SSC CGL Tier 1 2012 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the conjunction as instead of the preposition like. In English grammar, like is used as a preposition before a noun or pronoun to express similarity in appearance or manner. Conversely, as is used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause containing a subject and a verb. In this sentence, your brother is a noun phrase acting as the object of comparison, necessitating the use of like. Therefore, the phrase should correctly be look like to indicate the comparison between the subject you and the noun phrase your brother.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the singular noun foot following the plural numeral six. In English grammar, when a cardinal number greater than one is used to quantify a unit of measurement in this context, the noun must be in its plural form. Therefore, the singular foot must be replaced by the plural feet to properly indicate height, making the correct expression six feet high.

Explanation

The phrase contains a double negative error. The word without is a negative preposition that inherently implies the absence or lack of something. Combining it with the negative determiner no creates a redundant construction that is grammatically incorrect in standard English. To maintain logical and grammatical consistency, the sentence should use either without any proof or with no proof. In formal writing, two negative words should not be used in the same clause to express a single negative idea.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the adjective unreasonable to modify another adjective, anxious. In English grammar, an adverb is required to modify an adjective, verb, or another adverb. Therefore, the adjective unreasonable must be converted into the adverb unreasonably to correctly describe the state of being anxious. The sentence should properly read as she appears to be unreasonably anxious about pleasing her husband.

Explanation

In English grammar, certain tools and articles of clothing that consist of two identical parts joined together are treated as plural nouns. Words like scissors, pliers, spectacles, and trousers are always used in the plural form and require a plural verb. The singular form scissor is grammatically incorrect when referring to the cutting instrument. To be correct, the sentence must use the plural noun scissors along with the plural verb are. If a singular construction is desired, the phrase a pair of scissors is must be used, where the verb agrees with the singular noun pair.

Explanation

Until the year 2017, the Union Budget of India was traditionally presented on the last working day of February, which is usually February 28 or 29. Because this practice was followed for many decades, that specific date became the established custom or the conventional date for the budget announcement. In the context of the sentence, presenting the budget on February 26 means it is occurring before the date dictated by long-standing tradition and standard government practice.

Explanation

The adjective sorry is used with the preposition for when expressing an apology or regret for a specific action, event, or error. In English grammar, the standard construction to indicate the reason for one's remorse is to be sorry for something. Since the speaker is expressing regret regarding a specific mistake, for is the linguistically appropriate preposition to connect the feeling of apology to the cause of the error.

Explanation

The verb assured means to tell someone something positively or confidently to dispel any doubts they may have. In this sentence, the subject is providing confidence or a promise to another person about a future outcome. Assured is specifically used when one person speaks to another person (the indirect object her) to provide certainty or a guarantee of a fact or event, which matches the context of giving someone confidence regarding their success in an examination.

Explanation

The sentence requires a modal verb to express a lack of necessity or obligation. The term needn't, which is the contraction of need not, is used as a modal auxiliary to indicate that an action is not required or that there is no reason for a particular state of mind. In this context, because the speaker asserts they are a very careful driver, they are informing the listener that it is not necessary for their father to feel anxious or concerned. When functioning as a modal verb, needn't is followed by the bare infinitive form of the main verb, which is worry in this sentence.

Explanation

The word site refers to a piece of land or a specific physical location where something is being built or where a particular event occurs. In the context of architecture and construction, it denotes the ground or area designated for a building project. Therefore, when discussing the location chosen for the construction of a building in the heart of the city, site is the correct term to use.

Explanation

The word nexus is derived from the Latin root nectere, meaning to bind or tie. It refers to a link, bond, or a series of connections between two or more people, things, or ideas. In general usage, it describes a relationship or a focal point where multiple elements intersect or join together. Therefore, connection is the most accurate synonym as it signifies the state of being linked or associated.

Explanation

The word mammoth refers to something that is exceptionally large, enormous, or colossal in size, scale, or power. It originates from the name of the extinct, giant prehistoric elephant species known for its massive proportions. In common usage, it functions as an adjective to describe anything of immense magnitude or vast extent, making it synonymous with the word huge.

Explanation

Hyperbole is a rhetorical device and figure of speech that consists of an intentional and obvious exaggeration for the sake of emphasis or effect. Derived from the Greek word huperbole meaning excess, it involves representing something as much better, worse, or larger than it actually is. It is commonly used in literature and everyday speech to create a vivid impression or to evoke strong feelings, though the statement is not intended to be taken in a literal sense. By magnifying the characteristics of an object or situation, hyperbole serves to highlight a particular point through overstatement.

Explanation

The word apology, in its formal and literary context, originates from the Greek word apologia, which signifies a systematic defense or a formal justification of one's actions, opinions, or life. When a person provides such a defense, they are essentially commending the subject's virtues and merits to prove its worthiness. In this sense, a formal apology acts as an expression of approval or admiration, which aligns with the meaning of praise. This usage is common in historical and theological texts where an author writes an apology to uphold and extol the value of a specific doctrine or character.

Explanation

Menacingly is an adverb derived from the root word menace, which refers to a person or thing that is likely to cause harm or is a source of danger. It characterizes an action or appearance that suggests the presence of a threat or the intention to inflict injury or damage. The word describes a quality of intimidation where the subject projects an ominous or sinister nature. Threateningly is its direct synonym, as it describes behaving in a manner that expresses a threat of harm or evil. Both words are used to convey that something is portending trouble or danger in a way that causes fear or apprehension in others.

Explanation

Impeccable refers to something that is flawless, perfect, or entirely without error. It describes a state of being in accordance with the highest possible standards or being irreproachable in behavior and appearance. The word faulty denotes something that contains errors, defects, or imperfections. Since impeccable implies the complete absence of faults, faulty serves as its direct antonym by describing a condition where flaws or malfunctions are present.

Explanation

The word amalgamate is derived from the process of creating an alloy and means to combine, unite, or merge multiple elements, organizations, or substances into a single, unified body. To find the opposite, one must look for a term that signifies the act of breaking a whole into parts or keeping components distinct. Separate means to set or keep apart, to disconnect, or to divide into constituent elements, which directly counters the action of joining or merging represented by amalgamate.

Explanation

Zenith refers to the highest point or peak of something, such as the point in the sky directly above an observer or the time when someone is most powerful or successful. In contrast, nadir represents the lowest point, often used to describe a period of greatest depression or the lowest level of a person's fortunes. In astronomical terms, the zenith and nadir are diametrically opposite points on the celestial sphere, making them direct antonyms.

Explanation

The word influx refers to the arrival or entry of a large number of people or things into a place, signifying an inward flow or movement. In contrast, exodus denotes a mass departure of people, typically from a country or region. Because influx represents a collective coming in and exodus represents a collective going out, the two words are direct opposites in meaning.

Explanation

Orderly refers to something that is neatly arranged, well-organized, or characterized by discipline and methodical structure. Chaotic represents the complete absence of order, describing a state of total confusion, randomness, and lack of organization. Since these two terms describe diametrically opposed states of arrangement and control, they are antonyms.

Explanation

The idiom "to have an axe to grind" means to have a private reason or a selfish motive for being involved in a situation. It suggests that a person is not acting out of a sense of duty or impartiality but rather has a hidden agenda or a personal grievance to settle. When used to describe someone who is "calculative," it emphasizes that their actions are strategically designed to serve their own interests or achieve a specific personal objective.

Explanation

The idiom drew a blank means to be unsuccessful in an attempt to find or remember something, or to fail to get a response or result. It originates from the practice of drawing a lot or a ticket in a lottery that has no prize written on it. In the context of a search or investigation, it signifies that the effort yielded no information or that the person being sought was not located. Therefore, when the police looked everywhere and drew a blank, it implies their search was unsuccessful and they did not find him.

Explanation

The idiom put one's foot down means to act with determination and authority to stop something from happening or to insist that a particular course of action be followed. It signifies taking a resolute and uncompromising stance on a matter, showing that the person will not be swayed or persuaded to change their mind. In the given sentence, it implies that Sarita took a strong, fixed position regarding the issue of marriage, refusing to yield to other opinions or pressures.

Explanation

The idiom make a killing refers to the act of earning a large amount of money very quickly or achieving a sudden, significant financial success. It is frequently used in the context of business, gambling, or the stock market to describe a situation where an individual or entity realizes a substantial profit from a single investment or transaction.

Explanation

The word gainsaying is a formal term derived from the Middle English prefix gain-, meaning against, and the verb say. Literally translating to speak against, the term is used in modern English to mean denying, contradicting, or disputing a statement. In the provided sentence, the phrase there is no gainsaying implies that the fact of the country being in difficulties is so evident that it cannot be denied or disputed by anyone.

Explanation

The word vitiate means to spoil or impair the quality of something or to corrupt it morally, which is the precise term used for the debasement of public taste. Since the sentence is correct and sophisticated as written, no improvement is necessary.

Explanation

The sentence requires a noun phrase to serve as the grammatical subject for the verb phrase has engaged. The phrase The study of AIDS functions as a singular noun phrase that correctly identifies the specific subject matter or activity that has occupied the attention and efforts of researchers. In this structure, study is the head noun, making the sentence grammatically complete and logically coherent as it indicates that the academic or scientific investigation into AIDS is what has involved many researchers over the specified period.

Explanation

The word commended is the most appropriate term for expressing formal praise or official approval of an academic achievement. In a scholarly context, when a piece of research such as a Master's thesis is recognized for its exceptional quality and merit by examiners or a committee, it is described as being highly commended. This term signifies that the work was not merely evaluated but was honored for its excellence, which justifies the subsequent action of preparing the manuscript for publication. The phrase highly commended is a standard colocation in academic and professional English used to denote high-level recognition.

Explanation

The sentence correctly employs the correlative conjunction structure No sooner ... than. In English grammar, when a sentence begins with a negative adverbial phrase like No sooner, it must be followed by subject-auxiliary inversion, as seen in the phrase had she realized. This structure specifically requires the use of than to introduce the subsequent clause. The use of the infinitive to take following the verb began is also grammatically sound, as began can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund without a significant change in meaning. Because the original sentence adheres to these rules of syntax and coordination, it is correct as written.

Explanation

The principle of parallelism in English grammar requires that elements joined by coordinating conjunctions like "and" maintain the same grammatical structure. In this sentence, the linking verb "be" is followed by the adjective "precise." To maintain symmetry and conciseness, the second element should also be an adjective. By using "original," both descriptors function as parallel subject complements that modify "scholar." This creates a balanced and more professional sentence structure compared to mixing an adjective with a verb-object phrase.

Explanation

The term bibliophile is derived from the Greek roots biblion, meaning book, and philos, meaning loving. It refers to an individual who has a profound love for books, often characterized by a passion for reading, admiring, and collecting them. A bibliophile appreciates books for their content as well as their physical properties, such as binding, printing, and historical value.

Explanation

Extempore refers to a speech, performance, or action that is delivered or carried out without any prior preparation or practice. It is derived from the Latin phrase ex tempore, which literally translates to out of the time, signifying something done at the moment or on the spur of the moment. In the context of public speaking or formal communication, an extempore speech is one where the speaker is given a topic and must begin speaking immediately, relying on their spontaneous thoughts and existing knowledge rather than a pre-written script or rehearsed notes.

Explanation

Impeachment is the formal process by which a legislative body, such as a Parliament, brings charges against a high-ranking government official, specifically the Head of State, for misconduct or constitutional violations. It functions as a special political and legal trial to determine whether the official should be removed from their position. This procedure ensures that even the highest executive authority remains accountable to the law and the legislature through a structured judicial-like inquiry within the parliamentary system.

Explanation

The term ambidextrous is derived from the Latin prefix ambi, meaning both, and the root dexter, meaning right or skillful. Literally translating to having two right hands, it refers to a person who possesses the ability to use the right and left hands with equal ease and proficiency. This skill allows an individual to perform manual tasks, such as writing, drawing, or using tools, with the same level of precision and strength regardless of which hand is used.

Explanation

The term panacea is derived from the Greek goddess Panacea, who was the personification of universal healing. Etymologically, it combines the Greek roots pan, meaning all, and akos, meaning cure or remedy. Therefore, a panacea is defined as a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases, acting as a universal medicine. In a broader sense, it is also used to refer to a hypothetical solution for all problems or illnesses.

Explanation

The word villain is correctly spelled as v-i-l-l-a-i-n. It refers to a character in a story, movie, or play whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot, or more generally, a person guilty or capable of a crime or wickedness. The term originates from the Middle English and Old French word vilain, which was derived from the Late Latin villanus, meaning a farmhand or a person associated with a villa. The spelling is distinct because it places the ai vowel combination before the final n, a structure consistent with its etymological roots in Anglo-French.

Explanation

The word commissioner is derived from the root word commission, which comes from the Latin commissio, meaning a mandate or authority. In English orthography, the word requires both a double m and a double s. The construction consists of the noun commission (c-o-m-m-i-s-s-i-o-n) combined with the agent suffix -er, which is used to indicate a person who performs a specific function or holds a particular office. Consequently, the correct spelling is c-o-m-m-i-s-s-i-o-n-e-r.

Explanation

The word advertise is correctly spelled as a-d-v-e-r-t-i-s-e. It functions as a verb meaning to describe or draw attention to a product, service, or event in a public medium to promote sales or attendance. The term is derived from the Middle English word advertisen, which comes from the Old French avertiss-, the lengthened stem of the verb avertir meaning to inform. It is a notable word in English because it is consistently spelled with the -ise ending in both British and American English. This is because the ending is an integral part of the original French root rather than the Greek-derived -ize suffix found in many other English verbs.

Explanation

The word superintendent is derived from the Latin verb superintendere, which means to oversee or to direct. It is constructed by combining the prefix super, meaning over, with the verb root intend and the agent noun suffix -ent. In English orthography, the suffix -ent is used to denote a person who performs a particular action or holds a specific office, similar to the construction of terms like president or resident. The correct spelling maintains the vowel i after the prefix super and uses an e in the final syllable rather than an a.

Explanation

The word symmetry is derived from the Greek word symmetria, meaning agreement in dimensions or due proportion. It is composed of the prefix sym-, meaning together, and the root metron, meaning measure. In standard English orthography, the word is spelled with a double m and the vowel e in the second syllable, resulting in the form symmetry.

Explanation

The passage states that the annual interest from the trust fund shall be awarded as prizes to individuals who rendered the greatest services to mankind during the previous year. The term annual signifies that the distribution occurs once every year. This is further reinforced by the instruction to evaluate contributions made during the preceding year, establishing a yearly cycle for the awards.

Explanation

The passage describes the establishment of the Nobel Prize through the final will of Alfred Nobel, signed in November 1895. The text specifies that the fortune was to be administered by Swedish and Norwegian trustees to reward the greatest services to mankind in five distinct categories: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. These details precisely match the historical origins of the Nobel Prizes, where Alfred Nobel bequeathed his estate to fund annual awards for outstanding contributions in these specific fields, with the Peace Prize notably being awarded by a Norwegian committee while the others are based in Sweden.

Explanation

According to the passage, the interest from the trust fund is divided into five equal parts to be awarded as prizes in specific categories. Three of these categories are directly within the field of science: physics, which covers discoveries or inventions; chemistry, which covers discoveries or improvements; and physiology or medicine, which covers medical discoveries. The remaining two categories mentioned in the text, literature and peace, do not fall under the classification of science, resulting in a total of three science prizes.

Explanation

The passage states that the interest from the trust fund, which was established with a fortune of approximately Rs. 1,75,000, is divided into five equal parts to be awarded as prizes. The text specifies that these "five equal parts" amount to "about £ 8,000." The phrase "each one of which shall be awarded" is a relative clause indicating that all five parts making up that total are distributed to the winners in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

Mathematically, a total interest of 8,000 on a principal of 1,75,000 represents an annual return of approximately 4.57%, which is a realistic interest rate for a trust fund. Conversely, if each individual prize were £ 8,000, the total interest would be £ 40,000, requiring an improbable annual return of nearly 23%. Therefore, based on the grammatical structure of the sentence and the internal financial logic of the passage, the total annual prize money for all five categories combined is 8,000.

Explanation

The passage specifies that the interest from the trust fund is divided into five equal parts to be awarded as prizes for excellence in several distinct fields. It explicitly mentions that one part is awarded for the most important discovery or invention in physics, one for the most important chemical discovery or improvement, and one for the most outstanding work of literature. Since physics, chemistry, and literature are all listed as qualifying fields for the prize, the award covers all these categories.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that feeling angry at a contrary opinion indicates a subconscious awareness of lacking a good reason for one's own belief. This implies that when a person is truly confident in the logical or factual basis of their conviction—as in the cases of basic arithmetic or geography—they feel pity for the other person's ignorance rather than anger. Therefore, anger serves as a psychological indicator that the individual's own stance is not grounded in sound reasoning, a fact they recognize at a subconscious level even if they do not admit it consciously.

Explanation

The passage states that if someone claims two and two are five or Iceland is on the Equator, you only feel angry if their opinion shakes your own contrary conviction. Therefore, your own contrary conviction refers to the correct facts that are opposite to those claims, namely that two and two are four and Iceland is far from the Equator.

Explanation

In the context of the provided passage, conviction refers to a firmly held opinion or a deeply rooted certainty. The author uses the term to describe the mental state one has regarding established facts, such as arithmetic or geography, which is robust enough to withstand irrational opposing claims. A conviction represents a strong belief that serves as a foundation for one's viewpoint, meaning it is not easily disturbed or shaken by contradictory statements unless the individual lacks sufficient knowledge to support their position.

Explanation

The author suggests that emotional reactions to opposing views are determined by the level of certainty and rational backing one has for their own beliefs. When an individual encounters a claim that is mathematically or geographically absurd, such as 2 + 2 = 5, they do not feel angry because their own knowledge is too secure to be challenged by such a statement. Instead, the response is one of pity, which stems from recognizing that the other person is fundamentally mistaken or lacks basic knowledge. This pity is a direct result of feeling sorry for the person's manifest ignorance of established facts that the observer knows to be indisputably true.

Explanation

The second sentence provides concrete examples to demonstrate the principle established in the first. While the opening sentence asserts that anger in response to a contrary opinion stems from a subconscious lack of sound reasoning, the second sentence uses specific, objective facts—such as basic arithmetic (2 + 2 = 5) and the geographical location of Iceland—to show the inverse. It explains that when a person is certain of their reasoning and their knowledge is unshakable, a contrary opinion elicits pity rather than anger. By using these clear-cut scenarios, the author illustrates how the presence or absence of a "good reason" for one's beliefs directly dictates the emotional reaction to opposition.