SSC CGL Tier 1 2012 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

PROPOSED: a)

The definite article the must be used before nouns that are unique or represent a singular entity in our existence, such as the world, the sun, the moon, and the universe. When world acts as the subject of a sentence referring to the planet or human society as a whole, it requires the to be grammatically correct. Therefore, the sentence should begin with The world is producing enough.

Explanation

According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, when two nouns or pronouns are joined by phrases such as along with, together with, as well as, or with, the verb must agree with the first subject mentioned. In this sentence, the first subject is The N.C.C. commandant, which is a singular noun. Therefore, the verb should also be singular. The use of the plural verb are is incorrect and should be replaced with the singular verb is to correctly align with the singular main subject.

Explanation

The verb succeed is idiomatic when followed by the preposition in and a gerund form of the verb. Using a to-infinitive after succeed is grammatically incorrect in the context of achieving a task or objective. The phrase to get the job fails to conform to this requirement and must be changed to in getting the job to satisfy the grammatical expectations of the verb succeed.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition at in part (c). In English grammar, when referring to locations situated along a street, road, or avenue, the preposition on is required. The preposition at is strictly reserved for specific addresses that include a building or house number. Since Madison Avenue refers to the thoroughfare itself rather than a precise numerical address, the sentence must be corrected to are located on Madison Avenue to adhere to standard idiomatic usage for geographical locations.

Explanation

The error lies in the idiomatic phrase in respect of used in part (c). In English grammar, the phrase in respect of is primarily used in formal or legal contexts to mean in connection with or in payment for. In the context of this sentence, which compares the physical capabilities of ears and eyes, the phrase with respect to or in the case of is the correct choice. Additionally, the sentence lacks structural parallelism; the verb gave should be followed by the indirect object us to match the construction of the first clause, Nature has denied us. Therefore, the corrected segment should read which she gave us with respect to our eyes.

Explanation

In the context of design and fashion, a motif is a decorative image, pattern, or theme that appears as a distinctive feature in an artistic work. When describing a purse with a decorative element carved into its surface, motif is the precise term used to signify an ornamental design or figure. It represents the specific aesthetic pattern or symbol that provides visual appeal to the accessory.

Explanation

The sentence includes the specific time marker last night, which requires the use of the simple past tense. Recognised is the correct form for a completed action at a definite point in the past.

Explanation

The proverb As you sow, so shall you reap is a traditional English idiom that expresses the principle of cause and effect, meaning that the consequences of one's actions will eventually return to them. Grammatically, this sentence utilizes the correlative conjunction pair as and so to establish a proportional relationship between two clauses. The first part of the pair, as, introduces the action or effort, while the second part, so, introduces the corresponding result. This specific structure is a characteristic feature of formal or archaic English used to emphasize that the nature of the harvest is determined entirely by the nature of the seeds planted.

Explanation

The verb compliment follows a specific idiomatic pattern in English grammar where it is paired with the preposition on. When expressing admiration or praise to someone regarding a specific attribute, achievement, or possession, the standard construction is to compliment someone on something. In this sentence, the preposition on correctly connects the action of complimenting the individual to the specific object of that praise, which is her new dress.

Explanation

The sentence structure follows the pattern It took + object + time + infinitive phrase. In English grammar, when two verbs are joined by the coordinating conjunction and to form a compound infinitive, the infinitive marker to is usually expressed before the first verb and omitted before the second. This maintains a parallel and concise structure. Consequently, to consider and weigh correctly provides the infinitive required to complete the sense of the sentence, indicating the mental process involved in evaluating the application.

Explanation

The word Annexure refers to a supplementary document or an addition that is added to the end of a main document, report, or contract to provide further details or supporting information. In administrative, legal, and formal correspondence, it functions as an appendix or an attachment that accompanies the primary text. Therefore, the term attachment best expresses the meaning of the word as it denotes something joined or fastened to something else.

Explanation

The word errand refers to a short journey or trip taken to perform a specific chore, duty, or piece of work, often on behalf of someone else. It typically involves delivering or collecting something or carrying out a brief mission. In this context, it is synonymous with a specific job or task that needs to be completed.

Explanation

Bequeath means to leave property or assets to a person or beneficiary through a formal will or to hand something down to a successor. It represents the act of passing on or granting something to another, which is most closely synonymous with the act of giving. In a legal or historical context, it signifies the voluntary transfer of possessions or legacy from one individual to another.

Explanation

Nonchalant describes a person or manner that appears coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited. It signifies a relaxed and easygoing attitude where someone does not show much interest or anxiety about a situation, making it synonymous with a casual approach.

Explanation

Forbearance refers to the quality of patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance shown toward someone who has provoked or offended, or the act of refraining from enforcing a right or debt. It signifies the ability to remain calm and composed in a difficult situation or under pressure. In general usage, the term is used interchangeably with patience to describe the capacity to endure delay or hardship without becoming annoyed or upset.

Explanation

The word amenable describes a person who is open to suggestions, easily persuaded, or willing to follow instructions and cooperate. It denotes a state of being agreeable or submissive to influence. Conversely, unwilling refers to a lack of readiness or a deliberate refusal to comply, act, or cooperate. While an amenable person is characterized by their inclination to agree or be influenced, someone who is unwilling is characterized by their reluctance or resistance, making it the direct antonym in terms of attitude toward cooperation and external guidance.

Explanation

The word conspicuous is used to describe something that is clearly visible, easily noticed, or attracts attention by being prominent. Its opposite, obscure, refers to something that is not well-known, difficult to see, or hidden from view. While a conspicuous object stands out and is readily apparent, an obscure one is faint, uncertain, or concealed, making it the direct antonym in terms of visibility and clarity.

Explanation

Reproof refers to an expression of blame, censure, or strong disapproval directed at someone for a fault or mistake. It is essentially a formal rebuke or a scolding meant to correct behavior. Conversely, approbation denotes formal approval, praise, or commendation. Since reproof signifies the act of finding fault and criticizing, while approbation signifies the act of expressing satisfaction and official acceptance, the two words are direct antonyms. In a social or professional context, receiving a reproof indicates being corrected for an error, whereas receiving approbation indicates being recognized for excellence or correctness.

Explanation

The word niggard refers to a person who is extremely stingy, reluctant to spend money, or a miser. The term generous serves as its direct antonym because it describes a person who is willing to give money, help, or kindness freely and in abundance. While a niggardly individual is characterized by withholding and hoarding, a generous individual is characterized by a readiness to share and provide for others beyond what is strictly necessary.

Explanation

The word exotic refers to something originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country, often implying that it is alien, non-native, or strikingly unusual. In contrast, the word indigenous describes something that originates, grows, or occurs naturally in a particular region or environment, signifying that it is native to that place. Because exotic denotes a foreign origin and indigenous denotes a native origin, they are direct opposites in meaning.

Explanation

The idiom to take the wind out of someone's sails is a nautical metaphor originating from the practice of a sailing vessel maneuvering to the windward of another. By doing so, the first ship intercepts the wind intended for the second, causing it to lose speed and become stationary or ineffective. In a figurative sense, when someone's speech or actions take the wind out of another's sails, they anticipate their arguments or act in a way that removes their advantage or confidence. This effectively renders the person's intended words, progress, or actions powerless and without impact.

Explanation

The idiom to pour cold water on something means to discourage enthusiasm for a plan, idea, or suggestion by being critical or negative about it. It implies that a person shows a lack of support or points out potential problems to dampen the excitement of others, which effectively translates to expressing disapproval of the proposal. In the context of the sentence, the person consistently rejects or finds fault with new ideas, thereby discouraging their pursuit.

Explanation

The idiom let one's hair down means to relax, act in an uninhibited manner, and enjoy oneself thoroughly. It originates from the 17th century when women were expected to wear their hair pinned up in elaborate styles in public or formal settings to maintain a proper appearance. They would only let their hair down in the privacy of their homes, which became synonymous with dropping one's guard, discarding social formalities, and being at ease. In the context of the sentence, it indicates the subject's desire to have a fun and relaxed time regardless of parental constraints.

Explanation

The idiom jumped out of my skin is used to describe a reaction of extreme shock, sudden fright, or being severely startled. When an explosion occurs, the immediate and involuntary response to such a loud and unexpected event is one of intense fear or alarm. This expression captures the physical sensation of being so overwhelmed by a sudden stimulus that the person experiences a moment of acute panic.

Explanation

The idiom to take someone for a ride means to deceive, cheat, or trick someone, often for one's own advantage or profit. In the context of a clever salesman, it refers to the act of using manipulative or dishonest tactics to mislead a customer into believing something that is not true, usually to facilitate a sale or gain an unfair benefit. This figurative expression highlights the lack of awareness on the part of the person being deceived, who is led along a path of falsehood by a more cunning individual.

Explanation

The phrasal verb get over means to recover from a bad experience, a disappointment, or an emotional setback. In the context of failing an examination, it is the idiomatic expression used to describe the process of overcoming the distress and moving forward with one's life. This usage specifically denotes regaining one's mental or emotional balance after a period of struggle or failure.

Explanation

The word propitious is an adjective used to describe a situation or a period of time that is favorable, auspicious, or likely to produce a successful result. In the context of the sentence, the boy is waiting for the most opportune and advantageous moment to ask his father for money, presumably to increase his chances of receiving a positive answer. Because the term perfectly captures the idea of a favorable or well-timed occasion, the sentence is semantically and grammatically correct as it stands.

Explanation

The sentence requires the adverb "too" to complete the idiomatic structure "too + adjective + for someone + to-infinitive". This grammatical construction is used to indicate that a particular quality exists in such an excess that it leads to a certain result or makes an action impossible. In this instance, "too bigoted for me to concur" expresses that his bigotry reached a level of intensity that prevented the speaker from agreeing with him. While "so" typically requires a following "that" clause to show result, "too" is the grammatically correct choice when followed by an infinitive phrase.

Explanation

The sentence is written in the past tense, as indicated by the verbs noticed and asked. According to the rule of sequence of tenses in English grammar, if the main verb of a sentence is in the past tense, the verbs in the subordinate clauses must also be in the past tense. Specifically, when reporting an action that was ongoing or had been happening up to that point in the past, the present perfect continuous have been changes to the past perfect continuous had been. This shift ensures temporal consistency throughout the narrative, aligning the workmen's actions with the time frame established by the reporting verbs.

Explanation

The phrasal verb tuck in is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe the act of settling someone, particularly a child, into bed by pulling the bedclothes around them to make them snug and comfortable. Given the context of the sentence where the mother is tending to her child as he goes to sleep, this expression correctly conveys the action of arranging the bedding to ensure the child is settled for the night.

Explanation

An altar is a raised structure or platform, often a table or a flat-topped block, specifically designed for religious rituals. It serves as the designated place where worshippers present sacrifices, gifts, or symbolic offerings to a deity or God. The term originates from the Latin altare, meaning a high place, reflecting its physical form as an elevated surface that distinguishes the sacred space used for divine communication and ritualistic devotion.

Explanation

The word inexplicable refers to something that is incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for. It is derived from the Latin word inexplicabilis, where the prefix in- denotes negation and the root word explicare means to unfold or explain. It is typically used to describe phenomena, behaviors, or events that defy logical reasoning or for which no clear cause can be identified.

Explanation

An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an individual under an oath or affirmation. This declaration is typically signed in the presence of an official authorized by law to administer oaths, such as a magistrate, a notary public, or a commissioner of oaths. The legal significance of an affidavit lies in the fact that the person making the statement, known as the affiant or deponent, swears to the truthfulness of the contents, making it admissible as evidence in legal proceedings.

Explanation

The term egocentric is derived from the Latin word ego, meaning I, and the Greek word kentrikos, meaning center. It identifies an individual who is excessively self-centered and views the world exclusively from their own perspective. Such a person lacks the capacity to empathize with others or consider external viewpoints, as they believe their own opinions and interests are the only ones that matter. In this mindset, the self is the primary focus of all thought and action, leading to a complete disregard for the needs or feelings of those around them.

Explanation

A fingerpost is a traditional type of signpost consisting of a post with one or more arms pointing toward specific directions, typically found at road junctions or crossroads. These arms are often shaped like fingers or arrows and provide information regarding the destination and the distance to various locations, functioning as a physical guide for travelers to find their way to a place.

Explanation

The word digression is the correct spelling for a term that denotes a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. Etymologically, it originates from the Latin digressio, which is a combination of the prefix di-, meaning aside, and the root gradi, meaning to walk or step. In English, the spelling follows the pattern of other words derived from the root -gress, such as progress or aggressive, which necessitates the use of a double s before the suffix -ion. Thus, the sequence d-i-g-r-e-s-s-i-o-n is the standard and correct form.

Explanation

The word presumptuous is an adjective meaning overconfident or failing to observe proper boundaries. Its spelling, p-r-e-s-u-m-p-t-u-o-u-s, is derived from the Latin word praesumptuosus. The inclusion of the letter p between the m and the t is a standard orthographic feature for words originating from this Latin root, similar to the construction of words like consumption and assumption. The suffix -uous is used to indicate that something is full of a particular quality, in this case, the quality of presumption. Standard English usage dictates that common adjectives are represented in lowercase letters when listed as independent vocabulary words.

Explanation

The word equilibrium is correctly spelled with the sequence of letters e-q-u-i-l-i-b-r-i-u-m. It originates from the Latin term aequilibrium, which is a combination of aequi meaning equal and libra meaning balance or weight. In English, the term describes a state of physical balance or a condition where all acting influences are cancelled out by others, resulting in a stable system. The spelling follows standard Latin-derived conventions for nouns ending in the suffix i-u-m.

Explanation

Veterinarian is the correct spelling for a medical professional who specializes in the treatment of animals. The word is derived from the Latin veterinarius, which pertains to beasts of burden or draught animals. It is constructed with the root veterina and the suffix arian, which is commonly used in English to denote a person associated with a particular profession, field, or belief system. The vowel structure of the word follows the pattern of v-e-t-e-r-i-n-a-r-i-a-n.

Explanation

The word maritime is the correctly spelled term, originating from the Latin word maritimus, which is derived from mare, meaning sea. It is an adjective used to describe activities, objects, or professions related to the sea or ocean, such as maritime trade, maritime law, or maritime boundaries. The spelling reflects its classical etymology, maintaining the single r and the i following the t, consistent with its linguistic roots in seafaring and navigation.

Explanation

The idiom on tenterhooks originates from the textile industry, where a tenter was a wooden frame used for stretching and drying cloth to prevent it from shrinking. The cloth was held in place by sharp hooks. Metaphorically, being on tenterhooks describes a person who is stretched thin by suspense or agitation. In the context of the passage, the rich man is described as having business worries that keep him in a state of nervous suspense or anxiety, as he is constantly preoccupied with the uncertain outcomes of his ventures. This state of emotional tension and uneasy anticipation is the defining characteristic of the phrase.

Explanation

The passage highlights that happiness is fundamentally a product of one's internal state and the capacity for contentment rather than just material accumulation. It provides examples of how a wealthy individual can remain miserable due to factors like ill health, family issues, or business anxieties, which money is powerless to resolve. By stating that there is a limit to what money can buy and that many essentials for happiness cannot be procured with wealth, the text concludes that money by itself is not a sufficient condition for achieving a happy life.

Explanation

The passage identifies several specific factors that can lead to misery for a wealthy individual despite their material possessions. It explicitly mentions that a rich man may be miserable if he does not enjoy good health or if his only son has taken to evil ways. Additionally, the text points out that he may suffer due to business worries that keep him in a state of constant anxiety or on tenterhooks. Since all three of these conditions—poor health, a wayward son, and business-related stress—are cited in the text as potential sources of unhappiness, the combination of these factors accurately reflects the passage's argument that money alone cannot guarantee a miserable-free life.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the psychological foundation of happiness, arguing that it is independent of material wealth or the lack thereof. It establishes that neither poverty nor riches inherently determine one's state of mind, citing examples where a poor man finds peace while a wealthy man remains miserable due to health or family issues. The central thesis is encapsulated in the final sentence, which identifies the capacity for contentment as the most important ingredient of the right attitude toward life. This makes the theme of finding happiness through a satisfied mind the primary subject of the text.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that even a poor man, despite living in a small hut without luxuries, may be quite contented with his lot and achieve a measure of happiness. It argues that real happiness is fundamentally a matter of having the right attitude and the capacity to be contented with whatever one has. Therefore, while money has its limits and cannot procure everything necessary for happiness, an individual who possesses contentment can find happiness regardless of their financial status.

Explanation

Sands are naturally occurring granular materials composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles, primarily silica. In the context of the passage, the discussion focuses on anthropogenic pollutants such as radioactive wastes, domestic effluents, and synthetic chemical sprays. While the text uses terms like pesticides to identify specific toxic agents, substances to describe man-made creations, and deposits to refer to the complex chemical gunk found in waterways, sands do not represent the chemical or synthetic pollutants described as contaminating the environment.

Explanation

The text establishes that water pollution is a systemic issue resulting from a diverse array of contaminants rather than a single source. It explicitly lists multiple contributing factors, including radioactive materials from reactors and hospitals, nuclear fallout, domestic waste from urban centers, industrial chemical effluents, and agricultural sprays like pesticides. By describing these varied inputs as an alarming melange that creates complex interactions and transformations, the author argues that the degradation of water supplies is caused by a multitude of distinct yet overlapping sources that collectively overwhelm standard purification methods.

Explanation

The passage describes gunk as the deposit resulting from an incredible variety of pollutants that combine in rivers. These pollutants include synthetic chemicals that have become increasingly prevalent since the 1940s. The text specifically highlights that many of these chemicals are so complex that they cannot be identified and defy detection by the ordinary methods used in purification plants. When these unidentifiable chemical agents mix with domestic and radioactive wastes, they form the alarming and complex mixture that sanitary engineers refer to as gunk.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states in its opening sentence that the problem of water pollution can only be understood in context, specifically as part of the whole to which it belongs. The author defines this whole as the pollution of the total environment of mankind. This indicates that water pollution is not an isolated issue but is inextricably linked to the broader, global scale of environmental degradation and contamination. By situating water pollution within the total environment of mankind, the text underscores that it is a subset of world contamination involving a complex mix of radioactive, chemical, and domestic wastes that affect the entire human ecosystem.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the problem of water purification became complex and the danger to users of water increased ever since chemists began to manufacture substances that nature never invented. These synthetic chemicals, which entered mass production in the 1940s, created an appalling deluge of pollution that often defies detection by ordinary purification methods. The introduction of these new, complex chemical agents into the environment is the primary reason the text identifies for the heightened seriousness of water contamination.