SSC CGL Tier 1 2010 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The pronoun whoever functions as the subject of the subordinate clause whoever wins this civil war. It is used to refer to any person or party, regardless of identity, that might emerge victorious. Since winning a civil war is an action performed by human agents or combatant groups, this personal relative pronoun is required to provide a subject for the verb wins. The entire clause acts as a conditional or concessive element in the sentence, indicating that the outcome remains the same regardless of which individual or group prevails.

Explanation

The verb waver is used to describe a state of becoming unsteady or showing doubt in ones beliefs, resolutions, or convictions. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the subjects commitment to his principles remained firm and constant even as he aged. It is the idiomatic choice for expressing that a person's faith or stance did not fluctuate or weaken over time.

Explanation

The adjective accountable follows a specific idiomatic pattern where a person is accountable to an authority and accountable for a particular action or duty. In this sentence, since the blank precedes his actions, the preposition for must be used to indicate the subject matter of the responsibility. God serves as the authority to whom the accountability is owed, which is why the preposition to is used earlier in the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence uses the semi-modal verb phrase used to, which indicates a habitual action or state in the past. To form a question tag for a statement containing used to, the auxiliary verb did is employed. Since the main clause is in the affirmative, the question tag must be negative. Therefore, the auxiliary did combines with not to form the contraction didn't, followed by the pronoun he to refer back to the subject your father.

Explanation

The word jettison means to throw overboard, discard, or cast off something that is no longer wanted or needed, often to lighten a load in an emergency. Its opposite is accept, which means to receive, take, or admit something that is offered or available. While jettison focuses on the act of rejection and disposal, accept represents the act of receiving and keeping.

Explanation

The word ameliorate is derived from the Latin root melior, meaning better, and functions as a verb meaning to make something bad or unsatisfactory better or more tolerable. In the context of finding an antonym, worsen is the correct choice because it describes the act of making a situation or condition more severe, lower in quality, or increasingly negative. While ameliorate signifies improvement and the alleviation of a problem, worsen signifies deterioration and the exacerbation of a problem, representing the direct opposite action.

Explanation

The word grotesque refers to something that is distorted, bizarre, or fantastically ugly, often deviating significantly from the expected or ordinary appearance of things. It implies a sense of being unnatural or deformed. In contrast, natural describes something that exists in its normal state, conforms to the standard laws of nature, and possesses a regular or expected form. Because grotesque emphasizes a departure from the normal or organic shape, natural is its direct opposite as it represents the standard of being simple, inherent, and undistorted.

Explanation

The word is a typographical error for devious, which describes something that is indirect, winding, or departing from a straight course. In a literal sense, it refers to a circuitous route that does not follow a direct line. In a figurative sense, it refers to behavior that is not straightforward or honest. The word straight is the correct antonym as it denotes a path or manner that is direct, linear, and without deviation or dishonesty.

Explanation

The word evanescent describes something that is fleeting, short-lived, or quickly fading from sight or existence. It originates from the Latin word evanescere, which means to vanish. Consequently, the opposite of a transient or vanishing state is one that is lasting and enduring. Permanent refers to a state or condition that is intended to remain unchanged indefinitely, making it the direct antonym of evanescent.

Explanation

The word debacle refers to a sudden and complete failure, a fiasco, or a total collapse of an effort or system. It carries the connotation of a humiliating or disastrous conclusion. Downfall similarly signifies a sudden loss of power, status, or success, or a catastrophic failure that leads to ruin. Both terms are used to describe an abrupt and overwhelming breakdown or defeat that brings an end to a previously stable or successful state.

Explanation

The word ostracise is derived from the Ancient Greek practice of ostrakismos, where citizens would vote to temporarily expel a person from the city-state using pottery fragments known as ostraka. In modern English, it means to exclude someone from a society or group by general consent. This act of social or political exclusion is synonymous with the term banish, which refers to the act of sending someone away from a country or place as a formal punishment or to forbid them from being part of a particular community. Both words describe the forced removal or shunning of an individual from their social environment.

Explanation

The word prophylactic originates from the Greek word prophylaktikos, which means to guard against or keep watch before. In medical terminology and general usage, it refers to a treatment, medicine, or course of action specifically designed and used to prevent the occurrence of a disease or a particular condition. It is a protective measure taken in advance to ensure that a potential problem or infection does not develop.

Explanation

Coddle means to treat someone with extreme or excessive care and kindness, often to the point of being overprotective. It involves shielding or guarding someone from any unpleasantness, discomfort, or harm. In a general sense, it conveys the idea of over-pampering or sheltering an individual, which aligns with the act of providing intense protection to ensure their well-being and comfort.

Explanation

The word flimsy refers to something that is thin, fragile, or lacks physical strength and solidity. It is commonly used to describe materials that are easily torn or broken, as well as arguments, excuses, or evidence that are unconvincing and lack a strong foundation. In both literal and figurative contexts, the term denotes a deficiency in power, durability, or substance, making weak the most accurate synonym.

Explanation

The phrase disguise as a is the grammatically correct way to indicate that someone is changing their appearance to look like a member of a specific profession or a particular person. In this sentence, the speaker intends to assume the identity of a reporter to gain entry to a building. The preposition as is necessary to connect the verb disguise to the role being adopted, and the indefinite article a is required before the singular countable noun reporter. This structure effectively communicates the method of deception.

Explanation

The verb deny inherently carries a negative meaning, as it signifies a statement that something is untrue or did not happen. When a negative word like not is used in the clause following deny, it creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect and logically contradicts the intended meaning. To express that someone is refuting a charge or claim, the following clause should be in the affirmative. Therefore, the phrase had forged correctly completes the sentence to show that the person stated he was not responsible for the forgery.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of the Third Conditional, which is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past and its probable result. The grammatical formula for the Third Conditional is: If + Past Perfect (had + past participle), Subject + would have + Past Participle. In the given sentence, the subordinate clause If I had played well correctly uses the Past Perfect tense to match the main clause I would have won the match. Because the sentence adheres to this standard sequence of tenses for past hypothetical conditions, it is grammatically perfect.

Explanation

The phrasal verb rule out means to exclude, eliminate, or dismiss something as a possibility. In the context of the sentence, the absence of records means that the chance of paying multiple compensations for the same piece of land cannot be dismissed or proven impossible. The term functions as a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that a specific outcome or potentiality remains under consideration and has not been removed from the list of possibilities.

Explanation

The verb produce is the most suitable choice in this context because it refers to the act of bringing forth or yielding a specific result as a consequence of a process or system. When discussing social, political, or organizational systems, produce is frequently used to describe the creation of certain types of individuals or outcomes that emerge from the inherent nature of that system. In this sentence, the callous nature of the system is the cause, and the resulting individual is the direct output, making produces the idiomatic and semantically precise selection for describing this cause-and-effect relationship.

Explanation

A stowaway is a person who secretes themselves aboard a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle with the intention of traveling without paying for passage and without being detected by the crew or authorities. The term is derived from the verb to stow away, referring to the act of hiding in cargo holds, lifeboats, or other concealed spaces to obtain a free or illegal journey to another location.

Explanation

Circumstantial refers to evidence or clues that consist of facts or conditions which, while not directly proving a main fact, allow for a logical inference of that fact. In the context of a crime scene or an investigation, clues that are available at the site and suggest a certain sequence of events or the involvement of a particular individual through the surrounding conditions are classified as circumstantial. This term is standard in legal and forensic terminology to describe information derived from the specific circumstances or physical details present at a scene.

Explanation

The term windfall refers to a sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune or an unanticipated financial gain. Historically, the word originated from the practice of gathering fruit, such as apples or nuts, that had been blown down from trees by the wind, providing a free and effortless harvest for the finder. In contemporary usage, it is commonly used to describe unforeseen luck, such as winning a lottery or receiving an unexpected inheritance, which comes to someone without specific effort or prior planning.

Explanation

An honorarium is a payment or emolument granted to an individual for performing special work or services that are occasional or intermittent in nature. In administrative and professional contexts, it serves as remuneration for tasks performed beyond the scope of one's regular duties, making it an additional payment over and above a person's fixed income or salary. While professional fees are usually fixed by contract, an honorarium is typically granted for services for which custom or propriety prevents a price from being strictly set, or for work performed by a salaried employee that exceeds their standard contractual obligations.

Explanation

Fauna refers to the collective animal life inhabiting a particular geographic region, habitat, or geological time period. The term is derived from Roman mythology, where Fauna was a goddess of fertility and the earth. In biological and ecological studies, it is the standard term used to categorize and describe the diversity of all animal species found in a specific environment.

Explanation

The word parsimonious is correctly spelled and functions as an adjective describing someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources. It is derived from the noun parsimony, which originates from the Latin parsimonia, meaning thrift or frugality. The spelling follows standard English orthography where the suffix ious is appended to the root parsimon to form an adjective, signifying a characteristic or quality.

Explanation

The word manageable follows the standard English spelling rule regarding the retention of the silent e. When adding the suffix -able to a root word that ends in -ge or -ce, the e is kept to ensure the consonant maintains its soft sound. Without the e, the g in manage would typically take a hard /ɡ/ sound before the vowel a. By retaining the e, the soft /dʒ/ sound is preserved, resulting in the correct spelling manageable.

Explanation

Tumble is a standard English word correctly spelled as t-u-m-b-l-e. It functions as both a verb, meaning to fall suddenly or clumsily, and a noun, referring to an act of falling or a state of disorder. The word follows the common English orthographic pattern where a short vowel is followed by a consonant cluster ending in the suffix -le.

Explanation

The word presumptuous is correctly spelled and functions as an adjective meaning failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate. It is derived from the Latin word praesumptuosus and follows the standard English suffix pattern -tuous, which is used to form adjectives indicating a specific quality or tendency. In linguistic usage, it describes a person or an action that is overconfident, arrogant, or takes liberties without proper justification.

Explanation

The word illustrious is an adjective used to describe someone who is highly distinguished, renowned, or eminent due to their achievements. It is derived from the Latin word illustris, which means bright or clear. In English orthography, the word correctly follows the pattern of using the prefix il- combined with the root lustr- and the suffix -ious, which is a common adjectival ending signifying the possession of a particular quality. The spelling accurately reflects its linguistic roots and standard phonetic conventions for words denoting brilliance, fame, or respected status in formal communication.

Explanation

Sentence 1 introduces students as the most vulnerable section of society. Part P follows logically by explaining that revolutionary ideas have a great appeal to them, which defines their vulnerability. Part R continues this theme by stating they cannot resist the charm of persuasion. Part S then shifts the focus toward the remedy, which is teaching them discipline for proper education. Part Q introduces the topic of agitations as a method of protest. This provides the specific antecedent for the pronoun these used in sentence 6, which discusses the consequences of agitations becoming violent. The sequence PRSQ establishes a clear progression from student psychology to the social implications of their actions.

Explanation

The passage begins with the introductory sentence stating that Venice is a strange city. Sentence S provides the first reason for this strangeness by clarifying that the city consists of a hundred islands rather than a single landmass. Sentence R logically follows S by describing the proximity of these small islands to each other. Sentence P then explains how these islands are interconnected through 400 bridges. Finally, sentence Q points out the absence of motor cars, horses, and buses, which leads directly into sentence 6, which explains that this lack of vehicles is due to the fact that Venice has no streets.

Explanation

Sentence 1 establishes the context of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Sentence R follows chronologically by mentioning that in November of that year, the battlefield was dedicated as a cemetery. Sentence P introduces the main speaker for this dedication ceremony, Edward Everett. Sentence Q then transitions to Abraham Lincoln being asked to speak at the same event. Sentence S provides a direct comparison between Everett's lengthy oration and Lincoln's brief remarks, explaining that Lincoln's speech was over very quickly. This flow leads logically to sentence 6, which notes that despite its brevity, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address became a masterpiece of world literature.

Explanation

The passage follows a logical sequence starting with the teacher training agency's goal in sentence 1. Sentence R provides the immediate follow-up by mentioning the specific financial allocation of $100 million set aside to achieve this goal. Sentence Q then describes the actual campaign being funded, which consists of advertisements featuring famous people. Sentence S introduces the reaction of the Teacher Unions, who welcome the campaign mentioned in Q. Sentence P continues the perspective of the Unions, using the pronoun they to refer back to the Teacher Unions and outlining their additional demands for improved pay and working conditions. This sequence flows naturally into sentence 6, which concludes by suggesting that the Indian government should adopt a similar approach to boost the morale of the teaching profession.

Explanation

Sentence 1 introduces the comparison of failure to toxic waste. Sentence Q directly elaborates on this analogy by explaining the negative effects of such waste, stating that thinking about failure pollutes and undermines the attitudes necessary for success. Sentence P provides a transition to a contrasting viewpoint, where the author presents failure as a fertilizer rather than waste. Sentence S follows Sentence P by explaining the function of this fertilizer, which is to enrich the soil of the mind. Sentence R concludes the sequence by describing the next step in the growth process, where seeds of success are planted in the newly enriched soil. This logical progression from the negative waste metaphor to the positive fertilizer metaphor leads directly into sentence 6, which explains the practical application of turning failure into a learning tool.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Past Perfect tense, following the structure: Subject + had + past participle (V3) + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object becomes the new subject and the verb form changes to: had + been + past participle (V3). In this case, the object "the secret" moves to the beginning of the sentence, followed by the passive construction "had been disclosed". The original subject "the agent" is placed after the preposition "by". The subordinate clause "before it was evening" remains unchanged as it functions as an adverbial of time and does not contain a transitive verb requiring conversion.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice, identified by the modal perfect passive construction must have been found. In this passive structure, the agent who performed the action is not mentioned. To convert this into the active voice, an indefinite pronoun such as someone is introduced to act as the subject. The passive verb form must have been + past participle is transformed into the active form must have + past participle, which is must have found. The object of the active sentence is the lost child, which was the subject of the passive sentence. The adverb surely and the time phrase by now are retained to preserve the original meaning and tone.

Explanation

The original sentence contains two active voice clauses that require transformation into the passive voice. The first clause, we serve hot meals, uses the simple present tense, which becomes hot meals are served in the passive voice by using the plural auxiliary verb are with the past participle served. The second clause, guests can order coffee and sandwiches, uses the modal verb can to express permission or possibility. In the passive voice, this is correctly rendered as coffee and sandwiches may be ordered, where the modal is followed by be and the past participle ordered. This structure appropriately shifts the emphasis from the subjects to the items being provided.

Explanation

The given sentence consists of two imperative clauses: Lie face down and stretch your arms in front. Imperative sentences are generally converted into passive voice using the structure Let + Object + be + Past Participle. In the second clause, the verb stretch is transitive and its object your arms is placed after let followed by be and the past participle stretched. The first clause, though involving an intransitive verb position, is adapted into the same let-based command structure to maintain parallel construction, resulting in let face be down. This transformation successfully shifts the focus from the implied subject to the actions themselves while preserving the original command intent.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of Subject + Verb + Infinitive Phrase. To convert this into the passive voice, the main verb expected is changed to the passive form was expected. The original subject The Greeks becomes the agent of the action and is introduced by the preposition by. The infinitive phrase to win the international trophy is transformed into a subordinate noun clause that they would win the international trophy to function as the logical content of the expectation. This structure ensures that the past tense of the main verb is correctly paired with would to reflect a future event from a past perspective, accurately preserving the meaning and agency of the original active sentence.

Explanation

The passage provides a comprehensive overview of the global effort led by the World Health Organisation to eliminate smallpox entirely. It outlines the campaign's inception in 1966, the specific multi-pronged strategies employed—including mass vaccination, patient isolation, and public rewards—and the eventual success of these efforts in stopping human transmission. Since the narrative focuses strictly on the timeline, methodology, and successful conclusion of the fight against this specific disease, the title accurately reflects the central theme and scope of the text.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly states that when the World Health Organisation was authorised to initiate a global campaign in May 1966, the specific goal was to eradicate the disease in one decade. Because a decade is equivalent to ten years and eradication in the context of a global campaign implies worldwide elimination, the objective was to eliminate smallpox globally within a ten-year period.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the strategy employed to eliminate smallpox was not limited to a single method but involved a combination of mass vaccinations and the isolation of patients with active infections. Isolation was critical to containing the spread of the disease and breaking the chain of human transmission. This dual approach ensured that while the general population gained immunity through vaccines, active cases were prevented from spreading the virus further, eventually leading to the total eradication of the disease worldwide.

Explanation

The passage indicates that previous projects for malaria and yellow fever had failed, creating skepticism about the feasibility of the smallpox eradication program. This reference to failed initiatives specifically identifies other diseases as the subjects of those unsuccessful efforts. While these failures provided context for the 1966 smallpox campaign, they do not describe the history or characteristics of smallpox itself. Thus, the statement concerning failed previous projects refers to malaria and yellow fever rather than smallpox.

Explanation

The passage states that smallpox is "no longer a threat to humanity" and that "routine vaccinations have been stopped worldwide." In the context of infectious diseases, if a disease is no longer a threat and vaccinations have ceased because it was successfully sought out and contained, it implies the disease has been eradicated. Therefore, it can be logically inferred that no new cases have been reported in the current year. Option C is incorrect because the disease itself remains lethal; it is "no longer a threat" only because people are no longer contracting it, not because it has become non-fatal.

Explanation

The error lies in the omission of the definite article before the noun Judge. In English grammar, when a common noun is used to represent an abstract quality, a professional persona, or a specific character trait within an individual, it must be preceded by the definite article the. In this context, Judge refers to the judicial spirit or the sense of justice inherent in the man rather than the man himself. Therefore, the correct phrasing is The judge in him to properly denote that his sense of legal duty triumphed over his paternal feelings.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rule of subject-verb agreement regarding fractions and percentages. When a fraction is followed by a singular noun or an uncountable noun, the verb must be singular. In the phrase Nine tenths of the pillar, the noun pillar is singular, representing a single entity. Consequently, the auxiliary verb must also be singular to agree with the subject. The plural verb have should be replaced with the singular verb has to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it follows the standard rules of syntax and subject-verb agreement. The singular subject One major reason is properly paired with the singular linking verb is. The prepositional phrase for the popularity of television correctly modifies the noun reason, establishing the context. The concluding clause that most people like to stay at home functions as a subject complement, specifically a noun clause, which completes the thought initiated by the subject. Every segment of the sentence aligns with formal English grammar standards for structure and usage.

Explanation

The verb aimed, when used in a passive construction like are aimed, typically requires the preposition at followed by a gerund. In standard English grammar, the phrase aimed to bring about is incorrect because the idiomatic usage for expressing purpose or target in this context is aimed at bringing about. While the verb aim can be followed by an infinitive in the active voice, the passive form describing the intended result of an effort or program necessitates the preposition at and the -ing form of the subsequent verb.

Explanation

The error in this part of the sentence is twofold. First, there is a numerical inconsistency between the subject and the list; the sentence begins by specifying Three conditions, but the list in part (c) provides four distinct elements: soil, temperature, chemical balance, and amount of moisture. Second, the use of the conjunction or is logically incorrect in this context. Since soil, temperature, chemical balance, and moisture are all standard requirements for plant growth, they should be joined by the additive conjunction and to show they are collectively necessary, rather than presenting them as alternatives where only one would suffice.