Question

There was no clue as to what happened,-------------- the old woman started narrating the incidents.

• A. until
• B. up to
• C. till then
• D. on when

Answer 1

Answer:

C. till then

Understanding Conjunctions and Transition Words

• Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. They are essential for creating coherent sentences and showing the relationship between different ideas.
• Transition words and phrases (like 'till then', 'however', 'therefore', 'meanwhile') act as bridges between sentences or paragraphs, guiding the reader through the text.

The Role of 'Till Then'

• 'Till then' (or 'until then') is a prepositional phrase that indicates a point in time before a specific event or moment.
• It signifies a period of waiting or a state of affairs that existed up to a certain point.
• In the given sentence structure, 'There was no clue as to what happened, ______ the old woman started narrating the incidents,' 'till then' logically fills the gap. It implies that up until the moment the old woman began to narrate, there was uncertainty.

Common Mistakes and Exam Relevance

• Competitive exams often test the understanding of how different conjunctions and transition words affect the meaning and flow of a sentence.
• Distinguishing between words that indicate sequence (like 'after'), contrast (like 'but'), or duration up to a point (like 'till then') is crucial.
• Incorrect usage can lead to illogical or confusing statements. For example, using 'after' would imply the clue appeared *after* the narration, which contradicts the intended meaning.
• Mastering these connectors improves comprehension and writing skills, which are frequently assessed in English language sections of various exams (e.g., GRE, GMAT, UPSC, SSC, Bank PO).