Note: The questions provided in this document are similar to the questions that were asked in the actual Olympiad exam. So, we recommend you study these for your Olympiad preparation.
Word and Structure Knowledge
Choose the Correct Option to Fill in the Blank. (Question 1 to 9)
Q1: We ___________ board the train in twenty minutes.
(a) are
(b) have
(c) will be
(d) will
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The correct answer is will, which indicates a future action.
- In this context, we are talking about an action that will happen in twenty minutes.
- Using will shows that we are certain about boarding the train at that time.
- The other options do not fit the future context of the sentence.
Q2: During the rain and storm, the wind ___________ furiously.
(a) spin
(b) blows
(c) runs
(d) look
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is blows. This means that the wind is moving with great force during the storm.
- Spin and look do not accurately describe how wind behaves in a storm.
- Runs is also not a suitable verb for wind, as it does not convey the action of wind effectively.
- In storms, we typically say the wind blows strongly, which fits perfectly in this context.
Q3: I created a card for my sister and colored it ___________.
(a) itself
(b) herself
(c) myself
(d) ourselves
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct answer is myself because it indicates that the speaker is the one who did the coloring.
- Using myself shows that the action was performed by the speaker on the card they made.
- Herself and itself do not fit because they refer to other subjects, not the speaker.
- Ourselves is incorrect as it implies a group action, which is not the case here.
Q4: Among the three sisters, Sylvia is the ___________.
(a) tall
(b) taller
(c) more tall
(d) tallest
View AnswerAns: (d)
- Sylvia is being compared to her two sisters.
- The word "tallest" indicates that she is the one with the greatest height among them.
- Options like "tall" and "taller" do not convey that she is the highest in height.
- Thus, "tallest" is the correct choice as it shows she surpasses both sisters in height.
Q5: Shama is accountable ___________ the loss we experienced.
(a) about
(b) for
(c) with
(d) from
View AnswerAns: (b)
- In this sentence, the correct preposition is for, which indicates responsibility.
- Using for shows that Shama is the one who is held accountable for the loss.
- Other options like about, with, and from do not convey the same meaning of responsibility.
- Thus, the correct choice is for, as it fits the context of being responsible for something.
Q6: It is raining outside ___________ you should take your umbrella.
(a) yet
(b) or
(c) as
(d) so
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The correct answer is so because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
- In this context, the rain is the reason you should take your umbrella.
- Using yet or or would not logically connect the two parts of the sentence.
- As could imply a reason, but it doesn't fit as well as so in this case.
Q7: Jasmine has ___________ been to Australia.
(a) never
(b) always
(c) hardly
(d) early
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is never, which indicates that Jasmine has not visited Australia at any time.
- Using always would imply she has been there consistently, which is incorrect.
- Hardly suggests she has been there very little, which also does not fit.
- Early does not make sense in this context as it refers to time rather than frequency of visits.
Q8: Arthur went to school by ___________ cycle.
(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) no article
View AnswerAns: (d)
- In this sentence, the correct choice is no article because we are talking about a general mode of transportation, not a specific one.
- Using "a" or "an" would imply a specific cycle, which is not the case here.
- "The" would also suggest a specific cycle, which is not intended in this context.
- Thus, the best option is no article, indicating that Arthur uses a cycle in general.
Q9: The ___________ loves playing the piano.
(a) boys
(b) boy’s
(c) boys’
(d) boy
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The correct answer is boy, which is a singular noun.
- In this sentence, we need a word that refers to one person who loves playing the piano.
- Boys refers to multiple individuals, while boy’s and boys’ indicate possession, which is not needed here.
- Thus, the only suitable option is boy, as it correctly fits the context of the sentence.
Choose the Part of the Sentence That Has an Error. (Question 10 to 11)
Q10: I haven’t got much time for playing outside.
(a) I haven’t
(b) got much
(c) time for
(d) playing outside
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The sentence should use much instead of many because time is an uncountable noun.
- Using much is grammatically correct in this context.
- Many is used for countable nouns, while much is for uncountable nouns.
- Thus, the correct phrase is "I haven’t got much time for playing outside."
Q11: Choose the correct spelling of a fruit that is commonly found in New Zealand.
(a) Feijoa
(b) Fijoea
(c) Fijioea
(d) Faijoe
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The correct spelling of the fruit is Feijoa, which is well-known in New Zealand.
- Options Fijoea, Fijioea, and Faijoe are incorrect spellings.
- Feijoa is a sweet, aromatic fruit that is often enjoyed fresh or in desserts.
- It is important to know the correct spelling, especially when discussing or searching for this fruit.
Q12: Choose the correct spelling of the word that refers to a type of ceramic material.
(a) Procelin
(b) Porcelain
(c) Poreclian
(d) Pourcelian
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct spelling is Porcelain, which is a well-known ceramic material used in pottery and dishes.
- Option (a) Procelin is a misspelling and does not refer to any known material.
- Option (c) Poreclian is also incorrect and does not exist in the context of ceramics.
- Option (d) Pourcelian is another incorrect spelling and does not represent the material.
Q13: Choose the correct spelling of a fruit which is common in New Zealand.
(a) Feijoa
(b) Fijoea
(c) Fijioea
(d) Faijoe
View AnswerAns : (a)
- The correct spelling is "Feijoa".
- Feijoa is a sweet, juicy, and delicious fruit that is commonly grown and enjoyed in New Zealand.
Q14: Which word is a synonym for "intend"?
(a) Forget
(b) Aim
(c) Idle
(d) Utilize
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The word "intend" means to have a plan or purpose.
- The correct synonym is "aim," which also means to have a goal or objective.
- Other options like "forget" and "idle" do not relate to having a purpose.
- "Utilize" means to use something, which is different from intending to do something.
Q15: Which word is the opposite of gradual?
(a) Slow
(b) Creepy
(c) Abrupt
(d) Steady
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The word gradual means something that happens slowly or in small steps.
- The antonym of gradual is a word that means the opposite, which is abrupt.
- Abrupt refers to something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly.
- In contrast, slow and steady imply a gradual process, while creepy is unrelated.
Reading
Read the Passage and Answer the Questions That Follow. (Question 16 to 20)
Palaeontologists in Egypt have discovered a 43-million-year-old fossil of a whale species with four legs that would have been capable of walking on land as well as hunting in water.
The previously unknown species belongs to the Protecetidae, a group of extinct creatures that were part of an evolutionary change in which mammals went from being land-dwelling herbivores to sea-dwelling carnivores over 10 million years. The 3 m-long predator has been named ‘Phiomicetus anubis’ after the ancient Egyptian God of death, not just for its assumed hunting abilities but also because its skull resembles the God’s jackal head.
Weighing about 600 kg, it had powerful jaw muscles and amphibious skills that would have let it prey upon creatures such as crocodiles and small mammals, as well as the calves of other whale species, the researchers said.
“It was a successful, active predator,” said Abdullah Gohar, a graduate student of vertebrate palaeontology at Mansoura University. “I think it was the god of death for most animals that lived alongside it.”
The researchers spent over a decade studying fossilised fragments found in an area in the Fayum Depression southwest of Cairo that is known as the Valley of the Whales because of the marine fossils unearthed there.
Q16: The most unique feature of the fossil of whale was ___________.
(a) head like Gods
(b) being four legged
(c) being found in Australia
(d) a strong tail
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The most unique feature of whale fossils is that they were four-legged. This indicates their evolutionary history.
- Whales are descendants of land mammals, and their ancestors had limbs that adapted to life in water.
- This feature helps scientists understand how whales evolved from land to aquatic environments.
- Other options, like being found in specific locations or having a strong tail, do not highlight the evolutionary significance as clearly as being four-legged does.
Q17: Over 10 million years ago, what significant event took place?
(a) extinction of animals
(b) end of land-dwelling animals
(c) an evolutionary change
(d) birth of sea-dwelling animals
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct answer is an evolutionary change. This refers to the significant transformations in species that occurred over millions of years.
- During this time, various species adapted to their environments, leading to new forms of life.
- This process is crucial for understanding how current species evolved from their ancestors.
- It highlights the dynamic nature of life on Earth and how organisms change over time to survive.
Q18: The head of the Egyptian God of death resembled a ___________.
(a) crocodile’s head
(b) blue whale’s head
(c) human head
(d) jackal’s head
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The Egyptian God of death, known as Anubis, is often depicted with a jackal's head. This is significant because jackals are scavengers that are commonly found in cemeteries, linking them to death and the afterlife.
- The jackal's head symbolizes protection and guidance for souls in the afterlife, which is a key aspect of Anubis's role.
- Other options like crocodile, blue whale, and human heads do not relate to the traditional depictions of this deity.
- Thus, the correct answer is (d) jackal’s head, as it accurately represents the imagery associated with the Egyptian God of death.
Q19: Abdullah Gohar was a/an ___________.
(a) research scholar
(b) archaeologist
(c) graduate student
(d) Egyptian fisherman
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Abdullah Gohar is identified as a graduate student, which means he is pursuing higher education after completing his undergraduate degree.
- The other options, such as research scholar, archaeologist, and Egyptian fisherman, do not accurately describe his status.
- Being a graduate student typically involves engaging in advanced studies and research in a specific field.
- This role is crucial for academic development and contributes to gaining specialized knowledge.
Q20: Choose the term from the passage that refers to 'an animal that consumes the flesh of other animals'.
(a) Carnivore
(b) Herbivore
(c) Mammal
(d) Omnivore
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The correct answer is Carnivore, which specifically describes animals that primarily eat meat.
- Herbivore refers to animals that eat plants, while Mammal is a broader category that includes all mammals, regardless of their diet.
- Omnivore describes animals that eat both plants and animals, which is not the same as a carnivore.
- Thus, the term that accurately fits the definition given in the question is Carnivore.
Read the Passage and Answer the Questions That Follow. (Question 21 to 25)
One day Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him, “You have no right teaching others,” he shouted. “You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake.”
Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man “Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?”
The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, “It would belong to me. Because I bought the gift.”
The Buddha smiled and said, “That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself. If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, you yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy.”
Q21: Who referred to Buddha as a fraud?
(a) An angry and rude young man
(b) A destitute person
(c) An elderly woman
(d) A trader
View AnswerAns: (a)
- An angry and rude young man is the one who called Buddha fake, showing his disrespect and frustration.
- This reflects the young man's negative attitude towards Buddha's teachings.
- His anger likely stemmed from a misunderstanding or disagreement with Buddha's philosophy.
- It's important to recognize that not everyone accepted Buddha's ideas, leading to such criticism.
Q22: What example did Buddha use to calm the young man?
(a) Spending money on important things.
(b) Being angry always.
(c) Buying a gift for someone who would not accept it.
(d) Ignoring others' feelings.
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Buddha illustrated a point by using the example of buying a gift for someone who would not accept it. This analogy highlights the futility of holding onto anger or expectations.
- It teaches that just like a gift not accepted, anger does not benefit anyone and only causes suffering.
- The message is about the importance of letting go of negative emotions for personal peace.
- This example serves to remind us that our actions should be free from the need for validation from others.
Q23: How did Buddha respond to the situation?
(a) He became extremely furious.
(b) He remained calm and untroubled.
(c) He left to purchase a present.
(d) He presented the young man with a gift.
View AnswerAns: (b)
- Buddha's reaction was one of calmness. He did not allow anger or frustration to affect him.
- Instead of getting upset, he maintained his peace and composure.
- This shows the importance of staying calm in challenging situations.
- Buddha's response teaches us to handle difficulties with a level head.
Q24: What contributes to a person's unhappiness?
(a) Not accepting insults
(b) Releasing anger
(c) Experiencing anger
(d) Caring for others
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Experiencing anger can lead to unhappiness because it often creates negative feelings and stress.
- When someone is angry, it can affect their mood and relationships, making it hard to feel content.
- In contrast, not accepting insults or releasing anger can be healthier responses that promote well-being.
- Additionally, caring for others usually brings joy, not unhappiness.
Q25: Which word in the passage signifies something out of the ordinary?
(a) Upset
(b) Strange
(c) Fake
(d) Rid
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The word strange is synonymous with unusual, indicating something that is not typical or expected.
- Upset refers to being disturbed or unhappy, which does not convey the same meaning.
- Fake implies something that is not genuine, while rid means to free from something.
- Thus, the correct choice that matches the meaning of unusual is strange.
Spoken and Written Expression
Choose the most suitable option to complete each conversation. (Question 26 to 30)
Q26: Rama: How did you find your way?
Ramesh: A kind gentleman ___________ me.
(a) tell
(b) telling
(c) told
(d) spoke
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct answer is told because it is the past tense of the verb "tell," which fits the context of the conversation.
- Ramesh is explaining that a gentleman provided him with directions in the past.
- Using "telling" or "tell" would not be grammatically correct in this context.
- "Said" is also incorrect as it does not convey the action of giving directions specifically.
Q27: Joy: ___________ do you always ask me to repeat?
Riya: Sorry, one last time.
(a) When
(b) What
(c) Whom
(d) Why
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The question is asking for the reason behind Riya's repeated requests.
- In this context, "Why" is the most appropriate choice as it seeks an explanation.
- Other options like "When," "What," and "Whom" do not fit the context of asking for a reason.
- Thus, the correct answer is "Why," which aligns with Riya's response of apologizing for asking again.
Q28: Rajan: A penny for your ___________.
Mike: I’ll reserve my opinion.
(a) sounds
(b) thoughts
(c) talks
(d) brains
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The phrase "A penny for your thoughts" is a common expression used to ask someone what they are thinking.
- In this context, Rajan is inquiring about Mike's thoughts or opinions.
- Mike's response indicates that he prefers to keep his opinions to himself.
- The other options do not fit the expression or context as well as "thoughts" does.
Q29: Maya: My grandpa is as fit _________ a fiddle.
Mike: That’s great.
(a) like
(b) so
(c) as
(d) just
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The phrase "as fit as a fiddle" is a common expression used to describe someone who is in excellent health.
- In this context, the correct word to complete the sentence is "as," which is used to make comparisons.
- Options "like" and "so" do not fit the structure of this expression, while "just" does not convey the same meaning.
- Thus, the correct answer is "as," making the complete phrase "as fit as a fiddle."
Q30: Roja: Sit up straight. Don’t ___________.
(a) curve
(b) coil
(c) slouch
(d) score
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The instruction is to "sit up straight," which means to maintain a good posture.
- To "slouch" means to sit or stand with a drooping posture, which is the opposite of sitting up straight.
- Options like "curve" and "coil" do not directly relate to posture in the same way.
- Thus, the correct answer is "slouch," as it directly contradicts the command to sit up straight.
Achievers Section
Choose the Correct Option to Fill in the Blank. (Question 31 to 32)
Q31: I will be happy ___________ this journey is finished.
(a) as
(b) so
(c) when
(d) like
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is when. It indicates a specific time in the future.
- Using when suggests that the speaker is looking forward to the moment the trip ends.
- Other options like as and so do not fit the context of anticipating an event.
- Like is also incorrect as it does not convey the intended meaning of time.
Q32: Global warming and climate change is ___________.
(a) really
(b) real
(c) realness
(d) realities
View AnswerAns: (b)
- Global warming and climate change are significant issues that are currently affecting our planet.
- The term "real" indicates that these phenomena are not just theories or ideas; they are actual occurrences.
- Options like "really" and "realness" do not accurately describe the situation.
- Thus, the correct choice is "real," confirming the existence of these environmental challenges.
Q33: Choose the Part of the Sentence That Has an Error.
The reality hitted hard to Ravish, when he failed the exam.
(a) The reality hitted
(b) hard to Ravish,
(c) when he failed
(d) the exam.
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The error in the sentence is in option (a) The reality hitted. The word "hitted" is incorrect.
- The correct form should be "hit," as it is the past tense of "hit" and does not change.
- Thus, the correct sentence should read: "The reality hit hard to Ravish, when he failed the exam."
- Identifying such grammatical errors helps improve clarity and correctness in writing.
Q34: Which word is a synonym for startle?
(a) Sparkle
(b) Suitable
(c) Frighten
(d) Comfort
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The word startle means to cause someone to feel sudden shock or surprise.
- The correct synonym is frighten, which also conveys a sense of causing fear or surprise.
- Options like sparkle and suitable do not relate to the meaning of startle.
- Thus, frighten is the best choice as it captures the essence of being startled.
Q35: Choose the Correct Option to Complete the Conversation.
Aman: How is it possible? Rani: ___________ ask me.
I have no clue.
(a) Please
(b) Can’t
(c) Won’t
(d) Don’t
View AnswerAns: (d)
- In this conversation, Rani is responding to Aman’s question about something she doesn’t understand.
- The phrase "Don’t ask me" indicates that she is saying she has no information to provide.
- Other options like "Please" or "Can’t" do not fit well in this context.
- Thus, the correct choice is "Don’t," which clearly conveys her lack of knowledge.