SSC Stenographer Mock Test - 10 - SSC Stenographer MCQ

The correct answer is burst.

Key Points

• Around the time of its arrival, the normal rainfall increases suddenly and continues constantly for several days.
• This is known as the burst of the monsoon and can be distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers.
• Pre-monsoon showers are common in Kerala, Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu in India.

Additional Information

• Pre-monsoon showers often called mango showers are the rains that include light showers to heavy rains with thunders.
  • These are due to the thunderstorm developed in the Bay of Bengal.
  • These result in the falling apart of mangoes from trees and are hence called mango showers.

The correct answer is Edinburgh.

Key Points

• Edinburgh
  • ​The first edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games was held at Edinburgh.
  • Scotland's capital and one of its 32 council areas is Edinburgh.
  • The city was traditionally a part of Midlothian County (officially known as the "county of Edinburgh" or Edinburghshire until 1947), but from 1482 onward, it was governed separately from the neighbouring country.
  • It is situated in Lothian on the Firth of Forth's southern side. After Glasgow, Edinburgh has the second-highest population in Scotland, and it ranks seventh in the UK.

Additional Information

• Commonwealth Youth Games
  • ​The Commonwealth Games Federation hosts the annual multisport Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG).
  • Up until 2008, the events took place in the years between the Commonwealth Games and those years.
  • From 2011 to 2015, they were still held every four years, but they did so the year after the Commonwealth Games.
  • They have been held the year prior to the Commonwealth Games since 2017.

• The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd. (MUDRA) Bank is a public sector financial institution in India.
• It provides loans at low rates to micro-finance institutions and non-banking financial institutions, which then provide credit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• MUDRA Bank was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2015, under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana scheme.
• The loans are provided into three categories:
  • Shishu: Loans up to Rs. 50,000.
  • Kishor: Loans above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 5 Lakh.
  • Tarun: Loans above Rs. 5 Lakh and up to Rs. 20 Lakh, updated from the previous limit of Rs. 10 Lakh under certain conditions.

The correct answer is two pairs only.
Key Points
Method of Ore Concentration:

• Froth floatation:
  • It is used for sulfide ores.
  • It is based on the wetting property. Hence pair 1 is incorrect.
  • Pine oil is used as a foaming agent to reduce surface tension.
• Magnetic Separation:
  • ​It is used when either ore or impurities are magnetic in character. Hence pair 2 is correct.
  • Magnetic separations use natural magnetic properties between minerals in the feed.
  • The separation is between economic ore constituents, noneconomic contaminants and gangue.
  • Magnetite and ilmenite can be separated from the nonmagnetic RFM of host rock as valuable products or as contaminants.
• Leaching:
  • It is used for ores that are soluble in the solvent while impurities are insoluble. Hence pair 3 is incorrect.
  • The metal gets dissolved in the solution.
  • We separate the metal and the insoluble gangue.
  • Example: Ore of Au, Al, and Ag.
• Levigation:
  • It is also known as gravity separation or hydraulic washing.
  • It is used to separate the lighter gangue from heavy ores. Hence pair 4 is correct.
  • It is based on the weight of the concerned particles

The correct answer is 'Turkey'.

Key Points

• Turkey is the country that occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Asia and partly in Europe.
• Turkey's largest city Istanbul is a contiguous transcontinental city in both Europe and Asia.
• Contiguous transcontinental city is the city that have two portions being immediately adjacent to one another.
• Throughout its history, Turkey has acted as both a barrier and a bridge between the Asian continent and the European continent.

Additional Information

• Greece
  • ​It is a non-contiguous transcontinental country in Asia and Europe.
  • Non-contiguous transcontinental countries are those states that have portions of territory that are separated from one another either by a body of water or by other countries.
• Jordan
  • Jordan is a country in Western Asia.
  • It is situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe on the East Bank of the Jordan River.
  • The Dead Sea to its west is the lowest point on earth.
  • The Red Sea separates Jordan from Egypt.
  • Amman is Jordan's capital and largest city while its currency is Jordanian Dinar.
• Syria
  • Syria is a country is located on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Asia.
  • The capital is Damascus, situated in an oasis.
  • The Syrian Pound is the official currency of Syria.
  • The political life in the country is highly unstable.

The correct answer is Viswanathan Anand.

Key Points

• Viswanathan Anand was named sportsman of the decade (Individual non-Olympic sports) at the 2021 Sportstar ACES Awards.
• He is the first Indian chess grandmaster and also a former world chess champion.
• He has won the world chess championship five times.
• An autobiography - 'Mind Master' was launched in December 2020.
• The 'Grandmaster' title is awarded to chess players by the world chess organization FIDE.
• India and Russia were declared the joint winners of the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad.
• World number 1 Chess player - Magnus Carlsen (Norway) with 2882 points.

Additional Information

• Baskaran Adhiban:
  • He is a grandmaster from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is one of India's elite players with a rating consistently over 2600.
• Pentala Harikrishna:
  • He is an Indian chess player. He became the youngest grandmaster from India.
  • He was Commonwealth Champion in 2001, World Junior Champion in 2004, and Asian Individual Champion in 2011.
• Vidit Gujrathi:
  • He is an Indian chess player.
  • He attained the title of Grandmaster in January 2013.

The revolt of 1857 was the conscious beginning of the Independence struggle against the colonial tyranny of the British.

• There are various names for the revolt of 1857 – India’s First War of Independence, Sepoy Mutiny, etc.
• It was initiated by sepoys in the Bengal Presidency against the British officers.
• This war of Independence marked the end of rule by the British East India company.

Important Points

Mangal Pandey was the first soldier to be hanged for the 1857 revolt.

• He was an Indian soldier in the British army and is believed to be one of the key figures behind Sepoy Mutiny or India’s First War of Independence in 1857.
• Due to his attack on two British soldiers, Mangal Pandey was hanged to death on April 8, 1857, at the age of 29.
• On 29 March 1857, Mangal Pandey, a sepoy of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) mutinied against his commanding officers of the East India Company.
• This event and Pandey’s subsequent punishment led to more resentment among the sepoys of the Bengal Army ultimately aiding in the Revolt of 1857.
• Mangal Pandey’s mutiny did not directly cause the Revolt of 1857 but it did intensify the feeling of anger and frustration that Indian sepoys harboured against their English masters.

Additional Information

• Srimanth Mahadji Shinde (also spelt as Mahadji Scindia) was a Maratha statesman known for his crucial role in resurrecting Maratha power following the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
• Batukeshwar Dutt, also known as B K Dutt, was a Revolutionary Freedom Fighter. He, who was involved in the Central Legislative Assembly Bombing Case of 1929, passed away on 20th July 1965 after an illness at the age of 54.

The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh.
Key Points

• The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve (SLBR) is located in the Seshachalam Hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Southern Andhra Pradesh.
• The total geographical area of the Seshachalam biosphere reserve is 4755.9 km2.
• Seshachalam hills, the first Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh.
• It was designated as the Biosphere Reserves of India in 2010.
• It has large reserves of Red Sandalwood.​

Additional Information

The correct answer is Yashovarman.

Key Points

• Yashovarman:-
  • After about 75 years of Harshavardhana's death, Yasovarman rose to power in Kannauj.
  • He was a king of Kannauj in the early part of the eighth century.
  • The city (then known as Kanyakubja) had previously been ruled by Harsha, who died without an heir and thus created a power vacuum.
  • This lasted for around a century before Yashovarman emerged as its ruler.
  • Yashovarman was a powerful ruler who expanded the territory of Kannauj and defeated several enemies.
  • He is also known for his patronage of the arts and for building several temples and other monuments.
  • Yashovarman's reign marked a period of stability and prosperity for Kannauj.
  • However, after his death, the city was once again plunged into chaos and eventually fell to the Gurjara-Pratiharas.

Additional Information

• Pulakeshin II:-
  • He was popularly known as Immadi Pulakeshi.
  • He was the greatest Chalukya Emperor who reigned from Vatapi (present-day Badami in Karnataka, India).
  • During his reign, the Chalukya Empire expanded to cover most of the Deccan region in peninsular India.
  • He is known for his military prowess and cultural patronage.
• Mahendravarman I:-
  • He ruled the Pallava kingdom in southern India from around 600 to 630 CE.
  • He was a patron of the arts and architecture, and is known for his innovative rock-cut temples and sculptures.
  • He also wrote a play called "Mattavilasa Prahasana". Under his reign, the Pallava kingdom flourished and became a significant regional power.

The correct answer is 9 + 0.

Key Points

• Centrioles are present in pairs and are arranged orthogonally after duplication, which is essential for cell division.
• Each centriole is composed of nine sets of triplet microtubules arranged in a cylinder.
• This 9 + 0 arrangement is crucial for the formation of the centrosome and spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis.

Additional Information

• Centrioles play a key role in cell division, particularly in the process of mitosis and meiosis, where they help in the organization of the mitotic spindle.
• They are cylindrical structures that are found in most eukaryotic cells, though absent in higher plants and most fungi.
• The duplication of centrioles is a critical step in the cell cycle, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an appropriate number of centrioles.
• Abnormalities in centriole structure or number can lead to diseases, including cancer, due to errors in cell division.

Key Points

• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) was launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Its primary aim is to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
• In 2023, it was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0).
• This scheme focuses on the integrated development of tourist circuits around specific themes.
• SD2.0 aims to enhance the overall tourist experience, improve infrastructure, and promote local handicrafts, culture, and cuisine.

Additional Information

The erroneous part is option 4) i.e. 'The meeting was held upon.'

Key Points

• The error lies in the part 'The meeting was held upon.'
• According to the rules of preposition, combining two prepositions can lead to redundancy or an awkward sentence structure.
• In the given sentence, the prepostions 'upon' and 'for' are placed one after another.
• Here the prepsition 'upon' is redundant.
• Use of 'upon'- used to mean "on" or "immediately after". It is similar in meaning to "on top of" or "upon the surface of".
• Example:
  • The decision was made upon careful consideration of all the evidence.
• Use of 'for'- to denote intention to give; purpose; the result of something; show an amount of time or distance.
• Example:
  • He was reading the book for an hour.
• The more appropriate preposition in this context would be "for," which would indicate an amount of time.
• Therefore in the given sentence, we need to remove the preposition 'upon' to make the sentence grammatically correct.
• Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Correct sentence: The meeting was held for an hour due to non- availability of the committee members.

The correct answer is 'misery'.

Key Points

• 'Despair' refers to the complete loss or absence of hope. ('निराशा')
  • Example: In the face of repeated failures, he was filled with despair.
• 'Misery' refers to a state or feeling of great distress or discomfort of mind or body. ('दु:ख' or 'कष्ट').
  • Example: His face was a picture of misery after he heard the distressing news.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'option 2'.

Additional Information

• 'Contentment' refers to a state of happiness and satisfaction. ('संतुष्टि').
• 'Beliefs' refers to an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof. ('विश्वास').
• 'Hope' refers to a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. ('आशा').

The correct answer is “PRQS”.
Key Points

• Sentence P introduces a specific example of digital currency, mentioning Bitcoin, which builds off the introductory statement by providing concrete instances of digital currency.
• Sentence R expands on some of the ideologies behind digital currencies, furthering the discussion by tying back to the introduction's theme of an alternative system.
• Sentence Q logically follows P's mention of Bitcoin's volatility, discussing the reaction (interest and concern) from investors, which directly relates to the volatility mentioned.
• Sentence S acknowledges the complications (regulatory challenges) facing digital currencies, a realistic counterpoint to the potential and freedom discussed in R, leading toward the broader implications mentioned in S6.

Hence, the correct answer is ‘Option A’.

The correct answer is 'By whom is she taught geography?​'
Key Points

• The given sentence is in the active voice. As per the question we have to change it into passive voice.
• The process of transformation is as follows:
  • We know that 'Who' is changed into 'By whom' in 'active to passive' voice transformation.
  • The structure of it as follows:
    • Who+has+V3+object?
    • By whom+has+Object+been+V3?
  • 'teaches' will be changed into 'is taught'.
  • Example:
    • Who has broken the chair? (active voice)
    • By whom has the chair been broken? (passive voice)
• Therefore, as per the points mentioned above, we find that the correct answer is Option C.

Correct Sentence: By whom is she taught geography?

The correct answer is 'Did they not inform him about today's cricket match'.
Key Points

• We need to follow certain instructions while changing an interrogative sentence from passive to active voice-
  • The interrogative sentence begins with a helping verb.
  • Using the helping verb in the active form according to the tense of the passive form.
  • Use V1 with did.
  • We will exchange the places of the subject and the object.
  • In this case, the object 'them' is hidden. So, in the active voice, the subjective form they will be used.
  • At last, we will line up the remaining segment.
• Following all these instructions, we finally get- Did they not inform him about today's match?
• Hence, the correct answer is option C.

The correct answer is 'It has made the criminal justice system more sensitive towards child victims.'
Key Points

• The passage states that while the implementation of the POCSO Act is far from perfect, the criminal justice system is more sensitive towards child victims today than it was a decade ago.
• The passage acknowledges hurdles in the Act's implementation but also highlights improvements in sensitivity and the existence of better practices in some states.
• The passage notes that certain best practices from better-performing states can be adopted by others to improve the Act's implementation.
• The writer sees progress in terms of the criminal justice system's response to child victims, even if there are gaps and challenges that need addressing.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option C'.
Additional Information

• It has failed in protecting child victims: This is incorrect because the passage does not state that the POCSO Act has completely failed; rather, it mentions areas of progress alongside challenges.
• It has brought new problems to children who have become victims: This is not the view presented in the passage. While there are concerns about delays causing retraumatization, the overall tone is one of gradual improvement.
• It has been a complete success in controlling crime against children: This is incorrect as the passage clearly states that the implementation is "far from perfect" and mentions existing hurdles and the need for assessment and strengthening of the Act.

The correct answer is: Liberate.

Key Points

• The word "incarcerate" means to imprison or confine someone. (कैद करना)
  • Example: The government decided to incarcerate the criminal for his serious offenses.
• "Liberate" refers to the action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. (मुक्त करना)
  • Example: The activists worked tirelessly to liberate the political prisoners.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'incarcerate' is 'liberate'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option C.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

• Invite (आमंत्रित करना): To make a polite, formal, or friendly request to someone to go somewhere or to do something.
  • Example: She decided to invite all her friends to the party.
• Reject (अस्वीकार करना): To dismiss as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty.
  • Example: He was sad to learn that the committee would reject his application.
• Commit (प्रतिबद्ध करना): To perpetrate or carry out (a mistake, crime, or immoral act).
  • Example: She didn't expect him to commit such a serious error.

The correct answer is 'Online payments are fast catching'.

Key Points

• The passage states, "With the spread of Internet and expansion of e-commerce, online payments are fast catching on among the middle class."
• This indicates that online payments are becoming increasingly popular and widely adopted.
• The context suggests that as more people gain access to the internet and engage in e-commerce, they are more likely to use online payment methods.

Therefore, the correct answer is ‘Option B’.

Additional Information

• Online payments don't attract people at all:
  • This is incorrect. The passage explicitly states that online payments are becoming more popular.
• Online payments are expensive:
  • ​The passage does not discuss the expense of online payments. It focuses on the increasing adoption of online payments.
• Online payments are slow catching:
  • ​This is the opposite of what the passage indicates. The passage clearly states that online payments are fast catching on.

The correct answer is 'If'.
Key Points

• The sentence structure indicates that Anmol's ability to succeed depends on whether or not he works.
• If he works, then there is a possibility for him to succeed.
• However, if he does not work, the implication is that he will not be able to succeed.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

Complete Sentence: If Anmol does not work, he cannot succeed.

The correct answer is 'Option 3.'

Key Points

• The sentence expresses a condition (unless) followed by a consequence (I will not leave).
• The underlined segment "you don’t answer my question" negates the condition itself.
• We need a clause that states the condition for the speaker to leave, which is the person being addressed answering the question.
• Hence, The correct answer is 'Option C.'

Therefore, the correct answer is 'You answer my question.'

Correct answer is 'Unless you answer my question, I will not leave.'

Additional Information

• Option (A) - "you don't answer this question" negates the condition and uses "this question" which sounds redundant in the context.
• Option (B) - "I don't answer my question" makes no sense grammatically. The speaker wouldn't be waiting for themselves to answer their own question.
• Option (D) - "you don't question my answer" introduces a new idea of questioning the answer, which is not the original condition set in the sentence.

The correct answer is 'Option C'.

Key Points

• The given sentence is in indirect speech and we have to convert it to direct speech.
• Firstly, we need to Identify the speaker and the reporting verb: The speaker is Neeraj. The reporting verb is "said."
• We need to Change the tense of the reporting verb from past tense ("said") to present tense ("say"). This is necessary when changing direct speech to indirect speech.
• Then Rewrite the statement in the speaker's own words: Neeraj's statement "I would go as soon as it was possible" is reported indirectly, so "would" should change to "shall" in the reported speech.
• Make necessary tense changes in the reported speech:
• "would" changes to "shall"
• "was" changes to "is" because the reported speech is shifted from past to present.

The correct sentence is: "Neeraj said, “I shall go as soon as it is possible”.

The correct answer is: when the bugle blew
Key Points

• In military contexts, a bugle is a brass instrument used for signalling commands, such as to advance, retreat, or cease-fire. (आगे बढ़ने, पीछे हटने या संघर्ष विराम जैसे आदेशों को संकेत देने के लिए इस्तेमाल किया जाने वाला पीतल का उपकरण)
• The phrase "when the bugle came" doesn't accurately convey the action of signalling the soldiers to advance.
• Instead, the correct verb to use is "blew," which indicates the action of sounding the bugle to give the command for advancement. (उन्नति का आदेश देने के लिए बिगुल बजाने की क्रिया)
• The corrected sentence would be: The soldiers advanced when the bugle blew.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
Additional Information

• Ran: To move swiftly on foot. (तेजी से पैदल चलना)
• Died: To cease living. (जीना बंद कर देना)
• Flew: To move through the air, typically referring to birds or aeroplanes. (हवा में घूमना)

The correct answer is instituted.

Key Points

• Let's look at the sentence of the passage, As Prime Minister Narendra Modi ______(2)_______a new direction in Indian foreign policy,
• The most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'instituted' because the above sentence is indicating that PM Modi has established a new foreign policy.
• instituted: to introduce a system, policy, etc., or start a process (कोई प्रक्रिया शुरू करने के लिए किसी प्रणाली, नीति को प्रारंभ करना, संस्‍थापित करना)
• ​Example:
  • Domitian instituted a persecution of the Jews.
  • Here he instituted evening drive services.
  • This body was instituted in 1798 as the Smithfield Cattle and Sheep Society.
• Moreover, constituted means to be one of the parts that form something.

  • Women constitute a high proportion of part-time workers.

• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'instituted'.

• Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

• The complete passage is- The second phase explores Beijing and New Delhi’s new leadership and (1)how this change hardened mutual suspicions about the other’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2)instituted a new direction in Indian foreign policy, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to (3)contain China hardened. (4)Despite the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis (5)on strong Sino-Indian relations, its Neighborhood First policy and closer ties with the United States were (6)perceived negatively in China. Corresponding with (7)these perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India, symbolized in the 2017 border standoff (8)at Doklam and China’s increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These actions (9)convinced New Delhi that despite its efforts, China was not sensitive to India’s international interests (10)while also building a negative impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government.

The correct answer is 'contain.'

Key Points

• Let's look at the sentence of the passage, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to ____(3)______China hardened.
• The most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'contain' because the above sentence is indicating that China thinks New Delhi is containing.
• contain: to keep something within limits; to control something (सीमा के भीतर रखना; नियंत्रित करना)
• ​Example:
  • The government is putting a lot of effort to contain inflation.

  • Fred could hardly contain his excite­ment.

  • Finally, Royce could contain himself no longer.
• Moreover, encircled means to make a circle round something; to surround (चारों ओर घेरा बनाना; चारों ओर से घेर लेना)
  • This part of the sea is almost encircled by steep cliffs.
  • Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'contain'.
• Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

• The complete passage is- The second phase explores Beijing and New Delhi’s new leadership and (1)how this change hardened mutual suspicions about the other’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2)instituted a new direction in Indian foreign policy, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to (3)contain China hardened. (4)Despite the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis (5)on strong Sino-Indian relations, its Neighborhood First policy and closer ties with the United States were (6)perceived negatively in China. Corresponding with (7)these perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India, symbolized in the 2017 border standoff (8)at Doklam and China’s increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These actions (9)convinced New Delhi that despite its efforts, China was not sensitive to India’s international interests (10)while also building a negative impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government.

The correct answer is Despite.

Key Points

• Let's look at the sentence of the passage, (_____4____) the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis
• The most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Despite' because the above sentence is indicating that China thinks New Delhi is containing.
• Despite: without being affected by the thing mentioned (के बावजूद)
• ​Example:

  • Despite her fear, she wrapped her arms around him

  • He appeared relaxed, despite the danger.

• Moreover, Instead (of) means in the place of somebody/something (व्‍यक्ति या वस्‍तु के स्‍थान पर)

  • I will try to make friends instead of enemies.

  • I always pictured myself driving a van instead of a truck

• Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

• The complete passage is- The second phase explores Beijing and New Delhi’s new leadership and (1)how this change hardened mutual suspicions about the other’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2)instituted a new direction in Indian foreign policy, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to (3)contain China hardened. (4)Despite the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis (5)on strong Sino-Indian relations, its Neighborhood First policy and closer ties with the United States were (6)perceived negatively in China. Corresponding with (7)these perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India, symbolized in the 2017 border standoff (8)at Doklam and China’s increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These actions (9)convinced New Delhi that despite its efforts, China was not sensitive to India’s international interests (10)while also building a negative impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government.

The correct answer is on.

Key Points

• Let's look at the sentence of the passage, desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis ____(5)_______ strong Sino-Indian relations,
• The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is 'on.'
• The preposition 'on' is used as a function word to indicate the position in contact with and supported by the top surface.
  • e.g. the book is lying on the table.​
• Moreover, the preposition 'with' is used for saying what possessions, qualities, or features someone or something has.
• e.g. a girl with red hair.

a room with a high ceiling

• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'on'.
• Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

• The complete passage is- The second phase explores Beijing and New Delhi’s new leadership and (1)how this change hardened mutual suspicions about the other’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2)instituted a new direction in Indian foreign policy, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to (3)contain China hardened. (4)Despite the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis (5)on strong Sino-Indian relations, its Neighborhood First policy and closer ties with the United States were (6)perceived negatively in China. Corresponding with (7)these perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India, symbolized in the 2017 border standoff (8)at Doklam and China’s increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These actions (9)convinced New Delhi that despite its efforts, China was not sensitive to India’s international interests (10)while also building a negative impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government.

The correct answer is these.

Key Points

• Let's look at the sentence of the passage, Corresponding with (7)__________ perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India,
• The most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'these' because the above sentence is telling about something.
• 'These' is the plural of 'this'
• 'These' is used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand or being indicated or experienced.
• ​Example:
  • These pants are seen everywhere these days in any color you can imagine.
  • These constituted his family, and these were they whom his Father will bless
• While 'those' (plural of that) is used as a determiner to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker.
  • Those films are being made now.
• ​Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'these'.
• Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

• The complete passage is- The second phase explores Beijing and New Delhi’s new leadership and (1)how this change hardened mutual suspicions about the other’s foreign policy. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2)instituted a new direction in Indian foreign policy, China’s perception that New Delhi was trying to (3)contain China hardened. (4)Despite the Modi government’s desire to continue the previous administration’s emphasis (5)on strong Sino-Indian relations, its Neighborhood First policy and closer ties with the United States were (6)perceived negatively in China. Corresponding with (7)these perceptions was Beijing’s growing assertiveness vis-à-vis India, symbolized in the 2017 border standoff (8)at Doklam and China’s increased naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These actions (9)convinced New Delhi that despite its efforts, China was not sensitive to India’s international interests (10)while also building a negative impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government.

The erroneous part is 'had gone to the zoo.'

Key Points

In part C of the sentence, the usage of 'had gone' is incorrect Instead of it use 'went'

• Whenever we use 'before' as conjunction we always use the past perfect tense in the main clause and the simple past tense in the subordinate clause.
• The first action occurs in the main clause.
• The second action occurs in the subordinate clause i.e. 'before clause.'
• Let's see an example
  • She had left the city before the sun rose.

So the correct sentence is- Jane had read a lot about elephants before she went to the zoo.

The correct answer is "do".

Key Points

• The usage of the "to-infinitive" form of the verb in the given sentence is incorrect.
• In an active voice sentence, the verb "made" should be followed by the noun+bare infinitive form of the verb.
• In the given sentence, the "to do" infinitive should be replaced by the bare infinitive"do".

The correct sentence is: She made the servant do all the work.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.