Explanation:

In this paragraph, a few things are discussed about snoring. On reading the first two sentences, the fill for the first blank is readily understood. The correct answer is ‘occasionally’. The author says that the condition is not serious; he is discussing infrequent snoring. Hence, we reject the option ‘frequently’. Besides, the option ‘involuntarily’ is illogical and hence we reject it. Every type of snoring and of any degree, is involuntary. The only option that fits in the sentence logically is ‘occasionally’. For the second blank, we get an idea of the answer from the first sentence. The writer says that ‘many people’ snore occasionally and as we get older, we snore more often. This is the condition of many people and hence we reject the option ‘unusually’. Snoring more often as we grow older is a characteristic of aging, but it need not be the normal and natural course. Older people ‘typically’ snore more often, but it need not be ‘naturally’ so. Hence, the correct answer is ‘typically’. For the last blank, we need to read the first and the last sentences together. Many people snore occasionally, which is not a serious condition, but habitual snoring can be ‘serious’. The only option that fits in logically is ‘serious’ and hence it is the correct answer.

Explanation:

The option ‘trespassing’ is not correct for the first blank; the concern is about safety of your belongings, rather than the intrusion of others. Out of ‘safety’ and ‘protection’, we select the former. We need to protect ourselves in order to be secure. ‘Security’ means freedom from danger and ‘protection’ means coverage from harm. Hence, the correct answer is ‘security’. For the second blank, we analyze each option. To find means to locate or obtain by search or effort, to realize means to grasp and understand and to discover means to get the knowledge of or to find out. We select the option ‘realize’. The option ‘find’ is rejected on the basis of its meaning. Out of the others, ‘realize’ is more suitable since we ‘discover’ that something has happened and realize that someone has been in the tent. For the last blank, we do not prefer the option ‘dream’; we need not dream when we sleep. Out of ‘sleep’ and ‘slumber’, we select ‘slumber’ because it means a lighter form of sleep. A small pocket inside the sleeping bag shall ensure that your basic items are safe while you take a short nap. This option is just suggestive of a way of keeping your things safe; it does not guarantee total security.

Explanation:

Owing to the presence of the word ‘more’, we can say that the author is making a comparison to describe the degree of the problem. The writer says that either your condition is mild or it is more than mild and hence more distinct or more ‘pronounced’. The correct option is thus ‘pronounced’. For the second blank, we select the option ‘warrant’. The two likely answers are ‘justify’ and ‘warrant’. We select the latter as it means sanction, whereas ‘justify’ is generally used to describe something that is already done, or to support a decision that is already taken. For the last blank, we select the option ‘temporary’. The author says that your tests can signify an acute form or depression, but on some occasions, you can have a temporary depression as well. This can be because of some circumstances in your lives. The word ‘circumstances’ shows us the temporary nature of the state of depression.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the author says that some people compare management with a crossword puzzle or a story. A puzzle or a story has a beginning, a middle and an end, which is not the case with management. For the first blank, we reject the option ‘defined’ because this word is already mentioned in the sentence. Out of the remaining options, we reject ‘understood’ because comprehension or understanding comes only after identification and it is a subjective issue when it comes to puzzles and stories. What one person understand, another might not. However, a defined beginning, a middle and an end can be identified’. For the second blank, we select the option ‘ongoing’. In the paragraph, the author is bringing out the contrast between management and a story with well defined parts. He says that the process of management is ongoing like a river and therefore it has an undefined sequence. The option ‘inconsequential’ is also illogical. For the last blank, we need to see each option carefully. We reject the option ‘structures’ since the main structures on rivers are dams only. There are rarely other structures on rivers that can stop their flow. ‘Impediments’ means obstructions and ‘decelerators’ means something that slows the velocity. The option ‘decelerators’ is not logical since the author is discussing stopping the flow of rivers and it would lead to a repetition. The option ‘impediments’ is more appropriate as it implies some obstruction that slows the flow of the river.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we select the option ‘disrupt’. To disturb and to interrupt, both mean to interfere and unsettle. Had the sentence talked of sleep in place of sleep patterns, we would have selected either of these options. The meaning of ‘disrupt’ is to temporarily interrupt the unity or continuity of. This word is the best suited option for the first blank. Snoring disturbs your sleep and disrupts your sleep patterns. For the second blank, we have to select from ‘deteriorates’ and ‘compromises’, as ‘disturbs’ is not such a suitable option. We select the option ‘compromises’ because it means to endanger, whereas to ‘deteriorate’ means to disintegrate or wear away. We select the said option because it is a mild word. We cannot say that ongoing snoring causes ill health, but it definitely endangers your health. For the last blank, we get the clue of the answer from the second sentence. The author is discussing ongoing snoring and hence it is ‘habitual’. The other options are not as suitable.

Explanation:

To counter means to oppose or answer, to subdue means to bring under control or to overpower and to alleviate means to make easier to endure or lessen. In the given context, the option ‘alleviate’ is the most suitable. Depression can be alleviated by the herb. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘effective’ right away. This option does not add anything to the meaning of the sentence since the word ‘useful’ is already used in it. Out of the other two options, we select ‘natural’. The sentence mentions that Ashwagandha is a herb and hence there is no point in reiterating it; Ashwagandha is a natural remedy for depression. For the last blank, we reject the option ‘these’ as the other options are more explanative. Out of ‘herbal’ and ‘natural’, we select the former since it fits in logically in the sentence. The author says that other than herbal remedies, foods also help. Since foods are also natural, we cannot use the option ‘natural’. Asparagus and Ashwagandha are both herbs and hence we select the option ‘herbal’.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we reject the option ‘numb’ since it is mentioned in the last sentence. It is because of these feelings that the subject feels numb. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘overwhelmed’ over ‘distressed’. The meaning of ‘distressed’ is great pain or anxiety. The meaning of ‘overwhelmed’ is to overcome completely in mind or feeling. The writer says that you may be feeling extremely sad or completely overcome by the given emotions. Since the stage is that of depression, the option ‘overwhelmed’ aptly describes the feeling of the subject. For the second blank, the option ‘painful’ is incorrect because it does not add anything new to the paragraph. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘unacknowledged’ over ‘dormant’. The answer is clear because of the words ‘caught up with you’ used by the author. Had the feelings been dormant, they would have surfaced or come up. The feelings that have not been recognized or accepted by you have now ‘caught up’. Hence, the unacknowledged feelings have caught up with you and they are in full force. For the last blank, the correct answer is ‘defenseless’. The writer says that you see a different future than what you had expected and you feel ‘defenseless’ because of your inability to change the future as per your choice. This option is the most suitable to express the helplessness of the subject.

Explanation:

In this paragraph, the author is explaining to us how you need to celebrate every little achievement that holds value for you. The case in this paragraph is that of managing your time. The author says that if you are learning something and making forward strides, then you should celebrate your achievements. The option ‘celebrating’ is correct for the first blank and we reject the other options. In the succeeding sentences, the author says that your efforts might not mean anything to anyone else, but they are significant for you. The step taken here is a small one; this is clear from the example as well as the author’s description. Hence, we cannot call the step ‘momentous’. The step is positive and it is meritorious from your point of view. The correct option for the second blank is ‘positive’. For the last blank, the option ‘bend’ is not correct. Though this option goes with the second half of the sentence, it does not give meaning to the first half. Out of the other options, we reject ‘obstacle’ because an obstacle is overcome and not straightened out. The option ‘disaster’ is the correct option.

Explanation:

We get an idea of the issue addressed in the paragraph from the last sentence. The author is describing how a person will feel when he is dealing with a broken relationship. He discusses the eventual stage. The correct option for the first blank is ‘perceive’. The author says that eventually you will be able to identify and understand what you have learned from the experience; you shall then ‘appreciate’ it. ‘Assimilate’ is clearly an incorrect option as compared with the other two. For the second blank, the correct option is ‘survive’. The writer is giving support to the grieving subject. He says that you are not alone and many people go through this experience. When they can survive, so shall you. The author uses basic words to encourage the sufferer. He says that he has to remember that this bad phase does not mean an end and he shall survive. This is the basic statement on which one shall build up further to explain how to survive. The prospect of survival shall encourage the person to go on. For the last blank, we select the word ‘grief’. The author says that thousands have dealt with broken relationship ‘grief’ and so can the reader. ‘Syndrome’ is clearly an incorrect option and out of the remaining two, we select ‘grief’ because it is less intense than the option ‘trauma’.

Explanation:

The sentence is about a test to determine a medical condition. The author says that the test shall not show the depth of the condition, yet it shall be useful. Since a medical condition is being discussed, the best answer option is ‘a diagnosis’. A diagnosis refers to a process used to determine the nature and circumstances of a diseased condition. For the second blank, the option ‘cause’ is incorrect. The test is to check the condition and it doesn’t look into the cause of the condition. Out of the other two options, we select ‘level’ over ‘seriousness’. In medicine, ‘seriousness’ would mean acute illness, whereas that need not be the case. The ‘level’ of the condition would mean the stage of the condition. Hence, ‘level’ is the correct answer option. For the last blank, we select the option ‘inner’. ‘Innate’ means inborn and hence the option is not relevant. Out of the remaining two options, we select ‘inner’. ‘Hidden’ means concealed and ‘inner’ mean internal. The state of mind of the patient is to be studied through the test. The option ‘inner’ is more relevant here and hence we select it as the correct answer.

Explanation:

The writer is giving some tips on how to get children interested in reading. For the first sentence, the options ‘purpose’ and ‘goal’ are more appropriate. ‘Idea’ means an opinion, ‘purpose’ means the reason for which something is done and ‘goal’ means the end result toward which effort is directed. Out of the two appropriate options, we choose ‘goal’ as the answer because the sentence states the ultimate aim for which the suggestions are given. For the second blank, we select the word ‘encourage’. The suggestions given do not include setting an example for the children so they get inspired. Besides, the author does not even tell the reader to try to ‘convince’ children to read. Hence, the options ‘inspire’ and ‘persuade’ do not fit in well; the correct option is ‘encourage’. The author says that one should not force children to read but one should instill in them a love of reading by encouraging them to read. For the last blank, we select the word ‘enjoy’. The writer suggests that you should get children interested in reading by giving them the freedom to pick their own books and by not forcing them to read; he says that it shall turn them off. The point conveyed in these suggestions is that of reading for pleasure and enjoyment. Hence, we select the option ‘enjoy’ over the other alternatives given

Explanation:

The writer is trying to explain how toenail fungus is caused. For the second sentence, we select the option ‘unhygienic’. The word ‘dirty’ means not clean and soiled, ‘unhealthy’ means not in a state of good health and ‘unhygienic’ means not promoting health or cleanliness. The succeeding sentence explains the conditions that lead to toenail fungus and thus these conditions are unhygienic. For the second blank, we select the option ‘bound’. ‘Likely’ and ‘susceptible’ are light words whereas ‘bound’ shows more certainty. The first and third sentences show that the main cause of toenail infection is unhygienic conditions of the feet. If a person maintains unhygienic conditions in his lifestyle he is bound to catch toenail infection. For the last blank, the correct option is ‘favorable’. The option ‘humid’ would lead to a repetition and hence we reject it. The word ‘fertile’ is generally used to show productive capacity of land for crops etc. The option ‘favorable’ is more suitable than ‘fertile’ is.

Explanation:

The option ‘developing’ is clearly incorrect since it does not fit in well in the sentence. The context is that of our daily situations, so the option ‘responding’ is more suitable. To react means to act in response to a stimulus and to respond means to act in reply. ‘Reacting’ is a stronger word and ‘responding’ has a wider scope. The author is saying that when we are depressed it affects our daily life, as we cannot respond favorably to daily situations. Our daily life situations do not stimulate us for a reaction and hence ‘responding’ is a more suitable option. In the second sentence, the author is saying that the depression quiz is not very accurate and he recommends counseling. In other words, the test is not ‘an exact’ science and counseling is ‘an excellent’ option. By using the word ‘exact’, the author shows that the test is not very accurate and one should not entirely depend on it. Since he does not completely reject the suitability of the test, we cannot select the options ‘recommended’ and ‘dependable’. The suggests that the test can be helpful but counseling is the best option and hence we select the word ‘an excellent’.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we reject the option ‘improve’. The beginning of the paragraph is about how the existence of a problem is realized and accepted. The author says that when you become aware of the existence of the problem, you will be able to accept it. The word ‘acknowledge’ means to admit whereas to ‘recognize’ means to identify. The option ‘acknowledge’ is more suitable and hence we choose it over ‘recognize’. Once you are aware of the existence of the problem, you will admit it and accept it. Recognizing the problem comes at a later stage. In the third sentence, the author says that self-help methods can be used to address the problem. He then gives a suggestion or an advice. He says that it is ‘advisable’ not to keep your anxiety all to yourself. The correct answer choice for the second blank is obvious. For the third blank, we check each option for its suitability. To vent means to release, to ventilate means to express and to reveal means to disclose. The discussion is around the feeling of anxiety. We already know that the feeling needs to be accepted once it is recognized. Hence the subject could be unaware of the existence of his feelings himself. He takes time to become aware of his own feelings. The writer then suggests him to talk to someone and ‘express’ his feelings. Hence the most suitable answer option is ‘ventilate’.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the author is trying to give some suggestions about how you can make your child read more. He says that you should start slow with one sentence at a time. After some time, they shall start reading more and more. This change shall happen ‘gradually’. Hence, you should ‘gradually’ build their skills and vocabulary; for the first blank, we selected this option. For the second blank, a careful reading of the sentence makes the answer choice clear. The author says that books with chapters have ‘mini-cliff hangers’. These endings of chapters are planned to make a child read more. Hence, these are tricks used to make children interested in reading. The correct answer is ‘tricking’. In the last sentence, the author is connecting reading habit with high IQ. He says that chapter books encourage children to read advanced materials and their thinking skills develop. ‘Critical’ is the correct answer option. Critical thinking is a complex combination of skills that includes logical thinking and analytical thinking skills. Since reading advanced materials gives overall exposure to the reader, all types of thinking skills develop and hence we develop critical thinking skills in children.