SSC CGL Tier 1 2013 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error in part (b) is the incorrect use of the word wonder. In the context of aimless pursuits and moving without a fixed destination, the appropriate verb is wander, which means to move about aimlessly or without a set path. The word wonder refers to thinking or feeling curious about something. Additionally, the sentence follows the structure of a first conditional (If + present simple), which typically requires will in the main clause rather than would to indicate a likely result. Therefore, the phrase should be corrected to we will only wander about.

Explanation

The correlative conjunction not only... but also must join grammatically coordinate or parallel elements. In the given sentence, the phrase following but also is the adjective phrase eager to display it. To maintain parallelism, not only must precede a similar grammatical structure. By placing not only after the adjective anxious in part a, the sentence incorrectly attempts to pair an infinitive phrase to acquire knowledge with an adjective phrase. The conjunction not only should be moved before the adjective anxious so that the sentence compares two parallel adjective phrases: not only anxious to acquire knowledge but also eager to display it.

Explanation

The correct preposition to use with a specific type of night described by an adjective is on, not in. Therefore, the phrase should be on a moonlit night.

Explanation

The preposition among is used when referring to a distribution or relationship involving more than two people or things. In this sentence, there are only two cats mentioned. For a relationship or division involving exactly two entities, the preposition between must be used. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read to divide it between them.

Explanation

The word negligible is an adjective that describes a quantity or amount so small or unimportant that it can be safely disregarded or ignored. In the context of the sentence, it correctly modifies the noun amount to indicate that the level of fatty acids and carbohydrates in the chocolates is insignificantly low. This is a standard linguistic collocation used to characterize trace measurements or minor proportions in nutritional and scientific descriptions.

Explanation

The sentence requires the completion of a comparison of equality using the correlative conjunction pair as... as. In this construction, the first as is an adverb modifying the adjective successful, and the second as is a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause of comparison. When the sentence is negative, as indicated by the word not, the structure remains not as + adjective + as to show that the first person or thing does not possess the quality to the same extent as the second.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past tense form of the verb flee, which means to run away from a place or situation of danger. In the context of the Sri Lankan civil conflict and military atrocities, many people moved away for safety. The verb flee is an irregular verb where the past tense and past participle form is fled. Using this form correctly completes the sentence to indicate a historical or completed action of escaping from the island.

Explanation

The preposition With is used to introduce the circumstances or conditions that exist alongside a particular situation. In this context, it establishes the external factor— the presence or launch of the new Safari Storme—that provides the backdrop for Mahindra's increased leverage in sales. It effectively links the state of the market or competition to the resulting advantage held by the company.

Explanation

The preposition from is used to indicate the starting point of a range or a change in value when followed by the preposition to. In the context of statistical data or percentages, the structure from X to Y effectively describes the movement of a figure between two specific levels. Here, it denotes that the decline started at the 7% mark and ended at 5.6%.

Explanation

Hallucination refers to a sensory perception that occurs in the absence of any external stimulus, essentially meaning the individual perceives something that does not exist in reality. Delusion is the most appropriate synonym in this context as it describes a false belief or a mistaken impression of reality that is firmly maintained despite evidence to the contrary. Both terms are fundamentally linked to cognitive and perceptual errors where an individual's subjective experience deviates from objective truth. In common usage and psychological contexts, these words are used to categorize states of mind involving a disconnection from actual facts or physical presence, making delusion the closest expression of the core meaning of hallucination.

Explanation

The word salacious is an adjective used to describe something that is lecherous, obscene, or characterized by an inappropriate interest in sexual matters. It originates from the Latin word salax, which historically referred to being fond of leaping or being in a state of sexual heat. In modern English, it typically refers to stories, behavior, or desires that are scandalous or indecent. Lustful is the most accurate synonym because it specifically denotes having or showing a strong and unrestrained sexual craving, which aligns directly with the meaning of being salacious.

Explanation

The word contain is derived from the Latin root tenere, which means to hold. In a broad linguistic context, to contain something involves holding it within certain limits or keeping it together. Similarly, the word sustain also shares the same root tenere and refers to the act of holding something up or maintaining a particular state over time. Both terms center on the core concept of holding or preserving a condition or substance, as opposed to terms that describe the act of reaching, acquiring, or extracting something.

Explanation

The word retrench means to reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty, specifically by cutting down the size of a workforce or laying off employees. In contrast, recruit means to enlist or hire new people into an organization or the armed forces. While retrenching involves the removal of personnel to downsize, recruiting involves the addition of new personnel to expand or maintain a team, making them opposite in meaning within the context of employment and organizational management.

Explanation

To aggravate means to make a problem, injury, or unpleasant situation worse or more serious. Conversely, to alleviate means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe or more bearable. Since one term refers to the intensification of a negative state and the other refers to its reduction or relief, they are direct opposites in meaning.

Explanation

Indelible describes something that is permanent and cannot be removed, washed away, or erased, such as marks made with certain ink or impressions left on the mind. The term temporary refers to something that lasts for only a limited period and is not permanent. Because indelible signifies an enduring or everlasting quality, temporary is its direct opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The idiom live-wire is used to describe a person who is intensely active, vivacious, and full of vitality. It draws a comparison to an electrical wire carrying a live current, symbolizing a constant flow of energy and spirit. When applied to a child, it characterizes them as being highly spirited and dynamic, consistently demonstrating a high level of physical and mental activity. This expression effectively conveys a sense of tireless enthusiasm and vigor in a person's personality.

Explanation

The idiom to cool one's heels refers to being kept waiting for a period of time, often due to the delay or unavailability of a person in authority. Historically, the phrase alluded to the need for a traveler's feet, or their horse's hooves, to cool down after a long journey before they were ready to proceed or be received. In the context of visiting a doctor, it indicates that the patient had to wait in the office or reception area before the appointment could actually begin.

Explanation

The idiom bury the hatchet means to end a quarrel, conflict, or long-standing grievance and become friendly again by making peace. This expression is derived from a historical custom of Native American tribes, specifically within the Iroquois Confederacy, where leaders would perform a ceremony of literally burying their weapons—such as tomahawks or hatchets—underneath a tree to symbolize the conclusion of hostilities and the formal establishment of a peaceful alliance. In the context of the rival team captains, the phrase indicates that they should resolve their differences and transition from a state of enmity to one of harmony.

Explanation

The idiom wet his whistle is a centuries-old expression that means to have a drink, often referring to an alcoholic beverage. The term whistle serves as a metaphorical reference to the throat or the human voice. The underlying idea is that a throat needs to be moistened or wet with liquid to function properly, much like a physical whistle might require moisture to produce a clear sound. In the context of visiting a bar, the phrase specifically indicates the act of consuming a liquid refreshment to quench ones thirst or for social enjoyment.

Explanation

The idiom through thick and thin originates from the Middle English phrase through thicket and thin wood, which described a traveler or hunter navigating both dense, difficult undergrowth and easy, sparse terrain. In contemporary usage, it signifies steadfastness and unwavering loyalty under all circumstances, particularly during challenging or unfavorable times. It describes a commitment that remains constant regardless of the obstacles, hardships, or changes in fortune one might encounter. Thus, staying loyal through thick and thin means maintaining that loyalty in spite of all the difficulties.

Explanation

Parallelism in English grammar requires that elements joined by coordinating conjunctions or phrases share the same grammatical form. In this sentence, the verb anticipate is followed by the direct object excellent research opportunities, which is a noun phrase. To maintain structural balance, the second item being anticipated should also be a simple noun phrase. Replacing and getting with as well as allows for the direct connection of the noun phrase valuable clinical experience to the first object. This adjustment removes the unnecessary gerund getting, resulting in a concise and grammatically symmetrical sentence where the new hires are anticipating two distinct things: opportunities and experience.

Explanation

The word better is the comparative form of the adjective good. In English grammar, it is incorrect to use more with an adjective that is already in its comparative form, such as better, taller, or faster. This error is known as a double comparative. Since the sentence compares two routes, the simple comparative better is the grammatically accurate choice to indicate superiority without redundant modifiers.

Explanation

The original sentence is grammatically correct and logically sound. The modal verb must is used here to express a logical deduction or a high degree of probability regarding a present situation. When the speaker observes that she is absent, they use must be to infer her current state based on prior knowledge or patterns. The use of the semicolon is also appropriate as it connects two independent but closely related clauses without the need for a coordinating conjunction. Because the sentence accurately conveys a present inference based on a present fact, it requires no further refinement.

Explanation

The original sentence contains two independent clauses that are incorrectly joined without a conjunction or proper punctuation. The first clause is Jackie has already gone to the airport and the second is she will meet us at the check-in counter. To correct this run-on structure, a coordinating conjunction such as and is required to link the two related thoughts into a single compound sentence. Using the pronoun she in the second clause is the most natural way to refer back to the subject Jackie, ensuring clarity and maintaining a smooth grammatical flow without unnecessary repetition of the proper noun.

Explanation

The adverbial clause of place Where the two roads meet correctly modifies the main clause you will find a small log cabin. Using the relative adverb where creates a concise and grammatically efficient structure to indicate location. In English syntax, when a clause defines the specific point of an action, starting with where is more idiomatic than using a bulky noun phrase like the place at which. This construction functions as a dependent clause that sets the spatial context for the independent clause that follows, maintaining clarity and flow in the sentence.

Explanation

The grammatical subject of the sentence is the plural noun photos. Under the rule of subject-verb agreement, the verb must match the number of its subject. Therefore, the plural verb are is required instead of the singular is. Additionally, because the subject refers to multiple items, the noun used in the predicate should be the plural depictions to ensure logical consistency. This change aligns the number of the subject, the verb, and the predicative noun, making the sentence grammatically accurate.

Explanation

The phrase I found it to be a more pleasant experience improves the sentence by replacing the wordy and formal noun phrase the eating of snails with the concise pronoun it. This substitution creates a smoother transition from the introductory clause. The use of the comparative more pleasant is stylistically effective because it emphasizes the contrast between the speaker's initial apprehension and the actual result, suggesting that the experience was significantly better than anticipated. This shift from a negative expectation to a positive reality is most idiomatically expressed through this comparative structure.

Explanation

The sentence requires a logical separation between the items consumed and the subsequent action performed. In the original structure, the verb ate appears to govern all three following phrases, which is semantically incorrect as one cannot eat the act of washing hands. By grouping an apple and an orange as the objects of the verb ate and then using a conjunction to introduce the second action, washed his hands, the sentence establishes a grammatically sound compound predicate. This ensures that the subject performed two distinct activities: eating the fruit and then washing his hands, making the sequence of events clear and logically consistent.

Explanation

Maintaining consistency in grammatical voice is a fundamental principle of effective writing. Since the first clause of the sentence is in the active voice (After we ate), the subsequent clause should also be in the active voice to ensure parallelism and clarity. Option c replaces the passive construction with the active voice, where the subject (we) directly performs the action (watched). This change eliminates unnecessary wordiness and makes the sentence structure more natural, direct, and cohesive.

Explanation

The original sentence is a fragment because it lacks a main finite verb to connect the subject to its complement. In the structure provided by option b, the phrase weighing more than 150 tons functions as a participial phrase that modifies the subject, The Blue Whale. The inclusion of the verb is provides the necessary predicate, completing the grammatical thought by linking the subject to the noun phrase the largest known animal on Earth. This correction ensures the sentence follows the standard Subject + Modifier + Verb + Complement pattern required for clarity and grammatical completeness.

Explanation

The term effeminate is used to describe a man who displays traits, manners, or habits that are typically associated with women rather than men. It originates from the Latin word effeminatus, which translates to made feminine. In linguistic usage, it specifically characterizes a male whose behavior or appearance is perceived as feminine or womanly, particularly in relation to his social conduct and personal characteristics.

Explanation

The term illegible describes writing or print that is so poorly formed or faint that it cannot be deciphered or read. It is the standard linguistic descriptor for handwriting that lacks sufficient clarity for the reader to identify the letters or words.

Explanation

Impersonate is defined as assuming the character or appearance of another person, particularly with the intent to deceive or for the purpose of entertainment. This term encompasses both playing the specific part of another individual and functioning in their capacity by adopting their unique mannerisms, voice, and identity. It is the most precise term for taking on the persona of a specific human being and acting as if one were that person.

Explanation

The term fastidious is used to describe an individual who is excessively particular, demanding, or difficult to satisfy. It characterizes someone who pays meticulous attention to detail and maintains such high standards that they are not easily pleased by anything that falls short of perfection. In a linguistic context, this adjective directly substitutes for the description of a person who is hard to suit or gratify due to their over-sensitive or refined requirements.

Explanation

The term intestate is a legal designation derived from the Latin word intestatus, which combines the prefix in- meaning not and testatus meaning having made a will. It specifically describes the status of a person who has passed away without having executed a valid last will and testament to direct the distribution of their estate. When an individual dies in this state, their property and assets are distributed according to the laws of intestacy within their jurisdiction. These statutory rules typically establish a fixed hierarchy of heirs, such as a surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin, to ensure the orderly settlement of the deceased's affairs in the absence of written instructions.

Explanation

A masochist is an individual who derives pleasure or gratification, often psychological or physical, from their own pain, suffering, or humiliation. The term is derived from the name of the 19th-century Austrian writer Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, whose literature frequently explored themes of individuals seeking out such experiences. In clinical and general usage, it describes the specific tendency to find enjoyment in being subjected to hardship or pain, whether inflicted by oneself or by others.

Explanation

The term fratricide is derived from the Latin words frater, meaning brother, and cida, meaning killer or slayer. It refers specifically to the act of killing one's own brother. In legal and linguistic contexts, this suffix cide is commonly combined with various roots to identify the specific relationship of the victim to the perpetrator, and frater identifies the victim as a brother. This word is the standard English term used to classify the murder of a male sibling.

Explanation

The word Annihilate is correctly spelled with a double n and a single l. Its origin is the Latin annihilatus, which is the past participle of annihilare, a combination of the prefix ad- meaning to and nihil meaning nothing. In this linguistic formation, the d in the prefix ad- assimilates into the following n, leading to the double n spelling seen in the English word. The term is a verb used to describe the total destruction, obliteration, or reduction of something to non-existence.

Explanation

The word embarrassed is correctly spelled with a double r and a double s. This spelling originates from the French word embarrasser, which means to hamper or to put in a difficult position. In English, the term maintains these double consonants across all its forms, including embarrasses, embarrassing, and embarrassment. Proper orthography requires both the r and the s to be doubled to reflect its etymological roots and standard linguistic conventions.

Explanation

According to the passage, being housebroken specifically refers to a dog's bathroom habits. The text states that a puppy must be taught to be housebroken so that it does not go to the bathroom inside the house. A dog that goes outside to use the bathroom is following this training, as it has learned to wait until it is outdoors to relieve itself rather than doing so indoors. This behavior distinguishes housebroken dogs from those that have not yet been trained to respect the cleanliness of the home environment.

Explanation

The passage explicitly identifies the positive characteristics of puppies in the first paragraph. The author states that there are many reasons why people choose puppies, specifically noting that they are cute, friendly, and playful. While the author's primary argument focuses on the advantages of adopting adult dogs due to their maturity and previous training, these positive attributes of puppies are presented as the widely accepted reasons for their popularity among prospective pet owners. The author further reinforces the playful nature of puppies later in the text by describing their high energy levels and constant desire for interaction.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the word behave refers to the way a puppy conducts itself or follows rules regarding its conduct. The author immediately follows the mention of behaving with specific examples of conduct, such as being housebroken, not jumping on guests, and not chewing on shoes. Since to behave means to conduct oneself or function in a specified way, act is the most suitable synonym. It represents the puppy's performance of these manners and actions in response to training.

Explanation

The passage provides a detailed overview of the various behaviors and tendencies inherent to puppies due to their lack of maturity. It lists specific examples such as jumping on people, chewing on personal belongings, and having difficulty with housebreaking and sleep schedules. These behavioral traits are categorized as immature acts that require significant patience and effort from an owner, contrasting them with the more settled and predictable nature of adult dogs who have already passed through this developmental phase.

Explanation

In the third paragraph, the word relax is used to describe the state of an owner watching television or winding down for the night. The passage contrasts the high energy of puppies, which requires constant attention and play, with the calmer demeanor of adult dogs that allow for quiet time. In this specific context, relax refers to being at ease and free from exertion or stress. Therefore, rest is the best synonym because it captures the essence of being in a peaceful, inactive state while sitting on a couch or sleeping.

Explanation

The phrase "On the other hand" is a transition used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea to the one previously discussed. In the passage, the author first describes the challenges and extensive work required when raising a puppy, such as housebreaking and leash training. By using this phrase at the start of paragraphs 2 and 4, the author shifts the focus to adult dogs, presenting information that contradicts the negative or demanding aspects of puppy ownership. It serves to highlight the differences between the two choices, specifically showing that adult dogs often already possess the skills and temperament that puppies lack.

Explanation

The passage indicates that most people visiting a pound to adopt a dog choose puppies because they are perceived as cute, friendly, and playful. This strong preference for puppies is the primary reason given for why many adult dogs spend extended periods in the pound or never find homes. While the author highlights that puppies require a lot of work to housebreak and train, the text suggests that potential owners are primarily motivated by the immediate appeal of a puppy's energy and appearance, often failing to prioritize the convenience and pre-existing training that adult dogs offer.

Explanation

The passage outlines numerous demanding tasks that a puppy owner must perform, such as housebreaking the animal, teaching it not to jump on guests or chew on shoes, and training it to walk on a leash. The text explicitly characterizes these duties as a lot of work that the owner is required to undertake to ensure the puppy behaves correctly. Fulfilling these ongoing obligations and putting in the necessary effort to train and care for a young animal requires a person to be highly responsible. This quality is essential for managing the significant workload and the specific behavioral training mentioned as being necessary for a puppy's development.

Explanation

Statements I and II directly address why adult dogs are easier to manage and care for, specifically mentioning their existing leash skills and lower energy levels compared to puppies. Statement III explains why adult dogs are in greater need of adoption, but it does not describe why they are easier to take care of.

Explanation

The passage compares puppies and adult dogs by focusing on their behavioral traits, training requirements, and activity levels. It notes that puppies require extensive effort for housebreaking and leash training, whereas adult dogs are often already trained in these areas. The text also explains that while puppies have constant energy and demand play, adult dogs are more likely to match their owner's schedule, sleeping when the owner sleeps and waiting for the owner to initiate play. There is no mention of the nutritional needs, appetite, or the quantity of food required by adult dogs anywhere in the text. Because the passage provides no information regarding feeding habits, the statement that adult dogs do not need to eat very much is not supported by the information provided.

Explanation

The verb taste is classified as a stative verb or a verb of perception when it is used to describe the quality or characteristic of an object. Stative verbs represent a state of being or a sensory experience rather than a deliberate physical action. Under standard grammatical rules, these verbs are not used in the continuous or progressive form. Consequently, the present continuous construction is tasting is incorrect in this context. The sentence requires the simple present tense tastes to properly describe the flavor of the dish.