SSC CGL Tier 1 2015 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence uses the time expression By May next year, which indicates a specific point in future time. When an action is described as being in progress or reaching a certain duration by a future deadline, the Future Perfect Continuous tense must be used instead of the Present Perfect Continuous. Therefore, the phrase I have been working should be replaced with I shall have been working or I will have been working to correctly reflect that the twenty-year duration will be completed at that future date.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically sound as it follows standard rules of syntax and usage. The subject Everyone of us effectively identifies all individuals within the group, and the modal verb should correctly expresses an obligation or recommendation. The spelling of realise is the standard form used in British and Indian English. The phrase any act of negligence correctly employs the determiner any to refer to a singular, indefinite instance of an action. Furthermore, while the noun harm is generally uncountable, the construction a great harm is a valid idiomatic expression used to emphasize the severity or significant impact of a specific negative consequence, particularly in formal contexts concerning national security.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it follows the standard rules of English syntax. The phrasal verb look forward to is correctly followed by the gerund being. In this idiomatic expression, to functions as a preposition rather than an infinitive marker, which necessitates the use of a gerund or a noun. The use of shall with the first-person pronoun I is a standard way to express future intent or expectation. Additionally, sometime is used correctly as an adverb meaning at an unspecified time. Since all components of the sentence conform to formal grammatical standards, there is no error.

Explanation

The verb regret requires a gerund (verb+ing) when it refers to a past action or a missed opportunity. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing remorse about something they did not do in the past, specifically during their school years. Therefore, the infinitive phrase not to learn is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced by the gerund phrase not learning or not having learned. The construction regret + infinitive is typically used only for formal expressions of present regret, such as I regret to inform you, which does not apply to a retrospective context involving past opportunities.

Explanation

The verb injure is a transitive verb that requires an object to complete its meaning in the active voice. In the phrase those who injured, the use of the active voice incorrectly suggests that the individuals mentioned were the ones performing the act of injuring someone or something else. Since these individuals were the victims who sustained injuries due to the fire, the sentence must use the passive voice. The correct grammatical structure should be those who were injured or simply those injured to indicate that the action was performed upon them.

Explanation

In English grammar, the standard idiomatic expression used to indicate traveling by walking is on foot. While most mechanical modes of transportation utilize the preposition by, such as by car, by bus, or by train, the movement involving human legs is conventionally expressed as being on foot. This phrase functions as an adverbial adjunct of manner, describing how the subject reached the destination.

Explanation

The idiom up and about is used to describe a person who has recovered from an illness or injury and is no longer confined to bed. It signifies that the individual is now active and moving around normally again. In the context of the sentence, seeing someone up and about after a long illness indicates their return to health and daily activities.

Explanation

The verb pursue is the standard colocation used when referring to a career, a goal, or a specific course of action followed over a period of time. It means to be engaged in or to go in search of something with intent and persistence. In the context of professional life, pursuing a career implies an active and determined effort to achieve success and advancement. The addition of the phrase with all seriousness further emphasizes this sense of dedicated engagement and purposeful movement along a chosen professional path, making pursue the most linguistically accurate fit for the sentence.

Explanation

The subject of this sentence is the gerund phrase "Making pies and cakes". In English grammar, a gerund or a gerund phrase acting as the subject of a sentence is treated as a singular unit, regardless of whether the objects within the phrase are plural. The focus is on the single activity or hobby of "making" these items. Since the subject is singular, it requires the singular verb "is" to link the activity to the noun "speciality".

Explanation

The word infested is a past participle used as an adjective that idiomatically requires the preposition with. In English grammar, when a place is overrun by a large number of pests, weeds, or insects, the standard collocation is infested with. This construction identifies the specific nuisance that has taken over the area.

Explanation

The word devout is an adjective used to describe an individual who is deeply committed to their religious beliefs and practices. It signifies a person who is earnest, sincere, and characterized by a profound sense of spiritual reverence. Pious is the closest synonym because it specifically refers to someone who shows a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations. Both terms convey the idea of being heartfully devoted to divine worship or service, representing a strong and sincere religious conviction.

Explanation

The word predilection originates from the Latin term praedilectus, which means preferred. It refers to a natural tendency to be attracted to or have a special liking for something. This makes preference its most accurate synonym, as both words denote a state of liking or choosing one thing over another based on personal inclination or bias. In linguistic usage, a predilection signifies an established pattern of favor or a penchant that directs a person’s choices.

Explanation

An effigy is a representation or model of a person, typically in the form of a sculpture or a three-dimensional figure. It is most commonly used to refer to a life-sized dummy of a specific individual, often created to be publicly destroyed, burned, or hanged as a form of protest or expression of contempt. Because both terms describe a physical likeness or model of a human being used as a substitute or representation, dummy is the most accurate synonym.

Explanation

The idiom wild goose chase refers to a search, quest, or pursuit that is completely unsuccessful or foolish because the object being sought is either non-existent or impossible to obtain. It denotes a pursuit of something as elusive as a wild goose, where the effort expended leads to no productive result, making the entire endeavor a useless or futile search.

Explanation

The idiom to make a beeline for something means to move quickly and directly toward a specific destination or object. It originates from the traditional belief that a foraging bee returns to its hive in a straight, direct flight path. In the context of a product launch, the phrase indicates that customers headed straight for the item as fast as possible, which is synonymous with rushing to purchase it.

Explanation

The idiom at one's wit's end describes a state of being so worried, confused, or frustrated that one has exhausted all ideas and no longer knows what to do next. It originates from the concept of reaching the limit of one's mental faculties or wits when facing a difficult situation. In the given context, the individual has reached a point of desperation or total perplexity, leading them to return to their former occupation as a final resort.

Explanation

The idiom all thumbs is used to describe a person who is physically awkward, uncoordinated, or lacks grace in their movements. It draws on the literal imagery that having only thumbs instead of nimble fingers would make any task requiring coordination extremely difficult to perform. When applied to an activity like dancing, it indicates that the individual is clumsy and lacks the necessary physical skill or rhythm to move elegantly.

Explanation

The idiom to rise with the lark means to get out of bed very early in the morning, typically at dawn. This expression is derived from the behavior of the lark bird, which is known for its habit of singing and becoming active at the very first light of day. In the context of the sentence, rising with the lark complements the habit of going to bed early, indicating a consistent pattern of early morning activity.

Explanation

The use of the auxiliary verb do, specifically in the form had done, serves as a pro-verb to substitute for the previously mentioned verb flew. This grammatical device is employed to avoid the redundant repetition of the same verb in a comparative clause. In this structure, the ordinal number the first functions substantively as a noun phrase referring back to the first pigeon. By replacing the specific action pigeon had flown with the substitution had done, the sentence achieves greater conciseness and stylistic clarity while maintaining the correct past perfect tense to describe the completed action of the first bird.

Explanation

The phrase acquired experience through age is grammatically correct and idiomatically sound. The verb acquired is the standard term used to describe the process of gaining knowledge, skills, or traits over a period of time. Furthermore, the expression through age correctly identifies the passage of time and longevity as the means by which this experience was obtained. The sentence follows standard English usage where experience is treated as a cumulative asset gained through life stages, making the original construction precise and effective.

Explanation

Ingestion refers to the biological process of taking food, drink, or any other substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it. In the context of environmental health and toxicology, it is the standard scientific term used to describe the pathway through which pollutants enter a living organism via the consumption of contaminated water or food. The sentence correctly identifies this mechanism as the primary route for water and soil pollutants to enter the human body, making the original phrasing both linguistically and technically accurate.

Explanation

In standard English grammar, the word far is primarily used in negative sentences and questions to denote distance. In affirmative or positive statements, it is more idiomatic and grammatically precise to use the phrase a long way. Since the sentence provided is an affirmative statement, substituting far from with a long way from adheres to the preferred stylistic convention for expressing a great distance in this context.

Explanation

The adjective famous is idiomatically followed by the preposition for when indicating the reason or attribute for which someone or something is well-known. In standard English usage, the construction famous for something serves as the conventional way to link a subject with the specific cause of its renown. Consequently, the sentence correctly identifies textiles as the source of Mumbai's fame by using this specific prepositional pairing.

Explanation

The verb talked is the most appropriate choice in this context because it signifies an informal, two-way conversation between individuals. While both speak and talk refer to verbal communication, talk is specifically preferred for casual social interactions and general discussions. The construction talked about is the standard idiomatic expression used when people engage in a mutual exchange of thoughts on a common or everyday topic like the weather. This choice aligns with the informal nature of the subject matter, making the sentence sound more natural and idiomatic.

Explanation

In English grammar, a question tag must match the tense and the subject of the main clause. The sentence "Mr. Mukherjee knows ten languages" is in the simple present tense and uses an affirmative structure. For an affirmative statement, a negative question tag is required. Since the main verb "knows" is in the simple present tense and lacks an auxiliary verb, the dummy auxiliary "does" is employed for the third-person singular subject. Additionally, the subject in the question tag must always be a pronoun; thus, "Mr. Mukherjee" is replaced by "he". Combining these rules, the correct question tag is "doesn't he".

Explanation

The phrase "It's high time" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something should have happened already or is overdue. In English grammar, when this expression is followed by a clause with a subject, the verb in that clause must be in the past simple tense. This construction is used to express a present or future meaning with a sense of urgency or criticism regarding the delay. Since "went" is the past simple form of the verb "go", it is the grammatically required form to follow the structure "It's high time that you".

Explanation

The term custom refers to a widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. When referring to a practice shared by an entire nation or collective group like the English, custom is the most appropriate word because it describes a social or cultural practice. Whereas a habit typically refers to a repetitive action performed by an individual, a custom represents the established patterns and social behaviors of a community.

Explanation

The verb lacks is a transitive verb that means to be without or to not have enough of something. It is the most appropriate choice because it provides a direct and concise description of the subject's condition. In English grammar, using a simple present tense verb like lacks is preferred over more complex or wordy phrases to convey a permanent state or character trait. It functions effectively by connecting the subject he directly to the object common sense, resulting in a clear and idiomatic sentence structure.

Explanation

Dermatology is the specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. The term is derived from the Greek word derma, meaning skin, and logia, meaning study. It encompasses both medical and surgical aspects, addressing a wide range of issues from inflammatory diseases and infections to cosmetic concerns and skin cancers. Practitioners in this field manage health disorders of the largest organ of the human body, ensuring its structural integrity and physiological function.

Explanation

Red-tapism refers to an excessive adherence to official rules and formalities that results in delay or inaction. The term originates from the 16th-century practice in England and Spain of binding legal and government documents with red cloth tape or string to distinguish them for easy identification. In a modern context, it characterizes a bureaucratic atmosphere where strict conformity to formal regulations prevents or hinders decision-making and efficient progress, often leading to frustration and inefficiency in administrative processes.

Explanation

The term intruder refers to an individual who enters a place or joins a group without invitation, permission, or legal right. It is derived from the Latin verb intrudere, which means to thrust in. In English usage, it specifically denotes someone who encroaches upon a private space or a restricted area where they are not welcome, regardless of whether their intent is malicious or simply unauthorized.

Explanation

The term inedible is a precise adjective used to describe something that is not fit or safe for human consumption. It is derived from the Latin prefix in- meaning not and edibilis meaning eatable. This word typically refers to substances that are naturally not meant to be food, or items that have become impossible to eat due to their physical state, such as being poisonous, extremely tough, or otherwise non-consumable by nature.

Explanation

Kleptomania is a documented mental health disorder characterized by an ongoing and irresistible impulse to steal items that are typically of little value and not needed for personal use. It is classified as an impulse control disorder, where the individual experiences an increasing sense of tension or arousal before the act, followed by a sense of relief, pleasure, or gratification while committing the theft. The behavior is compulsive in nature, meaning the person often feels unable to stop the urge despite knowing the potential legal or social consequences.

Explanation

Defamation is the act of communicating false statements about a person that injure their reputation or cause them to be shunned or avoided. It is a legal concept that encompasses both libel, which involves written or permanent statements, and slander, which involves spoken or transient communications. Legally, for an act to be considered defamation, the statement must be published to a third party, must be false, and must result in the lowering of the victim's standing in the eyes of right-thinking members of society. In many jurisdictions, including under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, it is treated as an offense where words, signs, or visible representations are used with the intent to harm the reputation of an individual.

Explanation

A fable is a brief literary genre that uses personified animals, plants, or inanimate objects as characters to convey a moral lesson. By assigning human traits—such as speech, emotions, and logic—to non-human entities, the story creates a metaphorical scenario that highlights human follies or virtues. The narrative concludes with a clear, wholesome ethical point, often referred to as the moral of the story, making complex social or behavioral concepts easier to understand through simple, imaginative storytelling.

Explanation

The word facsimile is derived from the Latin phrase fac simile, meaning make similar. It is formed by combining fac, which is the imperative form of the verb facere meaning to make, and simile, which is the neuter form of similis meaning similar. In English usage, the term refers to an exact copy or reproduction of a document, manuscript, or other printed material. The correct spelling reflects these roots, using the prefix fac followed by the word simile.

Explanation

The word aquarium refers to a transparent tank of water in which fish and other water creatures and plants are kept. It originates from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and the suffix -arium, which indicates a place or receptacle. The correct spelling reflects this etymological root, using the -uarium ending common in Latin-derived English nouns denoting specific enclosures or containers for maintaining biological specimens.

Explanation

The passage explicitly defines the term by stating that being assertive means being respectful of yourself and others. The author identifies this as the healthiest way to express anger, contrasting it with aggressive behavior. In this context, assertiveness involves communicating feelings and needs clearly and firmly while maintaining a fundamental respect for all parties involved, rather than acting in a pushy or demanding manner.

Explanation

According to the text, suppression of anger is a process that occurs when an individual holds in their angry feelings. The author explicitly defines this state by explaining that suppression happens when you hold in your anger, stop thinking about it, and focus on something positive. This internal restraint serves as the primary mechanism through which the emotion is contained and managed before it is further processed or redirected into other behaviors.

Explanation

According to the passage, the instinctive and natural way for a human to express anger is to respond aggressively. The text defines anger as a natural, adaptive response to threats that triggers powerful aggressive feelings and behaviors. These reactions are biological mechanisms that allow individuals to fight and defend themselves when they feel attacked or threatened.

Explanation

According to the passage, while anger is a natural and adaptive response that inspires aggressive behavior for self-defense, individuals are restricted in how they manifest these feelings. The text explicitly states that laws, social norms, and common sense place limits on how far our anger can take us, preventing people from physically lashing out at every person or object that causes irritation or annoyance. Since law is specifically identified as one of the regulatory frameworks that constrain the expression of anger, it is the correct answer based on the provided text.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that expressing angry feelings in an assertive, rather than aggressive, manner is the healthiest way to deal with anger. According to the author, assertiveness is characterized by being respectful of both oneself and others, distinguishing it from being pushy or demanding. While the text mentions that anger is a natural response to threats, it emphasizes that assertive expression allows individuals to handle their emotions in a way that remains within the bounds of laws, social norms, and common sense. This approach is presented as the most effective conscious process among the various methods discussed for managing angry feelings.

Explanation

The passage identifies the demonstrators as unemployed tailors and seamstresses who were driven by the fear that Barthelemy Thimonier's new invention would replace their manual labor. The text explicitly states that these individuals believed their livelihood was threatened by the sewing machine. Their violent reaction was a response to the perceived economic competition posed by automation, which they felt would lead to their permanent displacement from the workforce. By destroying the machines, they sought to protect their ability to earn a living through traditional hand-sewing methods.

Explanation

The passage states that the citizens of Paris closed their shutters hastily with trembling hands because they knew that once the fury of the people was excited, there was no telling what they might do. The use of the phrase trembling hands signifies a state of fear and apprehension among the residents and shopkeepers. They were aware that an angry mob behaves unpredictably and can cause widespread damage to property in their path. By shuttering their windows and doors, the shopkeepers were taking immediate defensive measures to protect their premises and goods from being looted or destroyed by the surging, infuriated crowd.

Explanation

The passage depicts the historical resistance to the Industrial Revolution by highlighting the conflict between technological advancement and the labor force. M. Thimonier's sewing machines were intended to improve production, yet they were perceived by the unemployed tailors and seamstresses as a direct threat to their survival. By labeling the invention as devilish and systematically destroying the workshop, the crowd demonstrated a failure to see the invention as a tool for progress, viewing it instead solely through the lens of their own economic displacement. This highlights how a beneficial innovation can be met with hostility and violence when its purpose is interpreted by a fearful public as a tool for their ruin.

Explanation

The passage describes a violent protest by a crowd of unemployed tailors and seamstresses in Paris who viewed Barthelemy Thimonier's invention as a direct threat to their employment. Their primary objective was to destroy the sewing machines, which they referred to as devilish machines, because they believed the automated process would eliminate the need for manual needlework. The text explicitly states that the workers were motivated by the belief that their livelihood was threatened by that new invention, leading them to systematically break every wheel and spindle in the workshop to ensure the machines could not be delivered to buyers.

Explanation

The passage depicts a crowd of unemployed tailors and seamstresses who viewed M. Thimonier's invention as a direct threat to their livelihood. Their primary intent was to eliminate the technological competition that they believed caused their unemployment. This is explicitly shown when the crowd yells to smash the machines and proceeds to systematically break every wheel and spindle in the workshop. Their satisfaction upon destroying the devices stems from the belief that by removing the sewing machines, they would be able to find work again in their traditional manual trade.

Explanation

The passage specifies that the law protects the rights of communities and castes to carry out their customs and ceremonies only so long as they do not conflict with the rights of others. This explicit condition indicates that social and religious rights are not granted absolutely or unconditionally; rather, they are subject to the limitation of respecting the safety and rights of the broader citizenry. Because the statement claims these rights are ensured without any such conditions, it directly contradicts the text and is therefore not implied.

Explanation

The expression customs and ceremonies in the context of the rights of communities and castes refers to the established social behaviors and formal rituals of a group. Customs are the long standing usual practices or social conventions that govern the daily life and interactions within a community. Ceremonies represent the formal acts and religious rites performed to observe traditions, mark significant events, or fulfill spiritual obligations. The passage emphasizes that the law protects these usual practices and religious rites as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others.

Explanation

The expression to secure the property of citizens against theft and damage identifies the preventative and protective role of the law. In this context, the verb to secure means to protect, guard, or make safe. The law functions as a safeguard for the physical possessions and assets of individuals by establishing rules that prohibit interference with or destruction of those items. By providing a legal framework that defines these protections, the law aims to ensure that people's belongings are kept safe from criminal acts like stealing or accidental or intentional harm, thereby maintaining the stability of property rights within the community.