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Past Questions
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate alternative: 'He went to London in order that he __________ become a barrister.'
A)
may
B)
can
C)
would
D)
might
The correct sentence is: "He went to London in order that he might become a barrister." After "in order that," we commonly use a modal verb showing purpose, and in formal English "might" is the most appropriate choice here. It expresses intended purpose in the past.
Why the others are incorrect:
- "can" is present tense and does not fit the past-purpose structure.
- "would" is not the standard modal used after "in order that" in this context.
- "may" is also present/future-oriented and is less suitable than "might" when the main verb is in the past.
Name the kind of phrase of the underlined words: 'To give up smoking is not easy.' (Underlined: To give up smoking)
A)
Noun Phrase
B)
Adverb Phrase
C)
Adjective Phrase
The underlined words "To give up smoking" form an infinitive phrase functioning as the subject of the sentence. Since it acts as a noun in the sentence, it is a Noun Phrase. An adverb phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, which this does not. An adjective phrase modifies a noun, but here the phrase is not describing a noun; it is the subject itself.
Choose the exact meaning of the idiomatic expression: 'Like hand and glove'
A)
close companions
B)
strangers
C)
contemporaries
D)
bitter enemies
"Like hand and glove" means two people or things that fit together very well and are very close or inseparable. So, the correct option is **a. close companions**. The other options are incorrect: **c. contemporaries** only means people of the same age or time period, **d. bitter enemies** is the opposite in meaning, and **b. strangers** means people who do not know each other, which also does not match the idiom.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in the sentence: 'Caught between the devil and the deep sea, John started playing a double game.'
A)
to be in a dilemma
B)
to have no other choice
C)
to choose correctly
D)
to be unsure
The idiom "caught between the devil and the deep sea" means being in a difficult situation with two equally bad choices, i.e., being in a dilemma. So option (a) is correct. Option (b) is incorrect because the phrase does not simply mean having no choice; it specifically implies a hard choice between two unfavorable alternatives. Option (d) is incorrect because it means uncertainty, which is weaker than the idiom’s meaning. Option (c) is incorrect because the idiom has nothing to do with choosing correctly.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate form of the verb: 'Here are your shoes ; I __________ them.'
A)
have clean
B)
had just cleaned
C)
have just cleaned
D)
have been cleaning
Option (c) have just cleaned is correct because the sentence means the shoes are now ready, and the cleaning was completed very recently. The present perfect have just cleaned fits this meaning: an action completed in the immediate past with present relevance.
Why the others are wrong:
- (a) have clean is grammatically incorrect; after have we need a past participle, not the base form clean .
- (d) have been cleaning suggests an action that was ongoing, but the sentence needs a completed action, not a continuing one.
- (b) had just cleaned is past perfect and would require another past reference point; here the context is present ( Here are your shoes ), so present perfect is appropriate.
Identify the type of sentence: 'The water is too cold for me to drink.'
A)
Imperative
B)
Affirmative
C)
Assertive
D)
Comparative
The sentence "The water is too cold for me to drink." is an assertive (declarative) sentence because it states a fact or condition. It is not imperative, since it does not give a command or request. It is not comparative, because it does not compare two things; the word "too" shows degree, not comparison. "Affirmative" is not the standard sentence type here; the sentence is simply a statement, so the correct classification is assertive.
Select the opposite of the word: 'Obsolete'
A)
desolate
B)
renovated
C)
heated
D)
automatic
"Obsolete" means old, outdated, or no longer in use. The opposite is "renovated," which means renewed, restored, or made modern again. So option b is correct. The other options are incorrect: "desolate" means empty or deserted, "heated" means warm or intense, and "automatic" means self-operating; none of these are antonyms of obsolete.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition: 'This car differs __________ that in many ways.'
A)
from
B)
with
C)
to
D)
on
The correct preposition is "from": the standard expression is "differ from". So the sentence becomes: "This car differs from that in many ways." The other options are incorrect because "differ with" is not used for comparing things, "differ to" is not standard in this context, and "differ on" is used only when talking about opinions or views on a subject, not comparison between objects.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition: 'Early rising is beneficial __________ health.'
A)
for
B)
with
C)
to
D)
upon
The correct preposition is "to": the standard phrase is "beneficial to" someone or something. So, "Early rising is beneficial to health" is grammatically correct. "For" is not the usual collocation here, while "with" and "upon" do not fit the meaning or standard usage.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate form of the verb: 'I __________ him for ten years.'
A)
did not see
B)
will not see
C)
have not seen
D)
had not seen
"For ten years" shows a period of time continuing up to the present, so the present perfect tense is required: "I have not seen him for ten years." Option (c) is correct. (a) "did not see" is simple past and does not fit a duration continuing to now. (b) "will not see" is future tense and is incorrect here. (d) "had not seen" is past perfect and needs another past reference point, so it is incomplete in this sentence.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition: 'It is dangerous to intrude __________ the enemy’s camp.'
A)
through
B)
into
C)
in
D)
on
The correct preposition is "into": "It is dangerous to intrude into the enemy’s camp." "Intrude into" means to enter or force one’s way into a place where one is not wanted, which fits the sentence. "Through" suggests movement from one side to another, "on" is used with "intrude on" meaning to disturb someone, and "in" is not the correct collocation here.
Based on the passage provided, what does the above passage suggest?
A)
We should carry out physical exercise as a routine
B)
Physical exercise is necessary occasionally
C)
We should ignore physical exercise
D)
We should subject our body to as much exercise as it can withstand.
Based on established principles in English Language, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'We should subject our body to as much exercise as it can withstand.' (Option D).
The voltage of a single solar cell is
A)
0.5 V
B)
1 V
C)
1.1 V
D)
5 W
A single solar cell typically produces about 0.5 V to 0.6 V under normal operating conditions. Therefore, 0.5 V is the best answer. Option b (1 V) and option c (1.1 V) are too high for one cell; such voltages are usually obtained by connecting multiple cells in series. Option d (5 W) is incorrect because it is a unit of power, not voltage.
When the diode is forward biased, it is equivalent to
A)
An off switch
B)
An On switch
C)
A high resistance
D)
None of these
A diode in forward bias allows current to flow easily, so it behaves like a closed switch (an ON switch) with very low resistance. Option (a) is incorrect because an OFF switch corresponds to reverse bias, when the diode blocks current. Option (c) is incorrect because a forward-biased diode does not act as a high-resistance element; its resistance is low. Option (d) is incorrect because the correct equivalent is clearly given by option (b).
The ordinary efficiency of a given transformer is maximum when
A)
It run at half full load
B)
It run at full load
C)
Its Cu loss equal to Iron loss
D)
It run at 75 % of full load
A transformer’s ordinary efficiency is maximum when the variable loss equals the constant loss. In a transformer, copper loss varies with load current, while iron (core) loss is nearly constant. Therefore, maximum efficiency occurs when copper loss = iron loss. Hence option (c) is correct.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (a) Half full load: maximum efficiency does not occur at a fixed fraction like half load; it depends on the balance between copper and iron losses.
- (b) Full load: at full load, copper loss is usually greater than iron loss, so efficiency is not necessarily maximum.
- (d) 75% of full load: this is also not a general rule; the load at maximum efficiency depends on the transformer’s loss values, not a preset percentage.
The quality of output ac voltage of a cycloconverter is improved with
A)
Increase in output voltage at reduced frequency
B)
Increase in output voltage at increased frequency
C)
decrease in output voltage at reduced frequency
D)
decrease in output voltage at increased frequency
A cycloconverter produces a low-frequency AC output directly from a fixed-frequency AC input. The output waveform quality improves when the output frequency is reduced, because the number of output pulses per cycle increases and the harmonic distortion becomes easier to filter. Also, keeping the output voltage lower at higher output frequencies helps maintain proper commutation and reduces distortion. Hence, the quality of output AC voltage is improved by decrease in output voltage at increased frequency.
Why others are incorrect:
- (a) Increase in output voltage at reduced frequency: although reduced frequency helps waveform quality, increasing voltage is not the stated condition for improving quality and can worsen commutation stress.
- (b) Increase in output voltage at increased frequency: higher frequency generally worsens cycloconverter output quality because fewer pulses are available per cycle and distortion increases.
- (c) Decrease in output voltage at reduced frequency: reduced frequency is favorable, but lowering voltage at reduced frequency is not the standard condition for improving output quality.
Therefore, the correct option is d.
Trickle charging of a storage battery helps to
A)
Prevent suphation
B)
Keep it fresh and fully charge
C)
Maintain electrolyte level
D)
Increase it reserve capacity.
Trickle charging supplies a very small continuous current to a storage battery to compensate for self-discharge, thereby keeping the battery fully charged and ready for use. Hence, it helps keep the battery fresh and fully charged. Option (a) is not the best answer here because while maintaining charge does reduce sulphation, the primary purpose of trickle charging is to offset self-discharge and maintain full charge. Option (c) is incorrect because electrolyte level is maintained by adding distilled water, not by trickle charging. Option (d) is incorrect because trickle charging does not increase reserve capacity; it only preserves the battery’s existing charge condition.
The transformer oil should have:
A)
High volatility
B)
High viscosity
C)
High dielectric strength
D)
All of these
Transformer oil should have high dielectric strength so it can act as an effective insulating medium between energized parts and prevent electrical breakdown. The other options are incorrect: high viscosity is undesirable because the oil should circulate and cool efficiently, and high volatility is also undesirable because the oil should have a high flash point and low tendency to evaporate. Therefore, 'All of these' is wrong since only high dielectric strength is a desired property.
Major insulation in a transformer is the insulation between the:
A)
LV wining and core
B)
LV winding and HV winding
C)
Turns of the windings
D)
Both (a) and (b)
Major insulation in a transformer refers to the main insulation between the low-voltage (LV) winding and the high-voltage (HV) winding, because this insulation must withstand the full potential difference between the two windings. Option (a) is incorrect because insulation between the LV winding and the core is also important, but it is generally considered part of minor insulation. Option (c) is incorrect because insulation between turns of the same winding is turn-to-turn insulation, which is also minor insulation. Therefore, the correct answer is (b).
The output of a solar cell is of the order of
A)
0.1 W
B)
0.5 W
C)
1 W
D)
5 W
A typical solar cell (single photovoltaic cell) produces only a small electrical output, generally of the order of a few tenths of a watt under standard illumination. Hence, 0.1 W is the best approximate order among the given choices. The other options are too high for a single solar cell: 0.5 W and 1 W are more typical of larger cells/modules, while 5 W is far beyond the output of an individual solar cell.
Sodium vapor lamps are preferred over incandescent bulb because of
A)
higher tolerance to voltage fluctuations
B)
higher intensity of illumination
C)
longer life
D)
none of these
Sodium vapor lamps are preferred over incandescent bulbs mainly because they have a much longer service life and are more efficient for street lighting. They produce more light for the same electrical power and therefore are economical in operation. Option (c) is correct because longer life is a well-known advantage of sodium vapor lamps.
Option (a) is incorrect because tolerance to voltage fluctuations is not the primary reason for preferring sodium vapor lamps over incandescent bulbs. Option (b) is not the best answer here because although sodium vapor lamps do provide higher luminous efficiency, the standard single-choice advantage emphasized in such questions is longer life. Option (d) is incorrect because a valid advantage is given in option (c).
An over excited synchronous motor draws current at
A)
lagging power factor
B)
leading power factor
C)
unity power factor
D)
depends on the nature of load
An over-excited synchronous motor has its field current increased above the normal value, so it develops a leading power factor. In this condition, the motor draws a current that leads the supply voltage because the rotor field overcompensates the lagging reactive demand of the load. Hence the correct option is (b) leading power factor.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (a) Lagging power factor: this occurs when the motor is under-excited, not over-excited.
- (c) Unity power factor: this is achieved only at a particular excitation level, not when over-excited.
- (d) Depends on the nature of load: while load affects the magnitude of current, the over-excited condition specifically makes the motor draw leading current.
A 6-pole, 50H 3ph induction motor has a full-load speed of 950 rpm. At half-load, its speed would be____rpm
A)
475
B)
500
C)
975
D)
1000
For a 6-pole, 50 Hz induction motor, synchronous speed Ns = 120f/P = 120×50/6 = 1000 rpm. At full load the speed is 950 rpm, so the full-load slip is (1000−950)/1000 = 0.05 = 5%. In a normal induction motor, slip is approximately proportional to load in the operating region, so at half-load the slip is about 2.5%. Hence speed at half-load = 1000×(1−0.025) = 975 rpm. Therefore option c is correct.
Why others are incorrect: d = 1000 rpm would mean zero slip, which is impossible under load; a = 475 rpm and b = 500 rpm are far too low and would imply extremely large slip, not a small reduction from synchronous speed.
Which of the following transformer connection will give highest secondary voltage:
A)
Delta primary, delta secondary
B)
Delta primary, star secondary
C)
Star primary, delta secondary
D)
Star primary, star secondary
The secondary voltage is highest when the secondary is connected in delta, because in a delta connection the line voltage equals the phase voltage, whereas in a star connection the line voltage is only \u221a3 times the phase voltage. For the same transformer turns ratio, a delta-connected secondary therefore gives a higher line-to-line output voltage than a star-connected secondary. Hence, among the given choices, star primary and delta secondary gives the highest secondary voltage.
Why the others are incorrect:
- a) Delta primary, delta secondary: secondary is delta, so voltage is high, but not higher than option c because the primary connection does not increase the secondary line voltage beyond the turns ratio effect.
- b) Delta primary, star secondary: star secondary gives lower line voltage than delta secondary.
- d) Star primary, star secondary: both sides are star, so secondary line voltage is lower than in delta secondary connections.
Therefore, the correct answer is c.
The snubber circuit is used in thyristor circuits for
A)
triggering
B)
dv/dt protection
C)
di/dt protection
D)
phase shifting
A snubber circuit in thyristor circuits is primarily used for dv/dt protection. It limits the rate of rise of voltage across the thyristor so that the device does not turn on unintentionally due to its internal capacitances. It also helps suppress voltage spikes and transients.
Why the others are incorrect:
- a) Triggering: Snubber circuits do not provide gate triggering; triggering is done by the gate pulse circuit.
- c) di/dt protection: di/dt protection is mainly provided by series inductance or current-limiting elements, not the snubber.
- d) Phase shifting: Phase shifting is related to control circuits in AC systems, not the function of a snubber circuit.