Practice Questions

In this context, the sentence refers to the share belonging to a single, average individual within a country. To show this relationship of "belonging" or "ownership" over the share of goods and services, we must use the possessive case. In English grammar, the possessive form of a singular noun is created by adding an apostrophe followed by the letter 's' ('s). Therefore, "average person's share" correctly indicates the portion attributed to one typical person. Option A ("person") is a simple noun that lacks the necessary possessive connection to the word "share." Option C ("persons'") is the possessive form for a plural group, which contradicts the use of the singular modifier "average." Option D ("per son") is a misspelling that splits a single word into two, making it structurally incorrect.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in
each blank.
The standard of living of any country means the average (1)________ share of the goods and services which the country produces. A
country’s standard of living, therefore, (2)________ first and foremost on its capacity to produce wealth. ‘Wealth’, in this sense, is not
money, for we do not live (3)________ money but on things that money (4)________ buy; ‘goods’ such as food and clothing and
‘services’ such as transport and entertainment. A country’s capacity to produce wealth depends upon many factors, most of which
have an effect on one another. Wealth depends to a great extent (5)________ a country’s natural resources, such as coal, gold and
other minerals, water supply and so on.

The sentence describes a universal economic principle: that a nation's standard of living is fundamentally linked to its ability to generate wealth. In English grammar, general truths, scientific facts, and logical conclusions are expressed using the Simple Present Tense. Furthermore, the subject of the sentence, "A country’s standard of living," is a singular noun phrase. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject requires a singular verb form (usually ending in -s or -es). Therefore, "depends" is the only choice that fits both the factual nature of the statement and the grammatical requirements of the subject. Option A ("depended") is in the past tense, which would incorrectly imply this is no longer true; Option C ("depending") is a participle that requires an auxiliary verb; and Option D ("dependent") is an adjective that would require a "to be" verb (is) to function correctly in this structure.

The choice of the word "on" is determined by the grammatical rule of fixed prepositions. In English, the verb "live" is followed by the preposition "on" when referring to the source of sustenance or the means by which someone supports themselves (e.g., "living on a small income" or "living on fruits"). In this specific sentence, the author is creating a contrast between living on money versus living on the things that money can buy. The parallel structure of the sentence—"we do not live on money but on things..."—demands that the same preposition be used in both parts to maintain logical consistency. Option A ("into"), Option B ("by"), and Option C ("in") do not form the correct idiomatic expression required to describe the basic means of survival or support in this economic context.

The sentence discusses the functional relationship between money and the items it is used to acquire. The word "can" is a modal verb used to express ability or possibility. In this context, the author is explaining that we do not live on the physical currency itself, but on the goods and services that money has the power or potential to purchase. Option A ("ought") and Option D ("should") are used to express moral obligation or advice, which does not fit an objective economic description. Option C ("must") implies a strict necessity or a logical certainty that is too forceful for this general explanation. Therefore, "can" is the most natural fit as it describes the inherent capability of money to be exchanged for things like food, clothing, and entertainment.

The choice of the word "upon" is governed by the rules of fixed prepositions associated with the verb "depend." In English, the standard idiomatic construction is "depend on" or "depend upon." While both are grammatically correct and interchangeable, "upon" is often preferred in more formal or academic writing to indicate a relationship of reliance or causality. In this sentence, the author is explaining that a country's wealth is contingent on its natural resources. Option A ("over"), Option C ("with"), and Option D ("in") do not form a correct phrasal verb with "depend" in this context and would lead to an ungrammatical sentence. Using "upon" maintains the formal tone established at the beginning of the passage and correctly links the concept of wealth to its foundational factors.

• Determination: The quality of being firm in purpose; resoluteness.

• Cowardice (Antonym): Lack of bravery or firmness; being fearful.

• While "determination" is about strength of will, "cowardice" represents a lack of it in the face of challenge.

•  In English, certain words naturally "pair" together. We say a singer performs live.

• "Risen," "lighted," and "shown" do not fit the context of a musical event in the way "performed" does.

Incorrect: Evidance

Correct: Evidence (Ends with '-ence').

• Spicy: Having a strong, hot, or pungent flavor.

• Mild (Antonym): Not strong, hot, or sharp in flavor.

• The sentence explicitly mentions "less heat," which leads directly to "mild."

• Copious: Abundant in supply or quantity.

Meager (Antonym): Lacking in quantity or quality; lean/thin.

• Incorrect: Appoitment

Correct: Appointment (Missing the 'n' after 'poi').

• Placate: To make someone less angry or hostile.

Appease (Synonym): To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands.

• The Sentence: "The article publishes in the newspaper today."

The Fix: An article cannot "publish" itself; it must be published by someone else. Therefore, we need the Passive Voice.

Has been published (D): This indicates a completed action that is relevant to the present day.

• onciliatory (C): This means intended or likely to placate or pacify.

• If a diplomat is "diffusing tension," they are using a peacemaking (conciliatory) approach rather than an abrasive or confrontational one.

• idiom: A man of letters.

Meaning: This refers to a person who is scholarly, well-read, or specialized in literature and writing.

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