Trice

Explanation: The idiom “in a trice” means very quickly or in an instant. Hence, the sentence correctly reads: “The thief disappeared in a trice.”

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested idiomatic expressions:

• In a trice = In a moment; very quickly
• In a jiffy = Very soon
• In no time = Almost immediately
• In the nick of time = Just at the last possible moment

Correct Answer: (D) Heavy

Explanation: The idiomatic expression “heavy odds against” means the chances of success are very low or the probability of failure is high. Therefore, heavy is the correct choice.

Exam Tip: Common idiomatic collocations:

• Heavy odds against → Very little chance of success
• Heavy rain → Intense rain
• Heavy traffic → Dense traffic
• Heavy responsibility → Great responsibility

Correct Answer: (A) finished

Explanation: The phrase “last evening” indicates a specific time in the past, so the Simple Past Tense is required. Therefore, finished is the correct answer.

Exam Tip: Time expressions commonly used with Simple Past:

• Yesterday
• Last night/week/month/year
• Ago
• In 2020
• This morning (if the time period is over)

Remember: The Present Perfect Tense (have finished) is not used with definite past time expressions such as yesterday, last evening, or two days ago.

Correct Answer: (B) Credible

Explanation: Credible means believable or worthy of belief. The sentence implies that his sudden disappearance is difficult to believe, so credible is the appropriate choice. Credulous means too ready to believe, which describes a person, not an event.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly confused words:

• Credible = Believable; convincing
• Credulous = Too willing to believe others
• Compatible = Able to exist or work together
• Permissible = Allowed or acceptable by rules or law

Correct Answer: (D) All of a sudden

Explanation: All of a sudden is the correct idiomatic expression meaning unexpectedly or without warning. Therefore, “The storm began all of a sudden” is the grammatically and idiomatically correct sentence.

Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested idioms:

• All of a sudden = Suddenly; unexpectedly
• At the drop of a hat = Without hesitation; immediately when asked
• Out of the blue = Unexpectedly
• In the nick of time = Just at the last possible moment

Correct Answer: (C) Global warming

Explanation: Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature, mainly due to increased greenhouse gas emissions. It is a major cause of climate change and associated changes in weather patterns.

Exam Tip: Remember these important environment terms:

• Global warming = Rise in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.
• Climate change = Long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns.
• Greenhouse effect = Trapping of heat by gases such as CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide.
• Ozone depletion ≠ Global warming; they are different environmental issues.