SSC CGL Tier 1 2013 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the plural verb are. In English grammar, when the word neither is used as a pronoun followed by a prepositional phrase beginning with of, it functions as a singular subject. This is because the sentence refers to each individual team separately (not one nor the other). According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject must be followed by a singular verb. Therefore, the plural verb are should be replaced with the singular verb is to correctly correspond with the singular pronoun neither.

Explanation

The sentence uses the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact condition. In formal English, the past subjunctive of the verb to be is were for all persons and numbers, including the first-person singular I. Therefore, the phrase should use were instead of was to correctly reflect the imaginary nature of the situation where the speaker is imagining being someone else. The correct structure for this conditional clause is If I were he.

Explanation

The verb advised is a transitive verb that requires a direct object representing the person being given the advice. In the structure where someone is told to perform an action, the correct grammatical pattern is Subject + advise + Object + to-infinitive. The preposition to should not be used between the verb advised and its object the student. Removing the redundant preposition ensures the verb correctly transitions directly to the noun phrase acting as its object.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as the verb insist is followed by the preposition on, and the possessive pronoun his correctly modifies the gerund going. No error exists in any part of the sentence.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression come of age means to reach full development, maturity, or a status of being established and successful. In the context of the sentence, it describes the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as having transitioned from its early developmental stages into a mature and dominant industry. This maturity is reflected in its capacity to sustain a global infrastructure and employ highly skilled, well-compensated professionals known as technocrats.

Explanation

The sentence describes two completed actions in the past where the sequence is established by the conjunction before. In English grammar, when two past actions are linked by before or after, the chronological order is already clear from the context. The action that happens later in the sequence is expressed using the Simple Past tense. Since the act of reaching the station occurred first and the train's departure occurred second, the verb left is the grammatically correct choice to represent the subsequent event.

Explanation

The phrasal verb slip into means to gradually or unintentionally start to be in a particular state or to resume a previous habit. It is frequently used when referring to a return to old patterns of behavior, negative routines, or bad habits. In this context, the expression signifies that the individual has reverted to his previous lifestyle and begun drinking again.

Explanation

The preposition in is used to indicate a position or state within the limits of a specific area, space, or context. In this sentence, the automobile sector represents a specific industry or economic field. Using in correctly establishes that the state of being not well exists within the internal environment or circumstances of that particular industry. It is the standard idiomatic choice when describing conditions or trends prevailing within a professional or industrial domain.

Explanation

The term tie-up is a phrasal noun that signifies a formal agreement, connection, or collaboration between two organizations to work together. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the strategic partnerships established between educational institutions and industries to enhance research, training, and recruitment opportunities. This expression is commonly used in business and academic settings to describe such alliances.

Explanation

The word stern is used to describe a person or their manner as being serious, severe, and unrelenting. It typically characterizes an individual who is firm in their authority and insists on exact adherence to discipline or rules. This quality of being rigorous and uncompromising in the enforcement of standards is precisely captured by the term strict.

Explanation

The word citadel refers to a stronghold or a heavily fortified area, typically situated on high ground, designed to protect a city or serve as a final point of defense during an attack. It is synonymous with fortress, as both terms describe a structure built for military strength and protection.

Explanation

The word aberration refers to a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It signifies a temporary change or a shift away from the standard path or prescribed course of action. In linguistics and logic, it is synonymous with deviation, as both terms describe the act of moving away from a set rule, standard, or type.

Explanation

The word dormant means having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time, which is synonymous with inactive. Active is its antonym, while dorsal and domestic have unrelated meanings.

Explanation

Tranquillity means a state of peace and calm. Disturbance is the correct antonym because it refers to a state of unrest or agitation, whereas the other options are synonyms.

Explanation

The word dwindle means to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength. While decrease and shrink are also similar, diminish is the most direct synonym that expresses the process of becoming steadily less over time.

Explanation

The idiom cakewalk refers to an accomplishment or task that is remarkably easy to achieve. It originated from a 19th-century African American dance competition where the most accomplished dancers won a cake as a prize. Over time, the term evolved in figurative usage to describe any activity, contest, or mission that is completed with little effort or without facing significant obstacles. In the given sentence, it signifies that the process of securing employment is effortless for a student who possesses the ideal combination of academic excellence and a positive mindset.

Explanation

The idiom let sleeping dogs lie is a proverbial expression used to advise someone against interfering in a situation or reviving a past dispute that is currently quiet. It suggests that bringing up old controversies or sensitive issues from the past can lead to unnecessary trouble or complications that are currently being avoided. Just as a sleeping dog is peaceful but might bite if disturbed, a dormant problem is best left alone to maintain the current state of peace.

Explanation

The idiom to be born with a silver spoon in the mouth signifies being born into a very wealthy or affluent family where one enjoys inherited privileges and financial security from birth. Historically, silver was a costly material, and the tradition of giving silver spoons to infants at christening ceremonies was a practice exclusive to the upper classes. In the context of the sentence, the phrase suggests that children from rich backgrounds have a significant advantage in securing admissions to modern educational institutions. This figurative expression highlights the socioeconomic benefits and high status that come with being part of a wealthy lineage.

Explanation

The idiom a man of straw refers to a person who lacks character, substance, or financial means. It signifies someone who is weak and easily defeated, much like a scarecrow or a hollow figure filled with straw that has no internal strength or weight. This expression is often used to describe an individual who is perceived as insignificant or unreliable, or someone who is used as a front in a business or legal transaction because they have no assets of their own to lose.

Explanation

The idiom to look a gift horse in the mouth originates from the historical practice of evaluating a horse's age and health by inspecting its teeth. Doing so to a horse received as a gift was considered rude and ungrateful, as it suggested the recipient was checking the value of the present. In a metaphorical sense, the phrase advises against criticizing or finding fault with something that has been given for free. It emphasizes that a recipient should accept a gift graciously without looking for flaws or questioning its worth.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of the third conditional, which is used to describe hypothetical situations in the past and their hypothetical results. The grammatical rule for the third conditional requires the if-clause to be in the past perfect tense (had + past participle) and the main clause to use would have followed by the past participle of the verb. In the phrase If I had had the money, the first had is the auxiliary verb used to form the past perfect tense, while the second had is the past participle of the main verb have, indicating possession. This matches the main clause would have bought, creating a grammatically consistent construction for an unreal past condition.

Explanation

The sentence uses the verb wish to express a present desire for a situation to be different. In English grammar, the verb following wish is placed in the simple past tense to indicate the subjunctive mood, which is why knew is used. To maintain the sequence of tenses within the sentence, the verb in the dependent clause must also be in the past tense. Therefore, is must be changed to was to align with the past form knew, completing the formal grammatical requirement for consistency in complex sentence structures involving wishes about the present.

Explanation

The sentence describes events that occurred in the past, as indicated by the verbs died and wrote. When referring to a person who is deceased, their profession or status during their lifetime should be expressed in the past tense to maintain grammatical consistency. Using the past tense verb was in the relative clause who was a poet correctly aligns with the temporal context established by the rest of the sentence, reflecting that Amar is no longer alive and his identity as a poet belongs to the past.

Explanation

The transitive verb raise (past participle raised) is required because someone performs the action of hoisting the flag. The intransitive verb rise (past participle risen) cannot be used in a passive construction where an object is being moved by an external force.

Explanation

The sentence requires the use of parallel structure, which dictates that items in a series must follow the same grammatical form. Here, the verb has is followed by a list of attributes: wisdom and charm, both of which are nouns. To maintain consistency and balance, the third item in the sequence must also be a noun or noun phrase. By using a good sense of humour, the sentence creates a streamlined list of three direct objects belonging to the subject Sushma. This eliminates the redundant subject and verb found in the original clause, ensuring the sentence is grammatically harmonious.

Explanation

The phrasal verb pulled down specifically refers to the act of demolishing or dismantling a building or structure, especially when clearing land for new construction or urban development. In the context of building a new road, which requires the deliberate destruction of existing houses to make space for the project, pulled down is the most precise and idiomatic term. It conveys the systematic clearing of buildings for infrastructure purposes more formally than the colloquial alternatives.

Explanation

The preposition on is used to denote a position in which something is in contact with and supported by a surface. When referring to sitting upon a lawn or a patch of grass, the grass is treated as a surface, making on the grammatically appropriate choice. While in might be used to describe being surrounded by very tall, unkept grass, the standard idiomatic expression for sitting upon a field or lawn is to sit on the grass.

Explanation

The inclusion of the definite article the before winning is unnecessary and creates redundant wordiness. In the comparison between the game and the act of winning, removing the article allows winning to function as a gerund phrase that more concisely expresses the idea. This streamlines the sentence structure and emphasizes the action of winning the prize rather than treating it as a formal, heavy noun phrase, which is a preferred stylistic choice for clarity in standard English usage.

Explanation

The sentence presents a contrast between the actor being released from prison and the fact that he still faces significant legal restrictions. The conjunction but is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or modifies what has already been mentioned. Although being out of jail typically implies freedom, the subsequent mention of house arrest contradicts this expectation. Therefore, the adversarial conjunction but is required to logically connect the two clauses and highlight the limitation on his liberty.

Explanation

The original sentence is grammatically correct because it follows the standard rules of subject-verb agreement. The subject of the clause is the plural noun phrase some players. In the present simple tense, a plural subject must be paired with the base form of the verb, which in this case is suffer. The prepositional phrase on the team functions as a modifier for the noun players and does not influence the numerical agreement between the subject and the verb. Because the plural subject players correctly matches the plural verb form suffer, the sentence is structurally sound and accurately conveys a chronic condition affecting multiple individuals on the team.

Explanation

The word null is derived from the Latin term nullus, which translates directly to none or not any. In linguistic and technical contexts, it signifies a state of being zero, empty, or having no magnitude. When applied to the concept of reducing something to nothing, it represents the achievement of a void or non-existent status. It is a foundational term in mathematics, law, and computer science used to describe the absolute absence of value, substance, or legal effect.

Explanation

A truism is a statement that is so self-evident or obviously true that it provides no new information or insight. In literature and rhetoric, it is often considered hackneyed or a cliché because it repeats a well-known fact that requires no proof or further explanation. Phrases like "business is business" or "the future is unknown" are classic examples of truisms, as they express a proposition that is universally accepted as true but lacks depth or originality.

Explanation

The term epitaph refers specifically to a short text or poem written in memory of a deceased person, which is typically inscribed on their tombstone or monument. Derived from the Greek words epi, meaning over, and taphos, meaning tomb, it serves as a lasting tribute that often summarizes the individual's life, character, or legacy.

Explanation

Calligraphy is the artistic practice of beautiful handwriting and lettering, characterized by the use of specialized tools such as broad-tipped pens or brushes. The term originates from the Greek words kallos, meaning beauty, and graphein, meaning to write. It involves the skillful arrangement of characters and symbols to create a visually harmonious and expressive piece of writing, where the pressure, speed, and angle of the tool are used to produce varying stroke thicknesses and artistic flourishes. This craft prioritizes the aesthetic quality of the script, transforming functional writing into a decorative art form.

Explanation

An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters or parts of a series of words in a phrase or a name. It functions as a shorthand version of a longer title and is typically pronounced as a single word rather than as a sequence of individual letters. For instance, the term RADAR is an acronym derived from Radio Detection and Ranging, where the first letters are combined to create a new, functional noun used in common language.

Explanation

The term parvenu refers to a person who has risen suddenly from a low social or economic position to a much higher one, typically through the rapid acquisition of wealth. Derived from the French verb parvenir, meaning to reach or to arrive, it specifically describes an upstart or a newly rich individual. In a sociological context, a parvenu is someone who has attained the financial status of the upper class but has not yet acquired the social prestige, manners, or acceptance traditionally associated with that class. It perfectly defines a person of obscure origins who has gained significant material success.

Explanation

Phonetics is the branch of linguistics that focuses on the production, physical properties, and perception of the sounds of human speech. It involves the study of how sounds are physically produced by the human vocal tract, known as articulatory phonetics, the acoustic properties of sound waves, known as acoustic phonetics, and how these sounds are received and decoded by the human ear and brain, known as auditory phonetics. This scientific discipline examines the individual sounds, or phones, that constitute spoken language across different phonetic environments and languages.

Explanation

The word business is the correctly spelt term, originating from the Old English word bisig, meaning busy, combined with the suffix -ness. In English orthography, when a suffix is added to a word ending in a consonant followed by the letter y, the y is generally changed to an i. Consequently, busy transforms into busi- before the addition of -ness. This noun refers to a person's regular occupation, trade, or the activity of engaging in commercial, industrial, or professional operations.

Explanation

The word questionnaire is derived from the root word question and the French-origin suffix naire, which is used to denote a set or collection of items. In English orthography, the word requires a double n and ends with an e. It refers to a formal set of questions used for obtaining information or conducting statistical research. Therefore, the spelling featuring both the full root and the complete suffix is the only accurate form.

Explanation

The idiom fish out of water refers to a person who feels uncomfortable, awkward, or out of place because they are in surroundings that are unfamiliar or unsuited to them. In the context of the passage, the postmaster is a city dweller from Calcutta who finds himself stationed in the remote village of Ulapur. His urban background makes it difficult for him to adjust to the rural isolation and the lack of suitable company, leading to a sense of being in an alien environment where he does not belong.

Explanation

The word remote is used to describe a location that is far away or distant in space. In the context of the passage, it characterizes the village of Ulapur as being isolated and situated at a great distance from the postmaster's home city of Calcutta. Because near signifies a short distance or closeness, remote acts as its direct antonym by indicating a lack of proximity and a significant geographic separation.

Explanation

In the second sentence of the passage, the text mentions that there was an indigo factory nearby and its proprietor, an Englishman, had managed to get a post office established. The word proprietor is a formal term used to denote the legal owner of a business, property, or establishment. In the specific context of this narrative, it identifies the individual who owned and controlled the indigo factory in the village of Ulapur.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the postmaster's office and living-room were located in a dark thatched shed. This description highlights the somber and confined environment in which he lived, contrasting his life in Calcutta with the isolated and dismal conditions of the village of Ulapur.

Explanation

The idiom ill at ease describes a state of feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or socially awkward. In the context of the passage, it refers to the postmaster's inability to socialize comfortably with strangers in the remote village of Ulapur, reflecting his sense of being out of place and his lack of ease in his new environment.

Explanation

The phrase little company uses the word company to mean social companionship or the presence of other people for interaction. In English grammar, the quantifier little used with an uncountable noun indicates a negligible amount or almost none, whereas a little would imply a small but positive amount. The passage describes the postmaster as a Calcutta native who felt like a fish out of water in the remote village of Ulapur. Because the factory workers were busy and he was not adept at associating with strangers, he lacked social circles and lived a solitary existence with hardly any friends or visitors to converse with.

Explanation

The provided passage explicitly mentions that the postmaster tried his hand at writing a verse or two during his time in the village of Ulapur. Writing verses is a direct reference to the composition of poetry. The text further elaborates on the content of these writings, noting that he sought to give expression to sentiments regarding natural elements like the movement of leaves and the clouds in the sky, which are characteristic themes of poetic work. This creative outlet served as a way for him to pass the time in a remote location where he felt isolated and lacked suitable companionship.

Explanation

The passage states that the postmaster occasionally attempted to write verses to pass his time in the secluded village of Ulapur. He sought to express sentiments regarding how the movement of the leaves and the clouds in the sky were enough to fill a person's life with joy. These elements—leaves and clouds—are fundamental components of the natural world. By focusing his poetic efforts on the emotional fulfillment derived from observing these natural phenomena, the postmaster was writing about the beauty of nature.

Explanation

In the context of the Arabian Nights and general folklore, a genie is defined as a supernatural spirit often capable of performing magical feats or granting wishes. The term originates from the Arabic word jinni, which refers to a class of spirits that inhabit the earth and possess powers beyond those of humans. In the passage, the postmaster imagines a genie as a powerful being that could instantaneously transform his rural surroundings into an urban landscape, emphasizing the entity's nature as a magical spirit.

Explanation

The provided passage states that although Ulapur was a small village, there was an indigo factory nearby. Indigo is a natural organic compound with a distinctive blue color, traditionally used as a dye. Since the factory processed indigo, it was a facility dedicated to the production of dyes.

Explanation

The sentence contains a dangling participle error. When a participle phrase like Being a holiday begins a sentence, its implied subject is the subject of the main clause, which in this case is we. This construction incorrectly suggests that the people (we) were the holiday. To fix this, an independent subject must be provided for the participle phrase to create an absolute construction. The impersonal pronoun it must be used as the subject of the participle to correctly identify the day. The grammatically correct version is It being a holiday, we went out for a picnic.