English Olympiad Previous Year Paper - 1 | English Olympiad for Class 9 PDF Download

Ans: (b)

• The correct word to fill in the blank is speculation, which means forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.
• This fits the context of rumors or guesses about the neighbors' possible employment with the Secret Service.
• Specification refers to a detailed description, specialization means focusing on a specific area, and organization relates to a structured group, none of which fit the context here.
• Thus, speculation is the most appropriate choice as it conveys the idea of uncertainty and rumor.

Ans: (C)
The correct collective noun is "fluffle," which refers to a group of wild rabbits in the sentence.

Ans: (A)
The suitable indefinite pronoun is "another," which signifies a switch that is "different from the first" in the sentence.

Ans: (c)

• The correct word to fill in the blank is why. This indicates the reason for the police's visit.
• Using where would imply a location, which does not fit the context.
• Which and who do not provide a reason, making them incorrect choices.
• Thus, why is the best option as it suggests a motive behind the police action.

Ans: (b)

• The correct word to fill in the blank is incorporate, which means to include or integrate suggestions and ideas into the report.
• Undertake means to take on a task, but it doesn't imply including ideas.
• Proceed means to continue or move forward, which is not relevant here.
• Convey means to communicate, but it doesn't mean to include in a report.

Ans: (c)

• The correct answer is measured and would. The workers need to measure the kitchen area to determine if the new oven would fit.
• Glanced means to look quickly, which is not sufficient for checking dimensions.
• Checked and might be suggest uncertainty, but measuring gives a definite answer.
• Enhanced means to improve, which is irrelevant in this context.

Ans: (d)

• The phrase "clamp down on" means to take strict measures against something. In this context, it indicates that the government intends to impose restrictions on the free electricity policy.
• This policy is viewed as a threat to the economy, suggesting that it may be causing financial issues.
• The other options do not convey the same meaning of imposing restrictions or taking action against the policy.
• Thus, the correct answer is (d) clamp down on, as it aligns with the government's intention to address the economic threat posed by the policy.

Ans: (b)

• Making fun of someone’s appearance is considered disrespectful and can hurt their feelings.
• It’s important to treat others with kindness and avoid negative comments about their looks.
• Talking behind someone’s back can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
• Instead, we should focus on positive interactions and support each other.

Ans: (a)

• The correct answer is should never because it emphasizes the importance of breakfast.
• Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, as it provides essential energy.
• Skipping breakfast can lead to decreased energy levels and focus throughout the morning.
• Therefore, it is advisable to always have breakfast to stay active and energetic.

Ans: (a)

• The phrase "must have been" indicates a strong assumption about the past. In this context, it suggests that the speaker is quite sure that the person knocking was indeed the delivery guy.
• Option "should be" implies a recommendation or expectation, which does not fit the context of a past event.
• "Might have been" suggests uncertainty, which is less definitive than "must have been."
• "Will have been" refers to a future perfect tense, which is not applicable here since the event is in the past.

Ans: (b)

• The correct answer is "do not adhere" because it indicates a current situation where some women still do not follow the principle of equality.
• Using "do not" is appropriate here as it matches the plural subject "some who".
• Other options like "did not" and "had not" refer to past situations, which do not fit the context of the statement.
• Thus, "do not adhere" correctly reflects the ongoing issue of inequality despite societal acceptance.

Ans: (b)

• The correct answer is were tumbling because it indicates an action that was happening in the past while the speaker was writing.
• This choice shows that the squirrels were actively engaged in the action of tumbling at that specific time.
• Other options either suggest a different time frame or are grammatically incorrect for this context.
• For example, "are tumbling" suggests a present action, which does not fit with the past context of the sentence.

Ans: (b)

• The correct answer is conservatively. This means choosing a style that is more traditional and less flashy.
• Dressing conservatively is often seen as more appropriate for first meetings, as it can convey respect and professionalism.
• In contrast, wearing fashionable or trendy clothes might come off as trying too hard or being overly casual.
• Thus, opting for a conservative style is a safer choice in such situations.

Ans: (c)

• The word "likewise" means "in the same way" or "also," which fits perfectly in this context.
• It indicates that she expected her students to perform their tasks in a similar manner to her own efforts.
• Options like "however" and "neither" do not convey the same meaning of expectation for similar action.
• Thus, "likewise" is the correct choice as it aligns with her anticipation of her students' actions.

Ans: (a)

• In this context, the word brusque means being abrupt or blunt in manner, which contrasts with being cordial.
• The sentence indicates that his personality can switch from friendly to something more harsh or rude.
• Mellow, benevolent, and amiable suggest a more gentle or kind demeanor, which does not fit the description of the second part of the sentence.
• Thus, the correct answer is (a) brusque, as it captures the sudden change in his personality.

Ans: (b)

• Amoebas are described as amorphous because they can change their shape easily.
• This flexibility allows them to move and crawl in their environment.
• Unlike other organisms, they do not have a fixed form, which is why they are called amorphous.
• This ability is crucial for their survival as it helps them to navigate through different surroundings.

Ans: (a)

• The correct option is regarding, which means "concerning" or "about." It fits well in the context of discussing problems related to work.
• Despite of is incorrect because the correct phrase is simply "despite," which does not fit the sentence structure.
• In lieu of means "instead of," which does not relate to the context of problems with work.
• Beside means "next to," which does not convey the intended meaning of discussing issues.

Ans: (b)

• The correct answer is underneath. This means that the layer of fat is located below the fur coat.
• This fat layer acts as an insulator, helping polar bears stay warm in their cold habitat.
• The thick fur coat also provides additional protection against the chilly environment.
• So, the combination of fat and fur is essential for their survival in extreme conditions.

Ans: (c)

• The correct answer is "The, the, no article." This means that we are talking about a specific book, hence "The book."
• When we say "one of the finest works," we use "the" because we are referring to a specific group of works by Virginia Woolf.
• Finally, "of Virginia Woolf" does not need an article because we are mentioning her name directly.
• So, the complete sentence correctly reads: "The book you just read is one of the finest works of Virginia Woolf."

Ans: (c)

• The correct answer is is usually seen because it indicates that Mr. Smith is often observed doing this activity.
• This phrase suggests a habitual action, meaning he regularly mows his garden.
• Options like "will usually see" and "has usually seen" do not fit the context of describing a regular activity.
• Thus, "is usually seen" accurately reflects that it is a common sight to see him mowing his garden after retirement.

Ans: (d)

• The phrase "inasmuch as" means "to the extent that" or "since," which fits well in this context.
• This indicates that the speaker shares responsibility for trusting the fraudster, just like the other person does.
• Options like "as if" and "as soon" do not convey the same meaning and are incorrect in this context.
• Thus, "inasmuch" is the best choice to express shared responsibility.

Ans: (c)
The correct subordinating conjunction is "supposing," which is used to express a hypothetical situation or a "what if" scenario in this context.

Ans: (b)

• The phrase "the whole nine yards" refers to doing everything possible in a given situation.
• It implies going all out or making the maximum effort.
• This idiom is often used to express total commitment or thoroughness.
• It does not literally relate to a measurement of nine yards, but rather to the extent of effort one puts in.

Ans: (a)

• Rani is asking her mother about the location of her red dress.
• The correct option is (a) because it uses the proper indirect question format.
• Options (b), (c), and (d) are grammatically incorrect or do not fit the context.
• In indirect questions, we often use "whether" or "if" followed by the correct verb form.

Ans: (d)

• The correct spelling is seditious, which describes actions or words that oppose or rebel against the government.
• This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to speech or behavior that incites rebellion.
• Understanding this word is important in discussions about freedom of speech and government authority.
• It is crucial to recognize the implications of being labeled as seditious, as it can lead to serious legal consequences.

Ans: (a)

• The correct spelling is Penurious, which describes someone who is very frugal or stingy.
• This term comes from the Latin word "penuria," meaning poverty or scarcity.
• Being penurious implies a strong reluctance to spend money, often to the point of being miserly.
• Other options are incorrect spellings and do not convey the same meaning.

Ans: (b)

• The word facsimile refers to an exact copy or reproduction of something.
• Among the options, replica is the term that best matches this meaning, as it also signifies a copy.
• In contrast, original indicates something that is the first of its kind, while archetype and paradigm refer to models or typical examples, not copies.
• Thus, the correct synonym for facsimile is replica.

Ans: (a)

• The word mettle refers to a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to show courage in challenging situations.
• The correct synonym is valiant, which means showing courage or determination.
• In contrast, fearful and cowardice imply a lack of bravery, while novice suggests inexperience, which does not relate to courage.
• Thus, the best choice that captures the essence of mettle is valiant.

Ans: (d)

• The word vacuous means empty or lacking in ideas. To find its antonym, we look for a word that means the opposite.
• Brimming suggests being full or overflowing, which contrasts with the emptiness of vacuous.
• Other options like unreasoning, airheaded, and fatuous all imply a lack of thought or substance, making them similar to vacuous.
• Thus, the correct antonym is brimming, as it conveys fullness and richness of ideas.

Ans: (b)

• The word congruity means harmony or agreement.
• The correct antonym is discord, which signifies disagreement or conflict.
• Symmetry refers to balance, while anonymity means being unnamed, and concord indicates agreement.
• Thus, discord is the opposite of congruity, making it the right choice.

Ans: (c)

• The Sphinx of Egypt is known for its gigantic size and unique design.
• It features a human head and a lion's body, symbolizing strength and wisdom.
• This statue is not just a work of art; it also serves as a guardian of ancient tombs.
• Its distinctive form makes it one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.

Ans: (b)

• The main reason for the decrease in visitors to Egypt is the violence in the Middle Eastern region. This has made many potential tourists feel unsafe.
• While high temperatures can be uncomfortable, they are not the primary cause of the decline.
• Changes in government power can affect tourism, but the immediate concern is the security situation.
• Although a decrease in insurgency might help, it is not the current reason for the drop in visitors.

Ans: (c)

• The word exotic refers to something that is attractive or unusual, often because it is from a distant or foreign place.
• Among the options, alluring best captures this meaning, as it suggests something that is charming or fascinating.
• The other options do not convey the same sense of appeal or uniqueness that exotic implies.
• Thus, the correct synonym for exotic in this context is alluring.

Ans: (b)

• Statement I is accurate as the great pyramids were indeed built as tombs for the pharaohs, showcasing their immense power and influence in ancient Egypt.
• Statement II is incorrect because while Abu Simbel is famous for its temples, it is not primarily known as a burial site for kings.
• Thus, the correct choice is that only Statement I is true.

Ans: (a)

• Abu Simbel temples are famous for their massive statues that stand at the entrances, which are much larger than life.
• These statues represent Ramses II and are designed to impress and intimidate visitors.
• They were built to commemorate Ramses II's reign and to showcase his power.
• Unlike other options, the temples do not house mummies or serve as sacrificial sites.

Ans: (b)

• Gwendoline is a character from the book First Term at Malory Towers, which is part of a series by Enid Blyton.
• She is known for her role in the story, which revolves around the experiences of girls at a boarding school.
• The other options mention characters from different series, but Gwendoline specifically belongs to the Malory Towers series.
• This makes option (b) the correct answer, as it directly relates to her character's origin.

Ans: (c)

• Enid Blyton is known for her stories aimed at young children.
• In contrast, J.K. Rowling writes books that are more suitable for older children.
• This distinction highlights the different age groups targeted by these authors.
• While other authors like Roald Dahl and Julia Donaldson also write for children, they do not specifically cater to the older age group as much as Rowling does.

Ans: (c)

• Enid Blyton became a full-time writer in 1924.
• Before this, she was involved in various writing activities but not as her main profession.
• This year marked the beginning of her successful career in children's literature.
• Her works have since become classics, loved by many generations.

Ans: (c)

• Statement 1 is incorrect because while Noddy and the Farmyard Muddle was indeed started by Enid Blyton, it was not finished by Sophie Smallwood.
• Statement 2 is false as Harry Potter is not an older version of Noddy; they are entirely different series.
• Statement 3 is true; some of Enid Blyton's works have been criticized for being discriminatory and conservative.
• Statement 4 is also true; Enid Blyton is recognized as one of the most cherished children's authors.

Thus, the correct answer is option C, which includes both true statements 3 and 4.

Ans: (a)

• The author emphasizes the need to change the conservative nature of many children's books. This suggests that these books often stick to outdated ideas and themes.
• By addressing this, the author believes that children's literature can become more inclusive and reflective of modern values.
• Changing this aspect can help children develop a broader perspective and encourage critical thinking.
• Overall, the focus is on making children's literature more relevant and engaging for today's youth.

Ans: (b)

• The correct word to fill in the blank is throughout, which means during the entire time of the day.
• This indicates that the hot and humid conditions persisted continuously all day long.
• Using although would suggest a contrast, which does not fit the context.
• Both a whole and an entire are not grammatically correct in this sentence structure.

Ans: (c)

• The correct answer is had anticipated, which means the old man expected or looked forward to something happening.
• He believed that his son would provide care for him and his wife in their later years.
• However, the reality was disappointing as his son did not fulfill this expectation.
• This highlights the theme of unfulfilled expectations in relationships.

Ans: (b)

• The phrase blessing in disguise means something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good. In this case, the new CA helped the owner manage finances effectively.
• Bone idle refers to someone who is very lazy, which does not fit the context.
• Thorn in the way suggests a problem or annoyance, which is the opposite of what the CA was.
• Break a leg is a phrase used to wish someone good luck, but it does not relate to financial management.

Ans: (a)

• The phrase "caught up" means being deeply engaged or absorbed in something.
• In this context, Suresh was so absorbed in his reading that he lost track of time.
• The other options do not convey the same meaning of being engrossed.
• Thus, "caught up" is the correct choice as it fits perfectly with the situation described.

Ans: (c)

• In this context, "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult situation or to take action despite the discomfort.
• Samuel prefers to take action instead of being passive, which is why he chooses this phrase.
• The other options do not convey the same meaning of taking decisive action.
• Thus, the correct answer is (c) bite the bullet.

Ans: (b)

• Racism and sexism are harmful ideologies that negatively impact society.
• The correct answer, "should be abhorred," means that these beliefs should be strongly disliked or condemned.
• It emphasizes the importance of rejecting such negative attitudes to promote a better world.
• By abhorred, we acknowledge that these views are not just wrong but also damaging to humanity.

Ans: (d)

• The word aberration refers to a departure from what is normal or expected. In this context, it indicates that Malti's behavior was out of the ordinary.
• Contempt usually relates to a feeling of disdain, which does not fit the context of praising someone.
• Abjure means to renounce a belief or cause, which is not relevant here.
• Corpulence refers to being overweight, which is unrelated to the situation described.

Ans: (a)

• The word rumbustious means noisy and energetic. To find its antonym, we look for a word that means the opposite.
• Moderate refers to being calm and not extreme, which contrasts with the lively nature of rumbustious.
• Turbulent, capricious, and raucous all suggest some form of chaos or noise, making them unsuitable as antonyms.
• Thus, the correct choice is moderate, as it represents a more subdued state.

Ans: (c)

• The word repudiate means to reject or refuse to accept something.
• The correct synonym is spurn, which also means to reject something with disdain.
• Other options like emphasize and sanction do not convey the same meaning.
• Thus, spurn is the best choice as it aligns closely with the meaning of repudiate.

Ans: (c)

• The phrase "dead in the water" means that something is not progressing or has no chance of success.
• Shelly is expressing that the project is not worth the effort, indicating it is ineffective.
• Options like "kill time" and "a matter of life and death" do not fit the context of the conversation.
• Thus, the correct choice is (c) "dead in the water," which accurately reflects the situation described.