GATE CS Basic English grammar: 3 chapters, 10 previous year questions (48% of Verbal Aptitude), 159 practice questions and one solved question from each chapt
A question from this chapter
Question 1
Level 3: Exam Standard
In a recent study, researchers discovered ______ new algorithm that significantly reduces processing time. ______ algorithm, however, requires ______ substantial amount of memory, making it unsuitable for ______ devices with limited resources.
Question 2
Level 3: Exam Standard
Sequence the following sentences to form a coherent passage.
P: The resulting thermal stress caused micro-fractures in the outer casing.
Q: Initially hailed as a breakthrough, the new alloy was subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
R: Despite its early promise, these fluctuations revealed critical weaknesses.
S: Thus, the material was ultimately deemed unsuitable for commercial aviation.
Question 3
Level 3: Exam Standard
Passage: "The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is widely championed as a definitive solution to urban air pollution. While EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, their overall environmental benefit is contingent upon the energy grid's source. In regions heavily reliant on coal-powered electricity, the lifecycle emissions of an EV may rival or even exceed those of efficient internal combustion engines, thereby negating the anticipated environmental gains."
Assertion (A): The passage argues that the environmental benefit of electric vehicles is not absolute and depends on external factors.
Reason (R): The passage indicates that since EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, their environmental impact is uniformly positive regardless of the local energy grid.
Based on the passage, evaluate the Assertion and Reason.
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GATE CS Basic English grammar: 3 chapters, 10 previous year questions (48% of Verbal Aptitude), 159 practice questions and one solved question from each chapter.
About Basic English grammar Notes
Full study notes for Basic English grammar in GATE CS, organised across 3 chapters. Each chapter page explains concepts from the basics with worked examples and the formulas you need.
Basic English grammar Weightage in GATE CS
Basic English grammar accounts for 10 of 21 Verbal Aptitude previous year questions in our bank (48%), about 1.4 per paper across 7 papers.
One Solved Question from Each Basic English grammar Chapter
Question 1 · Grammar, Articles and Word UsageMCQ
In a recent study, researchers discovered ______ new algorithm that significantly reduces processing time. ______ algorithm, however, requires ______ substantial amount of memory, making it unsuitable for ______ devices with limited resources.
A.
a; The; a; -
B.
the; An; the; the
C.
a; An; a; the
D.
the; The; -; -
Correct Answer:
A
Step-by-Step Solution
Key idea: This is a direct application of article rules based on specificity and mention order.
Step 1: "new algorithm" is introduced for the first time (singular, countable, consonant sound). Use "a".
Step 2: "algorithm" is mentioned subsequently, making it specific and known to the reader. Use "The".
Step 3: "substantial amount" is a general, non-specific quantity (consonant sound). Use "a".
Step 4: "devices" is a general plural noun referring to devices as a category, not specific ones. Use zero article ("-").
Answer: a; The; a; -
Question 2 · Sentence Arrangement and CoherenceMCQ
Sequence the following sentences to form a coherent passage.
P: The resulting thermal stress caused micro-fractures in the outer casing.
Q: Initially hailed as a breakthrough, the new alloy was subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
R: Despite its early promise, these fluctuations revealed critical weaknesses.
S: Thus, the material was ultimately deemed unsuitable for commercial aviation.
A.
Q, R, P, S
B.
Q, P, R, S
C.
R, Q, P, S
D.
Q, R, S, P
Correct Answer:
A
Step-by-Step Solution
Key idea: This question requires mapping cause-and-effect relationships and general-to-specific elaboration while respecting chronological markers.
Step 1: Identify the opener. Q introduces the subject ("the new alloy") and the inciting event ("subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations"). It is independent and sets the stage.
Step 2: Build mandatory pairs. R contains "these fluctuations", which directly references the "temperature fluctuations" in Q. Additionally, "early promise" in R echoes "Initially hailed as a breakthrough" in Q. Thus, Q → R is a mandatory pair.
Step 3: Establish logical flow. R states that "critical weaknesses" were revealed. P provides the specific, technical elaboration of those weaknesses ("The resulting thermal stress caused micro-fractures"). This is a classic general-to-specific flow (R → P).
Step 4: Identify the conclusion. S begins with "Thus", signaling a final verdict based on the preceding evidence. It logically concludes the sequence.
Final sequence: Q, R, P, S.
Question 3 · Reading Comprehension and Passage AnalysisMCQ
Passage: "The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is widely championed as a definitive solution to urban air pollution. While EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, their overall environmental benefit is contingent upon the energy grid's source. In regions heavily reliant on coal-powered electricity, the lifecycle emissions of an EV may rival or even exceed those of efficient internal combustion engines, thereby negating the anticipated environmental gains."
Assertion (A): The passage argues that the environmental benefit of electric vehicles is not absolute and depends on external factors.
Reason (R): The passage indicates that since EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, their environmental impact is uniformly positive regardless of the local energy grid.
Based on the passage, evaluate the Assertion and Reason.
A.
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation for A.
B.
Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation for A.
C.
A is true, but R is false.
D.
A is false, but R is true.
Correct Answer:
C
Step-by-Step Solution
Key idea: This is an assertion-reason question testing your ability to identify the author's main claim and the logical basis for it, while watching for polarity reversals.
Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A). The passage states that the environmental benefit is "contingent upon the energy grid's source" and can be "negated" in coal-heavy regions. This perfectly matches A. (A is True)
Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R). R claims the environmental impact is "uniformly positive regardless of the local energy grid." The passage explicitly states the opposite: the impact is contingent on the grid and can be negative (negating gains) in coal-heavy regions. (R is False)
Step 3: Since A is true and R is false, the correct option is C.