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Past Questions — 2025
You can’t get a job unless you have experience. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
comparison
B)
condition
C)
possibility
D)
reason
The sentence 'You can’t get a job unless you have experience' expresses a requirement that must be met for a specific outcome to occur. The keyword 'unless' is a conditional conjunction meaning 'except if' or 'if... not'. In this context, having experience is the necessary condition for getting a job.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Comparison: There is no comparison being made between two different entities or qualities.
- c. Possibility: While the sentence discusses a potential outcome, the primary grammatical structure is a requirement (condition), not a statement of chance or likelihood (e.g., 'You might get a job').
- d. Reason: A reason explains 'why' something happened (e.g., 'You didn't get the job because you lack experience'). This sentence sets a rule/requirement for the future, which is a condition.
The poet ___ her is alive.
A)
about
B)
of
C)
in
D)
for
The sentence 'The poet in her is alive' uses the preposition 'in' to describe an internal quality, characteristic, or spirit. In English grammar, when we refer to a specific trait, talent, or persona that exists within a person (even if they are not professionally that thing), we use the preposition 'in'. For example, 'The child in him never died' or 'The artist in her is evident in her paintings.'
Analysis of other options:
- 'about' (a): This would imply the poet is discussing her, which makes the sentence 'The poet about her is alive' grammatically nonsensical.
- 'of' (b): 'The poet of her' is not a standard English construction for describing internal traits.
- 'for' (d): 'The poet for her' would imply the poet exists for her benefit, which does not fit the context of the trait being 'alive'.
The problem is that we don’t have enough time. (Identify the kind of clause of the underlined phrase 'that we don’t have enough time')
A)
Noun clause
B)
Finite subordinate clause
C)
Non-finite subordinate clause
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Analyze the sentence structure**: The sentence is 'The problem is that we don’t have enough time.'
2. **Identify the main clause**: 'The problem is...' where 'The problem' is the subject and 'is' is the linking verb.
3. **Analyze the underlined phrase**: 'that we don’t have enough time' follows the linking verb 'is'.
4. **Determine the function**: In English grammar, a clause that follows a linking verb and renames or defines the subject is called a **subject complement**. Since the clause is acting as a noun (specifically a complement), it is a Noun Clause.
5. **Verification**: You can replace the entire clause with a pronoun like 'something' or 'this' ('The problem is this'), which confirms it is functioning as a noun.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **b & c**: While the clause is indeed a finite subordinate clause (because it has a subject 'we' and a finite verb 'don't have'), 'Noun clause' is the specific functional classification requested in the context of identifying 'kinds of clauses' (Noun, Adjective, Adverb).
- **d**: An adjective clause (relative clause) modifies a noun. Here, the clause does not describe the 'problem' (it doesn't tell us what kind of problem it is); rather, it *is* the problem itself.
Youth is the time when seeds of character are sown. (Identify the kind of clause of the underlined phrase 'when seeds of character are sown')
A)
Noun clause
B)
Adjective phrase
C)
Adverb clause
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Identify the clause**: The underlined phrase is 'when seeds of character are sown'.
2. **Check for structure**: This group of words contains a subject ('seeds of character') and a verb ('are sown'), making it a clause, not a phrase. This immediately eliminates option (b) 'Adjective phrase'.
3. **Determine the function**: The clause begins with the relative adverb 'when'. It follows the noun 'time'.
4. **Analyze the relationship**: The clause 'when seeds of character are sown' describes or qualifies the noun 'time'. In English grammar, a clause that modifies a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective Clause (also known as a Relative Clause).
5. **Eliminate other options**:
- It is not a **Noun Clause** (a) because it does not function as a subject or object of the sentence; it describes a noun.
- It is not an **Adverb Clause** (c) because it does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate time, place, or manner for the whole sentence; rather, it specifically defines the 'time' mentioned in the main clause.
The terrorists made a vain attempt to ___ the bridge.
A)
blow down
B)
blow up
C)
blow over
D)
blow out
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that describes the act of destroying a structure (a bridge) using explosives, which is the typical context associated with 'terrorists'.
1. 'Blow up' means to explode or destroy something with an explosive device. This fits the context perfectly.
2. 'Blow down' means to be knocked over by the wind (e.g., 'The storm blew down the trees'). This is not applicable to a bridge in this context.
3. 'Blow over' means for a situation or a scandal to end or be forgotten without serious consequences (e.g., 'The controversy will soon blow over').
4. 'Blow out' means to extinguish a flame (e.g., 'blow out the candle') or for a tire to burst suddenly.
Therefore, 'blow up' is the only logically and linguistically correct choice.
It ___ be difficult to live amidst war.
A)
shall
B)
must
C)
should
D)
could
The sentence expresses a strong logical deduction or a certainty based on common knowledge.
1. **Analysis of 'must'**: In this context, 'must' is used to express a strong probability or a logical conclusion. Since living amidst war is universally recognized as a hardship, the speaker is making a logical deduction that it is certainly difficult. This is the most appropriate modal for expressing a high degree of certainty.
2. **Analysis of other options**:
- **shall (a)**: Used primarily for future intentions or formal obligations; it does not fit the context of logical deduction.
- **should (c)**: Used for advice, expectation, or obligation. While it could imply an expectation, it is weaker than 'must' and less natural when stating an obvious fact about the hardship of war.
- **could (d)**: Expresses a possibility. Saying it 'could' be difficult suggests it might not be, which contradicts the factual reality of war, making it an illogical choice for this specific sentence.
He was annoyed that he was contradicted. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
condition
B)
purpose
C)
reason
D)
possibility
The sentence 'He was annoyed that he was contradicted' consists of a main clause ('He was annoyed') and a subordinate clause ('that he was contradicted'). In this context, the 'that' clause functions as a noun clause acting as an adjective complement, explaining the cause or the reason for his annoyance. Essentially, the sentence means: 'He was annoyed because he was contradicted.'
Analysis of options:
- (a) Condition: There is no 'if' or 'unless' structure indicating a requirement for an outcome.
- (b) Purpose: There is no 'so that' or 'in order to' indicating an intention or goal.
- (c) Reason: The clause explains why the subject felt a certain emotion (annoyance), making it a statement of cause/reason.
- (d) Possibility: There are no modal verbs like 'might', 'may', or 'could' to suggest uncertainty or potential.
I wish he ___ not play music so loudly.
A)
should
B)
will
C)
would
D)
ought
The sentence expresses a wish for someone else's behavior to change, which is a common use of the 'wish + would' construction. In English grammar, when we use 'wish' to express annoyance or a desire for a change in a situation or another person's habit (especially something that is irritating), we use 'would' + base verb.
1. 'Would' is used here to express a wish for a change in behavior (stopping the loud music).
2. 'Should' (Option a) is used for advice or obligation, but not typically following 'I wish' to express a desire for change in this context.
3. 'Will' (Option b) is used for future certainty or willingness, but after 'wish', the tense must shift to the subjunctive/past form ('would').
4. 'Ought' (Option d) requires 'to' (ought to) to be grammatically correct and expresses moral obligation, which does not fit the structure of a 'wish' clause.
He received a summons today. (Identify the part of speech of 'summons')
A)
Adverb
B)
Pronoun
C)
Noun
D)
Verb
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the sentence structure**: In the sentence 'He received a summons today', 'He' is the subject, 'received' is the transitive verb, and 'a summons' is the direct object of the verb.
2. **Identify the marker**: The word 'summons' is preceded by the indefinite article 'a'. In English grammar, articles (a, an, the) are used to introduce nouns or noun phrases.
3. **Define the word**: In this context, 'summons' refers to an official order to appear in a court of law. It is a thing/document, which fits the definition of a noun.
4. **Address common confusion**: Many learners mistake 'summons' for a verb because 'to summon' is a verb. However, 'summons' (ending in -s) is the singular noun form. The plural of the noun 'summons' is 'summonses'.
5. **Evaluate other options**:
- (a) Adverb: It does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
- (b) Pronoun: It does not replace a noun; it is the name of the object itself.
- (d) Verb: While 'summon' is a verb, in this sentence, the action is 'received'. 'Summons' is the object being received, not the action being performed.
The case was put ___ the judge within a week.
A)
through
B)
from
C)
by
D)
before
The sentence requires a preposition that describes the act of presenting a legal matter to a person of authority. In legal terminology, when a case, petition, or appeal is presented to a judge or a court for consideration, the standard preposition used is 'before'. To 'put a case before someone' means to present the facts of the case to them for a decision.
Analysis of other options:
- 'through' (a): 'Put through' usually means to connect someone via telephone or to make someone experience something difficult; it does not fit the context of presenting a case to a judge.
- 'from' (b): 'Put from' is not a standard phrasal verb or prepositional usage in this context.
- 'by' (c): While a case is decided 'by' a judge, it is not 'put by' a judge unless the judge was the one initiating the action, which contradicts the logic of presenting a case for judgment.
He is too ___ to be deceived easily.
A)
strong
B)
honest
C)
intelligent
D)
kind
The sentence uses the 'too [adjective] to [verb]' structure, which implies that a certain quality is so high that it prevents a specific outcome from happening. In this context, the outcome is 'being deceived easily.' To be 'deceived' means to be tricked or misled. The quality that prevents someone from being tricked is mental sharpness or wisdom.
- 'Intelligent' (Option c) fits perfectly because a person with high intelligence is capable of spotting a trick and therefore cannot be easily deceived.
- 'Strong' (Option a) refers to physical power, which does not prevent mental deception.
- 'Honest' (Option b) refers to truthfulness; an honest person can still be naive or easily tricked by others.
- 'Kind' (Option d) refers to a gentle nature; in fact, being overly kind can sometimes make a person more susceptible to being deceived.
She has been writing ___ a week.
A)
for
B)
since
C)
from
D)
within
The sentence uses the Present Perfect Continuous tense ('has been writing'), which describes an action that started in the past and continues to the present. In English grammar, we use 'for' and 'since' to indicate duration or starting points:
1. 'For' is used with a **period of time** (a duration), such as 'a week', 'three hours', or 'five years'. Since 'a week' is a duration, 'for' is the correct preposition.
2. 'Since' is used with a **specific point in time** (a starting date or time), such as 'Monday', '2010', or '8 o'clock'. If the sentence were 'She has been writing since last Monday', 'since' would be correct.
3. 'From' is typically used to indicate a starting point but is not used with the Present Perfect Continuous to show duration up to the present.
4. 'Within' indicates that something happens inside a certain time limit (e.g., 'I will finish it within a week'), which does not fit the grammatical structure of 'has been writing'.
I will call you when I arrive. (Identify the kind of clause of the underlined phrase 'when I arrive')
A)
Noun clause
B)
Finite subordinate clause
C)
Non-finite subordinate clause
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Identify the Clause**: The phrase 'when I arrive' contains a subject ('I') and a verb ('arrive'), making it a clause.
2. **Subordinate vs. Main**: It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the main clause ('I will call you'), therefore it is a subordinate (dependent) clause. Specifically, it is an adverbial clause of time.
3. **Finite vs. Non-finite**: A finite clause contains a verb that shows tense, person, or number. In 'when I arrive', the verb 'arrive' is in the present tense and agrees with the subject 'I'. Therefore, it is a finite clause. (A non-finite clause would use a participle or infinitive, such as 'Upon arriving').
4. **Evaluating Options**:
- (a) Noun clause: Incorrect. It does not function as a noun (subject or object); it modifies the timing of the action.
- (b) Finite subordinate clause: Correct. It is subordinate and contains a finite verb.
- (c) Non-finite subordinate clause: Incorrect. The verb 'arrive' is finite.
- (d) Adjective clause: Incorrect. It does not modify a noun; it modifies the verb 'call'.
We chose to ___ our views in the light of the new information.
A)
disclose
B)
revive
C)
diagnose
D)
revise
The sentence describes a situation where 'new information' has come to light, which typically necessitates a change or update to existing beliefs or opinions.
1. **Revise (Correct):** To 'revise' means to re-examine and make alterations to something (like a view, a plan, or a document) to improve it or bring it up to date. This fits the context perfectly: new information leads to a revision of views.
2. **Disclose (Incorrect):** To 'disclose' means to make secret information known. While one can disclose views, the phrase 'in the light of new information' implies a change in perspective, not merely the act of revealing it.
3. **Revive (Incorrect):** To 'revive' means to bring back to life or consciousness, or to make something popular again. You do not typically 'revive' a view because of new information; you update it.
4. **Diagnose (Incorrect):** To 'diagnose' means to identify the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms. This is a medical or technical term and is logically incompatible with 'views'.
Tim said, “I had worked late last night.” (Choose the correct Indirect Speech)
A)
Tim said that he had worked late last night.
B)
Tim said that he had worked late the previous night.
C)
Tim said he was working late last night.
D)
Tim said that he is working late last night.
To convert the sentence from Direct to Indirect speech, we must follow these grammatical rules:
1. **Tense Change**: The direct speech is in the Past Perfect tense ('had worked'). According to the rules of sequence of tenses, the Past Perfect remains unchanged when converted to indirect speech because there is no 'further back' tense to shift to.
2. **Pronoun Change**: The first-person pronoun 'I' refers to the speaker (Tim), so it changes to the third-person pronoun 'he'.
3. **Time Expression Change**: Words expressing nearness in time or place are changed to words expressing distance. 'Last night' must be changed to 'the previous night' or 'the night before'.
Evaluating the options:
- **Option a**: Incorrect because it retains 'last night' instead of changing it to 'the previous night'.
- **Option b**: Correct. It correctly changes the pronoun ('he'), maintains the Past Perfect tense ('had worked'), and correctly updates the time expression ('the previous night').
- **Option c**: Incorrect. It changes the tense to Past Continuous ('was working'), which alters the original meaning.
- **Option d**: Incorrect. It uses the Present Continuous ('is working'), which is grammatically incorrect following the reporting verb 'said'.
He is rich enough to maintain a car. (Identify the part of speech of 'enough')
A)
Adverb
B)
Adjective
C)
Conjunction
D)
Pronoun
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'He is rich enough to maintain a car.'
2. Identify the word being modified: The word 'enough' follows the word 'rich'.
3. Determine the part of speech of 'rich': In this sentence, 'rich' is an adjective describing the subject 'He'.
4. Apply grammatical rules: A word that modifies an adjective, a verb, or another adverb is classified as an adverb. Since 'enough' is modifying the adjective 'rich' (indicating the degree of richness), it functions as an adverb of degree.
5. Distinguish from Adjective usage: 'Enough' acts as an adjective only when it modifies a noun (e.g., 'I have enough money'). In this sentence, it does not modify a noun.
6. Eliminate other options: It is not a conjunction because it doesn't join clauses; it is not a pronoun because it doesn't replace a noun.
Therefore, 'enough' is an adverb.
___ come to my rescue, I would have been killed.
A)
If he had not
B)
If he did not
C)
Having not
D)
If he would not
This sentence is a Third Conditional sentence, which is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past and its imaginary result. The structure of a Third Conditional sentence is: 'If + Past Perfect (had + past participle), ... would have + past participle'.
1. Analysis of the result clause: 'I would have been killed' follows the 'would have + past participle' structure, indicating a past unreal condition.
2. Analysis of the if-clause: To match this, the if-clause must be in the Past Perfect tense. 'If he had not come' fits this requirement perfectly.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (b) 'If he did not' is Simple Past, which is used for Second Conditionals (present/future hypotheticals).
- Option (c) 'Having not' is grammatically incomplete and does not form a conditional clause.
- Option (d) 'If he would not' is grammatically incorrect because 'would' is not used in the 'if' clause of a conditional sentence.
Before pursuing entrepreneurship, Mary ___ very hard in IT domain.
A)
had worked
B)
had been working
C)
has worked
D)
worked
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: The sentence describes two events in the past. Event A is 'pursuing entrepreneurship' and Event B is 'working in the IT domain'. 2. Sequence of events: The word 'Before' indicates that the working in the IT domain happened prior to the pursuit of entrepreneurship. 3. Duration and Continuity: The phrase 'very hard' suggests a continuous effort or a period of duration leading up to the change in career. 4. Tense Selection: When an action was ongoing over a period of time up until another point in the past, the Past Perfect Continuous tense ('had been' + verb-ing) is the most appropriate choice to emphasize the duration and the process. 5. Evaluating options: (a) 'had worked' (Past Perfect) is grammatically possible but focuses on the completion of the act rather than the continuous effort. (b) 'had been working' (Past Perfect Continuous) best captures the ongoing nature of the hard work before the transition. (c) 'has worked' (Present Perfect) is incorrect because the context is set in the past. (d) 'worked' (Simple Past) does not sufficiently emphasize the sequence or the duration relative to the second past event.
I am better acquainted with the country than you are (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
result
B)
reason
C)
purpose
D)
comparison
The sentence 'I am better acquainted with the country than you are' uses a comparative structure to evaluate the degree of knowledge between two subjects ('I' and 'you').
1. **Analysis of the sentence**: The word 'better' is the comparative form of the adjective 'well' (or 'good'), and the word 'than' is a conjunction used specifically to introduce the second element in a comparison.
2. **Why 'comparison' is correct**: The sentence compares the level of acquaintance one person has with a country relative to another person. This is a classic example of a comparative degree of adjective.
3. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Result**: A result clause typically uses words like 'so... that' or 'therefore' to show the consequence of an action (e.g., 'I studied hard, so I passed').
- **Reason**: A reason clause explains why something happened, typically using 'because', 'since', or 'as' (e.g., 'I am acquainted with the country because I lived there').
- **Purpose**: A purpose clause explains the goal of an action, typically using 'so that', 'in order to', or 'for' (e.g., 'I visited the country to get acquainted with it').
Put these books on the shelf above. (Identify the part of speech of 'above')
A)
Conjunction
B)
Pronoun
C)
Adverb
D)
Preposition
To determine the part of speech of 'above' in the sentence 'Put these books on the shelf above,' we must look at its function in the sentence.
1. **Analysis of 'above'**: In this sentence, 'above' modifies the noun 'shelf' by describing its location. Specifically, it functions as an adverb of place, answering the question 'Which shelf?' or 'Where is the shelf?'.
2. **Distinction from Preposition**: A preposition requires an object (a noun or pronoun) to follow it to create a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'The books are above the shelf'). In the given sentence, 'above' is not followed by an object; it stands alone to modify the position of the shelf. When 'above' is used without a following object to indicate location, it functions as an adverb.
3. **Evaluating other options**:
- **Conjunction**: A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but'). 'Above' does not perform this function here.
- **Pronoun**: A pronoun replaces a noun (e.g., 'he', 'it'). 'Above' does not replace a noun here.
- **Preposition**: As noted, there is no object following 'above' in this sentence, so it cannot be a preposition.
He held my hand lest I should fall. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
condition
B)
purpose
C)
supposition
D)
comparison
The sentence 'He held my hand lest I should fall' uses the conjunction 'lest'. In English grammar, 'lest' is used to express a negative purpose; it means 'for fear that' or 'to avoid the risk of'. The action of holding the hand was performed for the specific purpose of preventing the person from falling. Therefore, the clause 'lest I should fall' is an adverbial clause of purpose.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Condition: A conditional sentence usually uses 'if' or 'unless' to specify a requirement for an outcome.
- c. Supposition: Supposition involves imagining a scenario (often using 'as if' or 'suppose'), which is not the case here.
- d. Comparison: Comparison involves showing similarities or differences (using 'than', 'as...as', or 'like'), which is not present in this sentence.
Take the raincoat as it ___ rain later.
A)
might
B)
would
C)
should
D)
must
The sentence describes a possibility of a future event (rain) that is uncertain.
1. 'Might' is used to express a weak or remote possibility. In this context, the speaker is suggesting taking a raincoat because there is a chance it will rain, though it is not certain. This is the most natural and grammatically correct choice for weather predictions based on possibility.
2. 'Would' is typically used for conditional sentences or habitual past actions, which does not fit the context of a future possibility here.
3. 'Should' expresses expectation or obligation. While 'it should rain' is grammatically possible, it implies a strong expectation that rain is scheduled or likely to happen, which contradicts the cautionary nature of 'Take the raincoat' (which is usually a precaution against a possibility).
4. 'Must' expresses strong necessity or a logical certainty. It is too strong for a weather prediction in this context, as one cannot be 100% certain it will rain later.
___ you do me a favour?
A)
Shall
B)
Will
C)
May
D)
Ought
The sentence is a request for someone to perform an action. In English grammar, 'Will' is commonly used to make requests or ask for a favor (e.g., 'Will you help me?').
Analysis of options:
- 'Shall' (a) is typically used for suggestions or offers when the subject is 'I' or 'We' (e.g., 'Shall I open the window?'), and is rarely used with 'you' for requests in modern English.
- 'Will' (b) is the standard modal for making a request to another person.
- 'May' (c) is used to ask for permission for oneself (e.g., 'May I come in?'), not to ask someone else to do a favor.
- 'Ought' (d) is used to express moral obligation or duty and must be followed by 'to' (e.g., 'You ought to help him'). It cannot be used as a question starter in this structure without 'to'.
He ___ be at least sixty.
A)
should
B)
ought to
C)
must
D)
used to
The sentence 'He ___ be at least sixty' is expressing a logical deduction or a strong probability based on evidence (such as the person's appearance). In English grammar, the modal verb 'must' is used to express a strong belief or a logical conclusion that something is true (Logical Necessity).
Breakdown of options:
- (a) 'should': Used for advice, obligation, or expectation. While 'should' can be used for probability, it implies a lower degree of certainty than 'must' and usually refers to a predicted outcome rather than a deduction about a current state.
- (b) 'ought to': Similar to 'should', it is primarily used for moral obligation or duty.
- (c) 'must': Correct. It indicates a strong logical conclusion based on the available evidence (e.g., 'He looks old, so he must be at least sixty').
- (d) 'used to': Used to describe past habits or states that are no longer true. It does not fit the grammatical structure or the meaning of this sentence.
The book on the table is amazing (Identify the kind of clause/phrase of the underlined phrase 'on the table')
A)
Noun clause
B)
Adverb clause
C)
Adjective phrase
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Identify the underlined part**: The phrase is 'on the table'.
2. **Determine if it is a Clause or a Phrase**: A clause must contain both a subject and a finite verb. 'On the table' contains no verb; therefore, it is a **phrase**, not a clause. This immediately eliminates options (a), (b), and (d).
3. **Analyze the function**: The phrase 'on the table' follows the noun 'The book'. It describes or specifies which book is being referred to (the one located on the table).
4. **Classification**: A phrase that modifies or describes a noun is called an **Adjective Phrase** (specifically, a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective).
Why other options are incorrect:
- **Noun clause**: It is not a clause, nor does it function as a subject or object.
- **Adverb clause**: It is not a clause, nor does it modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate time, place, or manner of an action.
- **Adjective clause**: While it performs the function of an adjective, it lacks a subject and a verb (e.g., 'which is on the table' would be an adjective clause).