SSC CGL Tier 1 2014 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The passage explicitly states in the first sentence that the days and nights slid along so quiet and smooth and lovely. The narrator uses this specific phrasing to describe the peaceful and effortless manner in which time passed while they were on the river. The description emphasizes the tranquility and beauty of their journey, and the wording in the text directly corresponds to the phrasing used in this choice.

Explanation

The reciprocal pronoun each other is used when referring to two people or entities. In this sentence, the phrase all Christians refers to more than two people. According to standard grammatical rules, the pronoun one another must be used when referring to three or more individuals. Therefore, the use of each other is incorrect in the context of a collective group.

Explanation

The sentence requires the use of the Present Perfect Continuous tense instead of the Present Continuous tense because it describes an action that began in the past and is still continuing into the present. The presence of the time expression for the last three days necessitates this shift in tense. In English grammar, when a duration is specified using for or since to indicate how long an activity has been ongoing, the correct structure is Subject + has/have + been + Verb-ing. The phrase it is raining only describes an action happening at the current moment, whereas it has been raining correctly links the past start of the rain to the current flooded state of the pond.

Explanation

The sentence contains a dangling participle error in part (a). A participle phrase positioned at the beginning of a sentence must logically modify the grammatical subject of the main clause. Here, the subject of the main clause is a vast expanse of greenery. This construction implies that the greenery was scaling the high wall, which is logically impossible. The participle scaling requires a human agent or a subject capable of performing the action. To correct this error, the main clause should be restructured to provide a logical subject, such as Scaling the high wall, I saw a vast expanse of greenery, or the introductory phrase should be converted into a subordinate clause like When I scaled the high wall.

Explanation

The word any is used when referring to one out of more than two persons or things. When specifically referring to one out of exactly two options, the distributive pronoun either must be used. In this sentence, since the context specifies the two roads, any is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced by either.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct in its entirety. In the second part, the relative pronoun who is accurately used in the subjective case because it functions as the subject for the verb phrase had won. The presence of the parenthetical expression I think does not change this requirement, as the pronoun relates directly to the action of winning. Additionally, the use of the past perfect tense had won is appropriate for describing a completed action that took place before the time of the statement. The phrasing in the other segments follows standard English syntax regarding subject-verb agreement and prepositional usage.

Explanation

The phrasal verb cast off means to disown, reject, or discard someone or something that is no longer wanted or needed. In the context of the sentence, the father's extreme anger leads him to formally or emotionally sever ties with his son, which is the specific meaning conveyed by this idiom. It describes the act of throwing someone aside or abandoning a relationship.

Explanation

The idiom by and large means on the whole, generally speaking, or considering everything. In the context of the sentence, it is used to describe the general character or behavior of the Indian population, suggesting that while there may be individual exceptions, the masses are mostly or generally law-abiding. This phrase effectively qualifies the statement to reflect a broad truth about a large group.

Explanation

When expressing regret about a past event using "wish," the past perfect tense (had + past participle) is used. Since the action of seeing the film happened in the past, "hadn't seen" is the correct grammatical form to express that regret.

Explanation

The word disreputable describes an appearance that is not respectable, shabby, or seedy, which directly relates to having uncombed hair and old clothes. The other options refer to behavior (disrespectful), temperament (disputatious), or emotional state (discontented), rather than physical appearance.

Explanation

The sentence utilizes a double negative structure to emphasize that ecological research is an ongoing process. The word perfected implies a state of absolute completion where every detail is understood and no further discovery is possible. In the context of scientific inquiry, if the study of a particular ecosystem were truly perfected, it would cease to offer new questions or insights. Therefore, such a subject would no longer interest ecologists who are dedicated to exploring and understanding the complexities of the natural world. By stating that no such perfected ecosystems exist yet, the sentence confirms that all vegetation types remain subjects of active professional curiosity and investigation.

Explanation

Mollify is derived from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, and refers to the act of pacifying someone's anger or reducing the severity of a situation. Assuage is the most accurate synonym because it means to make an unpleasant feeling less intense or to satisfy a concern, thereby bringing about a state of calm. Both terms are used interchangeably in contexts involving the mitigation of distress, agitation, or resentment.

Explanation

An obstacle refers to a thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress. A hindrance is defined as a person or thing that makes it more difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. Since both terms describe a barrier, impediment, or obstruction that delays or resists advancement, hindrance is the synonym that best expresses the meaning of obstacle.

Explanation

Audacious is an adjective used to describe a person or action that shows a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks. The term is derived from the Latin word audax, which means bold or intrepid. In English, it characterizes someone who is fearless, adventurous, and undaunted by challenges or danger. This quality is synonymous with being daring, as both words define the spirit of undertaking difficult or dangerous tasks with courage and confidence. Whether used in a positive sense to mean brave or a negative sense to mean impudent, the core meaning remains centered on a high degree of boldness and risk-taking.

Explanation

The word plummet is a verb that means to fall or drop straight down at a very high speed or to decrease rapidly in value or amount. In contrast, the word soar means to fly or rise high in the air or to increase rapidly above the usual level. While plummeting indicates a sharp and sudden downward movement, soaring indicates a sharp and sudden upward movement, making them opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The word volatile describes something that is liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, often moving from one state to another or being characterized by sudden fluctuations in behavior or condition. In contrast, the word stable refers to a state that is firm, steady, and not prone to sudden change or failure. Therefore, stable serves as the direct antonym by representing consistency and permanence as opposed to the instability and variability inherent in a volatile nature.

Explanation

Ebullient describes a person who is cheerful, energetic, and full of enthusiasm or excitement. It originates from the Latin word ebullire, which means to boil over, metaphorically representing an overflow of high spirits. Spiritless is the direct antonym as it describes someone who lacks energy, animation, or vivacity. While an ebullient person is characterized by exuberant vitality, a spiritless person is listless and devoid of enthusiasm.

Explanation

The phrasal verb set about means to begin a task or start doing something, especially with determination or energy. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the individual initiated the process of organizing the department immediately. This idiom is typically used to describe the commencement of a specific activity or the act of beginning to deal with a particular problem or project.

Explanation

The idiom "go through the hoop" refers to being made to undergo a series of difficult tasks, rigorous training, or strenuous tests to satisfy a particular requirement. It originates from the image of a circus animal being forced to jump through a hoop to prove its skill or obedience. In the context of military service, it signifies the demanding and exhaustive physical and mental evaluations that candidates must successfully complete to be accepted into the force.

Explanation

The idiom playing ducks and drakes refers to the act of squandering or wasting something in a reckless and irresponsible manner. It originates from the ancient pastime of skipping flat stones across the surface of water, where the stones are tossed away carelessly for brief amusement. In a figurative sense, when someone plays ducks and drakes with money or wealth, they are treating it as something of little value and spending it foolishly or thoughtlessly without any regard for the consequences or the future.

Explanation

The idiom curtain lecture refers to a private reprimand or a cautionary scolding, typically given behind closed doors where others cannot overhear. Historically, the term originated from the practice of a wife scolding her husband in the privacy of their bed, which was often enclosed by curtains. In a professional or educational context, it signifies a serious talk or warning delivered in private by a person in authority to address a specific grievance or behavioral issue without causing public embarrassment.

Explanation

The idiom to end in smoke refers to a situation where an undertaking or plan comes to nothing or fails to produce any concrete achievement. It suggests that despite initial efforts, discussions, or high expectations, the final outcome is zero or non-existent, much like smoke that dissipates into the air without leaving any solid residue. Therefore, saying a project ended in smoke signifies that it yielded no practical result or tangible success.

Explanation

The early bird catches the worm is a standard English proverb that emphasizes the importance of starting a task early to maximize the chances of success. In the context of established idioms and proverbs, the phrasing is fixed and requires the definite article the to function correctly as a part of the established linguistic formula. The use of the definite article identifies the subject in its traditional and most recognized form.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression used when someone has not paid their rent on time is to be "behind with" or "behind in" the rent. Replacing the phrase "in deficit" with "behind" provides the most natural and standard English usage for this context.

Explanation

The idiom head over heels in love is a standard English expression used to describe a state of being completely, deeply, or intensely in love with someone. It implies the sensation of tumbling or doing a somersault due to overwhelming emotion. Historically, the phrase was originally heels over head, which accurately described a physical fall or flip, but it evolved into the popular version head over heels by the late 18th century. In modern usage, this fixed phrase does not take possessive pronouns or definite articles within the idiom itself. Since the sentence uses the idiom in its correct, conventional form, no grammatical or idiomatic improvement is necessary.

Explanation

The phrase far into the night is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to indicate that an activity continues until a very late hour. In this construction, the noun night requires the definite article the to be grammatically complete when referring to the period of darkness following a specific day. The adverb far serves to modify the prepositional phrase into the night, emphasizing the extent or lateness of the time. Without the definite article, the phrase lacks proper syntactic structure for describing duration.

Explanation

In military terminology, the adjective seasoned is used to describe soldiers or veterans who have gained significant experience, skill, and maturity through long service and exposure to combat. It is the most appropriate word to contrast with untrained troops, as it specifically denotes being battle-hardened and reliable under pressure. While a veteran is someone who has served, the term seasoned veteran is a standard collocation emphasizing that the individual has been thoroughly tested by experience.

Explanation

The correct expression is Only once did she give way to emotions because when a sentence begins with a restrictive adverbial phrase like Only once, it requires subject-verb inversion (auxiliary did before the subject she). Additionally, give way is the correct idiom meaning to lose control or yield, whereas give her way is incorrect in this context.

Explanation

The phrase "to be one too many for someone" is an established, though somewhat dated, idiom meaning to be more than a match for someone or too clever/powerful for them to handle. While "too much for him" is more common in modern English, "one too many" is the only idiomatic option provided that correctly fits the context of being a superior opponent in a game like chess. Options A and B are grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

The phrase throughout history identifies a time period that began in the past and continues into the present. In English grammar, the present perfect tense is used to describe a state or action that has persisted from a past point up to the current time. By using have been, the sentence correctly indicates that the human tendency to wage war is a continuous trait that characterizes both ancient eras and the modern world.

Explanation

The verb transpire is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object and cannot be used in the passive voice. The construction has been transpired is grammatically incorrect because intransitive verbs denoting an occurrence or state do not have passive forms. The active present perfect form has transpired must be used to indicate that an event has happened. Furthermore, the phrase worthy of note is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe something significant or remarkable. Therefore, the corrected sentence uses the active voice and proper idiomatic phrasing to state that nothing significant has occurred.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression to be of age means to have reached the legal age for adult status or for a specific activity, such as getting married or voting. In the sentence, the phrase signifies that the person has attained the stage of life where they possess the legal capacity to make their own choices, rendering outside prevention ineffective. The preposition of is the standard grammatical choice used in this context to indicate the state of having reached maturity.

Explanation

A fusillade is defined as a series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in very quick succession. The word originates from the French term fusil, which means a light musket or rifle. It is commonly used in military and historical contexts to describe a heavy and simultaneous discharge of firearms aimed at a specific target to create a concentrated volume of fire.

Explanation

The term Amazon originates from Greek mythology, referring to a legendary tribe of female warriors known for their exceptional height, physical strength, and combat prowess. In modern English usage, the word is applied to describe a woman who is remarkably tall, powerful, and athletic, embodying the physical characteristics associated with those ancient legendary figures.

Explanation

The word conundrum is defined as a confusing and difficult problem or a question that is inherently challenging to solve. It typically refers to an intricate situation or a riddle that requires deep thought or where the solution is elusive. This makes it a precise linguistic substitute for the phrase a difficult problem, particularly when describing a complex dilemma or an intellectual challenge that is not easily resolved.

Explanation

Imperialism is the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation, especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas. It typically involves a powerful nation-state exerting its influence and authority over weaker countries or territories to build an empire and increase its global reach.

Explanation

An etymologist is a specialist in etymology, the branch of linguistics that deals with the origin and historical development of words. This involves tracing a word back to its earliest recorded appearance, identifying its source in other languages, and analyzing how its form and meaning have evolved over centuries. The term is derived from the Greek words etymon, meaning true sense or original meaning, and logos, meaning the study of. By examining historical texts and using comparative linguistic methods, etymologists map the genealogical relationships between words across different language families.

Explanation

An omnibus is a single volume containing several works, such as novels, short stories, or essays, that were previously published separately. In the publishing industry, it is the specific term used for a large book that reprints multiple pieces of literature by one author or on a single subject to provide a comprehensive collection for the reader. The term derives from the Latin word meaning for all, indicating its nature as a collective edition that gathers multiple distinct writings into one physical book.

Explanation

A vandal is a person who willfully or maliciously destroys, defaces, or damages public or private property. The term is derived from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that famously sacked Rome in 455 AD, and it has since become the standard English noun for someone who engages in the act of vandalism. This behavior typically involves the intentional ruin of things such as buildings, monuments, or natural landscapes without the owner's permission.

Explanation

The word irresistible is formed by combining the prefix ir- with the root word resist and the suffix -ible. In English spelling rules derived from Latin, the suffix -ible is used with the root resist to form an adjective meaning too powerful or convincing to be resisted. The spelling follows the pattern of using an i in both the middle and final syllables of the suffix chain.

Explanation

The word Baroque refers to a highly ornate and extravagant style of architecture, art, and music that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the mid-18th century. The standard spelling is B-A-R-O-Q-U-E, which is derived from the French word of the same name. The term originally comes from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning an irregularly shaped pearl, reflecting the intricate and complex nature of the artistic movement it describes. In modern English, it is also used more broadly to describe anything that is excessively ornate or complex in style.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that drug addiction has attained the proportions of almost an epidemic among the youth. While the text notes that individuals of all ages and locations are susceptible to drug use, it highlights the youth as the most vulnerable group. This widespread prevalence among young people is characterized as a significant psychiatric, psychological, and social problem that has escalated to a scale comparable to an epidemic within that demographic.

Explanation

The passage describes the progression of drug use as a cycle starting with the initial intake or experimentation, which constitutes the initiation phase often prompted by peer influence or curiosity. This initial stage provides the user with temporary mental relaxation or short-lived ecstasy, which serves as a psychological refuge from stress and depression. The text explains that this temporary relief encourages the individual to indulge more frequently, eventually leading to a state where the body becomes totally dependent on the substance and cannot survive without it, which is the final stage of drug addiction. Thus, the sequence of initiation, the sought-after relaxation, and the resulting physical and mental dependence defines the cycle presented in the text.

Explanation

The passage states that according to Bertrand Russell in The Conquest of Happiness, the sole reason for unhappiness in the heart of man is the unhindered growth of self-centred passions. The text further clarifies that these passions are more often materialistic. Therefore, the combination of these two elements as materialistic self-centredness forms the primary cause of unhappiness cited by Russell.

Explanation

The passage employs a funnel approach, starting with Bertrand Russell's philosophical premise regarding materialistic passions and modern stress to ultimately focus on the specific crisis of drug addiction. While the opening paragraph establishes the societal context of competition and consumerism, the subsequent sections transition into a detailed examination of drug dependency. The writer characterizes drug addiction as a complex psychiatric, psychological, and social problem, specifically highlighting its epidemic proportions among the youth. By analyzing the causes of addiction—such as the need for mental relaxation, peer pressure, and the lack of parental supervision—and describing the physical and mental dependence it creates, the author identifies drug addiction as the primary subject of concern and the central theme being developed.

Explanation

The passage highlights that youth are driven to drug use by a combination of modern societal pressures. It explicitly mentions that individuals must face the brunt of being born in a fast changing society, which accounts for the impact of rapid changes. The text also describes a mad rat race of consumerism and the pressure on children to fare better than their classmates in all activities, representing the undue competition of the modern world. Furthermore, it states that a section of the youth experiments with drugs because they are unable to cope with the expectations of their loved ones and the stress of outdoing others. This inability to handle the psychological and social demands of contemporary life, coupled with the pace and competitive nature of the environment, collectively pushes the youth toward seeking refuge in drugs.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly states that the vast majority of viruses use complex anti-detection and stealth strategies to evade antivirus software. These strategies include sophisticated techniques like code obfuscation, encryption, or polymorphism, which are designed to mask the virus's presence and bypass the scanning engines of security programs. By actively hiding their signature and behavior, these viruses can remain operational on a system while avoiding being flagged or quarantined by standard protective tools.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly identifies sabotage and denial of service as specific motives for the creation of computer viruses. These programs are designed to replicate and spread, often with the intent to disrupt or disable the normal functioning of a computer system or network, thereby preventing legitimate users from accessing services or resources.

Explanation

In the context of computer security and the provided passage, a vulnerability refers to a weakness, flaw, or gap in a system's defenses that can be exploited by malicious software or attackers. Susceptibility is a direct synonym as it describes the state or quality of being prone to, easily influenced by, or likely to be harmed by a particular threat. In software engineering, when a program lacks sufficient protection against exploits, it is said to have a vulnerability, meaning the system is susceptible to being compromised by viruses that use social engineering or technical exploits to gain unauthorized access.

Explanation

A computer virus is fundamentally distinguished from other types of software or malware by its capacity for self-replication. This characteristic involves the virus inserting copies of its own code into other computer programs, data files, or the boot sector of a hard drive upon execution. This mechanism allows the virus to propagate through a system or between systems without the explicit consent or action of the user, mimicking the behavior of a biological virus. While a virus may have various payloads or stealth techniques, the act of reproducing itself into host files is its essential identifying feature.