In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.
an event serving as an introduction to something more important
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Answer: (B) prelude
Explanation
The term prelude is defined as an action, event, or situation that serves as an introduction or opening to something more important, significant, or larger in scale. It originates from the Latin word praeludere, meaning to play beforehand, and is commonly used in both literary and general contexts to describe an introductory event that sets the stage for what follows.
152English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence
The good fortune of (my being) your disciple in my youth has greatly benefited me in my career.
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Answer: (A) my having been
Explanation
The perfect gerund "having been" is used to represent an action or state that was completed in the past prior to the action of the main verb. Since being a disciple occurred during a completed past period ("in my youth") and the benefit is felt in the present career ("has greatly benefited"), the perfect gerund "my having been" is grammatically precise to show this temporal relationship. Additionally, the possessive pronoun "my" is correctly used to modify the gerund.
153English Comprehension
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
The injured old man exclaimed, 'Will none of you help me?'
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Answer: (A) The injured old man exclaimed whether none of them would help him.
Explanation
When converting the direct speech sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb exclaimed is retained, and the yes/no question is introduced using the conjunction whether. The second-person pronoun you changes to the third-person plural them to represent the people being addressed, while the first-person pronoun me changes to the third-person singular him to refer back to the injured old man. The future tense auxiliary verb will undergoes backshifting to its past form would to match the past tense of the reporting verb, and the interrogative sentence structure is converted into an assertive clause, resulting in whether none of them would help him.
154English Comprehension
In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.
All the furnitures(A)/has been replaced(B)/by the landlord.(C)/No error(D)
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Answer: (A) A
Explanation
The word furniture is an uncountable noun, which means it does not have a plural form and cannot be written as furnitures. It always takes the singular form furniture, regardless of the quantity of items being referred to. Therefore, part A contains the grammatical error and should be corrected to All the furniture.
155English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
There is also P-drought, the Q-the hope that after two years of R-monsoon will be good in the coming fiscal
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Answer: (A) QPR
Explanation
The sentence can be logically connected by placing part Q first, which introduces the main subject of the clause: there is also the hope that after two years of. This is grammatically followed by part P, which completes the prepositional phrase with the noun drought and provides the definite article: drought, the. Part R then completes the subject-verb structure with: monsoon will be good in the coming fiscal. Combining these parts in the order Q-P-R yields the coherent and grammatically correct sentence: There is also the hope that after two years of drought, the monsoon will be good in the coming fiscal.
156English Comprehension
Select the synonym of
scarcity
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Answer: (D) dearth
Explanation
Scarcity refers to the state of being in short supply or having a shortage of something. Dearth similarly means a lack, shortage, or scarcity of something. Since both words denote an insufficient quantity of a resource, they are synonyms.
157English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
To bite the dust
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Answer: (A) To be killed
Explanation
The idiom "to bite the dust" is an ancient expression that literally refers to a soldier falling face-first into the ground when struck down in battle, thus meaning to die or to be killed. Over time, the phrase has also been used more broadly to describe failure, defeat, or breaking down, but its core definition remains closely tied to death or being slain.
158English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
To burn the midnight oil
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Answer: (B) To read or work late into the night
Explanation
The idiom to burn the midnight oil refers to the practice of staying up late into the night to study or work. The phrase originates from the time before electricity when people had to burn oil in lamps to provide light for reading or working after dark.
159English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence
Before I met your brother I (have had) a poor opinion of him.
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Answer: (B) had
Explanation
In the sentence, the clause "Before I met your brother" uses the simple past tense verb "met", indicating a specific completed action in the past. The state of holding a poor opinion of him existed prior to this meeting. Because the conjunction "before" already establishes the chronological sequence of the two events, the simple past tense "had" is used for the earlier past state. This accurately reflects a completed past state using the simple past of the stative verb "to have".
160English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
The party faithful, who
P-expectations, are now disillusioned
Q-had greeted his political arrival in 2004
R-with great enthusiasm, and
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Answer: (B) QRP
Explanation
The relative pronoun who in the introductory clause refers to the human subject The party faithful and must be followed by a verb phrase that describes their action. Part Q contains the verb had greeted, making it the only grammatically correct continuation.
The prepositional phrase in Part R, with great enthusiasm, and, describes how they greeted his political arrival.
The coordinating conjunction and at the end of Part R links the noun enthusiasm with expectations in Part P. This completes the subject-predicate structure, with the main verb are now disillusioned closing the sentence. Combining these parts sequentially yields the coherent sentence: The party faithful, who had greeted his political arrival in 2004 with great enthusiasm, and expectations, are now disillusioned.
161English Comprehension
Select the antonym of
feign
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Answer: (D) fact
Explanation
The word feign means to pretend, fake, or simulate a state, feeling, or action, representing a lack of truth or reality. An antonym must denote absolute reality and truth. The word fact refers to something that is actual, real, and proven to exist, making it the direct opposite of a pretense or falsehood.
162English Comprehension
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
Has anyone from our team answered your question?
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Answer: (C) Has your question been answered by anyone from our team?
Explanation
The given active voice sentence is in the interrogative form of the present perfect tense. The structure for converting an active interrogative sentence in the present perfect tense into passive voice is Has/Have + subject + been + past participle form of the verb + by + agent.
In the active sentence, anyone from our team is the subject, and your question is the object. When transformed, your question becomes the subject in the passive voice. Since your question is singular, the auxiliary verb Has is used at the beginning. Thus, the passive voice form is Has your question been answered by anyone from our team?
163English Comprehension
In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.
This town has an ancient temple(A)/and beautiful waterfall(B)/so many tourists come here.(C)/No error(D)
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Answer: (B) B
Explanation
The error lies in part B of the sentence. The noun phrase "beautiful waterfall" consists of the singular countable noun "waterfall" modified by the adjective "beautiful". In English grammar, a singular countable noun cannot stand alone without a determiner such as an article. To make the sentence grammatically correct and maintain parallel structure with "an ancient temple" in part A, the indefinite article "a" must be inserted before "beautiful", making the correct phrase "and a beautiful waterfall".
164English Comprehension
Select the synonym of
cheeky
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Answer: (C) brash
Explanation
The word cheeky means showing a lack of respect, or being impudently bold, sassy, and insolent. The word brash means self-assertive, rude, or behaving in an impudently bold manner. Therefore, brash is a synonym of cheeky.
165English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.
the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated
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Answer: (C) implication
Explanation
An implication is a conclusion, suggestion, or consequence that can be logically inferred or deduced from something, even though it is not directly or explicitly stated. It represents the implicit meaning behind words, actions, or circumstances, requiring the observer to read between the lines to understand the unexpressed message.
166English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove that children _______ better in private schools, the attack _______ a new weapon: per unit cost of learning outcomes. Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand the entire _______ of education in any depth and reduces it to learning of so- called 3Rs for economic purposes.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove
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Answer: (C) When
Explanation
The subordinating conjunction "when" is used to introduce a dependent clause that establishes the time or condition under which the main event of the sentence occurs. In this context, it smoothly connects the initial clause describing the difficulty of empirically proving a point about private schools with the main clause describing the subsequent shift in the attack strategy. Using "when" provides the necessary temporal and logical link that allows the complex sentence to be grammatically complete and coherent.
167English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove that children _______ better in private schools, the attack _______ a new weapon: per unit cost of learning outcomes. Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand the entire _______ of education in any depth and reduces it to learning of so- called 3Rs for economic purposes.
children _______ better in private schools
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Answer: (A) learn
Explanation
The passage focuses on educational assessment and the evaluation of student outcomes, specifically referring to learning outcomes and the acquisition of skills. This is evident from subsequent phrases in the text, such as "per unit cost of learning outcomes" and "learning of so-called 3Rs". The verb learn is the most contextually and grammatically appropriate term to describe the process of children gaining knowledge and academic skills within an educational environment.
168English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove that children _______ better in private schools, the attack _______ a new weapon: per unit cost of learning outcomes. Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand the entire _______ of education in any depth and reduces it to learning of so- called 3Rs for economic purposes.
the attack _______ a new weapon
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Answer: (D) invented
Explanation
The sentence begins in the simple past tense with the verb became, indicating that the actions described took place in the past. To maintain grammatical consistency and parallel tense structure throughout the sentence, the coordinate clause describing the attack must also use the simple past tense form invented.
169English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove that children _______ better in private schools, the attack _______ a new weapon: per unit cost of learning outcomes. Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand the entire _______ of education in any depth and reduces it to learning of so- called 3Rs for economic purposes.
Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand
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Answer: (B) always
Explanation
The correct adverb to fill the blank is "always". In English grammar, "almost always" is a standard idiomatic collocation that means "nearly all the time" or "with very few exceptions." Within the context of the passage, using "always" after "almost" (creating "almost always") properly emphasizes the near-consistent failure of most learning outcome research to comprehend the broader depth and purpose of education.
170English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
_______ it became difficult to empirically prove that children _______ better in private schools, the attack _______ a new weapon: per unit cost of learning outcomes. Most of the learning outcome researches _______ almost fail to understand the entire _______ of education in any depth and reduces it to learning of so- called 3Rs for economic purposes.
the entire _______ of education in any depth
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Answer: (A) purpose
Explanation
In the context of the passage, the text critiques research that reduces education to basic skills like the 3Rs for economic utility. The term purpose refers to the fundamental reason, objective, or design for which something exists or is created. Therefore, the phrase the entire purpose of education correctly highlights the holistic goals and intrinsic value of education, which such narrow research fails to comprehend.
171English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
An outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something.
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Answer: (B) contour
Explanation
The word contour refers to an outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something. It is used to describe the outer boundary or surface profile of an object, figure, or geographical feature, indicating its shape and curves.
172English Comprehension
In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.
Soon as he(A)/saw the policeman,(B)/he ran away.(C)/No error(D)
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Answer: (A) A
Explanation
The phrase soon as is grammatically incorrect when used to indicate that one action happens immediately after another. The correct conjunction to express this relationship is as soon as. To correct the error, the word as must be added at the beginning, making it as soon as he.
173English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
We are told that its
P- Public Distribution System
Q- creating a functional
R- sole purpose is the noble goal of
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Answer: (B) RQP
Explanation
The possessive determiner "its" at the end of the introductory clause must be followed by a noun phrase. The phrase "sole purpose" in R naturally succeeds "its", establishing R as the first part of the sequence.
The preposition "of" at the end of R requires a noun or a gerund to follow it. The gerund "creating" in Q fits grammatically, continuing the sentence.
The adjective "functional" at the end of Q must modify a noun. The noun phrase "Public Distribution System" in P completes this construction, ending the sentence.
Combining these parts in the order R-Q-P forms the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: "We are told that its sole purpose is the noble goal of creating a functional Public Distribution System."
174English Comprehension
Select the word with the correct spelling.
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Answer: (B) scabbard
Explanation
The word scabbard is correctly spelled with a double b and ends in ard. It is a noun that refers to a protective sheath or case designed to hold the blade of a sword, dagger, bayonet, or other bladed weapon. Historically, scabbards have been crafted from various materials such as leather, wood, brass, or steel.
175English Comprehension
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
Gokul said to Sumit, "Why did not you attend the meeting yesterday?"
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Answer: (C) Gokul asked Sumit why he had not attended the meeting the day before.
Explanation
When converting an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, several grammatical transformations occur. The reporting verb said to changes to asked. The interrogative clause why did not you attend is converted into an assertive clause, keeping the question word why as a connector without using that. The second-person pronoun you, which refers to the listener Sumit, changes to the third-person pronoun he. The simple past tense did not attend changes to the past perfect tense had not attended because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Finally, the adverb of time yesterday changes to the day before. These systematic shifts form the grammatically accurate indirect statement.
176English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
to lose one's head
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Answer: (C) to become confused or overly emotional about someone or something
Explanation
The idiom "to lose one's head" means to lose self-control, composure, or the ability to think clearly and act rationally. This typically occurs when a person becomes overwhelmed by panic, excitement, anger, or strong feelings in a challenging or high-pressure situation, leading them to become overly emotional or deeply confused.
177English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.
A person famous and respected within a particular sphere.
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Answer: (A) eminent
Explanation
The word eminent is used to describe a person who is highly distinguished, prominent, and widely respected, particularly within a specific field, profession, or social sphere. This term denotes someone who has achieved a high level of recognition and authority due to their exceptional expertise or notable contributions to their domain.
178English Comprehension
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive voice. Out of four alternatives suggested, select the one, which best expresses the same sentence in Passive/Active voice.
We shall invite Suresh.
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Answer: (C) Suresh will be invited by us.
Explanation
The given active voice sentence is in the simple future tense, which has the structure: Subject + shall/will + base verb + Object.
To convert a simple future active sentence into passive voice, the structure is changed to: Subject (original Object) + will/shall + be + past participle of the verb + by + Object (original Subject).
Applying this rule, the object Suresh becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Since Suresh is a third-person singular noun, it takes the auxiliary will be instead of shall be. The main verb invite is changed to its past participle form invited, and the subject pronoun we becomes the object pronoun us. This forms the correct passive sentence Suresh will be invited by us.
179English Comprehension
Select the antonym of
amenable
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Answer: (D) unsusceptible
Explanation
The word amenable means being open, responsive to suggestion, easily influenced, or susceptible to a particular treatment or force. The word unsusceptible means not susceptible, unresponsive, or incapable of being influenced, affected, or acted upon. This makes it the direct antonym of amenable.
180English Comprehension
Select the synonym of
to subsume
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Answer: (D) to incorporate
Explanation
To subsume means to include, absorb, or incorporate something into a larger, more comprehensive category, group, or rule. When an element is subsumed, it becomes part of a broader entity, which makes to incorporate its direct synonym as both words convey the action of combining or including something within a larger whole.
181English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence
I prefer black coffee (over) cappuccino.
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Answer: (B) to
Explanation
The verb prefer is standardly followed by the preposition to when comparing two nouns or gerunds to express a preference. The correct grammatical construction is prefer X to Y, which makes to the appropriate replacement.
182English Comprehension
In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.
You must not(A)/look down into(B)/parents' advice.(C)/No error(D)
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Answer: (B) B
Explanation
The phrasal verb look down into is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct phrasal verb to use is look down upon or look down on, which means to treat with contempt, disregard, or consider as inferior and of little value. Replacing the preposition into with upon or on makes the sentence grammatically correct and semantically meaningful in conveying that one should not disregard or show contempt for their parents' advice.
183English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence
The priest agreed (to answer on) questions on theology.
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Answer: (A) to answer
Explanation
The verb answer is a transitive verb when used in the context of replying to a query, which means it takes a direct object directly without requiring any preposition. Therefore, the preposition on is redundant and grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct phrasing is to answer questions, making to answer the appropriate improvement.
184English Comprehension
Select the synonym of
to lash
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Answer: (C) to chastise
Explanation
The verb to lash means to beat or strike with a whip, or to criticize, scold, or punish someone severely. Similarly, to chastise means to discipline, punish, or criticize someone severely, making them direct synonyms in the context of reprimanding or inflicting punishment.
185English Comprehension
In the following question, sentence given with blank is to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.
Fuel suppliers will ______ the national oil shortage by raising prices to increase their bottom lines.
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Answer: (D) exploit
Explanation
The word exploit means to take unfair advantage of a situation, resource, or crisis for one's own selfish ends or financial gain. In this context, fuel suppliers are capitalizing on a difficult national oil shortage to raise prices and maximize their profits, which is a classic example of exploiting a situation for business benefit.
186English Comprehension
Select the antonym of
to muster
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Answer: (C) to estrange
Explanation
The verb to muster means to assemble, gather, or bring together, typically for a shared purpose, inspection, or action. The antonym of this action is to estrange, which means to alienate, separate, or cause someone to become distant and isolated from others, representing the opposite process of bringing people or things together.
187English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
head over heels
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Answer: (D) to be madly in love
Explanation
The idiom head over heels is a shortened version of the phrase head over heels in love. It originally referred to tumbling or doing a cartwheel, suggesting a state of being physically turned upside down. Figuratively, it describes the feeling of being completely overwhelmed, deeply infatuated, and madly in love with someone, as if one has tumbled helplessly into their emotions.
188English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
So, increasingly,
P- paying to provide revenues
Q- for the Central government
R- the poor have been
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Answer: (A) RPQ
Explanation
The introductory phrase "So, increasingly," is logically followed by the subject of the sentence, "the poor have been" (R). This verb phrase "have been" requires a present participle to complete the continuous tense, which is provided by "paying to provide revenues" (P). The prepositional phrase "for the Central government" (Q) then correctly modifies the noun "revenues" by indicating the recipient of those revenues. Combining these parts in the order RPQ produces a grammatically sound and meaningful sentence: "So, increasingly, the poor have been paying to provide revenues for the Central government."
189English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
The scenario ______ dramatically today. We have the ______ of powerful Internet monopolies that are much bigger ______ the telcos. Not surprisingly, these companies now see the ______ of monopoly. They would like to combine with telcos to create monopolies for their platforms, ensuring that they control the future of the Internet and freeze ______ their competition
The scenario ______ dramatically today.
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Answer: (C) has changed
Explanation
The sentence uses the word today to indicate a current state of affairs that has resulted from a recent transition. The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that began in the past and has completed or continues to have a direct impact in the present. Because the subject scenario is singular, it requires the singular auxiliary verb has paired with the past participle changed, making has changed the grammatically correct fit for the sentence.
190English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
The scenario ______ dramatically today. We have the ______ of powerful Internet monopolies that are much bigger ______ the telcos. Not surprisingly, these companies now see the ______ of monopoly. They would like to combine with telcos to create monopolies for their platforms, ensuring that they control the future of the Internet and freeze ______ their competition
monopolies that are much bigger ______ the telcos
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Answer: (B) than
Explanation
The sentence uses the comparative adjective bigger, which requires the conjunction than to introduce the second item being compared, in this case, the telcos. This establishes a direct comparison of size or influence between the internet monopolies and the telecommunications companies.
191English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
The scenario ______ dramatically today. We have the ______ of powerful Internet monopolies that are much bigger ______ the telcos. Not surprisingly, these companies now see the ______ of monopoly. They would like to combine with telcos to create monopolies for their platforms, ensuring that they control the future of the Internet and freeze ______ their competition
Not surprisingly, these companies now see the ______ of monopoly.
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Answer: (A) virtues
Explanation
The word virtues is used in this context to mean the advantages, benefits, or desirable qualities of something. The passage describes how powerful Internet corporations are growing larger than telecommunications companies and aim to control the future of the Internet by combining with them to eliminate competition. In this scenario, these dominant companies recognize the benefits and favorable characteristics that a monopolistic position offers to their business, making virtues the grammatically and contextually correct choice to complete the sentence.
192English Comprehension
In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.
The scenario ______ dramatically today. We have the ______ of powerful Internet monopolies that are much bigger ______ the telcos. Not surprisingly, these companies now see the ______ of monopoly. They would like to combine with telcos to create monopolies for their platforms, ensuring that they control the future of the Internet and freeze ______ their competition
future of the Internet and freeze ______ their competition
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Answer: (D) out
Explanation
The phrasal verb "freeze out" means to exclude, force out, or prevent a competitor from participating in a business or market by using competitive pressure or creating barriers to entry. In the context of the passage, internet monopolies aim to combine with telecom operators to dominate the market and completely exclude their rivals from competing. Therefore, "out" is the correct word to complete the phrase "freeze out their competition".
193English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.
To rummage about in a place or container in search of something.
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Answer: (C) to ferret
Explanation
The verb to ferret means to rummage about in a place or container in search of something, typically by moving things around or looking through them persistently. This usage is derived from the behavior of the animal ferret, which is traditionally used to hunt rabbits by driving them out of their burrows and tight spaces.
194English Comprehension
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
to buy a lemon
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Answer: (A) to purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems
Explanation
The idiom to buy a lemon means to purchase something, particularly a vehicle, that is defective, unreliable, and constantly gives problems or requires frequent repairs after it is bought. It is most commonly used in the context of buying a second-hand car that turns out to have many hidden defects.
195English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
His exact date of birth is not known
P- but it is believed that he was born in
Q- late May and later on he decided to celebrate May 29 as his birthday,
R- as this was the date he climbed Everest
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Answer: (B) PQR
Explanation
The sentence starts with the main clause stating that his exact date of birth is not known. Part P logically follows this statement by introducing a contrasting belief using the conjunction "but" and ends with the phrase "born in". Part Q begins with "late May", which acts as the direct continuation of "born in" to specify the time of birth, and ends with his decision to celebrate May 29 as his birthday. Part R starts with "as this", which provides the explanatory reason for choosing that specific date, referring back to his historic climb of Mount Everest on May 29. This creates a grammatically correct and logically coherent sentence in the order P-Q-R.
196English Comprehension
Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.
Today, less privileged white
P- Americans are considered to be
Q- and pathologists predominates
R- in crisis, and the language of sociologists
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Answer: (A) PRQ
Explanation
The noun phrase "less privileged white" requires a plural noun to complete the subject, which is provided by "Americans" in part P. Following the verb phrase "are considered to be" in part P, the prepositional phrase "in crisis" in part R completes the predicate. Part R concludes with the start of a compound subject "the language of sociologists", which is completed by "and pathologists" in part Q, followed by its singular verb "predominates". Joining these parts in the order P-R-Q forms the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: "Today, less privileged white Americans are considered to be in crisis, and the language of sociologists and pathologists predominates."
197English Comprehension
In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.
Vicky said, "I clean my teeth daily."
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Answer: (C) Vicky said that he cleaned his teeth daily.
Explanation
When converting direct speech to indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the simple present tense of the verb in the direct speech (clean) changes to the simple past tense (cleaned). Additionally, the first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person pronoun he to match the subject Vicky, and the possessive adjective my changes to his. The conjunction that is also introduced to connect the reporting clause with the reported statement, resulting in: Vicky said that he cleaned his teeth daily.
198English Comprehension
In the following question, the sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.
Nobody gets ______ with a pretentious smug.
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Answer: (A) along
Explanation
The phrasal verb get along with means to have a friendly, harmonious, or compatible relationship with someone. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that nobody is able to maintain a friendly relationship or coexist easily with a person who is pretentious and smug.
199English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.
As the financial situation worsened we realized that we were heading (toward) a disaster.
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Answer: (C) for
Explanation
The phrase heading for is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to indicate that someone or something is on a course that is highly likely to result in a specific, usually negative, situation or outcome. In this context, heading for a disaster correctly and naturally conveys the inevitability of experiencing a catastrophic failure due to the worsening financial situation.
200English Comprehension
Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.
After today's terrible test I am sure that my teacher's opinion (about) me will change for the worse.
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Answer: (D) no improvement
Explanation
The noun opinion can be followed by different prepositions, including about, of, and on. When expressing an attitude, judgment, or view regarding a person, both opinion of and opinion about are grammatically correct and natural in standard English. Since the original sentence uses about, it is grammatically sound and does not require any correction. Therefore, no improvement is needed.
