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Past Questions
If that is so, I am content. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
supposition
B)
possibility
C)
reason
D)
request
The sentence 'If that is so, I am content' is a conditional sentence. The word 'If' introduces a condition or a premise that is being assumed or hypothesized to be true for the sake of the subsequent statement. In grammar and logic, this act of assuming something is true without definitive proof is called a 'supposition'.
Breakdown of options:
- a. Supposition: Correct. The speaker is supposing that 'that' is true, and based on that assumption, they are content.
- b. Possibility: While conditional sentences deal with possibilities, the specific structure 'If that is so' functions as a premise (supposition) rather than a mere statement of chance.
- c. Reason: The 'if' clause provides the condition, not the reason. A reason would typically be introduced by 'because' or 'since' (e.g., 'Since that is so, I am content').
- d. Request: There is no imperative verb or asking tone in the sentence; it is a declarative statement of a state of mind.
What is this box for? (Identify the part of speech of 'for')
A)
Preposition
B)
Verb
C)
Adjective
D)
Adverb
In the sentence 'What is this box for?', the word 'for' is used to indicate purpose or function. A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. In this specific structure, 'for' is a preposition that governs the implied object (the purpose of the box). Although it appears at the end of the sentence (a common occurrence in English questions known as 'preposition stranding'), its grammatical function remains that of a preposition.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Verb: A verb expresses an action or state of being (e.g., 'is' in this sentence). 'For' cannot function as a verb.
- c. Adjective: An adjective modifies a noun. 'For' does not describe the qualities of the box.
- d. Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'For' is not modifying the verb 'is' in a way that describes how, when, where, or to what extent the action occurs; rather, it is establishing a relationship of purpose.
You must come round and see us. (Identify the notion/concept expressed)
A)
request
B)
result
C)
supposition
D)
concession
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'You must come round and see us.' 2. Identify the modal verb: The word 'must' is used here. While 'must' often expresses obligation or necessity, in social contexts, it is frequently used to express a strong, warm invitation or a friendly request (e.g., 'You must come for dinner sometime'). 3. Evaluate the options: (a) Request: The sentence is an invitation, which is a form of a social request. (b) Result: There is no cause-and-effect relationship established in the sentence. (c) Supposition: There is no hypothesis or 'what if' scenario being presented. (d) Concession: There is no acknowledgment of an opposing view or a 'despite' clause. 4. Conclusion: Given the options provided, the sentence functions as a social request/invitation.
During the voyage we were ___ sea for ten days.
A)
in
B)
at
C)
on
D)
to
The correct preposition to use when referring to traveling by ship or being aboard a vessel during a journey is 'on'. The phrase 'on sea' or more commonly 'at sea' is used, but in the context of a voyage (the act of traveling), 'on' is the standard preposition to denote being on the surface of the water aboard a ship.
1. 'On sea' (or 'on the sea') refers to the location of the vessel.
2. 'At sea' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'on a voyage' or 'lost/confused'. While 'at sea' is grammatically possible, in many competitive exams, 'on' is preferred when emphasizing the duration of the voyage on the water's surface.
3. 'In sea' is incorrect because it would imply being submerged inside the water.
4. 'To sea' indicates direction (e.g., 'going to sea'), not a state of being for a duration of ten days.
This book is different ___ mine.
A)
from
B)
to
C)
with
D)
after
The adjective 'different' is traditionally and most commonly followed by the preposition 'from' to indicate a contrast or distinction between two things.
1. 'Different from' is the standard usage in both British and American English and is universally accepted in formal and competitive examinations.
2. 'Different to' is occasionally used in British English, but it is considered less formal and is generally not the preferred answer in standard grammar tests.
3. 'Different with' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
4. 'Different after' is logically and grammatically incorrect as 'after' denotes time or sequence, not contrast.
Therefore, 'from' is the most accurate and authoritative choice for this sentence.
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.
___ 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).
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.
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'.