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Past Questions — 2025
I seldom go out these days. (Identify the part of speech of 'seldom')
A)
Verb
B)
Adverb
C)
Preposition
D)
Adjective
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the sentence**: 'I seldom go out these days.'
2. **Identify the target word**: The word is 'seldom'.
3. **Determine the function**: In this sentence, 'seldom' describes the frequency of the action 'go out'.
4. **Apply grammatical rules**: Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by answering questions such as 'How?', 'When?', 'Where?', or 'How often?' are classified as adverbs. Since 'seldom' answers the question 'How often do I go out?', it is an **Adverb of Frequency**.
**Why other options are incorrect:**
- **a. Verb**: A verb expresses an action or state (e.g., 'go'). 'Seldom' does not express an action.
- **c. Preposition**: A preposition shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence (e.g., 'in', 'on', 'at'). 'Seldom' does not establish such a relationship.
- **d. Adjective**: An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun (e.g., 'a rare occurrence'). While 'seldom' relates to rarity, it is modifying the verb 'go', not a noun.
He said that though he had come, it was against his will. (Choose the correct Direct Speech)
A)
He said, “Though I came, it is against my will.”
B)
He said, “Though I had come, it was against my will.”
C)
He said, “Though I have come, it is against my will.”
D)
He said, “I have come, but it is against my will.”
To convert Indirect Speech back to Direct Speech, we must reverse the tense changes (backshifting) and pronoun changes.
1. **Analyzing the Indirect Speech:** 'He said that though he had come, it was against his will.'
2. **Tense Conversion:**
- 'had come' (Past Perfect) in indirect speech usually originates from either the 'Simple Past' or the 'Present Perfect' in direct speech.
- 'was' (Simple Past) in indirect speech originates from the 'Simple Present' (is) in direct speech.
3. **Pronoun Conversion:** 'he' and 'his' in indirect speech refer to the speaker, so they become 'I' and 'my' in direct speech.
4. **Evaluating Options:**
- Option (a): 'Though I came, it is against my will.' (Mixing Simple Past and Simple Present; less likely to result in the specific indirect structure provided).
- Option (b): 'Though I had come, it was against my will.' (This keeps the tenses as they are in indirect speech, which is incorrect for direct speech conversion).
- Option (c): 'Though I have come, it is against my will.' (Present Perfect 'have come' becomes Past Perfect 'had come', and Simple Present 'is' becomes Simple Past 'was'. This perfectly matches the indirect speech provided).
- Option (d): 'I have come, but it is against my will.' (Changes the conjunction 'though' to 'but', altering the sentence structure).
Therefore, option (c) is the grammatically correct direct speech equivalent.
The wound ___ not heal in spite of all the treatment
A)
shall
B)
will
C)
should
D)
would
In English grammar, the modal 'would' is used to express 'refusal' or 'persistence' when referring to inanimate objects or animals that simply will not perform a certain action despite efforts. This is known as the 'modal of refusal'. In this sentence, the wound is 'refusing' to heal despite the treatment.
Breakdown of options:
- 'shall' (a) and 'will' (b) are typically used for future certainty or intention. While 'will not' can express refusal, 'would not' is the standard choice for describing a stubborn state or a persistent failure to happen in a narrative or descriptive context.
- 'should' (c) expresses obligation or expectation, which does not fit the context of a wound's physical reaction.
- 'would' (d) is the correct choice here because it describes a characteristic of the wound (its refusal to heal) in a way that emphasizes the futility of the treatment.
I don’t think I ___ be able to go.
A)
shall
B)
should
C)
can
D)
could
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The sentence structure 'I don’t think I ___ be able to go' requires a modal verb that expresses future possibility or intention. 2. The phrase 'be able to' already expresses ability; therefore, adding another modal of ability like 'can' or 'could' would be redundant (e.g., 'can be able to' is grammatically incorrect). 3. Option (a) 'shall' is the traditional modal used with the first person ('I' and 'we') to indicate future time. In modern English, 'will' is more common, but among the given options, 'shall' is the only grammatically correct choice to denote the future. 4. Option (b) 'should' implies obligation or expectation, which does not fit the context of possibility. 5. Option (c) 'can' is redundant with 'be able to'. 6. Option (d) 'could' is used for past ability or conditional hypotheticals, which does not align with the present-tense 'I don't think'. Therefore, 'shall' is the correct fit.
You ___ come and have dinner with me.
A)
have
B)
need
C)
must
D)
dare
The sentence requires a modal verb that expresses an invitation, a strong suggestion, or an obligation.
1. **'must' (Option c):** In English, 'must' is frequently used to make warm, enthusiastic invitations or strong recommendations (e.g., 'You must come over for dinner!'). This fits the context of the sentence perfectly.
2. **'have' (Option a):** 'Have' is not a modal verb on its own. To express obligation, it would need to be 'have to'. 'You have come' would be present perfect tense, which does not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.
3. **'need' (Option b):** 'Need' as a modal is typically used in negative or interrogative sentences (e.g., 'Need I go?'). In an affirmative sentence, it requires 'to' (e.g., 'You need to come'), which is missing here.
4. **'dare' (Option d):** 'Dare' refers to having the courage to do something. It is logically incorrect to use 'dare' when inviting someone to dinner.
Therefore, 'must' is the only grammatically and contextually appropriate choice.
They will go to Bangalore ___ plane.
A)
on
B)
in
C)
by
D)
from
In English grammar, when referring to the mode of transport or the means of travel, the preposition 'by' is used before the noun representing the vehicle (e.g., by plane, by car, by train, by bus, by ship).
Step-by-step analysis:
1. 'By' is the standard preposition used to indicate the method of transportation when no article (a, an, the) or possessive adjective (my, his) precedes the vehicle.
2. 'On' is used for surfaces or specific types of transport where you stand or sit atop (e.g., on a bike, on a horse) or when using an article (e.g., on the plane).
3. 'In' is used for enclosed spaces or when using an article (e.g., in a car, in the plane).
4. 'From' indicates the point of origin, which does not fit the context of the mode of travel here.
Since the sentence uses 'plane' without an article, 'by' is the only grammatically correct choice.
She said, “We will analyse this tomorrow.” (Choose the correct Indirect Speech)
A)
She said that we will analyse it the next day.
B)
She said that we would analyse it the next day.
C)
She said that they will analyse it the next day.
D)
She said that they would analyse it the next day.
To convert the sentence from Direct to Indirect speech, four key changes must be applied:
1. **Pronoun Change**: The pronoun 'We' refers to the speaker and others. In indirect speech, since the speaker is 'She', 'we' changes to 'they'.
2. **Tense Change (Backshifting)**: The reporting verb 'said' is in the past tense. Therefore, the future tense 'will' inside the quotation marks must change to its past form, 'would'.
3. **Demonstrative Change**: The word 'this' (referring to a specific object or task) changes to 'it' or 'that' in indirect speech to reflect the shift in perspective.
4. **Time Expression Change**: The word 'tomorrow' changes to 'the next day' or 'the following day'.
Evaluating the options:
- Option (a): Incorrect. It fails to change 'will' to 'would' and 'we' to 'they'.
- Option (b): Incorrect. It fails to change 'we' to 'they'.
- Option (c): Incorrect. It fails to change 'will' to 'would'.
- Option (d): Correct. It correctly changes 'we' $\rightarrow$ 'they', 'will' $\rightarrow$ 'would', 'this' $\rightarrow$ 'it', and 'tomorrow' $\rightarrow$ 'the next day'.
___ you meet my son in the market, ask him to call me.
A)
Should
B)
Would
C)
While
D)
Will
This sentence is a conditional sentence where the 'if' is omitted. In formal English, 'Should' can be used at the beginning of a sentence to replace 'If' in a first conditional structure to express a possibility (often a remote or unlikely one). This is called 'Inversion'.
1. Original structure: 'If you should meet my son in the market, ask him to call me.'
2. Inverted structure: 'Should you meet my son in the market, ask him to call me.'
Analysis of other options:
- 'Would' (b) is used in second or third conditionals and cannot start a conditional clause in this manner to trigger an imperative ('ask him').
- 'While' (c) is a conjunction of time. If used, the sentence would be 'While you meet...', which is grammatically incorrect because 'meet' is a punctual action, not a continuous state.
- 'Will' (d) cannot be used to start a conditional clause in this inverted form; 'will' is used in the result clause, not the condition clause.
He is now ___ a new job.
A)
after
B)
for
C)
about
D)
from
The sentence requires a preposition that indicates the person's current pursuit or goal.
1. 'After' in this context is used idiomatically to mean 'searching for,' 'pursuing,' or 'trying to obtain.' When someone is 'after a new job,' it means they are actively seeking employment. This is a common English usage (e.g., 'The police are after the thief').
2. 'For' is incorrect because 'He is now for a new job' is grammatically incomplete. One would say 'He is looking for a new job,' but 'is for' does not convey the act of seeking.
3. 'About' is incorrect as it usually indicates a subject or approximate state (e.g., 'He is talking about a new job'), which does not fit the sentence structure here.
4. 'From' is incorrect as it indicates origin or separation, which makes no sense in the context of acquiring a job.
Therefore, 'after' is the only option that logically and grammatically completes the sentence to mean he is seeking a new job.
His patriotic speeches ___ people to dedicate their lives for the nation.
A)
forced
B)
inspired
C)
inflamed
D)
prompted
The sentence describes the effect of 'patriotic speeches' on people regarding 'dedicating their lives for the nation.'
1. **Analysis of 'inspired' (Option b):** To inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or noble. Dedicating one's life to a nation is a noble, voluntary act of devotion, making 'inspired' the most appropriate and positive fit for the context.
2. **Analysis of 'forced' (Option a):** 'Forced' implies coercion or lack of choice. Patriotic speeches are meant to persuade or motivate, not to physically or legally compel someone to act.
3. **Analysis of 'inflamed' (Option c):** 'Inflamed' usually refers to provoking strong, often negative or violent emotions (e.g., 'inflamed passions' or 'inflamed hatred'). While it can mean to stir up, it carries a connotation of instability or anger that does not fit the noble context of national dedication.
4. **Analysis of 'prompted' (Option d):** 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about an action. While grammatically correct, it is a neutral term. 'Inspired' is a stronger and more precise vocabulary choice for the emotional and spiritual impact of patriotic oratory.
The car that he bought is very expensive. (Identify the kind of clause of the underlined phrase 'that he bought')
A)
Noun clause
B)
Adverb clause
C)
Adjective phrase
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Identify the structure**: The phrase 'that he bought' contains a subject ('he') and a verb ('bought'), making it a clause, not a phrase.
2. **Determine the function**: The clause 'that he bought' follows the noun 'The car'. It provides specific information to identify or describe which car is being referred to.
3. **Classify the clause**: A clause that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective Clause (also known as a Relative Clause). In this sentence, 'that' acts as a relative pronoun referring back to 'The car'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **a. Noun clause**: A noun clause functions as a noun (subject or object). If it were a noun clause, it would replace the noun (e.g., 'What he bought is expensive').
- **b. Adverb clause**: An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, usually indicating time, place, reason, or condition (e.g., 'He bought the car because he had money').
- **c. Adjective phrase**: While it performs an adjective-like function, it is not a 'phrase' because it contains both a subject and a predicate; it is a 'clause'.
She was less tired and hence more active. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
purpose
B)
comparison
C)
result
D)
condition
The sentence 'She was less tired and hence more active' consists of two parts connected by the adverb 'hence'. The first part ('She was less tired') describes a cause or a state, and the second part ('more active') describes the consequence or outcome of that state. The word 'hence' is a conjunctive adverb used specifically to indicate a result, consequence, or conclusion (synonymous with 'therefore' or 'as a result').
Analysis of options:
- a. Purpose: This would require words like 'so that' or 'in order to', indicating a goal.
- b. Comparison: While 'less' and 'more' are comparative adjectives, the overall 'notion' or logical relationship expressed by the sentence structure (Cause -> Result) is the primary focus here.
- c. Result: Correct. The state of being less tired resulted in her being more active.
- d. Condition: This would require words like 'if' or 'unless', indicating a requirement for an outcome to occur.
He felled the tree ___ an axe.
A)
by
B)
with
C)
of
D)
in
The sentence requires a preposition to indicate the instrument used to perform an action.
1. 'With' is used when referring to the instrument, tool, or object used to achieve a result (e.g., 'cut with a knife', 'write with a pen'). In this sentence, the 'axe' is the tool used to fell the tree, making 'with' the grammatically correct choice.
2. 'By' is typically used to indicate the agent (the person or thing performing the action) or the method/means of transport (e.g., 'felled by a lumberjack', 'travel by bus'). While 'by' can sometimes denote means, when a specific physical tool is mentioned, 'with' is the standard preposition.
3. 'Of' is used to show possession, origin, or composition (e.g., 'a tree of oak'), which does not fit the context of using a tool.
4. 'In' is used for location, time, or manner, which is not applicable here.
This is a junior school. (Identify the part of speech of 'junior')
A)
Noun
B)
Pronoun
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjective
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Identify the word in question: 'junior'. 2. Analyze its position in the sentence: 'This is a junior school.' 3. Determine what it is modifying: The word 'junior' is placed immediately before the noun 'school'. 4. Define the function: Since 'junior' describes or qualifies the noun 'school' (specifying what kind of school it is), it functions as an adjective.
Why other options are incorrect:
- (a) Noun: A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. While 'junior' can be a noun in other contexts (e.g., 'He is a junior'), here it describes the school.
- (b) Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it). 'Junior' does not replace a noun here.
- (c) Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'Junior' is modifying a noun, not a verb or adjective.
His birthday is ___ next Sunday.
A)
in
B)
at
C)
on
D)
for
Option C is correct: on.
Contemporary economic development differs ___ from the Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century.
A)
naturally
B)
literally
C)
usually
D)
markedly
The sentence requires an adverb that describes the degree or manner in which contemporary economic development differs from the Industrial Revolution.
1. **Analysis of 'markedly' (Option d):** 'Markedly' means 'to a significant or noticeable extent.' In the context of comparing two different eras of economic development (the 19th century vs. the contemporary era), it is logically sound to state that they differ significantly. This is the most appropriate colocation for the verb 'differs'.
2. **Analysis of other options:**
- **Naturally (Option a):** This implies that the difference occurs as a matter of course or by nature. While it might be true, it doesn't describe the *extent* of the difference, which is the primary focus of such a comparison.
- **Literally (Option b):** This is used to emphasize that something is exactly true in a literal sense, rather than metaphorically. It does not fit the context of comparing economic trends.
- **Usually (Option c):** This refers to frequency or habit. Economic development doesn't 'usually' differ; it either differs or it doesn't in a specific comparison.
Therefore, 'markedly' is the only option that provides the necessary emphasis on the distinct contrast between the two periods.
Every seat was occupied. (Identify the part of speech of 'Every')
A)
Pronoun
B)
Preposition
C)
Adjective
D)
Noun
In the sentence 'Every seat was occupied', the word 'Every' is used to modify the noun 'seat'. Specifically, it is a 'Distributive Adjective' because it refers to each individual member of a group separately.
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Identify the word in question: 'Every'.
2. Identify the word it is modifying: 'seat' (a noun).
3. Determine the function: Since 'Every' describes or limits the noun 'seat' by specifying quantity/distribution, it functions as an adjective.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun. If the sentence were 'Every one was occupied', 'Every one' (or 'Everyone') would act as a pronoun. Here, it is followed immediately by the noun it modifies.
- b. Preposition: A preposition shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence (e.g., in, on, at). 'Every' does not perform this function.
- d. Noun: A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Every' cannot stand alone as a subject or object in this context; it is a modifier.
We eat that we may live. (Identify the part of speech of 'that')
A)
Preposition
B)
Adjective
C)
Pronoun
D)
Conjunction
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'We eat' is the main clause, and 'we may live' is a subordinate clause. 2. Identify the role of 'that': In this context, 'that' connects the main clause to the subordinate clause to express a purpose (meaning 'so that' or 'in order that'). 3. Determine the part of speech: A word that joins two clauses or sentences is called a conjunction. Specifically, this is a subordinating conjunction of purpose. 4. Evaluate other options: (a) Preposition: It does not show a relationship of position or time between a noun and another part of the sentence. (b) Adjective: It does not modify a noun (it is not a demonstrative adjective like 'that book'). (c) Pronoun: It does not replace a noun (it is not a relative pronoun here because it doesn't refer back to a specific antecedent noun to describe it; rather, it introduces a purpose clause).
___ you show me the road to the market?
A)
Might
B)
Should
C)
Shall
D)
Could
The sentence is a request for assistance. In English grammar, 'Could' is used as a polite and formal way to make a request or ask for a favor.
Analysis of options:
- 'Could' (Option d): Correct. It is the standard modal used for polite requests (e.g., 'Could you help me?').
- 'Might' (Option a): Incorrect. While 'might' can be used for very formal requests, it is typically used for permission ('Might I suggest...') rather than asking someone else to perform an action.
- 'Should' (Option b): Incorrect. 'Should' is used for advice, obligation, or expectation, not for making a request for directions.
- 'Shall' (Option c): Incorrect. 'Shall' is used for offers ('Shall I help you?') or future intentions, primarily with 'I' or 'We', and is not used to ask someone else to show the way in this context.
The room is nice, though small. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
concession
B)
condition
C)
comparison
D)
result
The sentence 'The room is nice, though small' uses the conjunction 'though' to connect two contrasting ideas: the positive attribute ('nice') and the negative or limiting attribute ('small'). In grammar, a 'concession' occurs when a point is admitted or granted (the room is small), but the main point remains true regardless (the room is still nice). This is a classic example of a concessive clause.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Condition: A conditional sentence usually uses 'if' or 'unless' to specify a requirement for an outcome (e.g., 'If the room is small, it will be cheap').
- c. Comparison: A comparison evaluates similarities or differences using words like 'than', 'as...as', or 'more' (e.g., 'This room is smaller than the other').
- d. Result: A result expresses the consequence of an action, often using 'so' or 'therefore' (e.g., 'The room was small, so we couldn't fit the bed').
He ___ pay you the loan he owes you.
A)
ought to
B)
used to
C)
need
D)
dare
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence context: The sentence describes a situation where someone owes a loan, implying a moral obligation or a duty to repay it. 2. Evaluate Option (a) 'ought to': This modal verb is used to express duty, moral obligation, or correctness. In this context, 'He ought to pay you' correctly indicates that it is his duty to repay the loan. 3. Evaluate Option (b) 'used to': This is used for past habits or states that no longer exist. It does not fit the context of a current debt. 4. Evaluate Option (c) 'need': As a modal, 'need' is typically used in negative or interrogative sentences (e.g., 'Need he pay?'). In a positive declarative sentence, it would require 'needs to' (main verb), but 'need' alone is grammatically incorrect here. 5. Evaluate Option (d) 'dare': This refers to having the courage to do something. While grammatically possible in some contexts, it does not fit the logical context of repaying a loan. Therefore, 'ought to' is the only logically and grammatically correct choice.
There was a serious ___ between the two brothers.
A)
altarage
B)
alteration
C)
altercation
D)
aberration
The sentence requires a noun that describes a conflict or a disagreement between two people.
1. **Altercation (Option c):** This means a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public. It fits the context of a 'serious' conflict between two brothers perfectly.
2. **Alteration (Option b):** This refers to a change or modification (e.g., altering a piece of clothing). It does not fit the context of a relationship conflict.
3. **Aberration (Option d):** This refers to a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. While a fight could be an aberration, the word 'serious' more naturally modifies a conflict like an 'altercation'.
4. **Altarage (Option a):** This is not a standard English word (likely a distractor based on 'altar').
Therefore, 'altercation' is the only logically and grammatically correct choice.
The proceeds were deposited in the court. (Identify the part of speech of 'proceeds')
A)
Adjective
B)
Noun
C)
Verb
D)
Adverb
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'The proceeds were deposited in the court.' 2. Identify the subject of the sentence: The word 'proceeds' is the subject performing (or receiving) the action of the verb 'were deposited'. 3. Look at the markers: The word 'proceeds' is preceded by the definite article 'The'. In English grammar, articles (a, an, the) precede nouns. 4. Define the word: While 'proceed' as a verb means to move forward, 'proceeds' (always plural in this context) is a specific noun referring to the amount of money received from a particular event or sale. 5. Evaluate options: (a) Adjective: It does not describe another noun. (c) Verb: Although it looks like a verb, it is functioning as the subject here, not the action. (d) Adverb: It does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Therefore, it is a noun.
A plane is hovering ___ the field.
A)
on
B)
above
C)
after
D)
among
The sentence requires a preposition of place to describe the position of a plane relative to a field.
1. **Analysis of 'hovering'**: To 'hover' means to remain poised suspended in one place in the air. This implies a vertical gap between the object (the plane) and the surface (the field).
2. **Evaluating 'above' (Option b)**: 'Above' is used when an object is at a higher level than another, without necessarily being directly over it or touching it. Since a plane stays in the air while hovering, 'above' is the grammatically and logically correct choice.
3. **Evaluating 'on' (Option a)**: 'On' implies physical contact with the surface. A plane cannot 'hover' if it is resting 'on' the field.
4. **Evaluating 'after' (Option c)**: 'After' is primarily a preposition of time or sequence, not a spatial preposition describing vertical position.
5. **Evaluating 'among' (Option d)**: 'Among' is used when referring to being in the middle of three or more distinct items. A field is a single area, not a group of separate entities.
Yesterday, she ___ for her lost dog since morning.
A)
searched
B)
had search
C)
had searched
D)
was searching
The sentence describes an action that started in the past ('since morning') and continued up until another point in the past ('Yesterday'). This specific timeline requires the Past Perfect tense (or Past Perfect Continuous).
1. **Analysis of Tense**: The phrase 'since morning' indicates a duration of time. When an action began in the past and continued up to a specific point in the past, we use the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle).
2. **Evaluating Options**:
- **a. searched**: This is Simple Past. While it indicates a past action, it does not correctly align with the duration marker 'since morning' in this context.
- **b. had search**: This is grammatically incorrect. The auxiliary 'had' must be followed by the past participle ('searched'), not the base form ('search').
- **c. had searched**: This is the correct Past Perfect form. It indicates that the searching happened over a period of time leading up to the point of reference (yesterday).
- **d. was searching**: This is Past Continuous. While it describes an ongoing action, 'since morning' typically triggers a perfect tense to emphasize the duration from a starting point.