SSC CGL Tier 1 2011 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The third part of the sentence contains a grammatical error because the preposition about is followed by a verb form that does not function as a noun or a gerund. In English grammar, when an action follows a preposition to indicate the object of a feeling or statement, that action must be expressed using a gerund. The word recommended is a past tense or past participle form, which cannot serve as the object of the preposition in this context. The structure requires the gerund form recommending to correctly describe the activity that caused the doctor's concern, making the current construction syntactically incorrect.

Explanation

The construction in the first part of the sentence is grammatically incorrect because the auxiliary verb have cannot be followed directly by a present participle such as discussing. In English grammar, the Present Perfect tense requires the structure have plus the past participle of the main verb, which in this case would be have discussed. If the sentence intended to convey an action that started in the past and is still continuing, it would require the Present Perfect Continuous form, which is have been discussing. Because have discussing fails to follow either of these standard verb patterns, the error is located in this portion of the sentence.

Explanation

In English grammar, when a noun functions as an adjective to modify another noun, it is almost always used in its singular form. Therefore, ghosts stories should be corrected to ghost stories.

Explanation

The noun work is an uncountable noun when it refers to effort, tasks, or labor. Uncountable nouns do not have a plural form and cannot be used with the quantifier many, which is reserved for countable nouns. Consequently, the expression many works is grammatically incorrect in this context. To fix the error, one should use much work or a lot of work. The plural form works is only appropriate when referring to literary or artistic creations, such as the works of Shakespeare, or to industrial sites like ironworks, which does not apply to general chores or tasks.

Explanation

The word filth is an uncountable noun, which refers to a substance or state that cannot be divided into discrete, countable units. In English grammar, uncountable nouns do not have a plural form and must be used with a singular verb. Therefore, the use of filths and the plural verb are is incorrect. Additionally, uncountable nouns are quantified using much rather than many. The correct phrasing for this part of the sentence would be There is so much filth.

Explanation

The sentence utilizes the passive voice construction because the subject, the building, is the recipient of the action rather than the performer. In English grammar, the passive form of a modal verb is constructed using the modal followed by be and the past participle (V3) of the main verb. Therefore, after must be, the past participle pulled is required to complete the phrasal verb pull down, which means to demolish or raze a structure.

Explanation

The preposition about is used here to indicate a quality or characteristic associated with a person. In English grammar, the construction something + adjective + about + someone is a standard idiomatic way to describe an inherent trait or an intangible feeling a person inspires. In this sentence, about functions to link the quality of being wonderful to the individual's character or presence, suggesting that there is a specific, perhaps indefinable, excellence or charm concerning him. This usage denotes regarding or concerning the nature of the subject.

Explanation

The word integral refers to something that is essential or necessary to make a whole complete. In the context of a play or a narrative, an integral element is one that is so deeply woven into the plot, character development, or themes that it cannot be removed without damaging the structure or meaning of the work. Therefore, saying the song is integral to the story means it is a fundamental and indispensable part of the overall composition.

Explanation

The word spinster is a noun specifically used to refer to an unmarried woman, especially one who is past the typical age for marriage. In the given sentence, the presence of the indefinite article a necessitates the use of a noun to complete the predicate. Since the subject she is feminine, the term spinster is the grammatically and semantically appropriate choice to describe her lifelong status of remaining unmarried.

Explanation

The word aggressive describes a state of being ready to attack or confront, which provides a logical reason for the warning issued in the sentence. In the context of wildlife and safety, the primary concern for humans in grasslands after dark is the physical danger posed by animals that might exhibit hostile or violent behavior upon encounter. Using this term establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship where the potential for animal attacks makes staying in the area unsafe.

Explanation

Lucidity refers to the quality of being easy to understand, coherent, and intelligible in thought or expression. It is derived from the Latin word lucidus, meaning bright or clear. Clarity is the direct synonym as it signifies the state of being clear and easy to perceive or comprehend, particularly in communication and reasoning. When a person expresses ideas with lucidity, they do so with a transparency and order that ensures the message is unambiguous to the audience.

Explanation

The word indict means to formally accuse of or charge with a serious crime, typically through a grand jury or legal process. Implicate is similar in meaning as it refers to showing that someone is involved in a crime or suggesting that they are responsible for an illegal or harmful act. Both terms are used in legal and criminal contexts to link an individual to a specific offense.

Explanation

The word deluge is derived from the Latin term diluvium, which refers to a massive overflow of water or a drenching rain. In English, it is used to describe a severe flood or a cataclysmic inundation of water. It can also be used figuratively to represent an overwhelming amount of something arriving all at once, but its primary and literal meaning remains synonymous with a great flood.

Explanation

Preponderance refers to the quality of being greater in number, quantity, or importance, which is most closely synonymous with dominance. Preoccupation means being engrossed in something, while pre-eminence refers to superiority in status.

Explanation

The word invincible is used to describe something or someone that is too powerful to be defeated, overcome, or conquered. It suggests a quality of being unbeatable or insurmountable. The word vulnerable serves as its direct antonym, as it describes a state of being susceptible to physical or emotional attack, harm, or influence. While an invincible person cannot be hurt or bested, a vulnerable person is easily hurt or open to failure and defeat.

Explanation

The word inoffensive describes something that is harmless, mild, or unlikely to cause any provocation, anger, or annoyance. It characterizes behavior or remarks that are polite and unobjectionable. In contrast, rude refers to behavior that is offensively impolite, ill-mannered, or discourteous. Since rude implies a direct intent or effect of causing offense through bad manners, it is the appropriate opposite of a term that defines the absence of such offense.

Explanation

The word divulge means to make private or sensitive information known to the public or to another person. It involves the act of disclosing or revealing a secret. The word conceal is the direct antonym as it means to keep something secret, to hide it from sight, or to prevent it from being known. In the context of information sharing, divulge represents the act of opening up, while conceal represents the act of shutting away or suppressing that information.

Explanation

Discord refers to a state of disagreement, strife, or lack of harmony between people, ideas, or objects. In linguistic and musical contexts, it signifies a harsh or confused noise and a lack of concord. Harmony is the direct antonym, as it represents a state of agreement, peaceful coexistence, and a pleasing arrangement of parts or sounds that work together tunefully.

Explanation

The word mammoth is used as an adjective to signify something of enormous size, volume, or importance, drawing its meaning from the massive prehistoric animal of the same name. In contrast, small is a descriptor for something that is little in size, amount, or degree. Because the task is to find the word opposite in meaning, small is the correct choice as it represents the lower end of the size spectrum, whereas mammoth represents the upper extreme.

Explanation

The idiom to take to heart means to be deeply affected, distressed, or moved by something, such as a criticism or a misfortune. It implies that an individual is feeling a strong emotional impact that leads to a state of sorrow, serious concern, or mental suffering. In this context, the phrase is most closely aligned with the act of grieving over a matter, as both involve internalizing a situation to the point of significant emotional distress.

Explanation

The phrase "yeoman's service" is an English idiom meaning excellent, useful, and faithful service. A yeoman historically referred to a freeholder or a loyal attendant in a royal household, renowned for reliable and diligent work. The expression therefore signifies outstanding and dependable help rendered in a time of need, which aligns with "excellent work" rather than any other interpretation.

Explanation

The idiom to face the music signifies accepting the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions, especially after making a mistake or doing something wrong. It describes a situation where an individual must confront the criticism or punishment that follows their behavior rather than attempting to avoid or escape it. The phrase likely originates from military traditions where a dismissed officer had to face the drum corps during a ceremony or from the theater where performers had to face the orchestra regardless of how nervous they felt. In general usage, it refers to the act of stoically accepting responsibility for a difficult situation.

Explanation

The phrasal verb to put up with means to endure or accept someone or something that is unpleasant, annoying, or difficult without complaining. It signifies a level of forbearance or patience in the face of an undesirable situation. This is exactly what the word tolerate conveys, as it refers to the act of allowing or enduring something that one may dislike or disagree with without taking action against it or expressing opposition.

Explanation

The idiom to call it a day means to decide to stop doing something, especially working, for the remainder of the day. It is commonly used when a person or group feels they have accomplished enough for the time being or have become too exhausted to continue efficiently. This expression focuses on the act of halting labor or a specific activity until the following day or a future time.

Explanation

The relative pronoun serves as the subject of the verb was in the subordinate clause, requiring the nominative case who rather than the objective whom. The phrase I thought acts as a parenthetical insertion and does not change the grammatical requirement for a subject pronoun.

Explanation

The sentence correctly utilizes the past perfect tense (had declared) to specify an action that occurred immediately before another past event. The adverb hardly is appropriately placed between the auxiliary verb had and the past participle declared to emphasize the minimal lapse of time. This structure, coupled with a temporal conjunction to introduce the subsequent action in the simple past, accurately conveys the sense of immediacy and the specific sequence in which the dividend declaration and the dispatch of notices took place.

Explanation

The original sentence contains a dangling participle because the introductory phrase Riding upon his horse grammatically modifies the subject of the main clause, which is the tiger. This creates the illogical meaning that the tiger was the one riding the horse. Option b) corrects this error by using a subordinate clause while he was riding upon his horse. This structure clearly identifies the person as the rider and the tiger as the one performing the action of jumping, thereby ensuring logical consistency and grammatical precision.

Explanation

Standard English syntax follows a Subject-Verb-Object pattern where adverbial phrases typically appear at the end of the clause for clarity. In this sentence, the subject is I and the verb phrase is must have. The construction have something down is a phrasal verb meaning to record or document information. The direct object of this action is your terms. The idiomatic phrase in black and white serves as an adverbial of manner, specifying that the terms must be in written or printed form rather than verbal. Placing this modifier at the end of the sentence follows the logical progression of the thought, establishing the requirement to have the terms recorded before defining the specific medium of that record.

Explanation

The original sentence "When we are came out" is grammatically incorrect as "are came" is not a valid verb tense. Option A provides a correct past perfect construction ("had come"), which appropriately describes an action completed before another point in the past ("it was half past eleven"). While "When we came out" (simple past) would also be correct, it is not offered as an option, making A the most suitable choice.

Explanation

Protocol refers to the formal system of rules and regulations that govern the behavior of officials and diplomats during international ceremonies and state functions. It encompasses a specific code of etiquette designed to ensure mutual respect among representatives of different nations. A key component of protocol is the order of precedence, which establishes a clear ranking system for officials to determine seating arrangements, speaking order, and general procedures during diplomatic engagements.

Explanation

The term abdicate is derived from the Latin roots ab, meaning away from, and dicare, meaning to proclaim. It is the precise technical and legal term used when a monarch, sovereign, or person in a high position of power formally relinquishes their office, throne, or authority. This act is usually a voluntary and official renunciation of the rights and duties associated with a position of supreme control.

Explanation

The word inexorable is defined as being impossible to persuade by request or entreaty, making it the exact match for the definition provided. While a despotic person may be unyielding, the term primarily refers to tyrannical exercise of power rather than the specific quality of being unmoved by pleas.

Explanation

A specimen is defined as an individual item, a part of a whole, or a specific quantity of a substance used to represent a larger group or to serve as a sample for scientific study, medical testing, or display. It acts as a representative example that allows for the observation and analysis of the characteristics of the entire class or substance from which it is taken.

Explanation

A referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal, law, or political issue that has been referred to them for a direct decision. It functions as a primary tool of direct democracy, allowing the general public to approve or reject a particular measure initiated by a legislative body or through a popular petition. The process ensures that significant constitutional changes or policy shifts carry the direct mandate of the people rather than being decided solely by elected representatives.

Explanation

The word exaggerate is correctly spelled with a double g and a single r. Its origin is the Latin verb exaggerare, which combines the prefix ex, meaning thoroughly, and aggerare, meaning to heap up. The root of aggerare is the Latin noun agger, which means a heap or mound, and this etymology accounts for the double g in the English spelling. In contemporary English, exaggerate is a verb that means to represent something as being better, worse, or greater than it actually is. It is a common word in spelling assessments because the double g and single r pattern is often a source of error for those who may mistakenly use a single g or double r. Standard English orthography maintains this spelling to reflect its etymological history.

Explanation

The word scissors is spelled correctly. It originates from the Latin word scissor, which is derived from scindere, meaning to cut. The correct spelling requires the sc cluster at the beginning, a double s in the medial position, and the suffix ors. In English grammar, it is classified as a plurale tantum, which is a noun that only exists in the plural form and denotes a single tool consisting of two pivoting blades.

Explanation

The word "Cortege" is correctly spelt. It refers to a solemn procession, specifically a funeral procession, or a group of attendants accompanying an important person (an entourage). The term is borrowed from the French word "cortège," which originated from the Italian "corteggio," meaning a train of attendants.

Explanation

Mughal genealogy establishes that Akbar was the son of Humayun and the grandson of Babur. Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India in 1526 and was succeeded by his son Humayun in 1530. Akbar, born to Humayun in 1542, ascended the throne in 1556. Therefore, the familial relationship between Akbar and Babur is defined as Akbar being the grandson of Babur. This represents a piece of historical knowledge as discussed in the passage.

Explanation

The sentence provides historical facts about the Mughal Emperor Akbar to illustrate a specific type of knowledge. Historical records confirm that Akbar reigned from 1556 and passed away in October 1605. The verb died is the standard and grammatically appropriate term used to record the end of a person's life in a historical context, completing the factual statement regarding his biography and timeline.

Explanation

The passage categorizes different sources of information and the specific prepositions associated with them. Just as one knows something from a book or from personal eyesight, information received via broadcast media requires the preposition on. In the context of the sentence, which mentions knowing about cricket Test matches, the term is likely a typo for radio. The preposition on is standard usage for electronic media and communication devices, such as on the radio, on television, or on the internet, to indicate the platform through which the knowledge was acquired.

Explanation

In the context of reporting sports results or current events, the word latest is used to describe the most recent or up-to-date occurrences. The author provides a series of examples of non-scientific knowledge, moving from personal observation and historical facts to contemporary news. Describing the Test matches as latest identifies them as current sporting events that one learns about through recent media reports rather than through historical study or scientific investigation.

Explanation

The passage distinguishes between general information and systematic scientific knowledge. In the phrase these pieces of knowledge, the word pieces is used as a count noun to refer to individual, discrete items or fragments of information. Since the preceding sentences list separate, unrelated facts about a dog, a historical figure, and a cricket match, they represent distinct bits of data rather than a unified system. Using pieces correctly identifies these facts as isolated elements of knowledge that lack the interconnectedness required to be classified as science.

Explanation

The passage distinguishes between isolated pieces of information and organized scientific knowledge. The term facts is used to categorize the specific examples provided earlier—such as the dog's preference, historical data about Akbar, and cricket results. These individual points of information are considered facts of knowledge because they are verifiable truths, even if they do not collectively form a science. The context is further clarified by the following sentence, which explicitly states that science deals with facts, thereby identifying the preceding examples as such.

Explanation

The passage distinguishes between isolated pieces of information and the structured nature of scientific inquiry. The phrase "Science starts with facts" identifies the fundamental basis of any scientific endeavor, which begins by gathering empirical data or evidence. This usage aligns with the concluding statement of the passage, "Science starts with observation," indicating that the systematic collection of facts and observations is the necessary first step in developing scientific knowledge. In this context, the verb establishes the foundational relationship between science and the data it seeks to organize and explain.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression "have nothing to do with" is used to indicate that there is no connection, relationship, or relevance between two things. In the passage, the author argues that while individual facts about a dog's habits, historical figures, and cricket matches are forms of knowledge, they do not constitute science because they are isolated and unrelated. Because these facts lack a systematic or logical link to one another, they have nothing to do with the structured and observational nature of science.

Explanation

The phrase in any way is used to emphasize a total lack of connection or relationship between the subjects mentioned. In the context of the passage, it qualifies the statement that the facts about the dog, cricket, and the Mughal ruler are not related. When used after a negative construction like are not related, it serves as a standard English idiom to indicate that no relationship exists whatsoever. This reinforces the author's argument that science involves facts that must be interconnected, contrasting them with isolated pieces of knowledge that lack any meaningful link to one another.

Explanation

The sentence uses the common English idiomatic expression to have nothing to do with, which means to have no connection, relationship, or relevance to something. In the context of the passage, the author is explaining that isolated and unrelated facts about a pet dog, history, or sports are not considered science because they lack a systematic connection to one another. Therefore, these disparate pieces of information have nothing to do with the structured pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Explanation

The verb let functions as a causative verb in English grammar. It follows a specific syntactical pattern where the verb is followed by an object and then the bare infinitive, which is the base form of the verb without the preposition to. In the sentence provided, the company is the subject, let is the causative verb, and me is the object. According to this rule, the following verb must be the base form take. This structure remains consistent whether the action is in the present, past, or future tense.

Explanation

The verb assume is frequently followed by a noun clause starting with the conjunction that to indicate the content of the assumption. In this structure, the clause that everyone agrees with me functions as the direct object of the verb. Because the indefinite pronoun everyone is grammatically singular, it requires the singular verb form agrees to maintain proper subject-verb agreement within the subordinate clause.

Explanation

Preserving is the most appropriate term in this context because it means to keep something safe from harm or to maintain it in its original state. In environmental conservation, preserving rainforests involves protecting the entire ecosystem to ensure that the diverse species of plants (flora) and animals (fauna) inhabiting them can continue to survive without the threat of extinction. This term specifically emphasizes the protection of natural habitats and biodiversity from destruction or significant alteration, which aligns with the goal of preventing species from becoming extinct.