Total Questions: 100
Sections: Grammar Error Correction, Synonyms, Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Tests and Para Jumbles
Section A: Grammar Error Correction
Directions for Questions 1–20
Each sentence is divided into parts (A), (B), and (C). Identify the part containing the grammatical error. Choose (D) No error when the sentence is grammatically correct.
1.
The editorial argued that governments should regulate platforms (A) / rather than deciding who may enters them (B) / or imposing restrictions on every user. (C) / No error (D)
2.
Researchers have not yet established (A) / whether prolonged social-media use causes distress (B) / or merely correlate with it. (C) / No error (D)
3.
Much of the available evidence (A) / are observational (B) / and therefore vulnerable to reverse causation. (C) / No error (D)
4.
If regulators had imposed stronger privacy safeguards earlier, (A) / many harmful design practices (B) / might have been curtailed. (C) / No error (D)
5.
The expert panel discussed about (A) / whether chronological feeds should be made mandatory (B) / for younger social-media users. (C) / No error (D)
6.
Several applications use features (A) / that are deliberately designed (B) / to keeping users continuously engaged. (C) / No error (D)
7.
There is fewer reliable evidence (A) / for the effectiveness of age-based bans (B) / than their supporters often claim. (C) / No error (D)
8.
The report recommended incorporating digital literacy (A) / into school curricula (B) / without restricting legitimate online expression. (C) / No error (D)
9.
It is essential that every digital platform (A) / complies with the safeguards (B) / prescribed for protecting minors. (C) / No error (D)
10.
Not until the raw data were re-examined (A) / did the researchers understood (B) / how small the average effect was. (C) / No error (D)
11.
Female enrolment has increased steadily, (A) / whereas the growth in male enrolment (B) / have remained comparatively modest. (C) / No error (D)
12.
The proposed policy seeks both to protect adolescents (A) / and reducing their exposure (B) / to addictive digital interfaces. (C) / No error (D)
13.
Despite of repeated warnings, (A) / the company continued to deploy features (B) / that allegedly encouraged compulsive use. (C) / No error (D)
14.
Authorities must prevent commercial platforms (A) / to exploit behavioural data (B) / collected from children. (C) / No error (D)
15.
Ukraine intensified its attacks on oil refineries (A) / with a view to hindering (B) / the financial capacity of its opponent. (C) / No error (D)
16.
The athlete was accustomed to train (A) / at high intensity (B) / before the injury interrupted her season. (C) / No error (D)
17.
It was her coach which reminded her (A) / that psychological recovery (B) / was as important as physical rehabilitation. (C) / No error (D)
18.
Many a digital-safety expert (A) / have questioned the wisdom (B) / of imposing a blanket age-based prohibition. (C) / No error (D)
19.
This is one of the most nuanced analyses (A) / that has appeared (B) / in the public debate this year. (C) / No error (D)
20.
The athlete would rather rebuild her strength patiently (A) / than return prematurely (B) / and risk another serious injury. (C) / No error (D)
Section B: Synonyms
Directions for Questions 21–35
Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the given word.
21. Augur
A) Conceal
B) Predict
C) Oppose
D) Postpone
22. Susceptible
A) Vulnerable
B) Resistant
C) Indifferent
D) Decisive
23. Mandate
A) Require officially
B) Request privately
C) Withdraw completely
D) Question repeatedly
24. Moderation
A) Intensification
B) Regulation or control
C) Destruction
D) Refusal
25. Granular
A) Highly detailed
B) Completely vague
C) Temporary
D) Exaggerated
26. Porous
A) Rigid
B) Permeable
C) Sealed
D) Polished
27. Sanctuary
A) Refuge
B) Battlefield
C) Punishment
D) Obstruction
28. Illicit
A) Profitable
B) Uncertain
C) Illegal
D) Traditional
29. Bulwark
A) Serious weakness
B) Protective barrier
C) Mutual agreement
D) Secret route
30. Precarious
A) Completely safe
B) Unstable or risky
C) Obvious
D) Permanent
31. Interdiction
A) Prevention or interception
B) Encouragement
C) Negotiation
D) Celebration
32. Catalyse
A) Conceal
B) Trigger or accelerate
C) Postpone
D) Neutralise
33. Formidable
A) Easily defeated
B) Powerful or difficult to overcome
C) Routine
D) Invisible
34. Resilience
A) Ability to recover
B) Fear of failure
C) Refusal to change
D) Absence of emotion
35. Linger
A) Vanish immediately
B) Remain for a long time
C) Accelerate suddenly
D) Settle legally
Section C: Antonyms
Directions for Questions 36–50
Choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the given word.
36. Cautious
A) Prudent
B) Vigilant
C) Reckless
D) Hesitant
37. Credible
A) Plausible
B) Authentic
C) Reliable
D) Implausible
38. Passive
A) Inactive
B) Active
C) Silent
D) Neutral
39. Hostile
A) Unfriendly
B) Aggressive
C) Amicable
D) Bitter
40. Neglected
A) Ignored
B) Abandoned
C) Cared for
D) Overlooked
41. Primitive
A) Ancient
B) Crude
C) Advanced
D) Basic
42. Isolated
A) Connected
B) Remote
C) Secluded
D) Detached
43. Entrench
A) Establish firmly
B) Dislodge
C) Reinforce
D) Embed
44. Agile
A) Nimble
B) Flexible
C) Rapid
D) Sluggish
45. Dismantle
A) Assemble
B) Destroy
C) Weaken
D) Scatter
46. Sustained
A) Continuous
B) Intermittent
C) Enduring
D) Steady
47. Prevalent
A) Widespread
B) Common
C) Rare
D) Dominant
48. Restrict
A) Limit
B) Permit
C) Regulate
D) Reduce
49. Disrupt
A) Disturb
B) Interrupt
C) Stabilise
D) Damage
50. Adverse
A) Hostile
B) Harmful
C) Unfavourable
D) Favourable
Section D: Reading Comprehension
Passage 1
Public debate about adolescents and social media is often pulled towards simple solutions. The evidence, however, is more complicated. Studies consistently find an association between heavy use and poorer mental health, especially among girls, but many of these studies are observational. This makes reverse causation possible: distressed adolescents may spend more time online rather than online activity being the original cause of their distress.
Furthermore, harm depends not only on the number of hours spent online but also on whether usage is passive or active, whether online communities are hostile or supportive, and whether platforms promote addictive recommendations.
An age-based ban may appear decisive, yet enforcement can be weak, and evidence that such bans improve mental health remains limited. A more precise strategy would impose a duty of care on platforms, strengthen privacy and parental controls, require safer default settings, improve content moderation and teach digital literacy.
This approach does not deny that online spaces can cause harm. It recognises that they may also provide friendship, peer support and access to useful information. The central policy question is therefore not merely who may enter social media but how the digital environment itself should operate.
51. What is the central argument of the passage?
A) All social-media use should be prohibited for adults and children.
B) Regulation should focus on platform design rather than relying only on blanket age bans.
C) Social media has no connection with adolescent mental health.
D) Parents should be solely responsible for regulating online platforms.
52. What does “reverse causation” mean in the passage?
A) Social-media companies reverse their policies after criticism.
B) Adolescents recover after completely avoiding the Internet.
C) Existing distress may cause greater social-media use instead of being caused by it.
D) Online platforms deliberately reverse scientific findings.
53. Why does the passage distinguish between passive and active engagement?
A) The nature of online participation may affect users more than time alone.
B) Active users always suffer from severe mental-health problems.
C) Passive users do not spend any time on social media.
D) Active engagement automatically prevents cyberbullying.
54. Which policy would the author most likely support?
A) Immediate closure of all social-media companies
B) A ban on Internet access for everyone below 21
C) Elimination of all parental controls
D) Privacy safeguards, digital literacy and safer platform design
55. Which word best describes the tone of the passage?
A) Mocking
B) Balanced and analytical
C) Celebratory
D) Completely dismissive
Passage 2
Global terrorism may decline numerically while remaining structurally dangerous. Most terrorism-related deaths occur in countries already affected by armed conflict. When institutions collapse, extremist groups occupy the resulting vacuum, offering crude security and ideological certainty to disillusioned populations.
Borderlands are especially vulnerable. Many attacks occur close to international frontiers, where weak administration, porous boundaries and illicit supply routes create operational sanctuaries.
The appropriate response cannot be limited to military strikes. States must reinforce courts, local policing, public services and legitimate authority in neglected regions. Intelligence agencies also need agile cross-border coordination to intercept finance, movement and digital recruitment.
At the same time, optimism must remain cautious. A smaller number of dominant organisations may allow more focused interdiction, but these organisations are resilient. Under pressure, they fragment, localise and attach themselves to existing ethnic or political grievances. Prolonged wars and mass displacement can reverse recent gains by creating fertile conditions for extremist resurgence.
56. What is the principal argument of the passage?
A) Terrorism has disappeared because the number of attacks has declined.
B) Military action is the only effective response to terrorism.
C) Numerical decline does not remove structural dangers created by conflict and weak institutions.
D) International borders should be permanently closed.
57. What does the word “vacuum” refer to in the first paragraph?
A) The absence of effective State authority
B) An empty military vehicle
C) A decline in international trade
D) A lack of communication technology
58. Why are borderlands described as particularly vulnerable?
A) They are always densely populated.
B) They receive excessive administrative attention.
C) They are protected by strong judicial systems.
D) Weak governance and porous boundaries help extremist networks operate.
59. Why might a smaller number of dominant organisations help counter-terrorism agencies?
A) It guarantees the immediate end of armed conflict.
B) Intelligence and interdiction efforts can be more precisely focused.
C) Smaller organisations never adapt to pressure.
D) It removes the need for international cooperation.
60. Which conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
A) Public services are unrelated to national security.
B) Border regions should be left to local communities alone.
C) Military measures without institutional strengthening are insufficient.
D) Mass displacement always reduces extremist activity.
Passage 3
After a serious injury, an elite hurdler’s challenge was not only physical. Her coach imposed complete rest on the injured area but insisted that the rest of her body continue working. She channelled her energy into upper-body strength.
Equally important, the coach did not force artificial optimism. He allowed her to experience sadness and fear while repeatedly assuring her that recovery remained possible. Small gestures also mattered: her favourite food arrived before surgery, reminding her that she was supported as a person and not merely managed as a performer.
Later, a strength specialist joined the team. His technical knowledge was useful, but his greatest contribution was reinforcement—confirming that the existing recovery plan was sound.
When the athlete finally returned to the track, further injuries followed and fear lingered. She even placed cushions on hurdles to soften the possible impact. Only after a strong competitive performance did belief begin to displace anxiety. Her comeback therefore depended on patience, emotional honesty and a support system that recognised the human being behind the athlete.
61. According to the passage, what made the athlete’s recovery difficult?
A) She lacked all access to training equipment.
B) She faced both physical and psychological challenges.
C) Her coach refused to communicate with her.
D) She permanently lost interest in sport.
62. Why did the coach continue upper-body training?
A) To prepare her for a different sport
B) To avoid following medical advice
C) To make her return to competition immediately
D) To maintain fitness without stressing the injured area
63. What does “reinforcement” mean in the passage?
A) Repeated confirmation and support
B) Replacement of the entire recovery plan
C) A new physical injury
D) Withdrawal from competition
64. What did placing cushions on the hurdles reveal?
A) The athlete wanted to change the official rules.
B) She had forgotten how to perform the event.
C) Her fear of another injury had not completely disappeared.
D) Her coach had prohibited normal training.
65. What is the main lesson of the passage?
A) Elite athletes should ignore emotional pain.
B) Effective recovery requires physical care, patience and emotional support.
C) Technical knowledge is unnecessary in professional sport.
D) Competition should resume immediately after surgery.
Section E: Cloze Tests
Cloze Test 1
Directions for Questions 66–70
The debate over children’s access to social media is often presented as a choice between complete freedom and a total ban. Yet the available evidence remains (66), because an association does not always establish a (67) relationship. In the absence of a convincing real-world (68), governments should be cautious before they (69) sweeping restrictions. Stronger privacy rules, parental controls and effective content (70) may provide a more precise response.
66.
A) Uniform
B) Mixed
C) Conclusive
D) Irrelevant
67.
A) Chronological
B) Causal
C) Hostile
D) Voluntary
68.
A) Precedent
B) Sanctuary
C) Protocol
D) Mandate
69.
A) Dismantle
B) Mandate
C) Linger
D) Refrain
70.
A) Moderation
B) Displacement
C) Combustion
D) Adjudication
Cloze Test 2
Terrorism-related deaths are heavily concentrated in nations already (71) in armed conflict. Poorly governed borderlands can become operational (72), where violent groups move fighters and establish (73) supply lines. When governments neglect these regions, non-State actors may (74) themselves within local communities. Strong courts, effective policing and basic administrative services can serve as institutional (75) against extremist encroachment.
71.
A) Isolated
B) Entangled
C) Moderated
D) Celebrated
72.
A) Vacancies
B) Sanctuaries
C) Precedents
D) Interfaces
73.
A) Legitimate
B) Transparent
C) Illicit
D) Voluntary
74.
A) Refrain
B) Ascertain
C) Entrench
D) Defer
75.
A) Bulwarks
B) Factions
C) Emissions
D) Inflows
Cloze Test 3
The coach enforced a strict recovery (76), permitting complete rest for the injured area while maintaining other forms of exercise. The athlete (77) her energy into upper-body training. Regular encouragement provided psychological (78) and helped her accept the slow pace of recovery. Although her general anxiety gradually declined, the fear of another injury (79). The entire team therefore avoided a (80) return to competition.
76.
A) Verdict
B) Protocol
C) Faction
D) Exemption
77.
A) Channelled
B) Dissolved
C) Postponed
D) Fragmented
78.
A) Degradation
B) Reinforcement
C) Interdiction
D) Controversy
79.
A) Vanished
B) Accelerated
C) Lingered
D) Subsided
80.
A) Permanent
B) Premature
C) Impartial
D) Porous
Section F: Para Jumbles
Directions for Questions 81–100
Four sentences marked P, Q, R, and S are given in a jumbled order. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence.
81.
P. Experts then proposed regulating platform design rather than excluding every young user.
Q. Political support consequently grew for age-based restrictions.
R. Researchers, however, warned that association did not necessarily establish causation.
S. Concern about the effect of social media on adolescent mental health intensified.
A) SQRP
B) QSRP
C) SRQP
D) QPRS
82.
P. Many adolescents nevertheless continued to access the platforms.
Q. Australia introduced an age-based social-media restriction.
R. The absence of an earlier real-world precedent turned the policy into a natural experiment.
S. Its limited compliance subsequently raised doubts about enforceability.
A) QPRS
B) RQPS
C) QRPS
D) QSRP
83.
P. These measures directly address the architecture and operation of digital platforms.
Q. Researchers observed that harm varied according to passive or active engagement.
R. Experts recommended digital literacy, parental controls and chronological feeds.
S. A single age threshold might therefore be too crude a solution.
A) QRSP
B) QSRP
C) RQPS
D) SQPR
84.
P. Aggregate progress, however, does not remove all regional and disciplinary disparities.
Q. Female enrolment in higher education rose sharply over the decade.
R. Policymakers must therefore continue examining retention and subject choice.
S. Consequently, the gender gap in college classrooms narrowed.
A) QSPR
B) PQRS
C) QPSR
D) SQPR
85.
P. Extremist organisations often exploit the resulting vacuum.
Q. State institutions frequently weaken during prolonged armed conflict.
R. Terrorism therefore often emerges as a consequence of institutional collapse.
S. Such groups may then offer crude security and ideological certainty.
A) PQSR
B) QPSR
C) QRSP
D) SQRP
86.
P. Violent networks use these regions for cross-border movement and supply lines.
Q. A large proportion of attacks takes place near international boundaries.
R. Stronger local administration can deny such organisations operational space.
S. Border districts are frequently porous and administratively neglected.
A) QPRS
B) SQPR
C) QSPR
D) PQRS
87.
P. This concentration allows intelligence agencies to direct resources more precisely.
Q. A growing share of major terrorist violence is linked to a smaller number of networks.
R. These organisations, however, adapt by fragmenting and localising.
S. Counter-terrorism coordination must therefore remain agile and sustained.
A) QPRS
B) QRPS
C) PQRS
D) RQPS
88.
P. The identity of those responsible remained unclear.
Q. The United States announced that its military attacks had ended.
R. Fresh and unclaimed strikes subsequently hit southern Iran.
S. The uncertainty renewed fears that the conflict might widen further.
A) RQPS
B) QRPS
C) QPRS
D) RPQS
89.
P. Fuel shortages were later reported in several areas.
Q. Ukraine intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
R. The broader strategy sought to weaken Moscow’s capacity to finance the war.
S. Refineries and port facilities suffered damage.
A) QSPR
B) QPRS
C) SQPR
D) PQRS
90.
P. Emergency teams began searching for people who remained missing.
Q. A fast-moving wildfire spread through southern Spain.
R. Residents and tourists attempted to escape the affected region.
S. Several deaths were subsequently confirmed.
A) QPRS
B) QRSP
C) RQSP
D) PQSR
91.
P. She channelled her available energy into upper-body exercises.
Q. A serious injury abruptly interrupted the athlete’s training.
R. Her coach also encouraged her to acknowledge sadness and fear.
S. Gradual progress ultimately helped restore her confidence.
A) PQRS
B) QPRS
C) QRPS
D) RQSP
92.
P. A specialist was later invited to join the support team.
Q. Small gifts from the coach provided emotional comfort before surgery.
R. His reassurance strengthened the athlete’s belief in the recovery programme.
S. The process combined technical training with human support.
A) QPRS
B) PQRS
C) QRSP
D) RQPS
93.
P. Fear of another injury nevertheless persisted.
Q. The athlete finally returned to the track in January.
R. A strong performance in a competitive heat gradually rebuilt her belief.
S. Several additional physical setbacks followed her return.
A) QPRS
B) SQPR
C) QSPR
D) QRPS
94.
P. A mandatory open offer to eligible shareholders was also announced.
Q. The target company manufactures high-energy materials for defence and aerospace.
R. Apollo Micro Systems signed an agreement to acquire a major stake in it.
S. The proposed transaction covered 41.33% of the company’s equity.
A) QSRP
B) RQSP
C) QRSP
D) PQRS
95.
P. Equity-oriented mutual funds consequently recorded larger inflows.
Q. Geopolitical tensions eased during the month.
R. Contributions through systematic investment plans also increased.
S. The improvement strengthened investor sentiment.
A) QSPR
B) QPRS
C) SQRP
D) RQPS
96.
P. Taxes, royalties and statutory charges were excluded from the quoted rates.
Q. NMDC announced another revision in iron-ore prices.
R. The revised prices became effective on July 10.
S. The company reduced rates for both lumps and fines.
A) QRSP
B) QSRP
C) SQPR
D) PQRS
97.
P. The case consequently shifted attention from harmful content to platform architecture.
Q. Regulators examined features allegedly designed to encourage compulsive use.
R. A formal warning was issued under applicable digital-safety rules.
S. The structure of the platform itself became the central regulatory concern.
A) QPRS
B) QRPS
C) RQPS
D) QSRP
98.
P. France eventually secured a place in the last four.
Q. The contest remained closely balanced during its early stages.
R. Mbappe and Dembele then found the net.
S. Their finishing ability ultimately separated the two teams.
A) QRSP
B) QPRS
C) RQSP
D) QSRP
99.
P. Some residents anticipated employment and improved regional connectivity.
Q. The proposed airport promised economic growth and better transport links.
R. Other communities sought clarity regarding land, compensation and rehabilitation.
S. The project therefore produced both hope and uncertainty.
A) QPRS
B) QRPS
C) PQRS
D) QSPR
100.
P. Policymakers must therefore examine retention, subject choice and regional access.
Q. Female enrolment moved increasingly close to male enrolment.
R. The overall gender gap in higher education consequently narrowed.
S. Headline enrolment figures alone, however, cannot establish complete equality.
A) QSPR
B) QRSP
C) RQPS
D) QPRS
Section A: Grammar Error Correction
1. Answer: B
After a modal verb such as may, the base form of the verb is used.
Incorrect: may enters
Correct: may enter
Correct sentence:
The editorial argued that governments should regulate platforms rather than deciding who may enter them or imposing restrictions on every user.
2. Answer: C
The subject prolonged social-media use is singular. Therefore, the second verb must agree with it.
Incorrect: merely correlate
Correct: merely correlates
Correct sentence:
Researchers have not yet established whether prolonged social-media use causes distress or merely correlates with it.
3. Answer: B
The subject much of the available evidence is singular because evidence is an uncountable noun.
Incorrect: are observational
Correct: is observational
4. Answer: D — No error
The sentence correctly uses the third conditional:
If + past perfect, followed by might have + past participle.
If regulators had imposed stronger safeguards, harmful practices might have been curtailed.
5. Answer: A
The verb discuss does not take the preposition about.
Incorrect: discussed about whether
Correct: discussed whether
We may say:
- They discussed the issue.
- They talked about the issue.
6. Answer: C
The construction designed to must be followed by the base form of the verb.
Incorrect: designed to keeping
Correct: designed to keep
7. Answer: A
Evidence is an uncountable noun. Therefore, less, not fewer, must be used.
Incorrect: fewer reliable evidence
Correct: less reliable evidence
Use:
- Fewer with countable nouns: fewer studies
- Less with uncountable nouns: less evidence
8. Answer: D — No error
The sentence is grammatically correct.
The verb recommend can be followed by a gerund:
Recommended incorporating digital literacy into school curricula.
9. Answer: D — No error
The sentence is acceptable in standard British English:
It is essential that every digital platform complies with the safeguards.
In formal American English, the subjunctive form comply may also be used:
It is essential that every platform comply with the safeguards.
10. Answer: B
After did, the base form of the verb must be used.
Incorrect: did the researchers understood
Correct: did the researchers understand
11. Answer: C
The subject of the second clause is the growth, which is singular.
Incorrect: growth have remained
Correct: growth has remained
12. Answer: B
The structure both…and requires parallel grammatical forms.
Incorrect: both to protect and reducing
Correct: both to protect and to reduce
Correct sentence:
The policy seeks both to protect adolescents and to reduce their exposure.
13. Answer: A
Despite is not followed by of.
Incorrect: Despite of repeated warnings
Correct: Despite repeated warnings
However, in spite of is correct.
14. Answer: B
The correct construction is:
Prevent someone from doing something
Incorrect: prevent platforms to exploit
Correct: prevent platforms from exploiting
15. Answer: D — No error
The expression with a view to is followed by a noun or gerund.
With a view to hindering Moscow’s financial capacity is correct.
16. Answer: A
In be accustomed to, the word to is a preposition. It must be followed by a noun or gerund.
Incorrect: accustomed to train
Correct: accustomed to training
17. Answer: A
The relative pronoun who is used for people, whereas which is generally used for things.
Incorrect: It was her coach which reminded her
Correct: It was her coach who reminded her
18. Answer: B
The expression many a is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.
Incorrect: Many a digital-safety expert have questioned
Correct: Many a digital-safety expert has questioned
19. Answer: B
The relative pronoun that refers to the plural noun analyses. Therefore, a plural verb is required.
Incorrect: analyses that has appeared
Correct: analyses that have appeared
20. Answer: D — No error
The sentence correctly uses the structure:
Would rather + base verb + than + base verb
She would rather rebuild her strength than return prematurely.
Section B: Synonyms
21. Answer: B — Predict
Augur means to indicate or predict that something is likely to happen.
Example:
The decline in investment may augur difficult economic conditions.
22. Answer: A — Vulnerable
Susceptible means easily affected, influenced or harmed by something.
Example:
Children may be susceptible to addictive online features.
23. Answer: A — Require officially
As a verb, mandate means to order or require something officially.
Example:
The rules mandate stronger privacy protections.
24. Answer: B — Regulation or control
Moderation means controlling, reviewing or limiting something to prevent excess or harmful content.
Content moderation means reviewing and regulating online content.
25. Answer: A — Highly detailed
Granular means extremely detailed or focused on small individual elements.
Example:
The report provides a granular analysis of border violence.
26. Answer: B — Permeable
Porous means containing small openings through which something may pass.
In political contexts, porous borders are borders that are difficult to control.
27. Answer: A — Refuge
A sanctuary is a safe or protected place.
In the passage, an operational sanctuary is an area where violent organisations can operate with limited interference.
28. Answer: C — Illegal
Illicit means unlawful or prohibited.
Example:
- illicit trade
- illicit weapons
- illicit supply routes
29. Answer: B — Protective barrier
A bulwark is something that protects against danger, attack or harmful influence.
Example:
Strong institutions are a bulwark against extremism.
30. Answer: B — Unstable or risky
Precarious describes a condition that is uncertain, insecure or likely to become dangerous.
Example:
The ceasefire remained precarious.
31. Answer: A — Prevention or interception
Interdiction means stopping, preventing or intercepting an illegal activity, movement or supply.
Example:
Border forces intensified drug-interdiction operations.
32. Answer: B — Trigger or accelerate
Catalyse means to cause something to begin or develop more quickly.
Example:
Political instability can catalyse extremist violence.
33. Answer: B — Powerful or difficult to overcome
Formidable means very strong, impressive or difficult to defeat.
Example:
The country faces formidable security challenges.
34. Answer: A — Ability to recover
Resilience means the capacity to recover from difficulty, injury, pressure or failure.
Example:
The athlete displayed remarkable resilience after surgery.
35. Answer: B — Remain for a long time
Linger means to continue existing or remain longer than expected.
Example:
Her physical injury healed, but her fear lingered.
Section C: Antonyms
36. Answer: C — Reckless
Cautious means careful and alert to possible danger.
Reckless means acting without considering risks.
37. Answer: D — Implausible
Credible means believable or trustworthy.
Implausible means difficult or impossible to believe.
38. Answer: B — Active
Passive means not actively participating.
Its opposite is active.
39. Answer: C — Amicable
Hostile means unfriendly or aggressive.
Amicable means friendly and peaceful.
40. Answer: C — Cared for
Neglected means ignored or not properly cared for.
Its opposite is cared for.
41. Answer: C — Advanced
Primitive means basic, undeveloped or belonging to an early stage.
Advanced means highly developed.
42. Answer: A — Connected
Isolated means separated from others.
Connected means joined or linked.
43. Answer: B — Dislodge
Entrench means to establish something firmly.
Dislodge means to remove something from an established position.
44. Answer: D — Sluggish
Agile means quick, active and able to respond rapidly.
Sluggish means slow and lacking energy.
45. Answer: A — Assemble
Dismantle means to take something apart.
Assemble means to put its parts together.
46. Answer: B — Intermittent
Sustained means continuing without interruption.
Intermittent means occurring at irregular intervals with breaks.
47. Answer: C — Rare
Prevalent means common or widespread.
Rare means uncommon.
48. Answer: B — Permit
Restrict means to limit or prevent.
Permit means to allow.
49. Answer: C — Stabilise
Disrupt means to interrupt or disturb normal functioning.
Stabilise means to make something steady or orderly.
50. Answer: D — Favourable
Adverse means harmful or unfavourable.
Its opposite is favourable.
Section D: Reading Comprehension
Passage 1: Social Media and Adolescents
51. Answer: B
The passage does not deny the risks of social media. It argues that governments should concentrate on how platforms are designed and operated rather than relying entirely on blanket age bans.
Therefore, B expresses the central argument.
52. Answer: C
Reverse causation means that the assumed cause and effect may operate in the opposite direction.
Instead of social media causing distress, adolescents who are already distressed may begin spending more time online.
53. Answer: A
The passage explains that the effects of social media depend on the nature of engagement:
- passive or active use;
- hostile or supportive communities;
- healthy or addictive recommendations.
Therefore, the manner of use may matter more than the total number of hours.
54. Answer: D
The author supports a targeted regulatory approach involving:
- privacy safeguards;
- digital literacy;
- parental controls;
- safer default settings;
- stronger content moderation.
Therefore, D is correct.
55. Answer: B — Balanced and analytical
The passage considers both benefits and risks. It neither completely supports nor completely rejects social media.
Its tone is therefore balanced and analytical.
Passage 2: Terrorism and Institutional Weakness
56. Answer: C
The passage states that a fall in the number of terrorism-related deaths does not eliminate deeper structural dangers arising from:
- armed conflict;
- weak institutions;
- neglected borderlands;
- displacement;
- adaptable extremist organisations.
Therefore, C is correct.
57. Answer: A
The word vacuum refers to the absence of effective governmental or institutional authority.
When the State becomes weak, extremist organisations occupy the space left by it.
58. Answer: D
Borderlands are vulnerable because they often have:
- porous boundaries;
- weak administration;
- illegal supply routes;
- inadequate policing.
These conditions help extremist networks operate across borders.
59. Answer: B
When major terrorist activity is concentrated among fewer dominant organisations, security agencies can focus their intelligence and interdiction resources more precisely.
However, the passage also warns that these groups remain highly adaptable.
60. Answer: C
The passage argues that military operations alone cannot remove terrorism. Governments must also strengthen:
- courts;
- policing;
- public services;
- border administration;
- legitimate institutions.
Therefore, military action without institutional reform is insufficient.
Passage 3: The Athlete’s Recovery
61. Answer: B
The athlete had to overcome:
- physical injuries;
- fear of reinjury;
- anxiety;
- loss of confidence;
- repeated setbacks.
Thus, her recovery was both physical and psychological.
62. Answer: D
The injured area required complete rest, but upper-body exercises allowed the athlete to maintain fitness without placing pressure on the injured body part.
63. Answer: A
In the passage, reinforcement means repeated confirmation, encouragement and support.
The specialist confirmed that the existing recovery programme was correct, which strengthened confidence in it.
64. Answer: C
Placing cushions on the hurdles showed that the athlete still feared another collision or injury.
Her physical condition had improved, but her psychological fear had not completely disappeared.
65. Answer: B
The passage demonstrates that successful recovery requires:
- medical and physical care;
- gradual training;
- patience;
- emotional honesty;
- encouragement from coaches and specialists.
Therefore, B is the main lesson.
Section E: Cloze Tests
Cloze Test 1
66. Answer: B — Mixed
The evidence contains conflicting or inconclusive findings. Therefore, it is described as mixed.
67. Answer: B — Causal
An association between two things does not necessarily prove that one causes the other.
The correct phrase is causal relationship.
68. Answer: A — Precedent
A precedent is an earlier example or case that may guide later decisions.
The passage says that there was no convincing earlier real-world example of such a ban.
69. Answer: B — Mandate
Mandate sweeping restrictions means to officially order or impose broad restrictions.
The other options do not fit the context.
70. Answer: A — Moderation
Content moderation means monitoring and controlling harmful, unlawful or inappropriate content on digital platforms.
Cloze Test 2
71. Answer: B — Entangled
Entangled in armed conflict means deeply involved or caught in conflict.
It fits both grammatically and contextually.
72. Answer: B — Sanctuaries
An operational sanctuary is a relatively safe area from which violent groups can organise activities.
73. Answer: C — Illicit
The supply lines are illegal or unauthorised. Therefore, illicit supply lines is correct.
74. Answer: C — Entrench
Entrench themselves means to establish themselves firmly and make removal difficult.
75. Answer: A — Bulwarks
Strong courts, policing and administrative systems act as bulwarks, or protective barriers, against extremist expansion.
Cloze Test 3
76. Answer: B — Protocol
A recovery protocol is a prescribed plan or set of procedures for rehabilitation.
77. Answer: A — Channelled
Channelled her energy into training means directed or concentrated her energy towards a particular activity.
78. Answer: B — Reinforcement
Encouragement and confirmation gave the athlete psychological reinforcement, strengthening her confidence.
79. Answer: C — Lingered
Her general anxiety declined, but her fear continued to remain.
Therefore, lingered is correct.
80. Answer: B — Premature
A premature return is a return made earlier than is safe or appropriate.
The team wanted to avoid sending the athlete back to competition before she was ready.
Section F: Para Jumbles
81. Answer: A — SQRP
- S introduces the growing concern over adolescent mental health.
- Q gives the resulting political support for restrictions.
- R introduces the contrasting warning by researchers.
- P presents the alternative solution suggested by experts.
Correct order: S → Q → R → P
82. Answer: C — QRPS
- Q introduces Australia’s restriction.
- R explains why it became a natural experiment.
- P states that adolescents continued accessing platforms.
- S gives the resulting doubts about enforcement.
Correct order: Q → R → P → S
83. Answer: B — QSRP
- Q states that harm depends on the nature of engagement.
- S concludes that a single age threshold may be too crude.
- R provides the experts’ alternative measures.
- P refers to “these measures” and explains their purpose.
Correct order: Q → S → R → P
84. Answer: A — QSPR
- Q introduces the rise in female enrolment.
- S states the resulting narrowing of the gender gap.
- P introduces a contrast through “however”.
- R gives the policy requirement arising from the remaining disparities.
Correct order: Q → S → P → R
85. Answer: B — QPSR
- Q begins with the weakening of State institutions.
- P explains that extremist organisations exploit the vacuum.
- S describes what those organisations offer.
- R gives the broader conclusion about terrorism.
Correct order: Q → P → S → R
86. Answer: C — QSPR
- Q introduces the concentration of attacks near borders.
- S explains the condition of those border districts.
- P describes how violent networks use them.
- R presents the solution.
Correct order: Q → S → P → R
87. Answer: A — QPRS
- Q introduces the concentration of violence among fewer networks.
- P explains the advantage this gives intelligence agencies.
- R introduces the contrast that the organisations still adapt.
- S gives the resulting need for agile coordination.
Correct order: Q → P → R → S
88. Answer: B — QRPS
- Q states that the U.S. had ended its attacks.
- R introduces the unexpected fresh strikes.
- P states that responsibility remained unclear.
- S explains how the uncertainty increased fears.
Correct order: Q → R → P → S
89. Answer: A — QSPR
- Q introduces Ukraine’s intensified attacks.
- S describes the damage caused.
- P gives a later consequence: fuel shortages.
- R explains the broader strategic purpose.
Correct order: Q → S → P → R
90. Answer: B — QRSP
- Q introduces the wildfire.
- R describes people attempting to escape.
- S reports the confirmed deaths.
- P gives the subsequent search for missing persons.
Correct order: Q → R → S → P
91. Answer: B — QPRS
- Q introduces the serious injury.
- P explains how the athlete continued limited training.
- R describes the coach’s psychological support.
- S gives the eventual positive outcome.
Correct order: Q → P → R → S
92. Answer: A — QPRS
- Q describes the emotional support given before surgery.
- P introduces the specialist who joined later.
- R refers to his reassurance and contribution.
- S summarises the combination of technical and emotional support.
Correct order: Q → P → R → S
93. Answer: C — QSPR
- Q introduces the athlete’s return to the track.
- S states that more setbacks followed.
- P explains that fear remained.
- R describes how a strong performance rebuilt confidence.
Correct order: Q → S → P → R
94. Answer: C — QRSP
- Q introduces the company being acquired.
- R states that Apollo signed the acquisition agreement.
- S gives the size of the proposed stake.
- P adds that a mandatory open offer was announced.
Correct order: Q → R → S → P
95. Answer: A — QSPR
- Q introduces the easing of geopolitical tensions.
- S explains that this improved investor sentiment.
- P gives the resulting rise in mutual-fund inflows.
- R adds the increase in SIP contributions.
Correct order: Q → S → P → R
96. Answer: B — QSRP
- Q introduces the price revision.
- S states that rates for lumps and fines were reduced.
- R specifies the effective date.
- P clarifies which taxes and charges were excluded.
Correct order: Q → S → R → P
97. Answer: B — QRPS
- Q introduces the regulatory examination of addictive features.
- R states that a formal warning was issued.
- P explains the resulting shift in focus.
- S concludes that platform architecture became the main issue.
Correct order: Q → R → P → S
98. Answer: A — QRSP
- Q introduces the closely balanced contest.
- R states that Mbappe and Dembele scored.
- S explains that their finishing made the difference.
- P gives the final result: France reached the last four.
Correct order: Q → R → S → P
99. Answer: A — QPRS
- Q introduces the benefits promised by the airport.
- P describes the expectations of supportive residents.
- R presents the concerns of other communities.
- S summarises the mixed reaction of hope and uncertainty.
Correct order: Q → P → R → S
100. Answer: B — QRSP
- Q introduces the narrowing difference between female and male enrolment.
- R states the resulting reduction in the gender gap.
- S adds a contrast: enrolment figures do not prove total equality.
- P gives the policy issues that must still be examined.
Correct order: Q → R → S → P