English 21 Solved Past Papers 2021 to 2025 Archives

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Literary Figures Past Papers

Solved past paper MCQs for Idioms, Phrasal Verbs & Literary Figures from official UHS, NUMS, SZABMU, DUHS, and KMU examinations. Includes verified distractor autopsies and step-by-step cognitive explanations.

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Official printable A4 booklet containing all 21 verified past paper MCQs with unbroken options, 5-column rapid answer key, and Propolis cognitive error autopsies.

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#1 of 21 DUHS 2025
Permalink
Identify the simile among the following sentences:
A
She trembled like a leaf in the wind.
B
She was a statue, frozen in fear.
C
She was drowning in doubt.
D
Her thoughts were a whirlwind.
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option A Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figures of Speech (Simile vs. Metaphor).

Solution: Similes explicitly compare two distinct things using comparative words 'like' or 'as' ("like a leaf in the wind").

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options B, C, & D: Direct comparisons without 'like' or 'as' (Metaphors).
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#2 of 21 SZABMU 2025
Permalink
What does "I've told you a million times" mean?
A
To provide an exact count
B
To emphasize frustration or impatience
C
To confuse the listener
D
To make the character sound foolish
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figurative Language (Hyperbole).

Solution: The statement uses extreme exaggeration (hyperbole) not intended to be taken literally, but to express strong emotion, annoyance, or impatience.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Hyperbole does not represent a literal numeric count.

  • Option C: The phrase is a widely understood idiom, not meant to confuse.

  • Option D: It is a standard rhetorical device, not an indication of foolishness.
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#3 of 21 KMU 2025
Permalink
"Revenge is a kind of wild justice." The sentence illustrates the use of:
A
Personification
B
Pun
C
Metaphor
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Direct Metaphor.

Solution: Equates revenge directly with wild justice without using explicit comparative markers like 'like' or 'as'.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Other figures of speech.
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#4 of 21 SZABMU 2025
Permalink
What is the effect of using synonyms with different shades of meaning in satire?
A
To create a serious tone
B
To highlight the absurdity or irony of a situation
C
To confuse the reader
D
To add complexity to the language
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Nuance in Satire.

Solution: Satire relies on nuanced word choices and double meanings to mock, criticize, and expose human folly or absurdity.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Satire uses humor/irony rather than maintaining a purely serious tone.

  • Option C: The goal is critique and clarity of message, not confusing readers.

  • Option D: Complexity is a byproduct, not the functional primary purpose.
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#5 of 21 DUHS 2024
Permalink
Choose the correct phrase: The aeroplane travelled 5,000 meters before it _.
A
Take into
B
Took off
C
Take over
D
Took away
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: "Took off" is the correct past tense phrasal verb meaning an aircraft leaving the ground.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, D, & E: Phrasal verbs with irrelevant meanings (assume control, remove, etc.).
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#6 of 21 DUHS 2024 Reconduct
Permalink
Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined phrase: The firemen took several hours to put out the fire.
A
Dislocate
B
Extinguish
C
Producer
D
Broadcast
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb 'put out' strictly means to douse or extinguish a flame.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Unrelated meanings.
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#7 of 21 DUHS 2024
Permalink
Spot the error in the given sentence: The stories that she makes up for the children ought to be written down and published.
A
For
B
Down
C
Ought
D
No error
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option D Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Error Identification.

Solution: The sentence contains no grammatical, idiomatic, or structural errors. The correct answer is No error (Option D).

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & C: All listed words function correctly in context.
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#8 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
A figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared using "like" is a/an:
A
Metaphor
B
Simile
C
Personification
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Figures of Speech.

Solution: Formal definition of a Simile.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'.

  • Options C & D: Other distinct literary devices.
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#9 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
What is the term for a word that phonetically imitates the sound it describes, such as "buzz"?
A
Simile
B
Alliteration
C
Onomatopoeia
D
Metaphor
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Literary Figures.

Solution: Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic natural sound effects.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option B: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

  • Options A & D: Comparative devices.
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#10 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
Which literary term refers to the feeling of uncertainty or tension that the reader experiences?
A
Climax
B
Foreshadowing
C
Suspense
D
Flashback
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Literary Devices.

Solution: Suspense creates emotional tension and anticipation regarding story outcomes.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Peak turning point of plot.

  • Option B: Hints about future events.

  • Option D: Scene returning to earlier time.
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#11 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
Which figure of speech involves the use of exaggeration for emphasis or effect?
A
Metaphor
B
Simile
C
Hyperbole
D
Personification
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Rhetorical Figures.

Solution: Hyperbole uses deliberate, extreme exaggeration.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Distinct comparative or personifying devices.
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#12 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
The idiom "Break the ice" implies:
A
Walk on ice sheet
B
Swallow ice cube
C
Chisel the ice
D
To make beginning
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option D Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Break the ice" means to initiate conversation or start a social interaction (To make beginning).

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & C: Literal interpretations of a figurative idiom.
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#13 of 21 BUMHS 2023
Permalink
"I will not tolerate his rudeness." Choose the sentence that has the same meaning as the given sentence:
A
I cannot put up for his rudeness.
B
I cannot put up with his rudeness.
C
I cannot put up to his rudeness.
D
I cannot put up by his rudeness.
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Three-word Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb "put up with" means to endure or tolerate.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Misapply prepositions in the phrasal verb.
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#14 of 21 KMU 2023
Permalink
Choose the correct preposition: All you think and hanker _ is government service.
A
An
B
For
C
At
D
Upon
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Fixed Prepositions.

Solution: The verb 'hanker' takes "for" (or 'after') when expressing intense longing.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: An article, not a preposition.

  • Options C & D: Incorrect prepositions with 'hanker'.
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#15 of 21 DUHS 2023 Retake
Permalink
Find the error:

One of them, however (A), said: "She was a very (B) old woman, who must have (C) died shortly in none (D) case."
A
However
B
Very
C
Have
D
None
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option D Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: The standard idiom is "in any case", making 'none' incorrect.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & C: Grammatically correct.
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#16 of 21 KMU 2022
Permalink
Pakistan has to fight ____ to win the test series from India:
A
Dagger and Sword
B
Lame and Lime
C
Tooth and Nail
D
Sweat and Water
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Tooth and nail" means fighting with intense effort, energy, and determination.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Fabricated phrases, not standard English idioms.
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#17 of 21 KMU 2022
Permalink
What figure of speech is used in: "He is the black sheep of the class."
A
Simile
B
Metaphor
C
Alliteration
D
Hyperbole
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Metaphors.

Solution: Direct equation of a student to a 'black sheep' without comparative words forms a Metaphor.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Lacks 'like' or 'as'.

  • Options C & D: Other figures of speech.
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#18 of 21 SZABMU 2022
Permalink
Negotiations between the two sides have _.
A
Broken off
B
Broken down
C
Broken up
D
Broken in
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Phrasal Verbs.

Solution: The phrasal verb "broken down" specifically means talks or negotiations failing/collapsing.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Option A: Discontinued abruptly.

  • Option C: Separated or ended relationships/school terms.

  • Option D: Entered by force.
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#19 of 21 BUMHS 2022
Permalink
Do not hanker ____ worldly pleasures.
A
For
B
After
C
Towards
D
About
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Fixed Preposition Collocations.

Solution: The standard prepositional phrase is "hanker after" (or 'for'). In standard paper keys, 'after' is marked.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Secondary or non-standard prepositions in this past paper key.
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#20 of 21 NUMS 2021
Permalink
"Break a leg" is an idiom commonly used to:
A
Curse someone
B
Physically harm someone
C
Wish good luck to someone
D
Teach someone a lesson
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option C Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: The idiom "Break a leg" is a theatrical superstition used to wish good luck before a performance.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, B, & D: Literal or negative misinterpretations.
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#21 of 21 NUMS 2021
Permalink
"Bite the bullet" is an idiom commonly used to:
A
Accept defeat
B
Accept consequences
C
Accept death
D
Accept bad faith
View Answer & Propolis Autopsy
Correct Key: Option B Diagnostic Explanation
Concept: Idiomatic Expressions.

Solution: "Bite the bullet" means to face an inevitable painful situation or accept consequences bravely.

Why other options are incorrect:
  • Options A, C, & D: Incorrect idiomatic interpretations.
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Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms & Spelling
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Parts of Speech, Prepositions & Modifiers
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