SSC CGL Tier 1 2012 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The verb cater is idiomatically followed by the preposition to and means to provide what is desired or required by a specific group. In this context, art is described as being under attack because it refuses to merely please or satisfy the general public (the masses). By striving for an alternate view—one that presents a perspective different from the conventional or mainstream narrative—art inherently challenges established norms. This non-conformity and pursuit of a distinct, often provocative, viewpoint is what leads to the friction and criticism mentioned in the sentence.

Explanation

The verb apologise follows a standard prepositional pattern where one apologises to a person for a specific reason or action. In this sentence, him is the recipient of the apology, requiring the preposition to, and the wrong you have done is the reason for the apology, requiring the preposition for.

Explanation

When two actions occur in the past, the event that was completed first is expressed using the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle), while the subsequent event is expressed using the Simple Past tense. In this sentence, the completion of dinner is the earlier action, necessitating the use of had finished. The act of watching TV followed the meal, which requires the simple past form watched. This grammatical construction clearly establishes the chronological sequence of the two past events.

Explanation

The sentence requires a logical causal relationship between an action or feeling and a specific character trait. In this context, the verb hate and the noun rudeness are semantically consistent because rudeness, which refers to a lack of manners or offensive behavior, is a valid and logical reason to harbor a negative feeling such as hatred toward someone. The structure because of functions as a subordinating conjunction indicating that the second part of the sentence provides the justification for the sentiment expressed in the first part.

Explanation

The sentence identifies hatred, suspicion, and betrayal as the specific characteristics that define the relationship between adversaries. In linguistics and logic, these distinct traits are classified as features. Because enemies on both sides of a conflict exhibit these identical traits, they are described as common, a term denoting that they possess shared attributes or are characterized by the same functional qualities. Therefore, the use of common and features accurately reflects the symmetry of negative emotions and behaviors inherent in such a relationship.

Explanation

The word copious is an adjective used to describe something that exists in large quantities or is plentiful in supply. It is derived from the Latin word copia, which means plenty or abundance. In a linguistic context, it signifies a generous or extensive amount of a particular resource, such as taking copious notes during a lecture or having a copious harvest. Therefore, abundant is the most suitable synonym because it directly conveys the meaning of being present in great quantity or being more than sufficient.

Explanation

Prerogative refers to an exclusive or special right, power, or immunity possessed by a particular individual or group, usually by virtue of their rank, office, or position. It signifies a choice or action that is the sole right of a specific person. The word privilege serves as a direct synonym, as it denotes a special right or advantage available only to a particular person or class. Historically, the term was often used to describe the inherent rights of a monarch or sovereign, known as the royal prerogative, which were exercised independently of other authorities.

Explanation

The word aggravate is derived from the Latin word aggravare, which means to make heavy. In English, it is primarily used to describe the act of making a problem, injury, or difficult situation worse or more serious. The term intensify means to increase the degree, strength, or force of something. When a situation is aggravated, its negative qualities are heightened or made more acute, which is directly synonymous with intensifying the severity of that condition.

Explanation

A sycophant is defined as a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain an advantage. Such individuals typically employ excessive praise and insincere compliments to win favor or influence with those in positions of power. This characteristic behavior of fawning and being servile for self-interest directly aligns with the definition of a flatterer. The term originates from the Greek sykophantes and describes one who uses psychological manipulation through praise to advance their own standing or secure benefits from superiors.

Explanation

The word flout means to openly disregard a rule, law, or convention with contempt or lack of respect. It implies a deliberate and defiant act of ignoring established norms or authority. Disregard is the closest synonym because it captures the essence of paying no attention to or ignoring something that should be obeyed or respected, such as a regulation or a warning. In common usage, when someone flouts authority, they are showing a complete disregard for the rules set by that authority.

Explanation

A harbinger is defined as a forerunner or a person who goes ahead to signal or announce the approach of another. It refers to someone who leads the way or acts as a precursor to future events. In direct contrast, a follower is someone who comes after or adheres to the leadership and direction of another. While the harbinger initiates or heralds a path, the follower moves behind or according to that established path, making it the appropriate opposite in meaning.

Explanation

Expeditious refers to an action or process characterized by speed and efficiency, where tasks are performed promptly and without delay. It implies a sense of urgency and quick completion. Conversely, leisurely describes a pace that is unhurried, relaxed, and performed without any pressure or haste. Because leisurely signifies taking one's time in a slow and deliberate manner, it represents the direct semantic opposite of the swift and rapid nature of an expeditious process.

Explanation

The word postponed means to delay or put off an action or event until a later time or date than originally intended. The term advanced, when used in the context of scheduling, means to bring an event or deadline forward to an earlier time or date than was previously planned. Since one term involves moving a schedule further into the future and the other involves moving it closer to the present, they function as direct antonyms.

Explanation

The word faded describes something that has lost its original color, strength, or intensity, often appearing pale, dim, or washed out. Its direct antonym is bright, which refers to something that is vivid, intense, and radiates a high degree of light or color saturation. While faded implies a reduction in luster and clarity, bright signifies a state of being luminous and striking, making it the most appropriate opposite in terms of visual intensity.

Explanation

The word heterogeneous is derived from the Greek roots heteros, meaning different, and genos, meaning kind. It describes a group, substance, or system consisting of diverse or dissimilar constituents. Its direct antonym is homogeneous, which comes from the Greek root homos, meaning same. A homogeneous entity is uniform in character or composition throughout, consisting of parts that are all of the same kind or nature. Because these two terms represent the fundamental distinction between diversity and uniformity, they are exact opposites in meaning.

Explanation

The idiom to account for means to provide a justification, reason, or satisfactory explanation for an event, action, or discrepancy. It is commonly used when someone is required to explain how something happened or how resources, such as time or money, were utilized. For instance, if a person is asked to account for their whereabouts, they are expected to give a clear and acceptable explanation of where they were. In professional and legal contexts, it implies being answerable for specific outcomes or providing the underlying reasons behind a particular situation.

Explanation

The idiom gift of the gab refers to the ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you. It denotes a natural talent for eloquence and persuasive speaking. The word gab is derived from an old word meaning chatter or conversation, so having a gift for it implies a person is exceptionally articulate and fluent in their speech.

Explanation

The idiom kicked the bucket is an English euphemism used to signify that someone has died. One common theory regarding its origin traces back to the use of a bucket (derived from the French word buquet) which referred to a wooden frame or beam used to hang slaughtered animals by their heels. During the process, the animal would often spasm and kick against the beam or bucket. Another popular theory suggests it refers to the act of standing on a bucket to hang oneself and then kicking it away. Regardless of the specific origin, the phrase is widely recognized in informal language as a way to describe the end of a person's life.

Explanation

The idiom a wolf in sheep's clothing refers to a person who hides a malicious or dangerous nature behind a facade of innocence and kindness. It originates from Aesop's Fables and biblical warnings against false prophets, symbolizing someone whose outward appearance is harmless and gentle like a sheep, but whose true character is predatory and deceitful like a wolf. In practical usage, it describes an individual who pretends to be a friend or a virtuous person while secretly intending to cause harm or exploit others.

Explanation

The idiom to leave someone in the lurch means to abandon or desert a person at a critical moment or during a difficult situation when they most need help or support. It carries a connotation of leaving someone in a helpless or vulnerable state. The phrase has its origins in an old French game called lourche, which was similar to backgammon; a player was said to be in the lurch if they were left in a particularly disadvantaged position while their opponent was far ahead. Over time, the expression evolved to describe any situation where one is left without assistance in a time of trouble.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the verb want, which is in the simple present tense, indicating a current desire or intention. To maintain logical consistency and tense agreement within the sentence, the coordinating clause must also reflect the present state. The simple present tense form have no time correctly identifies the current constraint preventing the action, whereas the original past tense creates a chronological mismatch. In English grammar, when expressing a current situation or a general fact, the simple present is the standard choice for both parts of a compound sentence joined by but.

Explanation

The simple past tense "lived" is the most appropriate verb form because the sentence describes a completed action or state of being that occurred over a specific, finished duration in the past. When a time period is clearly defined with a start and an end point that no longer continues into the present, the simple past provides the most direct and grammatically correct expression. Additionally, the correlative construction "from ... to" is the standard idiomatic way to indicate a range between two specific dates or times, making the phrase "from 1965 to 1975" the correct choice to accompany the verb.

Explanation

The phrase Caterers and Decorators is a standard professional pairing in the event management and hospitality industry. Catering refers to the business of providing food and drink services for social occasions, while decorating involves the aesthetic arrangement and ornamentation of a venue. These two services are logically grouped together because clients typically require both when organizing functions such as weddings, parties, or corporate events. The term used in the original sentence is not a recognized professional designation, whereas caterers provides a meaningful and contextually appropriate description for a business contact.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes a situation where an individual consumes a cold beverage following physical exertion. In English, the adjective refreshing is specifically used to describe a drink or food that provides a sense of new energy, vitality, or coolness after one has been feeling hot or tired. Since the person was pleased to have an iced drink after a long walk, this word accurately captures the restorative and cooling effect the beverage had on them.

Explanation

The term revue refers to a specific type of light theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, typically dealing with topical issues or satirical themes. In the given sentence, revue is the correct noun used to describe the performance held at the theatre. The sentence accurately distinguishes between the revue, which is the theatrical production itself, and the reviews, which are the critical assessments published by newspapers. Since the word is used correctly in its proper artistic context, no improvement is needed.

Explanation

The word omnipotent is derived from the Latin roots omni, meaning all, and potens, meaning powerful. It is used to describe a being that possesses unlimited or infinite power and authority, capable of performing any action. This term is frequently used in theological and philosophical contexts to characterize the supreme power of a deity.

Explanation

The term Misogynist is derived from the Greek roots miso, which means hatred, and gyne, which means woman. It is used in English to describe an individual who harbors a deep-seated dislike, contempt, or ingrained prejudice against women. This word precisely functions as the one-word substitution for the phrase describing someone who hates women.

Explanation

Nostalgia is a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. The word originates from the Greek roots nostos, meaning return home, and algos, meaning pain or longing. It perfectly describes the bittersweet emotion of feeling fondness for a memory while simultaneously feeling a sense of loss or sadness because that time is no longer present.

Explanation

An optimist is an individual who maintains a positive outlook and expects the best possible outcome in any given situation. This personality trait involves focusing on the favorable aspects of life and believing that good things will happen, regardless of current challenges. The term originates from the Latin word optimus, which translates to best, reflecting the disposition of looking at the bright side of things.

Explanation

The term intestate refers to the legal status of a person who has died without having created a valid will or other binding declaration to dispose of their property and assets. In such cases, the distribution of the deceased's estate is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where they resided or where their property is located, typically prioritizing heirs such as spouses, children, and other close relatives through a standardized legal process.

Explanation

The word transparent is correctly spelled according to standard English orthography. It originates from the Latin prefix trans, meaning through, and the verb parere, meaning to appear or be visible. In its literal sense, it describes a material or substance, such as glass or clear water, that allows light to pass through so that objects behind can be seen distinctly. Figuratively, the term is used to describe processes, information, or intentions that are easily understood, clear, and free from deceit or concealment.

Explanation

The word ornamental is the correct adjective form of the noun ornament, used to describe something that serves as a decoration or is intended to be decorative rather than functional. It is constructed by taking the root word ornament and adding the adjectival suffix -al. This suffix indicates a relationship or quality, transforming the noun into an adjective. The resulting sequence of letters o-r-n-a-m-e-n-t-a-l follows standard English orthographic rules for such derivations.

Explanation

The word colleague is an English noun used to denote an associate or co-worker in a professional or official setting. Its correct spelling is characterized by the double consonant l, the vowel digraph ea in the middle, and the suffix gue at the end. This orthography originates from the Latin term collega, which refers to a partner in office or someone chosen to work alongside another. Using the double l and the specific ea vowel combination is required to adhere to standard English spelling conventions for this term.

Explanation

The word appreciation is derived from the Latin roots ad- (to) and pretium (price or value). In English orthography, the prefix ad- assimilates to ap- before the letter p, resulting in the double p construction. The root portion of the word contains an e following the r, and the standard suffix used for nouns of action in this context is -tion. Consequently, the correct spelling of the word meaning the recognition of the quality, value, or significance of something is appreciation.

Explanation

The word accommodation is spelled with a double c and a double m. It is derived from the Latin verb accommodare, which means to fit or to make fit. In standard English usage, the term refers to a place to live, stay, or work, or to the process of adapting to a new situation. The correct orthographic sequence requires both the second and third letters to be c and the sixth and seventh letters to be m, resulting in the form a-c-c-o-m-m-o-d-a-t-i-o-n. In spelling examinations, words are typically provided in their standard dictionary form using lowercase letters.

Explanation

According to the passage, the leader men explicitly stated that they had no need to work because they intended to kill animals to eat. The text directly links the refusal to perform labor with the act of hunting for sustenance, as shown by the sequence where the leader men make the statement and immediately proceed to kill animals to satisfy their needs.

Explanation

In the context of this narrative, the leader man functions as the hero because he is the protagonist and the primary driver of the plot. The story follows the chronological progression of human civilization through the lens of the leader man's decisions, from the initial choice to hunt animals rather than work, to the transition into agriculture, and finally to the management of an overpopulated world. As the figure who exercises agency and makes the pivotal choices that shape the environment and society described in the text, the leader man serves as the central character around whom the entire sequence of events is structured.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that man had a larger brain, and it was this specific physiological trait that led him to believe he was superior to animals. This perceived biological advantage established the initial sense of dominance that man felt over other creatures in the narrative.

Explanation

The passage describes a chronological progression where the human population continuously grew following the elimination of wildlife and the transition to agriculture. This growth eventually led to a situation where the world became so crowded with people that physical space was completely exhausted. The statement that they had to sleep standing up is a direct consequence of this overcrowding, indicating a population explosion so severe that there was no longer enough room for individuals to occupy the horizontal space required to lie down.

Explanation

The passage portrays the history of humanity as a progression of destructive and oppressive actions fueled by an inherent sense of superiority. Man is shown as a cruel ruler who systematically eliminates animals, destroys wildlife, and poisons birds for his own benefit, viewing any obstacle to his comfort as a pest. This pattern of heartless dominance culminates in leader men viewing their own starving kin as a menace, perfectly embodying the characteristics of a tyrant who exercises absolute and oppressive power over all life.

Explanation

The passage highlights that the primary advantage of early rising is the significant head start it provides for the day's tasks. By beginning work while others are still asleep, the early riser finishes a substantial portion of their responsibilities early on. This distribution of labor over a longer period of productive hours ensures that there is ample time to finish all remaining duties at a comfortable pace. Consequently, the individual avoids the need to rush through their tasks, as the early start ensures the workload is completed well within the available daytime hours.

Explanation

The provided passage details that an early riser completes their daily work ahead of schedule and without the need for hurrying. Consequently, this efficiency grants them free time in the evening for various activities including play, entertainment, or relaxation by a leisurely walk. The text directly identifies a leisurely walk as one of the specific ways an early riser can spend their extra time before retiring for a good night's rest.

Explanation

The passage explains that the sequence of finishing work early and having leisure time in the evening leads to a good night's rest. This restorative sleep allows an individual to rise fresh the next morning. Being fresh after sleep is synonymous with being refreshed, which prepares the individual both mentally and physically to handle the challenges of a new day. This state of morning freshness is the primary health benefit highlighted as the outcome of a proper sleep routine.

Explanation

The passage identifies the primary advantage of early rising as the early start it provides for daily tasks, enabling a person to complete a significant amount of work before others have begun their day. Because the morning offers a fresh mind and fewer distractions, the individual can focus on quality work and maintain a steady pace throughout the morning hours. This productivity ensures that one finishes all necessary work during the daylight hours without the need to rush, which ultimately frees up the evening for relaxation and leads to a restorative night of sleep.

Explanation

The passage explicitly links the ability to perform quality work with the state of one's mind in the morning. It states that because the mind is fresh and free from distractions during the early hours, an individual is able to focus better and produce higher quality results. This mental clarity is presented as the foundational reason why work is done well before the typical interruptions of the day begin.