Mixed English Questions for Mains Exam — Set 287

Directions(1-5): Read the following sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number corresponding to that part will be your answer. If the given sentence is correct as it is, mark the answer as ‘No error’. Ignore the errors of punctuation if any.

1. He wanted to learn (1)/ more about careers in (2)/ designing, engineering, mechanics (3)/ and research scientist. (4)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   No error
   Option
   The use of ‘research scientist’ is incorrect. In order to make a parallel structure, we need to have similar elements. So, we need to use ‘research science’. So, the correct choice is D.
   
    



2. For the past three decades, (1)/ rising ocean temperature have (2)/ put the world’s coral reefs (3)/ under a great deal of stress. (4)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   No error
   Option B
   In part 2, the subject (ocean temperature) is singular but the verb (have) is in plural. There is no subject-verb agreement here. so, part 2 is wrong. Hence, the correct answer is B.
   
   
    



3. India is the fifth most vulnerable (1)/ of 181 countries to the effects of (2)/ climate change , with its (3)/ poorer being te most at risk.(4)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   No error
   Option D
   In part 4 'most' is used, which means we are using the superlative degree. So, it should be 'poorest' instead of 'poorer' in part. Hence, the correct answer is D.
   
    



4. When the FBI was (1)/ founded in 1908 during (2)/ the Progressive Era, federal law (3)/ enforcement was in its infancy. (4)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   No error
   Option E
   
   
    



5. My initial impression (1)/ was incorrect as I thought that (2)/ both he as well as his mother (3)/ seemed well informed and intelligent. (4)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   No error
   Option C
   The error lies in the third part of the sentence. The conjunction ‘both’ is always followed by ‘and’. So, we need to replace ‘as well as’ with ‘and’ to make the sentence correct.
   
    



6. Direction: In the given question, a statement with a blank has been given, followed by three word out of which more than one can complete the sentence grammatically and contextually. Find the word (s) which can fill the blank and choose the option accordingly.
   
   Ancient practices in China and Japan remain the gold standard for ______ bamboo buildings.
   I. Durable
   II. Feeble
   III. Ephemeral
   Only I
   Only II
   Only III
   Both I and II
   Both I and III
   Option A
   Durable means able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing.
   Feeble means lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
   Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time.
   Gold standard refers to superior quality. Hence, the correct answer is A.
   
   
    


Directions(7-10): In the question, one sentence is given, and four words have been given in bold denoted by (A), (B), (C) and (D). You have to decide which of the following is inappropriate in the context. If all the words are appropriate in the context then mark ‘All are correct’ as your answer.


7. The precedents(A) set by the President(B) of a country amply(C) the conditions implicit(D) in its functioning.
   A
   B
   C
   D
   All are correct
   Option C
   The error lies in part C of the sentence. The word ‘amply’ is used to mean abundance, which is contextually incorrect. The word ‘imply’, on the other hand, is used to denote the necessary consequence of an action, in this case the precedents set by the president. Hence, the word ‘amply’ in part C of the sentence should be replaced by the word ‘imply’.
   
    



8. The farther(A) one travels,(B) the farther(C) they realise the troubles(D) of the journey.
   A
   B
   C
   D
   All are correct
   Option C
   The error lies in part C of the sentence. The word ‘farther’ is the comparative form of the word ‘far’, denoting a measure of distance. The word ‘further’, on the other hand, denotes progress, ideally from a previous condition. Given the context of the sentence, the word ‘further’ should replace the word ‘farther’, since the second part of the sentence deals with the progression from one stage of realization of troubles to the next stage. Hence, the answer is ‘further’, replacing the word ‘farther’.
   
    



9. It is advised(A) one listens(B) to the advice(C) of one’s olders(D).
   A
   B
   C
   D
   All are correct
   Option D
   The error lies in part ‘D’ of the sentence. The word ‘older’ is an adjective meaning someone is greater in age than another. The word ‘elder’, while often used as an adjective meaning the same as ‘older’, is also used as a common noun to denote a generic group of people older than someone.
   
    



10. The robbery(A) was blamed on the notorious(B) theif(C) who admitted responsibility for this mischief(D) as well.
    A
    B
    C
    D
    All are correct
    Option C
    The error lies in part C of the sentence. The word ‘thief’, denoting a person who steals, has been wrongly spelled as ‘theif’ in the sentence.
    
     

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