SSC CGL Tier 1 2014 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Based on the provided data regarding the National Highways network as of 2010, the majority of the infrastructure consisted of two-lane roads. Out of the total network measuring approximately 71,000 km, only about 15,000 km were developed into four or six lanes. In contrast, the remaining 50,000 km—representing roughly 70 percent of the entire network—were two-lane configurations, typically providing one lane in each direction. Although the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been progressively upgrading many segments to four, six, or eight lanes to handle the 40 percent of total road traffic carried by these highways, the structural majority remained at the two-lane standard during this period.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as written. The subject "Part of the research program" is properly followed by the transitive verb "involved," which correctly takes the gerund "interviewing" as its object, and the phrase "in inner-city areas" is a standard prepositional phrase.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it stands. The phrasal verb put up at is used correctly to mean staying temporarily at a location like a hotel. The phrase board and lodging is a standard idiomatic expression referring to meals and accommodation provided together. Furthermore, the plural verb were correctly agrees with the plural subject charges, and the adjective expensive is appropriate for describing the cost or charges of a service. Since every part of the sentence adheres to standard English grammar and usage, there is no error.

Explanation

The adverb very is used to modify adjectives in the positive degree and present participles used as adjectives. While much is typically used with adjectives in the comparative degree and past participles, there is a specific group of past participles that have acquired a purely adjectival nature and are preceded by very. This group includes words such as tired, pleased, delighted, dejected, and harassed. In this sentence, harassed functions as an adjective describing the state of the subject, and therefore very should be used as the intensifier instead of much.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct. The subject "The young man" is followed by the linking verb "was," which connects the subject to two complements: "surprised" and "scandalized." Both "surprised" and "scandalized" are past participles functioning as adjectives to describe the man's state of mind, maintaining proper parallel structure. The idiomatic phrase "a shade" serves as an adverb of degree meaning "slightly" or "a bit," which correctly modifies the adjective "scandalized." The adverb "perhaps" is appropriately placed to indicate uncertainty regarding the extent of the reaction.

Explanation

When two or more singular nouns are joined by the conjunction and and are preceded by the distributive adjectives each or every, the subject is considered singular in nature. In such cases, the sentence requires a singular verb to maintain subject-verb agreement. In the given sentence, the compound subject every boy and every girl must be followed by the singular auxiliary verb was instead of the plural form were.

Explanation

Creaking is the specific onomatopoeic term used to describe the sharp, squeaking sound produced by friction when two surfaces rub together, typically associated with doors, floorboards, or hinges. When a door is opened or closed, the movement of the metal parts of the hinge against each other creates this distinct high-pitched noise, making it the most appropriate word to describe the sound emanating from hinges.

Explanation

The sentence is in the passive voice, as indicated by the agent phrase by the recording director. In English grammar, the passive voice is formed using a form of the verb to be followed by the past participle of the main verb. Since the subject The sound effects is plural, the corresponding form of the verb to be in the simple present tense is are. Combined with the past participle provided, it creates a grammatically complete and correct predicate that describes a regular action or a general fact.

Explanation

The term bale refers to a large bundle or package of raw material, such as cotton, hay, or wool, that is compressed and tightly bound with wire or straps for storage or transportation. In the textile industry, cotton is processed and packed into these standardized heavy units to facilitate shipping and trade, making it the appropriate collective noun and physical description for a large quantity of the material.

Explanation

In this context, the sentence requires a noun that signifies official agreement or formal approval. The word assent functions as a noun meaning the expression of approval or agreement, typically from a person in a position of authority. By giving his assent, the principal is providing his formal consent or permission for the match to take place. This word fits the grammatical structure of the sentence as it follows the possessive adjective his to indicate the action of granting permission.

Explanation

The word fowl refers to birds that are commonly hunted for food or kept for their eggs and meat, such as chickens, ducks, geese, or pheasants. In the context of a hunter procuring meat for dinner, this term correctly identifies the type of animal being hunted as game birds.

Explanation

The word honest refers to a person who is truthful, sincere, and free of deceit or fraud. Upright is a direct synonym that describes an individual who is strictly honorable and adheres to high moral principles. In the context of character and ethics, an upright person is one who acts with integrity and righteousness, which perfectly aligns with the definition of being honest.

Explanation

The word vocation refers to a person's primary trade, profession, or calling. It stems from the Latin vocatio, meaning a calling, and describes the work for which a person is specially drawn, trained, or qualified. In contemporary usage, it is synonymous with occupation, as both terms signify the regular activity, business, or career that an individual engages in to earn a living. While it can imply a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career, its most direct synonym in a general context is the work or job a person performs.

Explanation

The word cantankerous is an adjective used to describe someone who is bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. It characterises a person who is difficult to deal with and frequently engages in disputes or disagreements. The term quarrelsome is a direct synonym, as it refers to a person who is apt or disposed to argue or fight. Both terms define a personality trait marked by irritability and a persistent tendency to initiate verbal conflict.

Explanation

Frugality refers to the quality of being economical, thrifty, or cautious with the use of money and resources. Its direct antonym is prodigality, which denotes the trait of being wastefully extravagant or spending money in a reckless and lavish manner without regard for the future.

Explanation

Humane refers to the quality of showing compassion, benevolence, and consideration for the well-being of others, particularly those who are suffering or vulnerable. It is characterized by empathy and a desire to act in a kind and civilized manner. The word unkind is its direct opposite because it describes a lack of sympathy, a harsh disposition, or a tendency to be indifferent or cruel to the feelings and needs of others. While a humane person acts with gentleness and mercy, an unkind person lacks these moral and emotional sensitivities, making it the most appropriate antonym among the choices.

Explanation

Miserable is an adjective used to describe a person who is wretchedly unhappy, uncomfortable, or in a state of great distress. It signifies a profound lack of well-being or joy. The word happy serves as its direct antonym because it characterizes a state of feeling or showing pleasure, contentment, and satisfaction, representing the opposite emotional spectrum.

Explanation

The idiom read between the lines refers to the process of discovering a meaning that is not openly stated or finding an implied message within a piece of writing or speech. It involves looking for clues to understand the writer's true intentions, feelings, or hidden thoughts that are conveyed through subtext rather than literal words. By interpreting these subtle nuances, a reader can gain a deeper insight into the actual perspective and underlying sentiment of the author.

Explanation

The idiom to throw dust in one's eyes originates from the literal act of throwing dust or sand into an opponent's eyes during a physical struggle to temporarily blind them and gain an advantage. Figuratively, it means to deliberately mislead or deceive someone by preventing them from seeing the truth or understanding the reality of a situation. It implies creating a distraction or providing false information to cloud another person's judgment and conceal one's true motives or actions.

Explanation

The idiom a cut above signifies being noticeably superior to or of a higher quality than others in a particular group or category. It is used to describe someone who possesses better skills, character, or status, creating a clear distinction of excellence. In this context, it indicates that the boy is rather superior to the rest of the group.

Explanation

The idiom to show the white flag originates from historical military customs where a white cloth was raised to signal a request for a truce or to indicate surrender. It signifies that one side has ceased fighting and is ready to yield to the opposing force. In the given context, the bank robbers signaled their submission to the police upon their arrival.

Explanation

The idiom to cut someone short means to interrupt someone who is speaking, preventing them from finishing what they were saying. Therefore, to interrupt one is the most accurate meaning among the given options.

Explanation

The word quickened means to stimulate or make more active, which is an appropriate and idiomatic way to describe interest being sparked or intensified. Multiplied is incorrect in this context, and quickened is more precise than raised or increased for describing the stimulation of a feeling.

Explanation

The verb exist is a stative verb, which describes a state or condition rather than a physical action or process. Stative verbs are generally not used in the continuous or progressive tenses. To express a fact about the status of a telephone number, the simple present tense is required. Consequently, the phrase does not exist is the grammatically appropriate form to indicate that the number is currently invalid or unavailable.

Explanation

The original sentence is grammatically sound as it uses the standard infinitive construction following an adjective. In the structure It is/Would it be + adjective + to-infinitive, the infinitive to ask correctly completes the thought. Furthermore, the subordinate noun clause why you are leaving is correctly phrased in the present continuous tense, indicating a current or upcoming action. Since the phrasing follows established rules of English syntax and verb agreement, no changes are required.

Explanation

The modal verb must is used to express a strong necessity, a logical certainty, or a vital requirement. In the context of the sentence, it emphasizes a fundamental realization or mindset that is essential for success. Since the sentence conveys a general truth about how achievements are realized over time rather than instantly, must provides the appropriate level of emphasis required to denote that this understanding is an indispensable condition for progress. It functions as a strong recommendation or an internal obligation to accept a reality, making it a more forceful and suitable choice for such a motivational or philosophical statement.

Explanation

The noun familiarity followed by the preposition with is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe a person's close knowledge or command of a specific subject, such as a language. In the context of the sentence, familiarity with the local language denotes a high degree of proficiency and ease that would naturally cause surprise in others. This phrase more precisely captures the sense of being well-versed in the nuances and everyday usage of a dialect compared to a generic description of skill.

Explanation

The adverb usually indicates a habitual action or routine, which requires the simple present tense. The correct form for the first-person singular subject I is do not take.

Explanation

The phrase Unless the system is modified improves the sentence by using the passive voice to eliminate the vague and unspecified pronoun they. In formal writing, the passive voice is preferred when the agent performing the action is unknown, irrelevant, or obvious, allowing the focus to remain on the system itself. Grammatically, this follows the rules for first conditional sentences where the conditional clause introduced by unless uses the present simple tense to refer to a future possibility, which correctly aligns with the future simple tense will suffer in the main clause.

Explanation

The adverb yet is used in negative sentences to describe an action that has not happened up to the current moment, which requires the present perfect tense. Therefore, have not seen is the grammatically correct improvement over the simple past did not see.

Explanation

The adjective repulsive is the most appropriate term to describe a sight that causes intense disgust, aversion, or strong distaste. In the sentence structure, a subject complement is required after the linking verb is to describe the quality of the sight of the lizard. While hateful implies that something is deserving of or characterized by hatred, repulsive specifically denotes the visceral reaction of physical or psychological revulsion often associated with certain creatures. Thus, repulsive correctly functions as an adjective that modifies the subject to express that the sight triggers a feeling of intense dislike or loathing.

Explanation

The verb touch is used transitively in this context to mean to mention, address, or deal with a specific subject or issue. When used regarding a discourse or discussion, it signifies the act of reaching or handling a particular point. In the given sentence, it indicates that the speaker failed to address the core essence of the topic during his speech. This usage is grammatically valid and idiomatic in standard English, therefore the sentence is correct as written.

Explanation

Polygamy is derived from the Greek words poly, meaning many, and gamos, meaning marriage. It denotes the custom or practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. In general usage and linguistic classification, it serves as the overarching term for plural marriage, including the specific instance of a man having multiple wives. Since the term encompasses all forms of multiple concurrent marriages, it is the appropriate substitute for the practice of having many wives.

Explanation

The word revel means to take great pleasure or delight in something. It is a verb used to describe the act of enjoying oneself in a lively way or experiencing intense satisfaction and joy from a specific situation or achievement.

Explanation

Animosity refers to a feeling of strong hostility, ill will, or deep-seated resentment between individuals or groups. It represents an active and intense state of dislike that often results from past conflicts or fundamental disagreements. The term is derived from the Latin word animositas, which signifies a spirited or vigorous nature, though in English usage, it specifically characterizes a powerful spirit of enmity or a persistent feeling of opposition and hatred.

Explanation

The term amphibian refers to organisms that are capable of living both on land and in water. This word is derived from the Greek terms amphi, meaning both or double, and bios, meaning life, literally translating to a double life. Frogs are the primary examples of this class of vertebrates because they typically undergo a metamorphosis from an aquatic larval stage, where they breathe through gills, to a terrestrial adult stage, where they breathe through lungs and skin. Their unique biological requirement to inhabit both environments makes amphibian the precise term for this characteristic.

Explanation

An epic is defined as a lengthy narrative poem that treats a serious or noble subject with great dignity. It typically focuses on the deeds of heroic or legendary figures and is central to the cultural or national identity of a people. The Mahabharata, being one of the longest poetical works in existence and centered on the grand theme of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes, is the quintessential example of this literary form.

Explanation

A teetotaller is an individual who practices teetotalism, which is the complete personal abstinence from alcoholic beverages. The term emerged during the 19th-century temperance movement in England, specifically in the 1830s, where advocates emphasized a total commitment to sobriety. It is often attributed to Richard Turner, a member of the Preston Temperance Society, who used the phrase T-total to signify total abstinence rather than mere moderation. Such individuals choose to avoid alcohol entirely due to various reasons, including religious beliefs, health concerns, or personal discipline.

Explanation

In legal terminology, a plaintiff is the individual or entity that initiates a lawsuit against another party in a court of law. By filing a formal complaint or petition, the plaintiff seeks a legal remedy or compensation for a perceived wrong, harm, or breach of contract. This term is specific to civil law proceedings, where the party bringing the action bears the initial burden of proving the allegations made in the suit.

Explanation

The word missionary is formed by combining the root noun mission with the suffix ary. In English, the suffix ary is frequently used to denote a person associated with or a thing relating to the root word. The root mission comes from the Latin missio, which means the act of sending. Consequently, the correct spelling preserves the double s from mission and utilizes the ary ending common in words describing professional roles or practitioners. A missionary is defined as a person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote a faith in a foreign country through service or proselytization.

Explanation

The word propeller is derived from the verb propel, which comes from the Latin roots pro (forward) and pellere (to drive). According to English spelling rules, when a suffix starting with a vowel is added to a multi-syllable verb that ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, and the stress falls on the final syllable, the final consonant must be doubled. Therefore, the final l in propel is doubled before adding the agent suffix -er, resulting in the correct spelling propeller to describe a mechanical device that provides thrust.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly states that unofficial figures suggest as many as 40 to 100 million children work in hazardous industries such as glassware, fireworks, and quarries. This numerical range directly identifies the scale of the child labor force in dangerous sectors as being in the millions.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that an activist narrated heart-rending and shocking stories of many hapless children and accused the society of insensitivity towards this vulnerable section. This indicates that the general public is perceived as being indifferent or unresponsive to the harsh conditions and exploitation faced by child workers across various industries.

Explanation

The term heart-rending is a compound adjective derived from the verb rend, which means to tear or rip apart. In a figurative sense, it describes something that causes extreme sadness, grief, or intense mental anguish, essentially tearing at one's heart. In the context of the passage, the activist uses this word to characterize the stories of child laborers who endure nightmarish ordeals and deprivation. It signifies that the narrative is deeply distressing and evokes a strong emotional response of sorrow and pity from the listener. Since the passage already uses the word shocking as a separate descriptor for the stories, heart-rending specifically highlights the profound emotional misery and the pathetic nature of the children's plight.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states in the first sentence that the reports were published by a Delhi based non-governmental organization working for the elimination of child labour in India. The text attributes the findings regarding the nightmarish ordeals of children, the statistics of child workers, and the descriptions of hazardous work environments directly to the studies and narrations provided by this specific organization and its activists.

Explanation

The text mentions that children undergo nightmarish ordeals, which directly describes the state and conditions of their childhood experience. While the word hapless is used in the text, it describes the children themselves rather than the conditions in which they live or work.

Explanation

The author establishes a direct parallel between the impact of electric power and the development of nuclear energy. The opening sentence of the passage explicitly states that the advent of electric power was, in a way, comparable to the successful development and application of nuclear power in the 20th century. This comparison highlights the transformative and revolutionary nature of electricity as a breakthrough in energy technology, placing its historical significance on par with one of the most major scientific advancements of the modern era.

Explanation

According to the provided text, Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry simultaneously discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction in 1831. This scientific breakthrough served as a vital key in the production of electricity, as it provided the theoretical foundation required for the eventual development of the generator and the dynamo in the following decades.

Explanation

In the context of the provided text, the word advent refers to the arrival or emergence of a significant new development, invention, or era. Etymologically derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming, it is used to describe the point at which something important appears or begins to be used. When discussing the advent of electric power, the passage signifies the arrival of electricity as a transformative force in human history, marking its introduction and subsequent impact on the world.

Explanation

As stated in the provided text, the generator is sometimes also called the dynamo. A dynamo is an electrical generator that produces direct current using a commutator. The development of the first practical dynamos or generators in the early 1870s followed the 1831 discovery of the principle of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry. This mechanism converts mechanical rotation into pulsing direct electric current, serving as the foundation for modern power generation and the widespread adoption of electric power.