SSC CGL Tier 1 2014 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

According to the passage, by the early twentieth century, home economists in extension and outreach programs provided instruction to women on the practical application of paper patterns. The text specifically attributes the improvement in the fit and efficiency of new garments, as well as the ability to update existing ones, to the use of these paper patterns. While other technological advancements like sewing machines and mass production contributed to the broader availability of fashion, the specific technical enhancement of garment construction and sizing was facilitated through the standardization provided by paper patterns.

Explanation

The word barbarous is used to describe a state of being primitive, unsophisticated, or lacking in culture and refinement. It often refers to societies or behaviors that are considered wild or characterized by extreme cruelty and a lack of social organization. The word civilized acts as the direct antonym because it describes a person or society that has reached an advanced stage of social, cultural, and moral development. A civilized entity is marked by organized laws, refined manners, and the promotion of arts and sciences, which stands in direct contrast to the unpolished and primitive nature of something that is barbarous.

Explanation

The word heighten means to increase the amount, intensity, or degree of something. Its direct opposite is decrease, which means to make something smaller or less in size, amount, intensity, or degree. While heighten involves scaling up or intensifying a quality or state, decrease involves scaling down or reducing it.

Explanation

The word dubious is derived from the Latin term dubiosus, which signifies a state of doubt, hesitation, or uncertainty. It describes something that is not clearly defined, suspicious, or not to be relied upon. In contrast, the word certain denotes a state of being absolutely sure, established beyond any doubt, or fixed and reliable. Since dubious represents a lack of conviction and certainty represents complete confidence or factual truth, certain acts as the direct antonym by providing the opposite sense of reliability and clarity.

Explanation

The idiom dot one's i's and cross one's t's refers to being meticulous and paying close attention to every small detail. It originates from the practice of careful handwriting, where failing to add dots to the letter i or horizontal strokes to the letter t could lead to confusion or illegibility. In a professional context, particularly for a lawyer, it signifies the necessity of being thorough, exact, and ensuring that all aspects of a task or legal document are completed with precision to avoid any errors or omissions.

Explanation

The idiom down in the dumps is a common figurative expression used to describe a person who is feeling unhappy, gloomy, or discouraged. It signifies a state of melancholy or dejection, often as a reaction to a specific disappointing event or misfortune. Historically, the term dumps referred to a fit of depression or a low state of mind. Therefore, in the context of losing money, the phrase characterizes Ramu as being sad and depressed.

Explanation

The idiom to turn up one's nose at something means to reject or treat something with disdain, scorn, or contempt because it is perceived as not being good enough. It originates from the physical gesture of wrinkling the nose or tilting the head back to show superiority or disgust. In the context of an offer, it indicates that the person looked down upon the proposal and dismissed it arrogantly as unworthy of their consideration.

Explanation

The idiom hard and fast refers to rules or regulations that are strictly defined, fixed, and inflexible. It originates from nautical terminology where a ship that was hard and fast was firmly aground and unable to move. In a figurative sense, it describes a standard or policy that is permanent and does not allow for any exceptions, modifications, or relaxation. Therefore, a hard and fast rule is one that cannot be altered or adjusted to fit different circumstances.

Explanation

The idiom strain every nerve means to exert oneself to the maximum limit or to make the greatest possible effort to achieve a particular objective. It implies using all of one's energy, resources, and determination in a physical or mental sense to ensure success in a task. In the context of the sentence, it signifies that the father put in intense and diligent hard work to ensure his daughter was well-settled in life.

Explanation

The phrase to contradict himself is a standard idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a person makes statements that are logically inconsistent with their own previous assertions. In the context of a speaker becoming confused, this term accurately conveys that they are saying things that conflict with what they said earlier. The sentence is grammatically correct and uses the most precise vocabulary for the intended meaning, requiring no changes to the original wording.

Explanation

The word ever is redundant in the original sentence because its meaning is already captured by the phrase every year. Both terms are used to denote a continuous or recurring progression over time. In standard English usage, the present continuous verb form is increasing sufficiently describes a trend that is currently in progress. When this verb form is paired with the temporal adverbial every year, it clearly and accurately conveys that the quantity rises with each passing year. Eliminating ever removes the unnecessary repetition of the concept of continuity, resulting in a more concise and grammatically sound sentence.

Explanation

The word nostalgic refers to a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. Looking at pictures of an old home naturally evokes this specific emotion of yearning for a previous time or residence. The term accurately captures the psychological state of reflecting on one's history and personal memories through visual triggers, making it the most precise and contextually appropriate choice for the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase on the way is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe an event occurring while one is traveling from one place to another. In English grammar, the preposition on is specifically used with the noun way to indicate progress along a route or journey. This usage correctly conveys that the meeting happened during the course of transit between two locations.

Explanation

The verb appreciate functions as a transitive verb in this context, meaning it requires a direct object to receive its action. Since the following clause beginning with if serves as a conditional modifier rather than a direct object, the pronoun it must be inserted as a dummy or anticipatory object. This structure completes the grammatical requirement of the transitive verb by providing a placeholder that refers to the subsequent action of accepting the proposal.

Explanation

The term unwell is the most appropriate and concise adjective to describe a person who is not in good health or is feeling sick. In the given sentence, replacing the phrase not very-well with unwell improves the grammatical precision and flow of the sentence while accurately conveying the intended meaning regarding Rajesh's health status.

Explanation

The phrase is known to her is the most idiomatic and concise way to express that a person possesses information or awareness regarding a particular matter. In English, the verb know is a stative verb, which describes a state rather than an action, and it is most naturally used in the simple present tense to indicate current awareness. Furthermore, when know is used in a passive-style construction to describe the state of being familiar to someone, it is conventionally followed by the preposition to rather than by or other alternatives. This construction provides a direct and standard formal structure for the sentence.

Explanation

The verb lend means to give something to someone for a period of time with the expectation that it will be returned, whereas borrow means to take or receive something from someone. In the structure Will you lend me some money, the subject you is the person performing the action of giving. Using the single verb lend is more direct and grammatically precise than the phrase let me borrow when the request is directed at the potential giver. This substitution maintains the uncountable nature of money while employing the correct causative relationship between the lender and the borrower.

Explanation

In legislative terminology, the word session refers to the period during which a parliament or a similar assembly meets to conduct its business. Under Article 85 of the Indian Constitution, the President has the power to summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, and the period between the first meeting of the House and its prorogation is formally designated as a session. The Indian Parliament typically holds three sessions annually: the Budget Session, the Monsoon Session, and the Winter Session. While the word season describes climatic periods or recurring annual intervals, session is the precise legal and formal term for the assembly of a deliberative body.

Explanation

When a sentence is converted into indirect speech and the reporting verb is in the past tense, such as said, the tense of the verb in the reported clause must shift back to a corresponding past tense. This rule of backshifting requires the present perfect tense has read to be changed into the past perfect tense had read to maintain the correct sequence of tenses.

Explanation

Anarchy is derived from the Greek word anarkhia, signifying a state without a ruler or supreme authority. In political and social contexts, it describes a condition of lawlessness and disorder resulting from the absence of a governing body or the failure of a government to enforce its laws. It represents a situation where established legal systems and social order have collapsed, leading to total chaos and the lack of organized administrative control.

Explanation

The term accomplice refers to a person who knowingly and voluntarily helps another person commit a crime or an unlawful act. It is the specific legal and vocabulary term used to describe a partner in crime. An accomplice provides assistance or encouragement to the principal offender before or during the execution of the offense, making them legally responsible for the collaborative illegal activity.

Explanation

The word inaudible describes a sound, voice, or speech that is impossible to hear or not loud enough to be heard. It is derived from the Latin root audire, which means to hear, combined with the negative prefix in-. In the context of the sentence, since the people in the back rows were unable to hear the speech, the most appropriate term to substitute the description is inaudible.

Explanation

A jaunt refers to a short journey or excursion taken specifically for pleasure or recreation. The term implies a brief trip, often spontaneous or lighthearted in nature, that serves as a break from one's daily routine. In linguistic usage, it is the precise term used to describe a quick outing or a pleasant, short-lived expedition.

Explanation

An incentive is defined as something that motivates or encourages an individual to perform a specific action or to work harder. It serves as a stimulus or a driving force that incites behavior toward a desired goal. In various contexts, such as economics or psychology, an incentive acts as the primary catalyst or motive that triggers a response or effort from an individual.

Explanation

Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. It combines science, aesthetics, and technique to build a spatial representation that communicates geographic information effectively. The term is derived from the Greek words chartis, meaning map, and graphein, meaning to write or draw. It involves various processes such as data collection, map design, and the use of mathematical projections to represent the Earth's three-dimensional surface on a two-dimensional plane. Historically and in modern practice, it serves as the essential discipline for navigation, urban planning, and geographic analysis.

Explanation

A podium is a small platform or pedestal used to elevate a person above their surroundings so they can be clearly seen by an audience while giving a speech or presentation. The term is derived from the Greek word podion, which means foot, highlighting its primary function as a raised floor or base for a speaker to stand upon.

Explanation

The word connoisseur is derived from the French word connoistre, which means to know. It refers to an individual who possesses expert knowledge and is a competent judge in matters of taste, particularly in the fine arts, music, or cuisine. The correct spelling of the word follows a specific pattern including a double n and a double s, written as c-o-n-n-o-i-s-s-e-u-r.

Explanation

The word Miscellaneous is an adjective used to describe a collection of various items, types, or elements that are not naturally grouped together. It originates from the Latin word miscellaneus, which means mixed. The correct spelling includes the prefix mis followed by cell, which features a double l, and concludes with the suffix aneous. This orthography accurately reflects its etymological roots in the Latin verb miscere, meaning to mix.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage explicitly defines opera as a dramatic art form originating in Europe. This geographical origin is stated as a factual premise before the text moves on to describe the internal characteristics of the genre, such as the use of music and libretto. The passage establishes that the emotional and dramatic content is conveyed through a combination of vocal and instrumental music, distinguishing it from other theatrical forms by its historical roots and its specific reliance on singing.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that in the dramatic art form of opera, the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. This phrasing establishes a relationship of equality between the musical and textual components of the performance. Unlike musical theatre, where music plays a lesser role compared to the actor's dramatic performance, opera relies on the libretto being sung and integrated with the musical ensemble to deliver its message, making the lyrics and the music equally vital elements of the art form.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that in musical theatre, an actor's dramatic performance is primary while the music plays a lesser role. This is contrasted with opera, where emotional content is conveyed as much through music as through lyrics, indicating that music holds a more central and significant position in opera than it does in musical theatre.

Explanation

As stated in the provided passage, the libretto refers to the words of the opera which are sung rather than spoken. It is the written text of an opera, oratorio, or musical, encompassing the lyrics for the songs and any dialogue. The libretto provides the narrative framework and the specific linguistic content that the composer sets to music, acting as the script for the vocal performers and the foundation for the dramatic action on stage.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the word conveyed describes the process of communicating or transferring the emotional essence of the opera to the audience. To transmit means to pass on or communicate information, feelings, or signals from one person or place to another, which aligns perfectly with how music and lyrics serve as the medium for delivering the drama's emotional content to the listeners.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage explicitly states that these days we hear a lot about science. This indicates that science is a frequent topic of conversation and interest in contemporary times. The author uses this observation as a starting point to bridge the gap between the general public and the actual work performed by scientists, eventually leading into a description of the scientific method.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage explicitly states that although science is frequently discussed, the scientists who carry out the work and make discoveries seem distant and strange to us. This directly describes the perception or attitude held by the common person toward those involved in scientific fields.

Explanation

The passage explicitly defines the core of the scientific method by stating that the chief way answers to questions are obtained is through making tests. Using the practical example of a man checking a flat bicycle tyre, the text illustrates that rather than relying on beliefs or assuming magical causes, a scientific approach involves conducting specific tests, such as placing the valve in water, to identify the source of a problem and find a solution based on the results of those observations.

Explanation

The passage explains that the scientific method involves getting answers to questions by making tests. In the provided example of a flat bicycle tyre, a scientific approach involves testing the valve for air leaks. Conversely, the text specifies that if a man were to be very unscientific, he would instead attribute the flat tyre to an evil spirit. This superstitious belief is used as the direct opposite of the logical, test-based approach defined as science.

Explanation

The word believe means to accept something as true, genuine, or real. In English, the prefix dis- is frequently used to create an antonym that denotes the opposite or the negation of the root word. Consequently, disbelieve is the direct linguistic opposite, signifying a refusal to accept something as true or a lack of faith in the veracity of a statement or concept. In the context of the passage, which contrasts scientific logic with superstitious belief, disbelieve serves as the standard antonym to describe the rejection of a particular premise or idea.

Explanation

The indefinite pronoun everyone is grammatically singular and requires a singular verb to maintain proper subject-verb agreement. In the relative clause describing the society, the verb must match the singular number of the subject everyone. Therefore, the plural verb were is replaced by the singular past tense verb was. This follows the standard grammatical rule that indefinite pronouns ending in -one, -body, or -thing are treated as singular entities and must be paired with singular verb forms in formal English.

Explanation

The preposition on is used to indicate a position on a surface or to refer to specific days and dates. When referring to geographical locations such as countries, cities, or continents, the preposition in is required to denote being within the boundaries of that place. Since Senegal is a country, the phrase should be In Senegal to correctly establish the locational context of the sentence.

Explanation

The verb discussed is a transitive verb, which means it transfers its action directly to an object without the assistance of a preposition. The word discuss is defined as to talk about or to speak about something. Consequently, using the preposition about after discussed creates a redundancy, as the meaning of about is already inherent within the verb itself. To rectify the error, the preposition about must be removed so that the direct object, the problem, follows the verb directly. Additionally, in the context of the entire sentence, the adverb so is missing before thoroughly to correlate with the conjunction that in the subsequent part of the sentence. Since both the redundant preposition and the missing qualifier occur in the first segment, it contains the grammatical error.

Explanation

The error lies in the usage of the definite article the before one rotten mango. In English grammar, the definite article the is used to refer to a specific noun that has already been mentioned or is clearly defined. In this context, the father is explaining the general cause of the spoilage or introducing the culprit fruit for the first time in the explanation. Therefore, the indefinite article a should be used instead of the one to correctly indicate that any single rotten mango would have this effect. The correct phrasing should be in contact with a rotten mango or simply in contact with one rotten mango.

Explanation

The error lies in the subject-verb agreement. The grammatical subject of the sentence is the singular noun box, not the plural noun eggs which is part of a prepositional phrase. According to the rules of proximity and agreement, the verb must match the number of the main subject. Since the box is singular, it requires the singular auxiliary verb is instead of the plural form are. The corrected sentence should be: The box of eggs is lying on the table.

Explanation

James Watt was a Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer whose improvements to the Newcomen steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. In the context of science and technology, the verb invented is used to describe the creation of a new device, machine, or process that did not previously exist. Watt patented his design for a separate condensing chamber in 1769, which revolutionized the efficiency of steam power and led to his historical recognition for inventing the modern steam engine.

Explanation

The idiom add insult to injury means to make a bad situation even worse by doing or saying something else that is further upsetting, offensive, or disparaging. In this context, Bob has already criticized Beverly by stating that she made too many mistakes, which creates a negative situation. To add insult to injury, Bob must follow that initial remark with another negative comment or criticism. Stating that she worked very slowly serves as a secondary attack on her professional capability, thereby compounding the original insult and fitting the logical requirement of the idiomatic expression.

Explanation

The idiom blessing in disguise refers to an event or situation that initially appears to be a misfortune or a setback but eventually results in a positive or beneficial outcome. In the context of the sentence, losing a job is the perceived misfortune, while the result of obtaining a much better job represents the hidden benefit that justifies the use of the idiom. The meaning of the phrase necessitates that the subsequent event be advantageous, which is only satisfied by the acquisition of a superior employment opportunity.

Explanation

The sentence requires the superlative degree of the adjective because Paresh is being compared to the entire group of students in his class. In English grammar, the superlative degree is used when comparing one person or thing with more than two others to indicate the highest degree of a quality. The definite article the precedes the superlative form, and for multi-syllabic adjectives like intelligent, the superlative is formed by placing the word most before the adjective. This structure accurately identifies Paresh as possessing the highest level of intelligence within the specified group.

Explanation

The adjective unparalleled means having no equal or being matchless. In the context of describing the physical or aesthetic appeal of geographical locations, it is a standard descriptor used to emphasize that the beauty is exceptional and cannot be surpassed. The sentence requires an adjective to modify the noun beauty, and unparalleled fits this role by characterizing the destinations as being of a singular, superior quality.

Explanation

The word tepid describes a temperature that is only slightly warm or lukewarm. It is typically used to characterize liquids that are neither hot nor cold but sit at a moderate, mild temperature. Derived from the Latin word tepidus, it signifies a state of being moderately warm, and is often used both in physical contexts and figuratively to describe a lack of force or enthusiasm.

Explanation

The word canny refers to someone who shows shrewdness and good judgment, especially in practical, financial, or business matters. It is derived from the Scots word cann, meaning knowledge or skill. A canny person is characterized by being astute, sharp-witted, and resourceful in navigating complex situations to their advantage. Therefore, it is synonymous with being clever, as both terms describe the ability to understand things quickly and apply intelligence in a strategic or skillful manner.