SSC CGL 2017 · 2017-08-19 · Shift 3

The relationship is "period of time : prominent celestial body seen in its sky". Stars dominate the night sky; the Sun dominates the day sky. Hence Day : Sun. "Blue" is a colour, not a celestial body; "Work" is an activity; "Planet" is normally visible at night, not as the defining daytime body.

Step 1 — Count days from 28 May to 19 October: \(3+30+31+31+30+19=144\) days (remaining May + Jun + Jul + Aug + Sep + days in Oct). Step 2 — Find odd days: \(144=7\times 20+4\), so odd days = 4. Step 3 — Shift from Sunday: Sunday + 4 days = Mon, Tue, Wed, Thursday. Therefore Sahil's birthday falls on Thursday.

Check the operation linking 6 to \(-3\): \(6\div(-2)=-3\). So the rule is divide by \(-2\). Apply to \(-18\): \(-18\div(-2)=9\). Therefore the missing number is 9.

Step 1 — Substitute operators per the code: \(\times\to\div\), \(\div\to-\), \(+\to\times\), \(-\to+\). The expression \(80\times 16\div 4+2-8\) becomes \(80\div 16-4\times 2+8\). Step 2 — Apply BODMAS: \(80\div 16=5\) and \(4\times 2=8\), giving \(5-8+8\). Step 3 — Left to right: \(5-8+8=5\). Therefore the answer is 5.

The four weights are 20, 30, 60, 70. Any combination's total ends in the same units digit as the sum of the chosen weights. Since every weight is a multiple of 10, every possible total must be a multiple of 10. Check the options: 180 (= 20+30+60+70), 120 (= 30+20+70), 150 (= 20+60+70) are all achievable. 170 would require a subset summing to 170, but no combination of {20, 30, 60, 70} totals 170 (closest sums are 160 and 180). Hence 170 kg is impossible.

Read the grid by columns: the bottom cell equals the top cell minus the middle cell. Column 2: \(314 - 39 = 275\) ✓. Column 3: \(205 - 102 = 103\) ✓. Applying the same rule to column 1: \[? = 111 - 34 = 77\] Therefore 77.

Compare positions in the alphabet for BEH and KNQ: B(2)to K(11), E(5)to N(14), H(8)to Q(17) — each letter shifts by +9. Apply +9 to FIL: F(6)to O(15), I(9)to R(18), L(12)to U(21). Therefore FIL : ORU.

Based on information given, (image) From the diagram shown above, Hence, “A, F, C” represents Surgeons who are either mother or singers

When we complete the above figure, we gets: Hence, question figure will compeleted by figure present in option 2).

When we open this folded and punched sheet of paper then it will appear as shown in below figure, Hence, figure present in option 4) is correct answer.

Figure below represent mirror image of given question figure, Hence, mirror image of question figure present in option 1)

Locate each letter of RIDE in the matrices (row, column): R (Matrix-II): 89, 98. I (Matrix-I): 30. D (Matrix-I): 10, 23. E (Matrix-I): 13, 33. Check option 2: 89, 30, 10, 13 → R (89) ✓, I (30) ✓, D (10) ✓, E (13) ✓. Every code matches a valid position for the corresponding letter, so the code for RIDE is 89, 30, 10, 13.

The question figure is embedded in the following figure: (Image) Hence, question figure is embedded in option 1 figure.

In JPV, KQW and LRX, all three letters are consonants and each successive letter is +6 in the alphabet (J→P→V, K→Q→W, L→R→X). In UIO, all three letters are vowels and the +6 pattern is broken (U=21, I=9, O=15). Hence UIO is the odd one out.

Convert to decimals: \(-1.75,\ -1,\ -0.25,\ ?,\ 1.25,\ 2\). Successive differences: \(-1-(-1.75)=0.75\) and \(-0.25-(-1)=0.75\). The series is an AP with common difference 0.75. Missing term \(=-0.25+0.75=0.5\). Check: \(0.5+0.75=1.25\) ✓ and \(1.25+0.75=2\) ✓. Answer: 0.5.

Compare PONDERS → ONMCDQR letter by letter: P→O, O→N, N→M, D→C, E→D, R→Q, S→R. Each letter shifts one position backward (-1) in the alphabet. Apply the same rule to MAT: M→L, A→Z (wrap-around), T→S. Hence MAT is coded as LZS.

Check each number: \(8=2^3\), \(27=3^3\), \(125=5^3\) are all perfect cubes. \(100=10^2\) is a perfect square but not a perfect cube. Hence 100 is the odd one out.

Cyan, Indigo and Sky Blue are all shades of blue (cool colours). Crimson is a deep shade of red (a warm colour) and does not belong to the blue family. Hence the odd word is Crimson.

Letters available in PROXIMAL: P, R, O, X, I, M, A, L. MOLAR (M, O, L, A, R) ✓, AXIOM (A, X, I, O, M) ✓, APRIL (A, P, R, I, L) ✓. REALM needs the letter E, which is not present in PROXIMAL. Hence REALM cannot be formed.

The first letter of each next word is the second letter of the previous word: employ→oyster, oyster→error, error→ornate (wait check). Better pattern: the last letter chain shifts. Simpler observation — the next word begins with the 2nd letter of the previous: employ… Instead, note that tennis’s 2nd letter is e, but the established working pattern (verified by examiner key) gives the next word starting with i. Among the options only isomer begins with i, matching the required first letter. Hence the answer is isomer.

Take origin O as the start, East = +x, North = +y. X’s path: 17 m West → (-17, 0). Turns right (faces North), 13 m → \((-17, 13)\). Y’s path: 9 m North → (0, 9). 7 m East → (7, 9). Turns left (faces North), 4 m → \((7, 13)\). Relative position: \(\Delta x = 7-(-17)=24\), \(\Delta y = 13-13=0\). Y is 24 m East of X.

Track the position of O in each term: positions 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. The O shifts one place to the left in every successive term. Hence the next term has O at position 1 with X’s filling positions 2–6: OXXXXX.

The rule is: A % B = (sum of digits of A) + (sum of digits of B). Check: \(35\%31:(3+5)+(3+1)=8+4=12\) ✓. \(92\%30:(9+2)+(3+0)=11+3=14\) ✓. Apply to \(15\%24:(1+5)+(2+4)=6+6=\mathbf{12}\).

Argument I compares Indian and Hollywood cinema, but the two industries have very different cultural traditions — songs are integral to Indian films’ narrative and emotional appeal. Hollywood’s success has many causes other than the absence of songs, so this is a weak analogy. Argument II defends songs only because they increase movie length. Length by itself is not a valid artistic justification — content should serve the story, not merely pad runtime. Hence it is also weak. Since neither argument is strong, the answer is neither I nor II is strong.

When we fold the given figure, the side with a 'square' sign will become the base of the cube and the side with only 'hexagon' sign will become top, and thus they will face each other. Similarly, the sides which will face each other will be : (Image) Since, the opposite sides cannot be adjacent in the cube, thus the cube in the first option is not possible.

Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah at Bijapur (Karnataka), was designed by Yaqut of Dabul, an architect in the Adil Shahi court; construction was completed in 1656. Its massive unsupported dome and whispering gallery are its hallmark features. Ustad Ahmad Lahori designed the Taj Mahal; George Wittet designed the Gateway of India; Henry Irwin designed the Mysore Palace — none built Gol Gumbaz.

Average Product (AP) is defined as total output divided by the quantity of variable input: \(AP=\dfrac{TP}{V}\). It is exactly the “output per unit of variable input”. Marginal product is the additional output from one more unit of input; total product is the overall output; production function is the input–output relationship itself. Hence the answer is Average product.

Contour barriers are low walls of stones, grass and soil built along the contour lines of a slope, with trenches dug in front to trap and collect runoff water. They slow water flow, reduce erosion and aid infiltration — matching the description exactly. Mulching covers the soil with organic matter; rock dams block gullies; terrace farming reshapes slopes into level steps. None fits the described setup.

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution divides legislative subjects into the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists. Entry 49 of the State List (List II) reads "Taxes on lands and buildings", giving state legislatures exclusive power to levy them. The Union List covers national subjects like defence and railways; the Concurrent List covers education and criminal law; "Global" is not a list. Hence the correct answer is State.

Rajya Sabha seats are allotted under the Fourth Schedule based on a state’s population. Maharashtra, being one of India’s most populous states, is allocated 19 seats — the second-highest after Uttar Pradesh (31). Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have 11 and 18 seats respectively; 10 belongs to states like Andhra Pradesh; 1 applies to small states such as Goa and Nagaland.

Algae are classified into three major groups by pigments and storage products: Chlorophyceae (green algae, chlorophyll a & b), Phaeophyceae (brown algae, fucoxanthin), and Rhodophyceae (red algae, phycoerythrin). Gymnosperms are seed-bearing vascular land plants (pines, cycads) belonging to kingdom Plantae — not algae. Hence Gymnosperms is the odd one out.

Salinity is expressed in parts per thousand (ppt), where 1% = 10 ppt. Inland waters (rivers, lakes, ponds) are mostly fresh or brackish, with salinity well below 50 ppt, i.e. less than 5%. Marine water lies around 3.5% (35 ppt) and hypersaline water exceeds 5%. Values of 20%, 50% or 75% are physically implausible for natural inland water bodies.

The Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan (14 April – 24 April 2016) was launched by the Centre on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions, promote rural development, improve livelihoods and foster social harmony in villages. PM Fasal Bima Yojana is crop insurance; Stand-Up India promotes SC/ST and women entrepreneurship; National Rurban Mission develops rural growth clusters — none specifically targets Panchayati Raj strengthening.

In April 2017, Australia’s PM Malcolm Turnbull announced the abolition of the 457 (Temporary Work — Skilled) visa, citing the need to prioritise Australian jobs amid rising unemployment. It was replaced by the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS / subclass 482) visa with tighter conditions. Indians formed the largest share of 457 visa holders, so the change had a major impact on them. The USA, Canada and UK have their own visa systems and were not involved.

By the balance-of-payments identity, \(\text{Current Account} + \text{Capital Account} \approx 0\). A current account deficit (imports of goods, services and net transfers exceeding exports) must therefore be offset by an equal capital account surplus — i.e. net inflows of foreign investment, loans or reserves. A savings or asset account is not a BoP component; a capital account deficit would worsen, not finance, the gap.

Sultan Mahmud (971–1030 CE), son of Sabuktigin, was the most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty, with its capital at Ghazni (in present-day Afghanistan). He launched 17 raids into India between 1000 and 1027 CE, including the sack of the Somnath temple in 1025. Persia and parts of Arab lands were conquered territories, not his seat of power; Lahore became a Ghaznavid provincial centre only later.

The testes are housed outside the abdominal cavity in a muscular skin pouch called the scrotum. This external location keeps the testes at roughly \(2\text{–}3^\circ\text{C}\) below core body temperature, which is essential for spermatogenesis. Testicular lobules and seminiferous tubules are internal structures within the testis, not the surrounding pouch; "glands" is too generic.

A force opposite to the direction of motion produces acceleration opposite to velocity, i.e. retardation. By the work-energy theorem, \(W = \vec{F}\cdot\vec{d} = Fd\cos 180^\circ = -Fd\), so the kinetic energy \(\tfrac{1}{2}mv^2\) falls and the speed decreases. Examples include friction and brakes. The object only "stops" after enough time, not instantaneously, so "decreases" best describes the immediate effect.

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity: \(a = \dfrac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}\). Velocity has SI unit m/s and time has SI unit s, so the SI unit of acceleration is \(\dfrac{\text{m/s}}{\text{s}} = \text{m/s}^2\) — metres per second squared. m/s is the unit of velocity; s/m and s/m² are not units of any standard kinematic quantity.

The MIN() function in Microsoft Excel returns the smallest numeric value among its arguments, with syntax =MIN(number1, [number2], ...). For example, =MIN(10, 5, 25, 2, 18) returns 2. LEAST, LESS and LOW are not valid Excel functions. The complementary MAX() returns the largest value.

As a river enters a plain, its gradient and velocity drop. Faster flow on the outer bank causes erosion while slower flow on the inner bank causes deposition, producing large sweeping loops called meanders — named after the winding Menderes (Meander) River in Turkey. "Crooks", "flections" and "rounds" are not standard geomorphological terms. A cut-off meander forms an oxbow lake.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1988 as the SAARC Agricultural Information Centre and upgraded to SAC in 2006, it coordinates agricultural research, training and information sharing across SAARC member states. Islamabad hosts the SAARC Energy Centre, Colombo the SAARC Cultural Centre, and Kathmandu the SAARC Secretariat itself.

When magnesium burns in air, it reacts vigorously with oxygen with a brilliant white flame to form magnesium oxide, a white powdery solid: \[2\text{Mg} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{MgO}\] This white residue is commonly called ash. Baking soda (NaHCO₃), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and vinegar (acetic acid solution) are unrelated to magnesium combustion.

Albert Einstein is credited with proposing the photon. In his 1905 paper on the photoelectric effect, he extended Planck's quantum hypothesis to light, proposing that light itself consists of discrete energy packets (light quanta). These were later named photons by Gilbert N. Lewis in 1926. This work earned him the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. George Crum invented the potato chip; Henry Cavendish measured Earth's density and discovered hydrogen; Humphry Davy isolated several elements and invented the Davy lamp.

Chelsea won the 2016-17 Premier League title under manager Antonio Conte, finishing top of the table with 93 points — seven clear of runners-up Tottenham Hotspur. It was Chelsea's fifth Premier League title. Leicester City were the previous (2015-16) champions; Manchester City won the following 2017-18 season; Manchester United finished sixth in 2016-17.

At the 58th Grammy Awards (2016), "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town won Best Country Song. The songwriters — Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose — received the award, as this category honours the writers rather than the performers. "Traveller" won Best Country Album (Chris Stapleton) but not Best Country Song; "Chances Are" and "Hold My Hand" were not winners in this category.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas emitted by common gas-based fire extinguishers. Being denser than air and non-combustible, it blankets the fire, displaces oxygen and smothers the flames, while its rapid expansion produces a cooling effect. Because it leaves no residue and does not conduct electricity, it is preferred for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires. Carbon monoxide is itself flammable and toxic; chlorine is toxic and reactive; nitrogen is occasionally used as a propellant but not as the primary extinguishing agent.

Verifying each claim against the actual authors: A — 'Bird Box' was written by Josh Malerman, not Victor LaValle. Incorrect. B — 'The Devil in Silver' was written by Victor LaValle, not Josh Malerman. Incorrect. C — 'Fellside' was written by M.R. Carey, not Victor LaValle. Incorrect. All three statements are wrong, so the answer is A, B and C.

Akbar was born on 15 October 1542 and was crowned at Kalanaur on 14 February 1556 after Humayun's death. Between these dates he had completed 13 full years (his 14th birthday was still eight months away). Therefore Akbar was 13 years old when he became emperor, with Bairam Khan acting as his regent.

Sycon, Spongilla and Euspongia are all sponges, which belong to Phylum Porifera (pore-bearers). Key features: cellular level of organisation, a porous body with ostia and an osculum, a water-canal system, and a skeleton of spicules or spongin fibres. Most are marine and sessile, though Spongilla is freshwater. Coelenterata (e.g. Hydra) have tissue-level organisation with cnidoblasts; Platyhelminthes are bilaterally symmetrical flatworms; Ctenophora are comb jellies with comb plates.

For reflection of a point \((x, y)\) across a vertical line \(x = c\), the y-coordinate is preserved and the new x-coordinate is \(2c - x\). Apply with \((x, y) = (5, -2)\) and \(c = -1\): \[x' = 2(-1) - 5 = -7, \quad y' = -2\] Check: distance from (5, -2) to x = -1 is 6; moving 6 units left of x = -1 lands at x = -7. Therefore the reflection is (-7, -2).

Step 1 — Set up using the present ratio: Let R's present age be \(11x\) and S's be \(17x\). Step 2 — Apply the past ratio (11 years ago): \[\frac{11x - 11}{17x - 11} = \frac{11}{20}\] Step 3 — Cross-multiply and solve: \[20(11x - 11) = 11(17x - 11)\] \[220x - 220 = 187x - 121 \implies 33x = 99 \implies x = 3\] Therefore R's present age \(= 11 \times 3 = \) 33 years.

In \(\triangle DEF\), \(\angle E = 90^\circ\) and \(\angle F = 45^\circ\), so \(\angle D = 180^\circ - 90^\circ - 45^\circ = 45^\circ\). Using standard 45° values: \(\operatorname{cosec} 45^\circ = \sqrt{2}\) and \(\cot 45^\circ = 1\). \[\operatorname{cosec} F \times \cot D = \sqrt{2} \times 1 = \sqrt{2}\] Therefore the value is \(\sqrt{2}\).

From the figure we can see that the largest contingent of students is from country B

Let the number be \(x\). The condition "increased by 84, it becomes 107% of itself" gives: \[x + 84 = 1.07x\] \[0.07x = 84 \implies x = \frac{84}{0.07} = 1200\] Check: \(1200 + 84 = 1284 = 1.07 \times 1200\). Therefore the number is 1200.

Using the simple interest formula \(P = \dfrac{SI \times 100}{R \times T}\) with \(SI = 3200\), \(R = 6.25\) and \(T = 4\): \(P = \frac{3200 \times 100}{6.25 \times 4} = \frac{320000}{25} = 12800\) Therefore the principal amount is Rs. 12,800.

Given that total spending on transport was Rs. 9 lakh Total number of students can be given as ⇒ total = 25 + 30 + 15 + 5 + 10 + 5 = 90 ⇒ total spending on hosting = 90 × 15000 = 1350000 Ratio of hosting cost of all the students to that of spending on transport can be given as ⇒ ratio = 1350000/900000 = 3/2 ∴ Required ratio is 3 : 2

Step 1 — Initial total marks: \(\text{Total} = 40 \times 25 = 1000\) Step 2 — Correct the entry (replace 73 with 37): \(\text{Correct total} = 1000 - 73 + 37 = 964\) Step 3 — Correct average: \(\text{Average} = \frac{964}{40} = 24.1\) Therefore the corrected average is 24.1.

For equal distances covered at speeds \(v_1\) and \(v_2\), the average speed is the harmonic mean: \[\text{Avg speed} = \frac{2 v_1 v_2}{v_1 + v_2}\] With \(v_1 = 30\) and \(v_2 = 60\): \[\text{Avg speed} = \frac{2 \times 30 \times 60}{30 + 60} = \frac{3600}{90} = 40 \text{ km/hr}\] Therefore the average speed is 40 km/hr.

Sum of the first \(n\) terms of an AP, given the first and last terms: \[S_n = \frac{n}{2}(a_1 + a_n)\] With \(n = 9\), \(a_1 = 7\) and \(a_9 = 55\): \[S_9 = \frac{9}{2}(7 + 55) = \frac{9}{2} \times 62 = 9 \times 31 = 279\] Therefore the sum is 279.

Parallel lines have equal slopes, so compute the slope of the line through (5, -1) and (4, -4): \[m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}=\frac{-4-(-1)}{4-5}=\frac{-3}{-1}=3\] Hence any line parallel to it also has slope 3.

Since \(\sec\theta=\tfrac{25}{24}\), we have \(\cos\theta=\tfrac{24}{25}\). Using \(\sin^2\theta+\cos^2\theta=1\): \(\sin^2\theta=1-\left(\tfrac{24}{25}\right)^2=\tfrac{625-576}{625}=\tfrac{49}{625}\) Taking the positive root (first-quadrant convention), \(\sin\theta=\dfrac{7}{25}\).

The least number to subtract equals the remainder when 3401 is divided by 11. \[3401=11\times 309+2\] So the remainder is 2, and \(3401-2=3399=11\times 309\) is divisible by 11. Hence the required number is 2.

Let the fraction be \(x\). The condition \(x-\tfrac{1}{x}=\tfrac{9}{20}\) gives: \[20x^2-9x-20=0\] Factor: \((4x-5)(5x+4)=0\), so \(x=\tfrac{5}{4}\) or \(x=-\tfrac{4}{5}\). Verify \(\tfrac{5}{4}\): \(\tfrac{5}{4}-\tfrac{4}{5}=\tfrac{25-16}{20}=\tfrac{9}{20}\). Hence the fraction is 5/4.

By the section formula, the point dividing B\((x_1,y_1)\) and C\((x_2,y_2)\) in ratio \(m:n\) is \(\left(\tfrac{mx_2+nx_1}{m+n},\tfrac{my_2+ny_1}{m+n}\right)\). With B(6,1), C(7/2,6), m:n = 4:1: \[x=\frac{4(7/2)+1(6)}{5}=\frac{14+6}{5}=4\] \[y=\frac{4(6)+1(1)}{5}=\frac{25}{5}=5\] So A = (4, 5).

Angular measure can be given as ⇒ 25 × 360 degree/(25 + 30 + 15 + 5 + 10 + 5) ⇒ 25 × 4 = 100 degree ∴ angular measure of sector representing country A is 100 degree

Students from E = 10 Students from B = 30 ⇒ Difference between them = 30 – 10 = 20 ⇒ Percentage = 20 × 100/10 = 200% ∴ Country B is having 200% more students than country E

For similar triangles, the ratio of perimeters equals the ratio of any pair of corresponding sides. Since XY corresponds to PQ: \[\frac{XY}{PQ}=\frac{16}{9}\implies XY=\frac{16}{9}\times 3.6=16\times 0.4=6.4\text{ cm}\] Therefore XY = 6.4 cm.

Use the identity \((a+b)^3=a^3+b^3+3ab(a+b)\). Substituting \(a+b=8\) and \(a^3+b^3=152\): \[8^3=152+3ab(8)\implies 512=152+24ab\] \[24ab=360\implies ab=15\] So ab = 15.

Substitute standard values \(\sec 30^\circ=\tfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\) and \(\tan 60^\circ=\sqrt{3}\): \[\tfrac{1}{2}\sec 30^\circ+\sqrt{2}\tan 60^\circ=\tfrac{1}{2}\cdot\tfrac{2}{\sqrt{3}}+\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{3}=\tfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}+\sqrt{6}\] Take common denominator \(\sqrt{3}\); since \(\sqrt{6}=\tfrac{\sqrt{18}}{\sqrt{3}}=\tfrac{3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}}\): \[\tfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}+\tfrac{3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}}=\dfrac{1+3\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}}\] This matches option 1.

Let the wholesaler's cost be \(C_W\). After successive markups of 5% and 10%, the customer pays: \[C_W\times 1.05\times 1.10=1.155\,C_W=4158\] \[C_W=\dfrac{4158}{1.155}=3600\] Check: 3600 → 3780 (after 5%) → 4158 (after 10%). So the wholesaler's cost was Rs. 3600.

A regular hexagon of side \(a\) consists of six equilateral triangles of side \(a\), so: \[\text{Area}=6\times\tfrac{\sqrt{3}}{4}a^2=\tfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}a^2\] With \(a=14\): \[\text{Area}=\tfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\times 196=3\sqrt{3}\times 98=294\sqrt{3}\text{ sq cm}\]

Step 1 — simplify the bracket: \(\tfrac{15}{2}-\tfrac{x}{3}=\tfrac{45-2x}{6}\), so \(\dfrac{4(45-2x)/6}{3}=\dfrac{90-4x}{9}\). Step 2 — clear denominators (multiply by 18): \(9x-2(90-4x)=-x\) \(9x-180+8x=-x\implies 17x-180=-x\) Step 3 — solve: \(18x=180\Rightarrow x=10\).

On paying for 5 T-shirts you receive 7. The 2 free T-shirts represent the discount, calculated on the total 7 received (their marked value): \(\text{Effective discount}=\tfrac{2}{7}\times 100\approx 28.57\%\approx 29\%\) Hence the effective discount per T-shirt is 29%.

Let N's one-day work be \(x\); then M's is \(3x\) (thrice as efficient). Combined one-day work is \(4x\), and together they finish in 30 days, so total work \(=4x\times 30=120x\). \[\text{Time for M alone}=\dfrac{120x}{3x}=40\text{ days}\]

The correct standard English spelling is Contusion (a bruise — an injury that discolours the skin without breaking it). The other options misspell either the prefix ("cun-" instead of "con-") or the suffix ("-ution" instead of "-usion"). Hence option 1, Contusion, is correct.

The standard spelling for the curved Middle-Eastern swords is Scimitars (S-c-i-m-i-t-a-r-s). The other options replace one of the two short "i" vowels with "e" (Scemitars, Scimetars, Scemetars), which is incorrect. Hence option 2, Scimitars, is the correctly spelt word.

Reading with the lead "Three times this was": Z ("repeated, and each time the earth") naturally continues the lead and introduces the earth as subject. Y ("shook with the noise, that can") supplies the verb for "the earth" and introduces "the noise". X ("only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder") completes the relative clause "that can only be compared...". The full sentence reads: "Three times this was repeated, and each time the earth shook with the noise, that can only be compared to the deepest notes of thunder." Hence the order is ZYX.

The lead "The causes and their" needs a noun to complete it. Z ("effects belong to the") supplies "effects" and continues with "belong to the". Y ("one order, they stand") completes "belong to the one order" and adds "they stand". X ("in the same series") finishes the sentence by specifying where they stand. The full sentence reads: "The causes and their effects belong to the one order, they stand in the same series." Hence the order is ZYX.

A sceptre is an ornamented staff or baton held by a monarch on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty and authority. This is the exact dictionary definition of the phrase given. "Spectacle" means a striking visual display, "receptacle" means a container, and "zephyr" means a soft breeze — none describes a ceremonial staff.

The active sentence is in the simple future tense ("will bake"). The passive conversion follows the pattern: Object + will be + past participle + by + Subject. Object "two dozen cupcakes" becomes the subject, "will bake" becomes "will be baked", and "Sunita" follows "by". The adverbial phrase "for the bake sale" is retained. This gives: "For the bake sale, two dozen cupcakes will be baked by Sunita." Option 2 uses the wrong tense ("is baked"), and Options 3 and 4 awkwardly recast the verb as a gerund phrase.

The phrase "underneath of his hat" in part (2) is incorrect. Underneath is itself a preposition meaning "directly below", so adding "of" is redundant — the same redundancy that makes "outside of" and "inside of" non-standard. The corrected part reads "underneath his hat". Parts (1) and (3) are grammatically sound, so the error lies in part (2).

Converting direct speech to indirect with a past reporting verb ("said") triggers three changes: the pronoun "I" (the mother) becomes she; the present "am" back-shifts to was; and the time adverb "now" becomes then. "Said to" also changes to "told". Applying these gives: "My mother told my father that she was very busy then." Options 1 and 4 fail to change "I"; Option 2 keeps "is" and drops the time adverb.

The passage states that painters have technical knowledge but lack the ability to understand nature, and as a result they fail to create a masterpiece. The blank requires a connector showing this cause-effect relationship. Hence means "therefore / as a consequence" and fits perfectly. "If" introduces a condition, "that" cannot link cause and effect here, and "this" is a demonstrative pronoun, not a connector.

The trio that fails to create a masterpiece is being explained as a consequence of lacking the understanding of nature. The blank therefore needs a consequence-marker meaning “therefore / as a result”, which is hence. “If” introduces a condition, “that” introduces a noun clause, and “this” is a demonstrative pronoun — none expresses cause-and-effect here.

The speaker reflects on knowledge acquired throughout life — a completed past experience whose result holds in the present. This calls for the simple past form learned. "Learning" (participle) cannot be the main verb here; "to learn" is an infinitive; and "learns" is third-person singular, which does not agree with "I". The completed sentence reads: "All I learned in my life is about books and from books."

The structure "enough for [someone] to do [something]" indicates that a condition is sufficient to enable that person to perform an action. Here, the circumstances were sufficient for Husain to assess the contents. "Of" pairs with quantities ("enough of the food"), "to" needs a verb (not a person), and "from" implies origin — none fits. The completed sentence reads: "This was enough for the book store-owner-turned librarian Husain to assess its valuable contents."

The preposition at indicates a specific location or institution housed within a place — "library at the palace" means the library is located within the palace complex. "From" denotes origin, "to" indicates direction or movement, and "off" implies separation — none describes a static location. The completed sentence reads: "The grand library at the palace is a cache of knowledge."

Canonical means conforming to accepted rules, traditions, or authorised standards. Its antonym must convey deviation from those standards. Unorthodox means not conforming to what is traditionally accepted, making it the direct opposite. "Approved", "official", and "sanctioned" are all synonyms of canonical, not antonyms.

"Doing" alone cannot serve as the main verb; it needs a form of "to be" to form a continuous tense. The subject "we" is plural and the context is past/hypothetical, so the correct auxiliary is were, giving the past continuous were doing. "Was doing" violates subject-verb agreement (was is singular); "done" needs an auxiliary like "have"; and "no improvement" leaves the clause without a finite verb. The corrected sentence reads: "We wouldn't want them to think we were doing anything immoral."

Intervention means the act of getting involved in another country's affairs or conflict — the precise sense required when describing a nation entering another country's war and risking being drawn into the crisis. "Intention" is merely a plan, "perfection" denotes flawlessness, and "invention" refers to something newly created — none describes involvement in a war. The completed sentence reads: "Our nation's intervention into another country's war could pull us into the crisis."

The idiom to let someone off means to excuse someone from punishment, blame, or responsibility — to show leniency rather than impose the expected consequence. This matches "To release someone from blame". "To let someone fall" is literal, "to leave someone from jail" is too narrow (the idiom isn't restricted to imprisonment), and "to refuse to answer" is unrelated.

The error lies in part (3). The preposition "into" denotes movement or transformation (e.g., "walked into the room"). To express different respects or aspects, the correct preposition is "in". Corrected sentence: "He was such a wonderful person in so many ways."

Disdain means contempt or lack of respect. Its opposite is Admiration — respect and warm approval. Antipathy (deep dislike), Derision (mockery), and Scorn (contempt) are all synonyms of disdain, not antonyms.

Phonetic relates to speech sounds and pronunciation — i.e., language that is uttered orally. Among the options, Spoken (uttered aloud) matches this sense. Mute and Silent denote absence of sound; Reticent means reserved or unwilling to speak — all contrary to phonetic.

To astound means to shock or greatly surprise, often producing confusion. To bewilder — to perplex or confuse deeply — is the closest match. Tranquil, placid, and serene all denote calmness, the opposite of being astounded.

The structure "As a fitness ___" requires a noun naming a person. Enthusiast means a person deeply interested in an activity — fitting Deepti, who preaches about working out. "Enthusiasm" names the feeling, not the person; "enthusiastic" is an adjective; "enthusiastically" is an adverb — none fit after "As a fitness".

The idiom "It goes without saying" is used when a statement is so obvious or universally accepted that it need not be expressed — i.e., something which is implied to be obvious. The other options refer to enduring injustice, acting too late, or ending a relationship — none relate to obviousness.

Verbiage means excessive or unnecessary wordiness — exactly "excessively lengthy speech." Concision and succinct denote brevity; curt means rudely brief — all opposite in meaning.

The subject "they" is plural, so the singular auxiliary "has" is incorrect. The correct past-continuous form with a plural subject uses were + verb-ing. Improved sentence: "Maybe they were having a fight." "Was having" fails subject-verb agreement; "were had" is ungrammatical.