SSC CGL 2017 · 2017-08-19 · Shift 2

The relationship is action : medium — swimming takes place in water. Applying the same logic, flying takes place in air. "Bird" and "plane" are agents that fly; "wings" are the body parts/structures used for flight — none of these are the medium of the action.

Within each triplet, consecutive letters differ by +2 (G,I,K → 7,9,11; P,R,T → 16,18,20; D,F,H → 4,6,8). The mapping from the first triplet to the second is a uniform shift of +9 positions: G(7)→P(16), I(9)→R(18), K(11)→T(20). Applying +9 to D, F, H: 4+9=13 (M), 6+9=15 (O), 8+9=17 (Q). Hence the answer is MOQ.

The rule is divide the first number by 5: \(55 \div 5 = 11\). Applying the same rule to 125: \(125 \div 5 = 25\). Hence the related number is 25.

Football, Basketball, and Volleyball are all names of sports. Cricket ball, however, is not a sport — it is the equipment used in the sport of cricket. Hence Cricket ball is the odd one out.

Check the gap between consecutive letters in each group: USQ: 21, 19, 17 → gap of -2. OMK: 15, 13, 11 → gap of -2. IGE: 9, 7, 5 → gap of -2. VUT: 22, 21, 20 → gap of -1. Three groups skip one letter (-2 each step); VUT moves by just one letter (-1). Hence VUT is the odd one out.

An odd number is not divisible by 2 and ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. Checking each option: 110 (ends 0, even), 147 (ends 7, odd), 154 (ends 4, even), 198 (ends 8, even). Only 147 is odd while the other three are even, making it the odd one out.

The pattern is the letter count of each successive word, increasing by one: cry (3), dome (4), super (5), random (6). The next word must have 7 letters. Among the options, reflex (6), done (4), formula (7), classify (8) — only formula has 7 letters.

Two patterns run together. Length decreases by one each term: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, so the next term has length 1. Position of O alternates: beginning, end, beginning, end, beginning, so the next O is at the end. A single-character string containing O satisfies both rules, giving O.

Convert to a common denominator of 4: \(\tfrac{6}{4}, \tfrac{9}{4}, \tfrac{12}{4}, ?, \tfrac{18}{4}, \tfrac{21}{4}\). The numerators 6, 9, 12, ?, 18, 21 form an arithmetic progression with common difference 3, so the missing numerator is \(12+3=15\). Therefore the missing term is \(\dfrac{15}{4}\).

Days from 16 July to 1 August: remaining July = \(31-16=15\); plus 1 day in August gives \(15+1=16\) days. Day shift: \(16 \div 7\) leaves remainder 2, so the day moves forward by 2. Sunday + 2 days = Tuesday.

Box weights: 30, 20, 50, 90 kg. List all subset sums (each box used at most once): 20, 30, 50, 70 (20+50), 80 (30+50), 90, 100 (30+20+50), 110 (20+90), 120 (30+90), 140 (50+90 or 30+20+90), 160 (20+50+90), 170 (30+50+90), 190 (all four). Options 190, 140, 160 all appear; 200 does not. Hence 200 kg cannot be formed.

Letters available in SCALDING: S, C, A, L, D, I, N, G. Checking options: SNAIL (S, N, A, I, L), ALIGN (A, L, I, G, N) and CLANG (C, L, A, N, G) use only available letters. DICES requires E, which is not in SCALDING. Hence DICES cannot be formed.

The code shifts each letter +2 positions in the alphabet: O→Q, U→W, T→V, L→N, I→K, N→P, E→G, giving QWVNKPG. Applying the same +2 shift to MAN: M→O, A→C, N→P. Hence MAN is coded as OCP.

Replace operators per the code: + → ×, ÷ → -, × → ÷, - → +. Expression becomes \(50 \times 3 - 125 \div 5 + 25\). Applying BODMAS: \(125 \div 5 = 25\) and \(50 \times 3 = 150\), giving \(150 - 25 + 25 = 150\).

Test the rule \(a \# b = (a+b) \times 2\): \((26+14)\times 2 = 80\), \((5+3)\times 2 = 16\), \((6+5)\times 2 = 22\). All three match. Applying it to 14#5: \((14+5)\times 2 = 19 \times 2 = 38\).

In the first row, the number at the end is obtained by adding the other 2 numbers First row: 117 + 28 = 145 Third row: 211 + 11 = 222 Similarly, 35 + ? = 111 ? = 111 - 35 → 76 Hence, the missing number is 76.

A's path: 8 km South, then right (= West) 5 km. Final: 5 km West, 8 km South of start. B's path: 3 km North, then West 5 km, then left (from West = South) 4 km. Net: 5 km West, \(4-3=1\) km South of start. Both are 5 km West, so there is no East–West gap. B is 1 km South while A is 8 km South, so B is \(8-1=7\) km North of A.

A strong argument must be directly relevant, substantial, and rooted in the country's own interest. Argument I ("China will be hurt") considers the exporting nation's loss, not the importing country's welfare, so it is weak. Argument II ("crackers kill insects") raises a trivial, tangential effect rather than the real concerns of pollution, noise, or safety, so it is also weak. Hence neither I nor II is strong.

Since the opposite sides cannot be adjacent in the cube, thus the cube in the first option is not possible. Hence, option 1 is the answer.

Gynecologists who are neither Women nor Dancers are represented by ‘C and H’.

Hence, option 4 will complete the given question figure.

The question figure is embedded in the following figure; Hence, the given question figure is embedded in option 4.

Hence, the unfolded figure will be similar to option 4.

A vertical mirror is placed, so the object at the left will appear at the right. The triangle will stay above the semi-circle but the triangle will be reversed, and thus the first two options eliminated. Also, the small circle at bottom left will appear at the bottom right and the triangle will point towards the right in the mirror, so the last option is also not possible. Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Locate each letter of ROPE in the matrices (row, column): R → Matrix-II (8,5) = 85; O → Matrix-II (8,9) = 89; P → Matrix-II (8,8) = 88; E → Matrix-I (2,0) = 20. The set 85, 89, 88, 20 matches option 3. Other options fail at the first code (10=H, 03=H, 04=E), so they cannot represent R.

The production function is the technological relationship showing the maximum output a firm can obtain from each combination of inputs, typically written as \(Q = f(L, K)\). Total product is a single output level, marginal product is the change in output from one extra input unit, and average product is output per unit of an input — none of these describe the overall input–output relationship.

Under Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143 of the Constitution), the President may refer any question of law or fact of public importance, or any matter involving constitutional interpretation, to the Supreme Court for its opinion. Original jurisdiction covers Centre–State disputes, writ jurisdiction enforces fundamental rights, and appellate jurisdiction hears appeals from lower courts — none involve presidential references for advice.

Rajya Sabha seats are allotted to states under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution based on population. Smaller and less populous states get fewer seats. Tripura, being a small north-eastern state, has been allotted 1 Rajya Sabha seat (and 2 Lok Sabha seats). Hence the correct answer is 1.

Assam's humid climate, high rainfall and hilly terrain were ideally suited for tea cultivation. The British East India Company set up the first commercial tea gardens in Assam in the 1830s and the Assam Company (1839) expanded plantations rapidly. Through land grants, the Waste Land Rules and indentured labour, cultivators were persuaded or coerced into tea work. Jute was promoted in Bengal, not Assam; sugarcane and wheat were associated with other regions. Hence the answer is Tea.

The Chola dynasty originated in the Kaveri river valley in present-day Tamil Nadu. At their peak under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I (c. 850–1250 CE), they controlled Tamil Nadu, Kerala, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and even Sri Lanka. This entire core territory lies in peninsular South India, distinguishing the Cholas from northern dynasties like the Mauryas or Guptas. Hence the answer is South.

In mature rivers, the neck of a meander loop narrows over time due to erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank. During a flood the river cuts straight across the neck, abandoning the loop, and deposition seals it off. The crescent-shaped water body left behind resembles the bow of an ox's yoke and is therefore called an ox-bow lake. Oases occur in deserts, lagoons are coastal, and tectonic lakes form by crustal movement — none relate to meanders.

The Earth's crust is classified using the acronyms SIAL and SIMA. Continental crust (SIAL) is rich in Silicon and Aluminium, while oceanic crust (SIMA) is rich in Silicon and Magnesium. Oceanic crust is composed mainly of mafic rocks like basalt and gabbro, which are dense due to high Mg content. Hence the answer is magnesium.

Order Carnivora consists of mammals with sharp canines and claws adapted for a flesh diet. It includes the cat family (Felidae) — tigers, lions, leopards, domestic cats — and the dog family (Canidae) — dogs, wolves, foxes. Option 4 lists Tiger, Cats and Dogs, all of which are members of Carnivora. Camels (option 3) belong to Artiodactyla; giraffes and elephants belong to Artiodactyla and Proboscidea; crocodiles, lizards and snakes are reptiles, not mammals. Hence the answer is Tiger, Cats and Dogs.

In a vascular bundle, the position of the first-formed protoxylem relative to the later-formed metaxylem defines the arrangement. When protoxylem lies towards the periphery and metaxylem towards the centre, it is called exarch; this is typical of roots. The opposite arrangement (protoxylem inside, metaxylem outside) is endarch, characteristic of stems. Xylem fibres and parenchyma are tissue components, not arrangement types. Hence the answer is Exarch.

Phylum Mollusca contains soft-bodied invertebrates with a mantle and muscular foot — snails, clams, squids and octopuses. The octopus belongs to Class Cephalopoda under Mollusca. Locusts and butterflies are insects, and scorpions are arachnids — all three belong to Phylum Arthropoda (jointed legs, exoskeleton). Hence the only mollusc in the list is the Octopus.

An object covering equal distances in equal intervals of time along a straight line is in uniform motion. If the speed (distance per unit time) keeps changing, equal time intervals correspond to unequal distances — this is the definition of non-uniform motion. Periodic motion repeats after a fixed interval and circular motion follows a curved path; neither describes the scenario. Hence the answer is Non-uniform.

Friction arises because microscopic irregularities on two surfaces interlock. Lubricants — such as oil, grease and graphite — form a thin film between the surfaces that fills these irregularities and lets the surfaces slide past each other with much less resistance. Irregularities are the cause of friction, adhesives bond surfaces together (increasing resistance), and "viscous" is a property, not a class of substances. Hence the answer is lubricants.

Notepad is the default plain-text editor that ships built-in with Microsoft Windows, dating back to Windows 1.0 (1985). Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are web browsers, not operating systems. The Macintosh (macOS) ships with TextEdit, not Notepad. Hence the answer is Windows.

Magnesium oxide is a basic metal oxide; it reacts with water to form the corresponding metal hydroxide: \[\text{MgO} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{Mg(OH)}_2\] Since \(\text{Mg}^{2+}\) needs two \(\text{OH}^{-}\) ions for charge balance, the product is Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia).

Calorific value is the heat energy released per unit mass of fuel on complete combustion — i.e. energy / mass. The SI unit of energy is the kilojoule (kJ) and mass is measured in kilograms (kg), giving kJ/kg. kN/kg is force per mass, while kW/sec and kCal/sec involve time and represent rates of energy transfer (power), not energy per mass. Hence the answer is kJ/kg.

Particulate matter is classified by aerodynamic diameter. CPCB and WHO identify PM2.5 — particles of 2.5 micrometres or less — as the most hazardous, because they bypass the upper airway defences and penetrate deep into the alveoli, even entering the bloodstream and triggering cardiovascular and respiratory disease. PM10 causes upper-respiratory irritation but is less harmful than PM2.5. Hence the answer is 2.5.

The Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) was launched by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs as a voluntary social-security scheme for Indian emigrant workers with ECR-category passports. It combined pension (through NPS-Lite), life insurance cover and a return/repatriation benefit. DDU-GKY focuses on rural skill training, DUGJY on rural electrification, and Mission Indradhanush on immunisation — none provide pension plus life insurance. Hence the answer is Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana.

The Space Pen (AG7) was invented by American inventor Paul C. Fisher in 1965. It is a pressurized ballpoint pen that writes in zero gravity, underwater, over grease, at any angle, and across extreme temperatures, and was first used on NASA's Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine; the Wright Brothers built the first powered aeroplane; Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

The 2015 Men's Rugby World Cup final was played on 31 October 2015 at Twickenham, London. New Zealand defeated Australia 34–17 to retain the title, making Australia the runner-up. South Africa and England were eliminated before the final, so they cannot be runners-up.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka) marks the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336 CE by the Sangama-dynasty brothers Harihara I and Bukka I. They began the city's planning and construction, which later rulers expanded. Udayin and Shishunaga belonged to ancient Magadha; the other pairs have no connection to Hampi.

At the 64th National Film Awards (announced in 2017 for films of 2016), the Best Feature Film award went to the Marathi film Kaasav, directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar, for its sensitive treatment of depression and recovery. Rustom won Best Actor (Akshay Kumar) and Dangal won Best Supporting Actress (Zaira Wasim) at the same ceremony, but neither won Best Feature Film. Airlift did not feature in the top awards.

Statement 1 is wrong: 'Fellside' (2016) was written by M.R. Carey, not Victor LaValle. Statement 2 is wrong: 'A Head Full of Ghosts' (2015) was written by Paul Tremblay, not M.R. Carey. Statement 3 is correct: the dystopian novel 'Brave New World' (1932) was written by Aldous Huxley. Hence only statement 3 is correct.

The Human Development Index (HDI), published annually by the UNDP, ranks countries on life expectancy, education, and per-capita income. In the 2016 Human Development Report, Norway topped the list with an HDI of 0.949, followed by Australia and Switzerland. Norway's high life expectancy, education attainment, and GNI per capita keep it consistently at rank 1.

Sir Creek is a 96-km tidal estuary in the marshlands of the Indus Delta and forms the disputed maritime boundary between India's Gujarat (Kutch) and Pakistan's Sindh. India favours the mid-channel (Thalweg) line, while Pakistan claims the eastern bank. Daman, Karwar, and Mandovi creeks all lie well inside India's west coast, far from the Pakistan border.

Step 1 — Repeated division by 2: \(101\div2=50\) r \(1\); \(50\div2=25\) r \(0\); \(25\div2=12\) r \(1\); \(12\div2=6\) r \(0\); \(6\div2=3\) r \(0\); \(3\div2=1\) r \(1\); \(1\div2=0\) r \(1\). Step 2 — Read remainders bottom-up: \(1100101_2\). Check: \(64+32+4+1=101\). Hence the binary form is 1100101.

Step 1 — Repeated division by 2: \(101\div2=50\) r \(1\); \(50\div2=25\) r \(0\); \(25\div2=12\) r \(1\); \(12\div2=6\) r \(0\); \(6\div2=3\) r \(0\); \(3\div2=1\) r \(1\); \(1\div2=0\) r \(1\). Step 2 — Read remainders bottom-up: \(1100101_2\). Verification: \(64+32+4+1=101\). Hence the binary equivalent is 1100101.

Step 1 — Combined rate of A, B, C: \[\frac{1}{42}+\frac{1}{21}+\frac{1}{C}=\frac{1}{7}\] Step 2 — Simplify A+B: \[\frac{1}{42}+\frac{2}{42}=\frac{3}{42}=\frac{1}{14}\] Step 3 — Solve for C: \[\frac{1}{C}=\frac{1}{7}-\frac{1}{14}=\frac{2-1}{14}=\frac{1}{14}\] Therefore C alone takes 14 days.

Step 1 — Find the radius from the circumference: \[C=2\pi r\;\Rightarrow\;r=\frac{26.4\times 7}{2\times 22}=\frac{184.8}{44}=4.2\text{ cm}\] Step 2 — Compute the area: \[A=\pi r^{2}=\frac{22}{7}\times(4.2)^{2}=\frac{22}{7}\times 17.64=22\times 2.52\] Therefore A = 55.44 sq cm.

Step 1 — Marked price after 120% markup: \[MP=x+1.20x=2.20x\] Step 2 — Selling price after 20% discount on MP: \[SP=0.80\times 2.20x=1.76x\] Step 3 — Solve for x: \[1.76x=8800\;\Rightarrow\;x=\frac{8800}{1.76}=5000\] Therefore x = Rs 5000.

Step 1 — Let the coin counts be \(x,5x,11x\) for the 5-rupee, 50-paise and 10-paise coins respectively. Step 2 — Convert total to paise: Rs 43 = 4300 paise. Step 3 — Value equation: \[500x+50(5x)+10(11x)=4300\] \[500x+250x+110x=860x=4300\;\Rightarrow\;x=5\] Number of 50-paise coins \(=5x=25\). Therefore 25.

Step 1 — Runs scored in 45 overs: \[5.8\times 45=261\text{ runs}\] Step 2 — Runs still required: \(295-261=34\) in \(50-45=5\) overs. Step 3 — Required run rate: \[\frac{34}{5}=6.8\text{ runs/over}\] Therefore 6.8.

Step 1 — Assume 5 L of pure milk. Cost \(=5\times 24=\) Rs 120. Step 2 — Add water: \(\tfrac{1}{5}\times 5=1\) L, giving 6 L of mixture (water is free). Step 3 — Selling price: \(6\times 32=\) Rs 192. Step 4 — Gain %: \[\frac{192-120}{120}\times 100=\frac{72}{120}\times 100=60\%\] Therefore the gain is 60%.

Let the number be \(x\). Increased by 105 it equals 135% of itself: \[x + 105 = 1.35x\] \[0.35x = 105 \implies x = \dfrac{105}{0.35} = 300\] Therefore the number is 300. Check: \(300 + 105 = 405 = 1.35 \times 300\).

Moving towards each other, the cyclists close the gap at their combined speed: \[\text{Relative speed} = 20 + 16 = 36 \text{ km/hr}\] Time of meeting = 40 minutes = \(\dfrac{2}{3}\) hr. The initial separation equals the combined distance covered: \[\text{Distance} = 36 \times \dfrac{2}{3} = 24 \text{ km}\] Therefore the starting distance was 24 km.

Using the compound-interest amount formula with R = 10%, n = 3: \[A = P\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^n \implies 19965 = P(1.1)^3\] \[(1.1)^3 = 1.331\] \[P = \dfrac{19965}{1.331} = 15000\] Therefore the principal was Rs. 15000.

Expand the bracket and combine terms: \[\dfrac{8x}{3} + \dfrac{7\left(5 - \tfrac{2x}{3}\right)}{2} = \dfrac{1}{2}\] \[\dfrac{8x}{3} + \dfrac{35}{2} - \dfrac{7x}{3} = \dfrac{1}{2}\] Combine the \(x\)-terms and move the constant: \[\dfrac{x}{3} = \dfrac{1}{2} - \dfrac{35}{2} = -17\] \[x = -51\] Therefore x = -51.

Use the identity \(a^3 - b^3 = (a-b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)\). First find \(a^2 + b^2\) from \((a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\): \[a^2 + b^2 = (a-b)^2 + 2ab = (-1)^2 + 2(6) = 13\] So \(a^2 + ab + b^2 = 13 + 6 = 19\), giving: \[a^3 - b^3 = (-1)(19) = -19\] Therefore the value is -19.

Let the fraction be \(f\). Then \(f + \dfrac{3}{f} = \dfrac{31}{6}\). Multiply through by \(6f\): \[6f^2 - 31f + 18 = 0\] Factor (split \(-31f\) as \(-27f - 4f\)): \[(2f - 9)(3f - 2) = 0 \implies f = \dfrac{9}{2} \text{ or } \dfrac{2}{3}\] Only 9/2 appears in the options. Check: \(\dfrac{9}{2} + 3 \cdot \dfrac{2}{9} = \dfrac{27}{6} + \dfrac{4}{6} = \dfrac{31}{6}\).

For an AP, \(a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d\). From the given terms: \[a_2 = a_1 + d = 17, \quad a_8 = a_1 + 7d = -1\] Subtracting: \[6d = -18 \implies d = -3, \quad a_1 = 20\] Then: \[a_{14} = 20 + 13(-3) = -19\] Therefore the 14th term is -19.

Reflecting \((x, y)\) in the horizontal line \(y = k\) preserves \(x\) and maps \(y \to 2k - y\). With \((x, y) = (2, 3)\) and \(k = 4\): \[(2,\; 2(4) - 3) = (2, 5)\] Therefore the reflected point is (2, 5).

Since P is the midpoint of AB, its x-coordinate is the average of the x-coordinates of A and B: \[-2 = \dfrac{-5 + x}{2}\] \[-4 = -5 + x \implies x = 1\] Therefore x = 1.

Slope-intercept form: \(y = mx + c\) with \(m = -\tfrac{1}{3}\) and \(c = 6\): \[y = -\dfrac{x}{3} + 6\] Multiply through by 3 and rearrange: \[3y = -x + 18 \implies x + 3y = 18\] Therefore the equation is x + 3y = 18.

When BD is the altitude from the right angle to the hypotenuse, the geometric-mean (leg) relation gives \(AB^2 = AD \times AC\). Here \(AC = AD + DC = 4 + 12 = 16\) cm, so: \[AB^2 = 4 \times 16 = 64 \implies AB = 8 \text{ cm}\] Therefore AB = 8 cm.

Using standard values \(\sin 60^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\) and \(\operatorname{cosec} 45^\circ = \sqrt{2}\): \[\sin 60^\circ + \dfrac{1}{2}\operatorname{cosec} 45^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \dfrac{\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}}{2}\] Therefore the value is \(\dfrac{\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}}{2}\).

Since \(\angle M = 90^\circ\) and \(\angle N = 45^\circ\), the third angle \(\angle L = 45^\circ\), making LMN a 45-45-90 triangle. The legs are equal and the hypotenuse equals \(\text{leg} \times \sqrt{2}\). With hypotenuse \(NL = 6\sqrt{2}\): \[MN \cdot \sqrt{2} = 6\sqrt{2} \implies MN = 6 \text{ cm}\] Therefore MN = 6 cm.

If \(\cos\theta = \dfrac{35}{37}\), treat the adjacent side as 35 and hypotenuse as 37. By the Pythagorean theorem the opposite side is: \[\sqrt{37^2 - 35^2} = \sqrt{1369 - 1225} = \sqrt{144} = 12\] Then \(\sin\theta = \dfrac{12}{37}\), so: \[\operatorname{cosec}\theta = \dfrac{1}{\sin\theta} = \dfrac{37}{12}\] Therefore the value is 37/12.

Changes in net exports: ⇒ 2011: 0 ⇒ 2012: +10 ⇒ 2013: -30 ⇒ 2014: -10 ⇒ 2015: +50 ⇒ 2016: 0 Here, 2 years give a positive change

Given: exports in 2013 = 90 million USD Since, net exports = exports - imports In 2013, net exports = -10 million USD ⇒ -10 = 90 - imports ∴ Imports = 90 + 10 = 100 million USD

net exports in year 2016 = 30 million USD Net exports in year 2012 = 20 million USD ∴ Required ratio = 30/20 = 3 : 2

These are the net exports for following years: In 2012: 20 million USD In 2013: -10 million USD In 2014: -20 million USD In 2015: 30 million USD ∴ Cumulative net exports (in million USD) from the beginning of 2012 to the end of 2015 = 20 + (-10) + (-20) + 30 = 20

Part (3) contains the error: "bought of the trip" uses the wrong preposition. "Of" cannot link the verb bought to the purpose the trip. The correct preposition is for (purpose) — "bought for the trip" — or possibly on/during if the meaning is time. Parts (1) and (2) are grammatically fine. Hence the error lies in part (3).

The error lies in part (3). The phrase "stepping to her" uses the wrong preposition. To indicate movement in the direction of a person, English idiomatically uses "towards" (or "up to"). "To" with "step" typically signals stepping onto something (e.g., "step to the plate") or in rhythm. The corrected version reads: "...he said, stepping towards her." Parts (1) and (2) are grammatically and punctually sound, so the answer is (3).

The collocation "a bout of flu" is the standard idiom for a short episode of illness (also: a bout of coughing, a bout of malaria). This fits Babita's four-day absence perfectly. "About" is a preposition/adverb and is ungrammatical after the article "a". "Array" denotes a wide range or display, not a single illness. "Amount" measures quantity, but flu is not measured in amounts. Hence Bout.

The fixed prepositional idiom is "in accordance with", meaning in conformity with rules, laws, or standards. It correctly conveys that the refund complied with legal requirements. "According" pairs with "to" ("according to"), not "in...with". "Accordingly" is an adverb that modifies clauses, not a noun for this slot. "Accord" exists in "in accord with" (agreement in opinion) but is not the standard phrase for legal compliance. Hence Accordance.

"Affectionate" means showing warmth, fondness, or caring feelings towards others. Among the options, Sympathetic is the closest in meaning — it denotes a caring, understanding attitude toward another's feelings. "Neglectful" (failing to care) and "Aloof" (cold, distant) are antonyms. "Suppressive" (subduing/restraining) is unrelated to emotional warmth. Hence Sympathetic.

"Consequent" means following as a result of something else. Ensuing means happening afterwards or as a consequence — a direct synonym. "Inception", "Dawn", and "Creation" all denote a beginning or origin, which is the opposite idea — they describe what starts something, not what follows from it. Hence Ensuing.

"Parsimonious" means extremely unwilling to spend money — stingy. Its opposite is Lavish, which means spending or giving freely and extravagantly. "Avaricious" (greedy for wealth), "Chintzy" (stingy/cheap), and "Frugal" (economical) are all synonyms or close relatives of parsimonious, not antonyms. Hence Lavish.

"To filch" means to steal, especially something of small value. The direct opposite action — returning what was taken — is to give back. "To smuggle" (move goods illegally), "to appropriate" (take for one's own use), and "to encroach" (intrude on another's space/rights) all involve taking or wrongful possession, making them synonyms of filch, not antonyms. Hence To give back.

The idiom "in black and white" means presented with stark clarity — without ambiguity or grey areas. Applied to a decision, it describes a clear choice that causes no confusion. "Be colour blind" is a literal misreading. "Not able to appreciate the finer things" is unrelated. "Excessively prejudiced" reflects rigid "black-and-white thinking", not the idiom's standard meaning. Hence option (4).

"Out of date" means no longer current, modern, or fashionable — i.e., Old-fashioned. It is used for outdated technology, styles, or information. "Not have time; very busy", "Not stick to the schedule", and "Fail to find a partner" all describe unrelated situations involving time or relationships, none of which capture obsolescence. Hence Old-fashioned.

The preposition "with" must be followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form acting as a noun). "Having to" expresses obligation and does not fit this slot. Replacing it with Having gives the gerund phrase "having a different opinion", which correctly follows "with": "There's nothing wrong with having a different opinion." "Has to" and "Have to" are finite obligation forms that cannot follow a preposition, and the original is faulty, so "No improvement" is wrong. Hence Having.

The auxiliary "has" requires a past participle to form the present perfect tense. "Being" is a present participle/gerund, not a past participle, so the original is ungrammatical. Substituting Become (whose past participle is also "become") gives "It has become too dangerous for too many people" — a correct present perfect indicating a change of state. "To be" alters the meaning to obligation ("has to be"); "Be" is the bare infinitive and ungrammatical after "has". Hence Become.

Veracity means truthfulness or conformity to facts — a direct one-word substitute for the given phrase. "Deceit" is the opposite (misleading or concealing the truth). "Hypothesis" is a tentative proposition awaiting verification. "Theory" is an explanatory framework, not the quality of being factual. Hence Veracity.

To scavenge means to search through discarded waste or remains and collect anything usable — exactly the action described. "Disperse" (scatter widely), "Dissipate" (fade away/spread thin), and "Scatter" (throw about randomly) all denote spreading things out, the opposite of gathering. Hence Scavenge.

The correctly spelt word is Extrusion — the noun form of "extrude" (to force or push out), commonly used in manufacturing for shaping material through a die. The correct ending is "-sion" (as in extrude → extrusion, parallel to conclude → conclusion). "Extrution", "Extrosion", and "Extrotion" all use non-standard suffixes and are misspellings. Hence Extrusion.

The correctly spelt word is Reiterate, meaning to say or do something again for emphasis. It is formed from the prefix "re-" (again) plus the verb "iterate" (to repeat). "Reterate" and "Reterete" drop the essential "i" of "iterate". "Reiterete" and "Reterete" use the non-standard ending "-ete" instead of "-ate". Hence Reiterate.

Read the fragments together with the opener "Then the gigantic figure". Y ("slipped off the tree and stood") supplies the verb the subject needs. Z ("up before us, a truly") completes the action and introduces a description. X ("alarming spectacle") finishes the noun phrase "a truly alarming spectacle". Full sentence: "Then the gigantic figure slipped off the tree and stood up before us, a truly alarming spectacle." Hence the order is YZX.

The opener "We admit as much" needs a "when" clause to specify the admission. Y ("when we say that the mind") supplies that clause. Z ("is immaterial, and yet hold") completes the predicate about the mind and sets up a contrast with "and yet hold". X ("that it is related to the body") delivers the object of "hold". Full sentence: "We admit as much when we say that the mind is immaterial, and yet hold that it is related to the body." Hence the order is YZX.

The active sentence is in the simple past, so the passive must also be simple past: object + was/were + past participle. The object "my online ad" becomes the new subject, and "responded" is followed by "to" because "respond to" is a prepositional verb. "No one" becomes "not ... by anyone". This gives "My online ad was not responded to by anyone". Option 2 wrongly uses present "is"; options 3 and 4 abandon the verb "respond" and use awkward noun constructions.

Three changes are needed for indirect speech with a past reporting verb: "said to" + object becomes "told" + object (no "to"), the quotation is linked by "that", and the present-tense reported verb shifts to past — "It's (is) wonderful" becomes "it was wonderful". This yields "Ajay told my sister that it was wonderful." Options 1 and 2 wrongly keep present "tells"; options 2 and 4 wrongly insert "to" after the reporting verb.

The clause before the semicolon — "dispel all the mental images and stereotypes" — is an imperative. The parallel clause after the semicolon must also start with an imperative verb directed at "the jargon". The imperative form is the base verb, so "Forget" fits: "Forget the jargon of 'opening up,' 'flow,' 'nidra,' and 'balance'." "Forgetful" is an adjective, "Forgot" is past tense, and "Forgotten" is a past participle — none can head an imperative clause.

The verb "focus" takes the preposition "on" when naming the target of attention — "focus on something" is the fixed collocation. "Focus of" pairs with the noun "focus", not the verb; "focus for" is non-idiomatic; "focus off" would mean diverting attention away, which contradicts the sentence's meaning. Hence: "Focus on what you need for your body."

The blank introduces a conditional clause — the advice "begin here with just one asana" applies only when the reader is unsure. "If" is the standard marker of such a condition, giving "If you aren't sure, begin here — with just one asana." "For" cannot open a conditional clause; "But" signals contrast, not condition; "Whether" introduces alternatives (whether X or Y) and does not fit a single uncertainty.

The blank needs a relative pronoun linking "one of the basic ones" to the defining clause "I lead every class with". "That" functions as a relative pronoun here, giving "one of the basic ones that I lead every class with." "This", "These" and "Those" are demonstratives, not relative pronouns; "These" and "Those" are also plural and would not agree with the singular "one".

Since the sentence gives a choice between two possible options, the most appropriate option would be 'or'.