SSC CGL Tier 1 2012 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error in this part is the use of the word felicitator, which is contextually incorrect. The noun felicitator is derived from the verb felicitate, meaning to congratulate or express joy to someone. In the context of governance and economic development, the intended meaning is a person or organization that helps a process or an achievement happen by providing assistance or making it easier. The correct word for this role is facilitator. While the government aims to ease the process of development, it is not primarily acting as one who offers congratulations, thus requiring the substitution of facilitator for felicitator.

Explanation

The noun admittance refers to the right or permission to enter a place or attend an event and is conventionally followed by the preposition to rather than for. Standard English usage dictates that one gains admittance to a ceremony, building, or organization. Using the preposition for in this context is grammatically incorrect because it fails to establish the required idiomatic relationship between the permission granted and the destination or event being entered. Changing the phrase to admittance to the inaugural ceremony aligns the sentence with proper prepositional colocation rules.

Explanation

The sentence contains an error in the use of correlative conjunctions. In English grammar, the phrase not only must be paired with but also to link two related parts of a sentence. Part (b) introduces the first part of the pair with not only appetizing, but part (c) incorrectly attempts to complete the construction with as well as nutritious. To ensure grammatical correctness and idiomatic consistency, as well as must be replaced by but also, making the sentence read: Pulses when well cooked are not only appetizing but also nutritious.

Explanation

The error in part (c) pertains to the rule of subject-verb agreement involving relative pronouns. In the construction one of the followed by a plural noun and a relative pronoun like who, the relative pronoun refers back to the plural noun, which serves as its antecedent. Consequently, the verb in the relative clause must agree with that plural antecedent. Here, the antecedent is leaders, which is plural; therefore, the singular auxiliary verb has must be replaced with the plural form have to ensure grammatical correctness.

Explanation

In the context of traditional gender roles, the term perceived is used to describe how society views or interprets the husband's status as the primary provider or breadwinner. This perception establishes a social hierarchy where the wife is expected to occupy a subordinate role, meaning a position of secondary importance or one that is subject to the authority of the husband. The pairing of these terms accurately reflects the sociological framework of patriarchal traditions where one role is prioritized as the primary source of economic support and the other is defined by its secondary status within the domestic structure.

Explanation

The context of a merger between two parties requires mutual consideration and collaborative effort. The term respect is the most appropriate verb to use with sensibilities, as it means to show due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others, which is essential for maintaining harmony during negotiations. The phrase work towards is a standard English idiom used to describe a dedicated and purposeful effort directed at achieving a specific goal, such as a mutually beneficial or win win outcome. Together, these words correctly convey the diplomatic and constructive approach needed for a successful business integration.

Explanation

This sentence describes a sequence of two events that occurred in the past. In English grammar, when two past actions are related, the action that happened earlier is expressed in the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle), while the action that occurred later is expressed in the Simple Past tense. Since the picking of the pocket happened before the person became aware of it, the earlier action takes the Past Perfect form had been picked, and the subsequent action takes the Simple Past form realized.

Explanation

The sentence describes a professional cause-and-effect relationship where an individual leaves their employment due to being overlooked for advancement. The term resigned is the standard formal expression for voluntarily leaving a job. Being sidelined means being pushed to the periphery or bypassed, specifically in the context of being ignored for a promotion that was expected or deserved. This logical pairing explains that the act of resigning was a direct consequence of the unfair treatment or lack of recognition regarding professional growth within the organization.

Explanation

The sentence conveys a moral sentiment regarding the legacy individuals leave behind. The adjective virtuous describes people who possess high moral standards and excellence in character. It is a common philosophical and social observation that those who lead lives of integrity and goodness are the ones whose names and deeds are kept alive in the collective memory of society. Thus, the verb remembered logically completes the thought, as the preservation of one's memory after death is typically seen as a reward for a life of virtue.

Explanation

The word fallacy refers to a misconception or a false notion resulting from incorrect reasoning or lack of supporting evidence. Derived from the Latin word fallacia, meaning deception or trick, it is used to describe an idea or argument that many people may believe to be true but is actually based on a flaw in logic or a misunderstanding of facts. In both formal logic and everyday language, it signifies a failure in reasoning which renders an argument invalid or a belief erroneous.

Explanation

The word diligent describes a person who shows steady, earnest, and energetic effort in their work or duties. It is derived from the Latin word diligere, meaning to value or love, which evolved to imply taking great care in what one does. Someone who is diligent is persistent and attentive, making hard working the most accurate synonym as it reflects the same quality of consistent and thorough application to a task.

Explanation

The word garrulous is derived from the Latin root garrire, which means to chatter or prattle. It is used to describe an individual who is excessively talkative, especially regarding trivial or unimportant matters. In linguistic contexts, it serves as a direct synonym for talkative, emphasizing a tendency to speak at great length.

Explanation

Zenith refers to the highest point reached by a celestial object directly above an observer, or more commonly in a figurative sense, the time at which something is most powerful, successful, or at its peak. Pinnacle shares this exact meaning, representing the most successful point or the culmination of a process, as well as a high, pointed piece of rock or the highest part of a structure. Both words denote the summit or apex of an achievement or physical height.

Explanation

The word proximity refers to the state of being near in space, time, or relationship. It is derived from the Latin proximitas, which means nearness or clossness. In English usage, it typically describes the physical distance between two objects or the closeness of a particular event in time. Nearness is its direct synonym, precisely capturing the quality of being close at hand or adjacent.

Explanation

The word gregarious is derived from the Latin root grex, meaning a flock or herd, and describes individuals who are sociable, fond of company, and enjoy being around others. In contrast, the word unsociable refers to a person who is not inclined to seek out or enjoy the company of others, preferring to remain solitary or avoid social interaction. Since gregarious denotes a tendency to associate with one's kind in a friendly manner, unsociable acts as its direct opposite by describing a lack of desire for such social engagement.

Explanation

The word taciturn is used to describe a person who is habitually reserved, reticent, or disinclined to join in conversation. It originates from the Latin word tacitus, meaning silent. An individual who is talkative is characterized by a tendency to speak frequently and at length. Because these two terms represent opposite behavioral traits regarding the frequency and willingness of verbal communication, they are direct antonyms.

Explanation

Archaic refers to something that belongs to an earlier period, is very old-fashioned, or is no longer in everyday use. Modern describes something that relates to the present or recent times rather than the remote past, representing the contemporary state of things. Since archaic denotes the ancient or outdated, modern is its direct antonym.

Explanation

The word inadvertent refers to an action that is unintentional, accidental, or not resulting from a deliberate plan. It describes something done without conscious awareness or intent. The term deliberate is the opposite because it means an action is done on purpose, with full intention and careful consideration. Because deliberate denotes a state of being intentional and premeditated, it is the direct antonym for an inadvertent or unplanned action.

Explanation

Verbose describes a style of communication or writing that uses more words than are necessary, often resulting in wordiness or prolixity. The opposite of this is being brief, which signifies a concise and succinct approach to expressing ideas using the fewest words possible.

Explanation

The idiom cut one's coat according to one's cloth is a metaphorical expression derived from tailoring, suggesting that one can only make a garment as large as the available fabric allows. In a financial context, the cloth represents an individual's total income or resources, while the coat represents their lifestyle and expenditures. To cut one's coat according to one's cloth means to adapt one's standard of living or expenses to match one's actual earnings. It serves as an advice to live within one's means and avoid overspending or financial recklessness.

Explanation

The idiom blowing hot and cold describes a person who is inconsistent or vacillating in their moods, attitudes, or enthusiasm. It originates from Aesop's Fables and refers to someone who changes their mind or behavior frequently, shifting between being friendly and enthusiastic at one moment and indifferent or unfriendly the next. In a social context, this lack of emotional stability makes it difficult for others to maintain a steady relationship with them, as their reactions and level of interest are unpredictable and fluctuate rapidly.

Explanation

The idiom at one's fingertips refers to having information or knowledge readily available and easy to retrieve or use immediately. It suggests that the person is so well-prepared or the information is so well-organized that it can be accessed without any delay or difficulty. In the given context, it means the secretary had the required information prepared and accessible for instant use.

Explanation

The idiom to take the bull by the horns means to confront a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage. It suggests dealing with a problem head-on rather than avoiding it or being indecisive. The metaphorical origin lies in the physical act of grasping a bull's horns to gain control over it, which is the most direct and hazardous way to handle the animal. This expression is used when someone decides to face a challenge or threat boldly and decisively to resolve it.

Explanation

The idiom crying over spilled milk refers to the act of expressing regret or annoyance about something that has already happened and cannot be undone. It highlights the futility of dwelling on past misfortunes or mistakes that are irreversible. Just as milk once spilled cannot be recovered, the phrase suggests that time and energy should not be wasted on complaining about unchangeable circumstances, and instead, one should focus on moving forward.

Explanation

The adverb intermittently refers to something occurring at irregular intervals or not being continuous. When describing weather, it signifies that the rain stops and starts repeatedly over a period of time. This pattern of rainfall is a common and appropriate way to describe a day of inclement weather that prevents outdoor activities, as the unpredictability and frequent recurrence of the rain make it impossible to carry out plans. It serves as a logically and lexically correct replacement to describe the frequency and nature of the rainfall throughout the day.

Explanation

The sentence follows a specific grammatical structure involving correlative conjunctions used to describe two events happening in rapid succession. When a sentence begins with the semi-negative adverbs hardly, scarcely, or barely, it requires the conjunction when or before to introduce the second clause. This construction also triggers an inversion where the auxiliary verb had precedes the subject he. While the comparative expression no sooner is paired with than, the adverb hardly must be paired with when to maintain idiomatic and grammatical accuracy. Consequently, replacing the original phrase with when the principal called him correctly completes the correlative pair.

Explanation

The closure of a road is a formal administrative action that is typically communicated through an official declaration to the public. The word announced is the most appropriate term in this context as it signifies a definitive notification by authorities, whereas a rumour implies unverified gossip. Using the present perfect passive form has been announced accurately conveys that a formal statement has recently been issued regarding the scheduled closure.

Explanation

The position of the adjective concerned changes the meaning of the sentence. When placed before a noun as an attributive adjective, concerned typically means worried or anxious. When placed after the noun it modifies as a postpositive adjective, it refers to the specific person or thing being talked about, involved, or relevant to the situation. Since the sentence refers to the specific coordinators responsible for registration, the correct grammatical structure is programme coordinators concerned to denote the relevant officials involved in the process.

Explanation

The verb writhing describes the act of making twisting, squirming, or distorted movements of the body. This physical reaction is specifically associated with intense physical suffering or agony. In the context of a patient confined to a bed, pain is the most appropriate term because it represents the physical stimulus that triggers such involuntary bodily contortions. While other terms describe emotional states, they do not align with the physical manifestation of writhing.

Explanation

The term posthumously is derived from the Latin word postumus, meaning coming after or last. It specifically describes an event, award, or publication that occurs after the death of the person to whom it relates. In the context of literature and arts, when an author or creator is recognized for their work after they have passed away, the recognition is said to be granted posthumously. This term is the standard English one-word substitution for any action occurring after the originator's death.

Explanation

Narcissism refers to an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance or mental abilities. The term originates from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. In psychology and common usage, it signifies a preoccupation with one's self-image, often characterized by vanity, a sense of superiority, and a constant need for external validation or self-aggrandizement.

Explanation

Feudalism refers to the decentralized socioeconomic and political system that structured medieval European society between the 9th and 15th centuries. This order was based on the holding of land, known as a fief, in exchange for service or labor. It established a rigid hierarchy where the crown granted land to nobles or lords, who then provided land to vassals in return for military protection and political loyalty. At the base of this system were the peasants or serfs, who lived on and cultivated the lord's land, providing agricultural labor and a portion of their produce in exchange for physical security and the right to inhabit the land. This complex web of mutual obligations and land-based tenure defined the legal and social framework of the Middle Ages.

Explanation

The word erudite is derived from the Latin eruditus, which means instructed or polished. It specifically characterizes a person who possesses extensive knowledge acquired through profound study and academic research. While many terms describe intelligence, erudite is the precise descriptor for someone whose learning is deep, scholarly, and typically derived from books and formal education.

Explanation

The term theocracy is derived from the Greek words theos, meaning God, and kratos, meaning rule or power. It describes a form of government where a deity is recognized as the supreme ruling authority. In such a system, the legal framework and governing principles are derived from religious doctrines or divine revelations rather than human legislation. The administration is typically conducted by religious officials or clergy members who are believed to be divinely guided or to act as intermediaries for the divine will, ensuring that the laws of the State align perfectly with what are perceived to be the laws of God.

Explanation

The misspelt word is tern to real, which is a corrupted spelling of the word terrestrial. The term terrestrial is an adjective used to describe things relating to the earth or dry land, derived from the Latin root terra. In this instance, the single word has been incorrectly fragmented into three distinct and unrelated words, making it the linguistically incorrect entry.

Explanation

The phrase outrunning signifies exceeding or surpassing something in speed, quantity, or degree. In the economic context of the passage, it describes a situation where modern industrial machinery allows for the manufacture of goods at a faster rate than the population can naturally use or purchase them. Consequently, production is in excess of consumption, leading to the necessity of organized waste and the manufacturing of perishable items to maintain a high turnover and ensure industrial prosperity.

Explanation

The passage identifies modernity snobbery as a phenomenon driven by economic conditions where modern machinery produces goods faster than they are naturally consumed. To maintain industrial prosperity, the system relies on organized waste, which requires consumers to discard items quickly and replace them with new ones. Modernity snobbery is the psychological mechanism that facilitates this cycle by making individuals pay excessive attention to owning things of the latest design. By valuing the newest versions of products over durability or long-term utility, consumers provide the continuous demand necessary for producers to keep their factories running. Therefore, the term describes the preoccupation with staying current through the constant acquisition of the most recent industrial outputs.

Explanation

The text establishes a direct causal link between the capabilities of modern machinery and the state of the economy. It explains that modern machinery has increased production to the point where it exceeds consumption. This surplus leads to a system of organized waste, which the author explicitly identifies as the primary condition for industrial prosperity. By enabling a level of output that necessitates constant replacement and consumption, modern machinery serves as the foundational engine that drives the industrial prosperity mentioned in the passage.

Explanation

The passage highlights that modern machinery allows production to outrun consumption, creating a surplus that threatens industrial prosperity. To counter this, the economic system relies on organized waste, where consumers are encouraged to discard items quickly and purchase replacements. By manufacturing dispensable and perishable articles, producers ensure a continuous cycle of demand. This constant need for replacement prevents a bottleneck in the supply chain and ensures that the high output of modern machinery is met with corresponding consumption, which is the fundamental requirement to keep the factories working and the industrial economy prosperous.

Explanation

The passage links modernity snobbery to the economic necessity of ensuring that consumption keeps pace with the high output of modern machinery. Industrial prosperity relies on organized waste, where the economic cycle is maintained by consumers discarding functional items shortly after purchase to acquire newer ones. Modernity snobbery acts as the psychological driver for this behavior, as it compels individuals to prioritize having the latest products over the utility of their existing possessions. By fostering a desire for the new, this snobbery ensures the rapid turnover of goods that producers require to sustain their operations.

Explanation

As defined in the passage, reality television is a genre of programming that features ordinary people rather than professional actors. The text states that a significant part of the genre's appeal lies in its ability to place these ordinary individuals in extraordinary situations. While the participants may eventually achieve the status of national celebrities through their appearance on talent or performance-based programs, their defining characteristic within the context of the genre's format is that they are non-professionals selected to participate in unscripted or producer-designed scenarios.

Explanation

According to the passage, the producers of competition-based reality programmes, such as Survivor and The Real World, are responsible for designing the format of the show. They exert control over the environment and the day-to-day activities of the participants, creating a fabricated world in which the competition takes place. This involves the use of carefully designed scenarios, challenges, and settings specifically intended to encourage particular behaviors and conflicts among the individuals they have selected to participate.

Explanation

The phrase it is claimed is a linguistic qualifier used to attribute a statement to external sources rather than presenting it as an absolute fact endorsed by the author. By using this expression, the writer maintains a position of neutrality and objectivity, signaling that the definition of reality television as unscripted or actual is an assertion made by others which might be contested. This distance is essential because the passage later highlights how producers carefully design formats, control environments, and manipulate scenarios, which contradicts the claim that the events are purely unscripted. The author uses this phrasing to avoid taking personal responsibility for the validity of the claim, effectively separating his own perspective from the popular or industry-driven definition of the genre.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the current explosion of popularity for reality television dates from around 2000. While the genre existed in various forms since the early years of television, the text distinguishes between its mere existence and its widespread popularity, specifically identifying the year 2000 as the approximate starting point for its modern surge in appeal and cultural dominance.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that part of reality television's appeal is due to its ability to place ordinary people in extraordinary situations. In this context, the phrase average people in exceptional circumstances serves as a direct paraphrase of the text. This core characteristic of the genre allows the audience to observe how non-professionals navigate fabricated environments, challenges, and scenarios that are vastly different from their everyday lives, which the text identifies as a key driver of the format's popularity.

Explanation

The sentence follows all standard grammatical rules of English syntax and idiomatic usage. The subject Raghav is correctly paired with the past tense linking verb was and the adjective unhappy. The infinitive phrase to hear is properly used to indicate the reason for the emotional state. The phrase the news of his son's failure correctly employs the possessive apostrophe for son and the preposition of to link the news to its source. Additionally, the phrase in the examination is the standard prepositional construction used to describe performance or results in a formal test. Since each segment is structurally and semantically accurate, the sentence contains no errors.

Explanation

When two singular subjects are joined by the correlative conjunction either... or, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. This is known as the rule of proximity. In the given sentence, the two subjects are he and his wife. The subject nearest to the verb is his wife, which is a singular noun. Consequently, the plural verb are is grammatically incorrect in this context and must be replaced with the singular verb is to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Explanation

The error in part (c) is due to incorrect word forms and a lack of grammatical coherence. The sentence is set in the past tense, established by the verb took in the second part. To maintain parallel structure and logical flow, the third part requires a verb instead of the noun provocation. The intended meaning is that the event triggered or caused a high volume of discussion. Therefore, the noun provocation should be replaced by the past tense verb provoked, and the phrase flood speculation should be corrected to a flood of speculation. This ensures the sentence correctly attributes the resulting surge of inquiry to the satellite launch.

Explanation

The indefinite article an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while the article a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. Although the word university starts with the vowel letter u, it is pronounced with the consonant sound /j/, similar to the word youth. Since the phonetic beginning of the word is a consonant sound rather than a vowel sound, it must be preceded by the article a instead of an. This rule of English grammar is based on the sound of the word that follows the article rather than its spelling.

Explanation

The noun equipment is an uncountable noun in English and does not have a plural form, making the word equipments grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, according to the rules of subject-verb agreement, when a subject is joined to other nouns by words like with, together with, or along with, the verb must agree with the main subject. Since the main subject The office is singular, the plural verb were should be replaced with the singular verb was. Both of these errors are located in this part of the sentence.