SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word receptacle refers to an object or space used to contain or hold something. It is derived from the Latin word receptaculum, which means a place to receive things. In general usage, it describes any vessel or holder designed to store or collect items, such as a storage bin or a waste collector. Therefore, it is synonymous with a container.

Explanation

Vanity denotes an excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance, abilities, or achievements, often manifesting as conceit or narcissism. Humility represents the quality of being humble and having a modest or low view of one's own importance. Because vanity is characterized by self-importance and arrogance while humility is characterized by modesty and a lack of ego, the two words are direct antonyms.

Explanation

The word acquisition is derived from the Latin root acquisitio, which originates from the verb acquirere, meaning to get in addition. In English, the word follows a specific orthographic pattern where the prefix ac- is followed by the sequence quisition. The spelling utilizes the letter q followed by u, the vowel i, and the consonant s, ending with the standard noun suffix -ition. This structure is consistent with other English words derived from similar Latin roots involving the action of obtaining or gaining possession of an asset or object.

Explanation

The error in part (C) relates to the choice of verb used with the noun mistake. In English collocations, the verb make is used with mistake rather than do. While do is generally used for actions, obligations, or repetitive tasks, make is used for creating something or for the result of an action. Therefore, the expression done a mistake is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with made a mistake.

Explanation

The verb succeeded requires the preposition in when followed by a gerund or a noun to indicate the achievement of a task. The correct grammatical structure is succeed in doing something. In the given sentence, the preposition in is missing between succeeded and the gerund persuading. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read I succeeded in persuading him to make the sentence grammatically accurate.

Explanation

The word vermin is a collective noun that is always treated as plural in grammatical construction. It refers to animals or insects that are considered pests, such as rodents or lice. Since vermin acts as a plural subject, it requires a plural verb to satisfy the rules of subject-verb agreement. The singular verb does used in part (B) is incorrect and should be replaced with the plural verb do.

Explanation

Light travels at an approximate speed of 3 × 10⁸ meters per second in a vacuum, which is significantly higher than the speed of sound, which travels at about 343 meters per second in air at room temperature. This physical phenomenon is commonly observed during a thunderstorm, where the flash of lightning is seen almost instantaneously while the sound of thunder arrives later. Grammatically, the word faster is the correct comparative form of the adjective fast used to compare the speeds of two different entities.

Explanation

The word employed is used here as a past participle in a reduced relative clause, meaning the man who was hired or engaged for a specific task. In this context, it refers to the act of assigning a person to a particular role or job to achieve a specific objective. Since the sentence discusses a failure to meet expectations regarding a task or purpose, the term describing the person's engagement or recruitment for that work is the most logically and grammatically appropriate choice.

Explanation

The word altercation means a noisy argument or disagreement, which perfectly fits the context of a conflict between two brothers. Alteration means a change or modification, which is logically incorrect in this specific sentence structure.

Explanation

The idiom to give oneself airs means to act in an artificial or pretentious manner in order to appear more important, refined, or superior than one actually is. It describes a display of haughtiness or vanity where an individual adopts an affected attitude to impress others, which is fundamentally a form of behaving arrogantly.

Explanation

The idiom at a stone's throw refers to a very short distance. It originates from the physical concept of how far a person can throw a stone by hand, which is naturally a limited and relatively small distance. Therefore, when a location is described as being at a stone's throw, it signifies that the place is very near or within close proximity.

Explanation

The idiom bone of contention refers to a specific subject, issue, or problem that causes a continuous disagreement or dispute between people. The phrase originates from the image of two dogs fighting over a single bone, where the bone is the source of their conflict. In a figurative sense, it identifies the primary reason for a quarrel or the main point of contention that prevents parties from reaching an amicable agreement.

Explanation

An outlaw is a person who has been deprived of the benefit and protection of the law. Historically, this status was a formal legal decree where an individual was placed outside the legal system, usually for fleeing justice or failing to appear in court. Because they were considered outside the law's protection, they lost their civil rights, and their property could be seized. In a modern context, the term refers to a habitual criminal or someone who defies the law, but the literal etymological meaning is specifically one who is no longer protected by legal statutes.

Explanation

Forgery refers to the criminal act of falsely making, altering, imitating, or counterfeiting a document, signature, banknote, or work of art with the intent to deceive or defraud. In a legal context, it specifically denotes the falsification of documents to misrepresent their authenticity, such as signing someone else's name on a check, altering a will, or creating fake identification papers. The essence of the term lies in the fraudulent intent to pass off a fabricated or modified item as a genuine original.

Explanation

The word expiate means to make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing, guilt, or sin. It is derived from the Latin term expiatus, which implies the act of purifying or seeking forgiveness through a specific action, sacrifice, or penalty. When an individual seeks to atone for their sins, they are attempting to nullify the spiritual or moral consequences of their actions, a process precisely defined by expiation. This term is frequently used in religious and legal contexts to describe the act of extinguishing guilt by suffering a penalty or performing a compensatory deed.

Explanation

When the word absent is used as a verb, it functions as a transitive verb that requires a reflexive pronoun to complete its meaning. The construction to absent oneself from a place is the standard idiomatic usage to indicate that a person stayed away from where they were expected to be. In the given sentence, the verb absented is correctly followed by the reflexive pronoun themselves, which agrees with the plural subject the boys. Because the sentence already adheres to the grammatical rules governing reflexive verbs and pronoun agreement, it is already correct in its original form.

Explanation

The phrasal verb set aside means to reserve, save, or keep something for a particular purpose or future use. In the context of making daily contributions to charity, the sentence describes the act of reserving a portion of money or goods specifically for that cause. The original phrase set up means to establish or arrange something, which is less appropriate for the daily habit of saving for a donation compared to the specific meaning of set aside.

Explanation

The verb embark is the most appropriate choice because it is idiomatically used with the preposition on to signify starting a significant new project, journey, or enterprise. In professional and formal English, the phrasal verb embark on is the standard collocation used to describe the commencement of a business venture. It accurately reflects the process of setting out on a new path or initiating a complex and often challenging endeavor.

Explanation

The verb tell is used when there is a recipient of the information, following the grammatical pattern of tell + someone + something. In this sentence, them acts as the indirect object and the truth as the direct object. Unlike the verb say, which focuses on the words themselves and requires the preposition to before a person, tell allows for the direct placement of the listener immediately after the verb. This makes tell the grammatically correct choice for expressing the communication of a fact to a specific group of people.

Explanation

The preposition between is a correlative conjunction that must be paired with and when expressing a duration or range between two distinct points. In English grammar, the combination between and is the standard requirement for indicating an interval. Using to or any other preposition in this context would be incorrect, as to is typically reserved for pairing with the preposition from. The original phrasing provides a grammatically sound structure for the time interval by correctly utilizing the between and pairing to connect the start and end times of the interview.

Explanation

The passage states that settled life and cultivation provided early humans with leisure time because they were no longer constantly preoccupied with gathering food. During this spare time, individuals could engage in various manual crafts and activities to improve their living conditions. The text explicitly mentions that man could make stone tools, construct hoes or pots, and weave cloth. Because the passage identifies each of these specific tasks as activities performed during periods of leisure, all the individual actions listed in the other options are supported by the text.

Explanation

The passage explains that as settled life developed and food security increased, individuals were able to divert their time from basic survival to other specialized activities like making tools, building houses, and weaving cloth. This transition created a system where different members of the community focused on specific tasks rather than everyone performing the same duties. According to the text, the division of labour is directly linked to specialization, which allowed groups to refine their techniques and acquire higher levels of skill in a particular trade or craft. This specialization is the core functional outcome of dividing tasks among the population.

Explanation

The Neolithic period, or the New Stone Age, represents the final stage of the Stone Age before the transition to the Bronze Age. It followed the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) periods. This era is characterized by the shift from a nomadic hunter-gatherer existence to settled agricultural life, the domestication of plants and animals, and the production of polished stone tools. Because it is the concluding phase of the prehistoric period dominated by stone technology, it is historically classified as the later part of the Stone Age.

Explanation

According to the provided text describing Neolithic and tribal social structures, the transition to a settled life necessitated rules to regulate community behavior. In the absence of an organized government or hereditary kingship, the community relied on a council of elders or specifically chosen individuals to manage collective decisions. The passage explicitly states that chiefs were elected by the community based on their qualities of leadership. These leaders did not possess the power to pass their positions to their descendants and enjoyed few special privileges, reflecting the egalitarian nature of social organization during this period.

Explanation

The term privilege in the context of the passage refers to a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a particular person or group. When discussing the social structure of Neolithic communities, the text indicates that chiefs did not possess significant extra advantages compared to other members. Benefit serves as the most accurate synonym in this setting, as it denotes a gain or advantage derived from one's position or circumstances, reflecting the lack of superior material or social rewards for leaders in these early egalitarian societies.

Explanation

According to the provided text, the application of powder serves as the final stage of the theatrical makeup process. The passage outlines a specific sequence of steps that begins with applying a base colour, followed by modelling the face through highlighting and shadowing, drawing wrinkles, and colouring the lips and cheeks. It explicitly states that once all these applications are complete, powder is applied to the actor's face.

Explanation

The word ominous is an adjective used to describe something that gives the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen in the future. It is derived from the word omen and indicates a sense of foreboding or an inauspicious sign. Threatening is the most accurate synonym because it conveys a similar meaning of being alarming or indicating that danger or trouble is likely to occur. Both words are used to characterize situations, signs, or atmospheres that suggest an impending negative event.

Explanation

Obstinate refers to being stubbornly headstrong or refusing to change one's mind despite persuasion. Docile means being submissive and ready to accept control or instruction. Therefore, a person who is docile is the opposite of one who is obstinate.

Explanation

The word benevolence is correctly spelled with the suffix -ence, which is used to form nouns denoting a state or quality. It is derived from the Latin benevolentia, which combines bene meaning well and velle meaning to wish. The term refers to the quality of being well-meaning, kind, or charitable. In English, nouns derived from Latin present participles ending in -entia typically transition to the -ence ending, making benevolence the standard and correct form.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the noun aesthetics in part (C). In this context, the word is intended to modify the noun appeal, which requires it to be in its adjective form. Aesthetics functions as a noun referring to the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of beauty. The correct adjective form is aesthetic. Therefore, the phrase should be aesthetic appeal to describe the quality of the writing, as adjectives are necessary to modify nouns in such grammatical constructions.

Explanation

In English grammar, when multiple subjects including the first person pronoun I are used in a sentence, the rule of 2-3-1 is followed for general or positive statements. This rule dictates that the second person (you) comes first, the third person (he, she, it, or a noun like my wife) comes second, and the first person (I) comes last. Consequently, the phrase should be arranged as My wife and I to maintain grammatical etiquette and correct pronoun order. Placing the first person pronoun before another subject is considered grammatically incorrect in this context.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the word farther in part (C). In English grammar, farther is used to refer to physical distance that can be measured, such as how much distance a person has traveled. Conversely, further is used to indicate something additional, more, or to a greater extent in a non-physical or metaphorical sense. Since the sentence refers to additional books or volumes yet to be published, the correct term should be further rather than farther.

Explanation

The word gain means to obtain or secure something desired or advantageous. In the context of the sentence, a victory is a positive outcome that one strives for. The phrase all we can hope to implies the pursuit of the best possible result under specific circumstances. Therefore, gain is the logically appropriate verb to describe the act of achieving or securing a victory, even if it is only a partial one.

Explanation

The phrasal verb cut down means to reduce the consumption, amount, or frequency of something. In medical and health contexts, it is the standard idiomatic expression used when advising a person to decrease the quantity of a habit, such as smoking or intake of specific foods, to improve their physical well-being.

Explanation

The first clause of the sentence establishes that the encounter was not expected or planned in advance. In English vocabulary, the word accidental is used to describe an event that happens by chance, unexpectedly, or without any prior intention or arrangement. Since the speaker explicitly states that they did not anticipate seeing the person, the meeting is defined as one that occurred serendipitously rather than through a deliberate or scheduled effort.

Explanation

The idiom a dark horse refers to a person or competitor who is little known to the public but unexpectedly wins or succeeds. The term originated in horse racing to describe a horse that was unknown to the gamblers and therefore difficult to place odds on, only to surprise everyone by winning the race. It is commonly used in politics and sports to describe an underdog or a surprise candidate who possesses hidden talents and achieves a victory that few had anticipated.

Explanation

The idiom throw cold water on something means to dampen or stifle enthusiasm, excitement, or interest in an idea or plan. It is derived from the literal act of using cold water to quench a fire or cool something down. Figuratively, when someone throws cold water on a suggestion or a person's ambitions, they offer criticism or highlight potential difficulties that make the project seem less attractive or feasible, which serves to discourage the individual or group involved.

Explanation

The idiom butt in, often appearing as but in, means to meddle or interfere in a conversation or activity where one is not invited. It specifically describes the action of rudely breaking into a discussion or interrupting others while they are speaking. The phrase is commonly used in informal English to characterize an uninvited intrusion into a private matter or a dialogue.

Explanation

An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two much larger landmasses and typically has water on both sides. It acts as a natural land bridge between continents or larger territories, such as the Isthmus of Panama connecting North and South America, or the Isthmus of Suez connecting Africa and Asia. This geographic feature is the land-based counterpart to a strait.

Explanation

A predator is an organism that naturally preys on others for food. In biological terms, this describes an animal that survives by hunting, killing, and consuming other animals, which are referred to as its prey. This process of predation is a key ecological interaction that helps regulate animal populations and maintain the balance of various ecosystems. Predators often possess specialized physical traits or behaviors, such as sharp teeth, claws, speed, or camouflage, to aid in the capture of their prey.

Explanation

Oligarchy is a form of government or power structure where control is concentrated in the hands of a small, elite group of individuals. The term originates from the Greek words oligos, meaning few, and arkhein, meaning to rule. In such a system, the ruling group often maintains power through wealth, social status, military strength, or political influence, rather than through broader public representation or a single individual. This type of governance ensures that decision-making and authority remain restricted to a select few members of society.

Explanation

The preposition through is correctly used to describe movement within a three-dimensional space or an enclosed area from one side to the other. When navigating a forest, which consists of a dense volume of trees and vegetation, through indicates that the subjects moved across the interior of that space. It is the standard idiomatic expression for traversing such environments.

Explanation

The conjunction unless is inherently negative in meaning, functioning as a synonym for if not. Because the negative sense is already built into the word unless, the subordinate clause it introduces must be in the affirmative form. Using a negative verb like do not work hard after unless creates a redundant double negative that is grammatically incorrect. To express the condition that success depends on effort, the verb must be changed to the affirmative work hard. In this type of first conditional sentence, the present simple tense is used after the conjunction to indicate a requirement for a future result.

Explanation

In English grammar, the indefinite pronoun anything is used in negative sentences and questions, while something is used in affirmative sentences. The sentence contains the negative verb phrase cannot eat, which makes anything the grammatically correct choice to indicate the absence of any food consumption due to the toothache.

Explanation

The preposition to is used to indicate the direction or relative position of one geographical entity in relation to another when they are separate. The phrase in the south of implies that a location is a part of or situated within the southern region of a larger area. Since Africa is a separate continent and not a territory within Europe, the correct expression to describe its location relative to Europe is to the south of.

Explanation

According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, when two singular subjects are joined by the correlative conjunctions either... or or neither... nor, the verb must be singular. In this sentence, both Lata and Mala are singular nouns. Therefore, the plural auxiliary verb have must be replaced by the singular form has to ensure grammatical correctness. This follows the principle that the verb agrees with the singular subjects individually rather than treating them as a plural group.

Explanation

According to the provided text, Alexander Fleming's daily journey to Darvel School involved a four-mile downhill hike to reach the school and a four-mile uphill hike for the return trip. The total daily trekking distance is calculated by adding the distance of the trip to school and the trip back home, which results in 4 + 4 = 8 miles.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the phrase quick student refers to Alexander Fleming's intellectual capacity and his ability to grasp educational concepts rapidly. The word quick is used as a synonym for sharp or fast-thinking, indicating that he possessed a high level of mental agility and could assimilate new information with ease. This academic aptitude allowed him to progress through his early schooling efficiently before moving on to Kilmarmock Academy at the age of twelve. In English usage, describing a student as quick denotes their speed of learning and their facility for understanding lessons without the need for extensive repetition.

Explanation

The phrase age limit prescribed for Darvel school refers to the maximum age a student was allowed to reach while attending that particular institution. According to the text, Alexander Fleming was sent to Kilmarmock Academy specifically when he reached the age of twelve, indicating that his time at Darvel School had naturally concluded because he had reached the ceiling age for enrollment. In educational contexts, a prescribed age limit for a primary or lower school signifies the point at which a student must transition to secondary or higher education, meaning they can only remain in the school up to that designated age.

Explanation

According to the text, Alexander Fleming's financial circumstances changed in 1901 when he received a share in a legacy. This inheritance provided him with the necessary funds to improve his economic status and return to his education. Prior to this event, he had been forced to leave school for economic reasons and work in a shipping company, but the legacy offered the financial independence required for him to enroll in medical school and pursue his professional career.