SSC CGL Tier 1 2015 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The passage describes a force, overseen by the Inspector General of Police, that functions to ensure all citizens adhere to the law. This force compels citizens to obey laws and act with regard for others' rights, serving as a universal regulatory mechanism. While good citizens may follow the law of their own free will, the passage explicitly states that this force takes the necessary steps to compel bad citizens to act as good ones. Consequently, the police function as the state's instrument to prevent any citizen, regardless of their personal disposition, from violating legal and social boundaries.

Explanation

The passage distinguishes between the roles of the army and the police based on the state of the environment. It explicitly states that maintaining law and order during abnormal times is the function of the army. The police, referred to as the force that operates in normal times, is responsible for protecting lives, property, and the rights of communities while restraining bad citizens from breaking the law. Since extraordinary circumstances are synonymous with abnormal times, this responsibility is assigned to the army rather than the police.

Explanation

Archaeology is the scientific study of past human life and activities through the recovery and analysis of material remains. This field focuses on ancient things such as artifacts, architecture, biofacts, and cultural landscapes. The term originates from the Greek words archaios, meaning ancient, and logos, meaning study or theory. By examining physical evidence left behind by previous civilizations, archaeologists are able to reconstruct history and understand the development of ancient cultures and societies over time.

Explanation

The term laudable is derived from the Latin word laudabilis, which stems from laudare, meaning to praise. It is an adjective used to describe a person, action, or achievement that is worthy of high praise, commendation, or admiration. In English vocabulary, it serves as a direct synonym for praiseworthy or commendable, specifically identifying someone whose conduct or merit deserves recognition.

Explanation

The word dexterous is derived from the Latin term dexter, which means right-handed, a trait traditionally associated with skill and agility. It is used to describe a person who demonstrates neatness, precision, and expertise, particularly in the use of their hands or mind. A dexterous person is one who can perform complex or difficult tasks with ease and proficiency, making it the standard English substitution for someone who is skillful.

Explanation

The term fugitive refers to a person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest or persecution. It specifically identifies an individual who flees from the custody of the state or runs away from legal justice to avoid being held accountable for their actions or to evade trial and sentencing. The word is derived from the Latin fugere, meaning to flee. In a legal context, a fugitive from justice is someone who, having committed a crime, leaves the jurisdiction to escape the reach of the law and remains at large.

Explanation

The term voluntary describes an action, service, or contribution that is performed or given of one's own free will. It is derived from the Latin word voluntarius, meaning willing or of one's own choice. When an individual acts voluntarily, they do so without being coerced, forced, or legally required, aligning perfectly with the concept of exercising personal autonomy and intent.

Explanation

The term improvident refers to a person who lacks foresight and fails to make necessary provisions for the future. It specifically denotes an individual who is negligent or thoughtless regarding upcoming needs, often characterized by spending money or resources wastefully instead of saving or planning ahead. This characteristic of being careless about future consequences or requirements aligns precisely with the definition provided.

Explanation

The term veteran is used to describe a person who has had long experience and practice in a particular field, activity, or occupation. It originates from the Latin word veteranus, which refers to someone who is old or has a long record of service. While often associated with former members of the armed forces, in a broader linguistic context, it signifies anyone who has spent a significant amount of time mastering a specific craft or profession, distinguishing them through their extensive background and accumulated knowledge.

Explanation

The pronoun used in this sentence serves as the direct object of the transitive verb met. In formal English grammar, the subjective case who is reserved for the subject of a verb, while the objective case whom is required when the pronoun acts as an object. If the sentence is rearranged to its basic structure, it reads I met whom, confirming that the objective form is necessary. Therefore, who is grammatically incorrect in this context and must be replaced by whom.

Explanation

The sentence follows an inverted structure where the verb precedes the subject because it begins with an adverbial phrase of place. The grammatical subject of the sentence is a playground, which is a singular noun phrase. In subject-verb agreement, a singular subject must be paired with a singular verb. Therefore, the plural verb are is incorrect and should be replaced by the singular verb is to match the singular subject.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect use of the simile in the phrase he is tall like a mule. In English grammar and idiomatic usage, similes must use appropriate comparisons that reflect the quality being described. While a mule is traditionally associated with stubbornness (stubborn as a mule) or strength (strong as a mule), it is never used to describe height. To denote tallness, standard idiomatic comparisons would involve a giraffe, a steeple, or a beanpole. Using mule to describe someone's height is semantically incorrect and logically inconsistent.

Explanation

The word luggage is an uncountable noun. In English grammar, uncountable nouns represent substances, concepts, or masses that are not viewed as individual units that can be counted. Because they lack a plural form, they cannot take the suffix s. Other common examples of such nouns include furniture, advice, information, and scenery. Even when referring to multiple bags or cases, the correct term remains luggage. If one needs to express plurality or specific quantity, phrases such as pieces of luggage or items of luggage are used, but the base noun never changes its form.

Explanation

The sentence contains an idiomatic error in the first part. The correct version of this well-known English proverb is A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This idiom signifies that it is better to be content with what you have than to risk losing it by chasing after something more that you do not yet possess. By substituting in the hand with in the tree, the logical foundation of the proverb is lost, as a bird in a tree is not yet under one's control or possession. Therefore, the use of tree instead of hand constitutes a departure from standard idiomatic usage.

Explanation

The word placid is derived from the Latin placidus, which means calm, quiet, or peaceful. It is typically used to describe a body of water that is smooth and undisturbed or a person who has a serene and even-tempered disposition. In contrast, stormy describes a state of violent disturbance, turbulence, and agitation. Since placid represents a condition of tranquility and lack of movement, stormy acts as its direct opposite by representing a condition of intense disorder and violent activity.

Explanation

Vacillation refers to the state of indecision or the act of wavering between different opinions, actions, or decisions. It implies a lack of firm resolve and a tendency to fluctuate. Steadfastness represents the quality of being resolutely firm, unwavering, and constant in one's purpose or direction. Since one term describes a lack of stability and the other describes fixed determination, they are direct opposites.

Explanation

Effeminacy refers to the quality of showing characteristics traditionally associated with women, such as softness, delicacy, or a lack of masculine vigor, especially when attributed to a man. The word manliness serves as its direct opposite because it denotes the qualities, virtues, and physical traits traditionally expected of a man, including strength, courage, and robustness. While effeminacy implies a departure from conventional masculine norms, manliness represents the embodiment of those very traits.

Explanation

This sentence follows the rule of the first conditional, which is used to describe a possible future condition and its probable result. In such structures, the if-clause (the condition) must be in the simple present tense, while the main clause (the result) is in the simple future tense. Since the main clause uses I shall attend, the subordinate if-clause must use the simple present form get instead of the future form will get. Grammatically, will or shall should not appear in the conditional clause when referring to a future possibility.

Explanation

The phrase played a fair game is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to describe a match or competition conducted with honesty and sportsmanship. By using the adjective fair to modify the noun game, the sentence adopts a more natural and cohesive structure. This adjective-noun combination is frequently preferred in formal stylistic assessments over adverbial modifiers to emphasize the quality of the competition as a whole.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression cannot help but is followed by a bare infinitive to indicate that a person is unable to resist or avoid a particular action. In the sentence She could not help but laugh, the word but functions as a preposition meaning except, and laugh is the bare infinitive. This construction is a standard and acceptable form in English grammar, making the original sentence correct as written.

Explanation

The rules for forming question tags require that the tag matches the tense and auxiliary verb of the main clause. The main clause "We met yesterday" is in the Simple Past tense. When the main clause is in the Simple Past and does not have an auxiliary verb, the auxiliary "did" is used to form the tag. Additionally, because the statement is positive, the question tag must be negative. Combining the negative auxiliary "did not" (contracted to "didn't") with the subject "we" results in the tag "didn't we?".

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard grammatical pattern of Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Prepositional Phrase. In this structure, the verb take is followed immediately by the direct object some grapes, which identifies the item being transported. The prepositional phrase for my mother then specifies the beneficiary of the action. This arrangement clearly establishes the relationship between the action of carrying the fruit and the person for whom the fruit was intended, providing a clear and direct flow of information.

Explanation

In the context of the sentence, the individuals are making vague noises of approval. While shaking the head is a physical gesture typically used to signify disagreement or a negative response, nodding is the universal gesture used to indicate agreement, acceptance, or approval. To maintain logical consistency with the phrase noises of approval, the verb nodded is the semantically appropriate choice to describe the movement of their heads.

Explanation

The verb insist typically takes two different structures depending on the grammatical unit that follows. When followed by a noun phrase or a gerund, the preposition on is required. However, when followed by a full clause containing a subject and a verb, such as she was innocent, the verb must be followed by the conjunction that. Prepositions cannot directly precede a that-clause in standard English, so the preposition on must be removed to allow the verb to connect directly to the subordinate clause. This makes insisted that the grammatically correct choice for reporting a statement made with force or persistence.

Explanation

The verb face is used transitively to describe the act of encountering or dealing with a difficult situation. Using the active present continuous form facing makes the sentence more direct and concise. While the original phrase being faced with is a passive construction, the active voice is preferred in standard English to show that the subject is currently experiencing the crisis. This usage effectively conveys that the world is in the process of confronting a problem without the unnecessary wordiness of the passive voice.

Explanation

The sentence is a variation of the traditional English proverb What cannot be cured must be endured. To endure means to bear or tolerate a difficult, painful, or unavoidable situation with patience and fortitude. In the context of this maxim, it conveys the necessity of stoically accepting and living through circumstances that are beyond one's power to change or fix. Because the original phrasing is idiomatic and captures the specific meaning of resiliently bearing an unfixable burden, it is the most appropriate choice.

Explanation

The sentence requires the application of the rule of partial inversion. In English grammar, when a sentence or a clause begins with a negative conjunction or adverb such as nor, neither, or never, the auxiliary verb must be placed before the subject. Since the first part of the sentence uses the simple present tense (does not laugh), the second clause starting with nor must use the auxiliary verb does before the subject he, followed by the base form of the verb smile. This structure maintains grammatical parallelism and follows standard word order for negative introductory words.

Explanation

The word Diffusion is correctly spelled with a double f and a single s. A useful way to remember this is to associate it with the word differ (double f) and the word fusion (single s). Etymologically, it originates from the Latin word diffusionem, which is a combination of the prefix dis- meaning apart and the verb fundere meaning to pour. This history explains its core meaning as the act of spreading or pouring out. In science, the term refers to the passive movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. In a broader sense, it describes the dissemination of elements such as light, knowledge, or cultural practices across a wide area.

Explanation

Circumlocution is the correctly spelt word, derived from the Latin roots circum, meaning around, and locutio, meaning speech or discourse. It refers to the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea, often in an evasive or roundabout manner. The word is formed by combining the standard prefix circum- with the noun locution, which pertains to a particular style of speaking.

Explanation

The idiom high and dry originates from nautical terminology, describing a ship that has been stranded on the shore by a receding tide, leaving it immobile and out of the water. Figuratively, the phrase means to abandon someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation, specifically by withdrawing expected support or assistance. In the context of the sentence provided, the speaker was promised help with office work; when that help was not provided, they were left in a helpless position to complete the tasks entirely by themselves.

Explanation

The idiom to make amends for means to compensate or make up for a wrongdoing, injury, or loss caused to another person. It involves taking corrective action or providing reparation to restore a situation to a fair state. In the context of the sentence, the speaker indicates that being excused is conditional upon the person providing compensation for the loss they caused.

Explanation

The idiom spill the beans means to reveal a secret or to disclose information that was intended to be kept private or confidential. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the media prematurely disclosing the findings or details of a report before it could be officially presented to the relevant authorities. The phrase likely originates from an ancient Greek method of secret voting using beans, where prematurely knocking over the container would reveal the results before the count was official.

Explanation

The idiom to make a mountain out of a molehill is used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates a minor difficulty or overreacts to a trivial matter. In this figurative expression, a molehill represents a small and insignificant mound of earth, while a mountain represents a massive and serious obstacle. By equating the two, the phrase highlights the act of treating a small, manageable problem as if it were a major catastrophe or a significant crisis.

Explanation

The idiom snake in the grass refers to a person who pretends to be a friend or a loyal companion while secretly harboring malicious intentions. Such an individual is characterized as being deceitful because they hide their true, harmful nature under a mask of friendship. Their behavior is fundamentally unreliable, as they are likely to betray the trust of others when it serves their secret purposes. The phrase suggests a hidden danger from someone whose outward conduct is a dishonest representation of their actual character.

Explanation

The word peruse means to read something, typically in a thorough, careful, or attentive manner. It is commonly used in formal contexts to describe the act of examining a document, book, or piece of writing to understand its contents in detail. In linguistic terms, it serves as a direct synonym for reading or scrutinizing written material.

Explanation

Spume refers to the frothy or bubbly substance that forms on the surface of a liquid, typically resulting from agitation, fermentation, or the movement of waves in the ocean. The term is derived from the Latin word spuma, which means foam. In literature and descriptive writing, spume is frequently used to describe the white, aerated spray seen on the crests of sea waves. Because foams are the mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, the two words are direct synonyms.

Explanation

The word board is used to refer to the provision of regular meals, typically provided in exchange for payment or as part of an arrangement for accommodation. This usage is most frequently encountered in the common phrase room and board, where room signifies the lodging and board signifies the food supplied. The term originates from the historical practice of serving meals on a wooden board or table, leading the word to become a synonym for the meals themselves.

Explanation

The passage specifies that a provincial newspaper exerts influence at the local level by acting as a mirror to society, revealing neglect, injustice, ignorance, and complacency. By probing into these social ills and reflecting the community "warts and all," the newspaper helps to eradicate these problems and "get things done." It serves as a platform for readers to articulate their demands and grievances, effectively canalizing their aspirations to drive local change and ensure that individual voices are not stifled.

Explanation

The passage identifies the provincial or local newspaper as a platform intended to help readers express themselves more effectively. It explicitly states that readers should be encouraged to use this platform to voice their opinions, fears, hopes, and grievances. By serving as a mirror to the community and providing a space for the individual's voice to be heard, the newspaper acts as the specific medium through which readers can communicate their concerns and get things done at the local level.

Explanation

The author explicitly states that a newspaper should reflect the community it serves, including both its positive attributes and its flaws, referred to as warts and all. This function is central to the passage, as the writer describes the newspaper as a mirror held to society that reveals issues such as neglect, injustice, and complacency. By acting as this reflection, the paper can effectively canalize the aspirations of its readers and provide a platform for them to articulate their demands, hopes, and grievances, thereby exerting influence at the local level to help get things done.

Explanation

The idiom "warts and all" means to show or describe someone or something exactly as they are, including all their faults or unpleasant features. In the passage, it suggests that a newspaper should reflect the community truthfully, without concealing its blemishes, inadequacies, or injustices.

Explanation

The author defines the purpose of a newspaper through its capacity to engage with and reflect the community it serves. By helping readers express themselves effectively and canalizing their aspirations, the publication acts as a platform for individual opinions and grievances. This role allows the newspaper to exert influence at the local level, probing into neglect or injustice and ensuring that community demands are made articulate. Through this process of revealing societal issues and helping to get things done, the newspaper exerts influence to facilitate meaningful change within its environment.

Explanation

The use of firearms by law enforcement is a measure of last resort reserved for situations involving extreme danger. According to standard operating procedures for crowd control and public order, police are authorized to open fire only when a mob turns violent and poses an immediate threat to the lives of officers, bystanders, or significant public property. While other forms of provocation might lead to the use of tear gas or water cannons, the specific action of firing indicates that the situation had escalated to physical aggression and serious rioting that could not be contained by non-lethal means.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression to have something up one's sleeve means to have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be used when needed. It originated from the practice of magicians or card players who would hide cards or objects inside their sleeves to produce them unexpectedly. In this context, it perfectly describes someone who possesses full knowledge of the facts but is keeping them hidden from others for a specific purpose or future advantage.

Explanation

The phrase day by day indicates a gradual, ongoing process or a transition that is currently taking place over a period of time. In English grammar, such continuous developments or evolving situations are expressed using the present continuous tense. This tense is formed with the auxiliary verb is and the present participle form of the verb. Since the subject The appearance of the city is singular, the construction is changing is required to accurately reflect the progressive nature of the action.

Explanation

The verb arrived is used to denote the onset or beginning of a specific time period, such as a day or a season. In narrative contexts, it effectively describes the point at which a moment in time reaches a particular state or begins, providing the temporal setting for the events that follow. Using arrived establishes that as soon as the day began, the crime was noticed.

Explanation

The phrasal verb call up is used to describe the act of bringing something to mind or evoking a specific memory, image, or feeling. In this context, the sensory experience of the smell of the sea acts as a catalyst that summons or recollects vivid memories from the subject's childhood. This idiomatic expression is commonly used when a stimulus triggers a mental retrieval of past events or emotions.

Explanation

In English collocations related to grooming and hairstyles, the word middle is the standard term used to describe the division of hair. While centre and middle can be synonymous in many contexts, the specific idiomatic expression for dividing hair into two equal parts is to part it in the middle. This usage distinguishes the central dividing line of the hair from a side parting, making it the most appropriate and natural phrasing for the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase crack a joke is a standard idiomatic collocation in English used to describe the act of telling a joke or making a humorous remark. It is specifically used to denote the delivery of humor, often in a spontaneous or witty manner, to entertain an audience or lighten the atmosphere. In the context of a classroom setting, using the verb crack is more linguistically precise and idiomatic than the general verb make.

Explanation

The adverb rather is used before negative or undesirable adjectives to indicate a degree of something that is unpleasant or beyond what is wanted. In this sentence, the cold is seen as a negative quality because it necessitates shutting the window. While both fairly and rather mean to a moderate degree, fairly is generally reserved for positive or neutral contexts, whereas rather is the appropriate choice for describing an uncomfortable level of coldness.