SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The singular noun phrase "substantial seizure" does not agree with the plural verb "have been made". The sentence should either use "a substantial seizure has been made" or "substantial seizures have been made".

Explanation

The error lies in part A where the past participle shared is used instead of the noun share. The correct expression is to have its share of suffering, meaning a portion or amount belonging to it.

Explanation

The sentence requires the simple past tense to maintain grammatical consistency with the subordinate clause. The phrase because he made the floor dirty uses the past tense verb made, indicating that the sequence of events occurred in the past. To ensure tense agreement across the sentence, the principal action must also be expressed in the simple past tense, which is scolded.

Explanation

The sentence is written in the past tense, as indicated by the main verb walked. When describing an action that occurred before another action in the past, the Past Perfect tense is required. The act of wondering happened while the person was walking, but the event he was wondering about took place prior to that walk. Therefore, the past perfect form had happened is used to establish the correct chronological sequence of events, indicating that the happening preceded the wondering.

Explanation

The word fettered means to restrain someone with shackles or chains, typically around the ankles, to prevent movement or flight. In the context of the sentence, the criminal was physically restrained to ensure he could not run away, which perfectly aligns with the purpose expressed by the phrase lest he should escape.

Explanation

The idiom drive home means to make a point or an argument in a way that is unmistakably clear and forceful so that the listener fully understands it. It conveys the idea of stressing the importance of a particular piece of information or reinforcing a concept to ensure it is grasped completely. This usage is derived from the physical act of driving a nail or a bolt all the way into its place with strong, repeated strikes. Consequently, the term is synonymous with the act of emphasizing a fact or an idea to ensure it carries its intended impact.

Explanation

The idiom to end in smoke refers to a situation where an effort, plan, or ambition fails to produce any concrete or tangible outcome. It suggests that something which was expected to be substantial or successful has vanished or dissipated like smoke, leaving nothing behind. It is commonly used to describe projects that involve a great deal of talk or initial activity but ultimately result in total failure or futility without achieving their intended purpose.

Explanation

The idiom a left handed compliment refers to a remark that functions as a backhanded or double-edged statement. While it may sound like praise on the surface, it contains a hidden insult or an underlying criticism. It is characterized as an ambiguous compliment because of this inherent duality; the recipient is often left offended because the intended meaning contradicts the literal words used. This figure of speech draws on historical associations of the left hand with insincerity or deviousness to describe praise that is not genuinely positive or straightforward.

Explanation

The word innocious, which is a variation of innocuous, is derived from the Latin root innocuus, combining the prefix in- meaning not and nocere meaning to hurt or harm. It describes something that is harmless, safe, or unlikely to cause any injury or aggravation. When a statement, substance, or action is described as innocious, it implies that it does not possess any qualities that would provoke a negative reaction, damage, or resentment. Therefore, it is synonymous with being inoffensive, as both terms characterize things that are benign and lack the capacity to insult, upset, or cause harm to others.

Explanation

The word infirm refers to a person who is physically or mentally weak, especially due to old age or a prolonged illness. It describes a state of frailty, feebleness, or lack of bodily vigor. The word strong serves as the direct antonym because it denotes the possession of great physical power, robustness, and the ability to withstand force or pressure. While infirmity implies a lack of health and stability, being strong signifies a state of resilience, health, and muscular power.

Explanation

The word Correspondent is correctly spelled with the suffix -ent, which is the standard English ending for nouns and adjectives derived from Latin verbs ending in -ere, such as correspondere. It refers to an individual who communicates via letters or a journalist who contributes news from a specific location or subject area. The word requires the double r following the initial syllable and the specific -ent termination to be orthographically accurate in English.

Explanation

The error lies in part (B) due to the incorrect use of the definite article the before the comparative adjective easier. In English grammar, the definite article is typically used with superlative adjectives to denote the highest degree, such as the easiest access. When using a comparative adjective like easier, the definite article is only used in specific constructions, such as when comparing exactly two specific things or in correlative comparative structures like the more, the merrier. Since this sentence is a general statement and does not specify two distinct items for comparison, the inclusion of the is grammatically redundant. The sentence should ideally use easy access to describe the nature of the service or simply easier access without the article to imply an improvement over previous methods of finding information.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect use of the preposition in part C. In English grammar, the verb spend is idiomatically paired with the preposition on when referring to the distribution of money or time toward a specific commodity or activity. Therefore, the phrase spend for luxuries is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with spend on luxuries to maintain correct idiomatic usage.

Explanation

Entomologists are scientists who specialize in the scientific study of insects, a field known as entomology. The term originates from the Greek word entomon, which means notched, referring to the segmented body structure common to all insects. These experts research various aspects of insect life, including their anatomy, behavior, life cycles, and ecological roles. Their scientific contributions are essential for understanding biodiversity, improving agricultural practices through pest management, and managing the spread of insect-borne diseases in humans and livestock.

Explanation

The sentence contains an error in part (A) due to the omission of the definite article. Ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third typically require the definite article the when they are used to identify a specific person or thing in a sequence. In this context, the phrase should be I was the first to correctly follow standard grammatical rules for ordinal adjectives acting as substantives.

Explanation

The sentence requires a preposition to complete a standard idiomatic expression. In English, the phrase in someone's honour is a fixed prepositional idiom used to indicate that an action is taken or a monument is built to show respect, admiration, or to celebrate a specific person. Since the national memorial is being established to pay tribute to the President, the preposition in is the grammatically correct choice to satisfy the requirements of this idiomatic structure.

Explanation

Cultural sensitivity refers to the awareness, knowledge, and respect for the diverse values, customs, and communication styles of people from different backgrounds. In international business, possessing cultural sensitivity is vital for building trust and maintaining successful relationships with global partners, clients, and employees. It enables business professionals to navigate social etiquette, avoid unintentional offenses, and adapt products or marketing strategies to suit local preferences. By understanding the cultural nuances of a target market, a company can facilitate smoother negotiations and minimize the risk of costly misunderstandings that often arise from cultural differences.

Explanation

The phrasal verb plunge into is the correct idiomatic expression used to describe starting an activity or a task suddenly and with great vigor. In the context of the sentence, after the preparatory step of collecting funds, the subject intends to begin the practical implementation or the work itself. The preposition into signifies a transition into a state of activity or involvement, making plunge into action the standard colocation for embarking on a project or course of conduct decisively.

Explanation

The phrasal verb held up means to be delayed or obstructed in progress. It is commonly used to describe situations where an unforeseen event or obstacle, such as heavy traffic or a technical problem, prevents someone from arriving on time or keeps a process from moving forward as scheduled. In this context, it signifies a temporary postponement or a hindrance to movement.

Explanation

The idiom to play fast and loose refers to behaving in an irresponsible, inconsistent, or deceitful manner, especially by disregarding one's promises or obligations. It describes a situation where someone acts without a sense of responsibility or ignores established rules and ethics to suit their own convenience. This behavior makes the individual appear untrustworthy because they frequently change their stance or fail to follow through on commitments, thereby acting in an unreliable way. Historically, the phrase originated from a cheating game where a string or strap appeared to be secured but could be easily pulled away by the operator.

Explanation

The idiom feather one's own nest refers to the act of enriching oneself or making a profit, usually by taking advantage of a position of trust or by using dishonest and unethical means. It originates from the behavior of birds that use soft feathers to make their nests comfortable; metaphorically, it describes individuals who use their professional opportunities or public resources to accumulate personal wealth improperly or selfishly.

Explanation

Regicide is the specific term used to describe the act of killing a king or a monarch. The word originates from the Latin rex, meaning king, and the suffix -cide, which denotes the act of killing. It can refer both to the act itself and to the person who commits it.

Explanation

Radiation is the process by which energy is emitted from a source and travels through space or a material medium. This energy can take the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light and heat, or subatomic particles. The term specifically describes the outward flow of energy from a central point in all directions, characterizing how stars emit light or how a heated object disperses thermal energy into its surroundings.

Explanation

The term incredible is used to describe something that is impossible or very difficult to believe because it is so extraordinary or improbable. Etymologically, it is derived from the Latin prefix in-, which signifies negation, and the word credibilis, meaning worthy of belief. Thus, it serves as the precise one-word substitute for that which cannot be believed.

Explanation

A hypocrite is an individual who engages in hypocrisy, which involves the false claim or pretense of having certain beliefs, standards, qualities, or virtues that they do not actually possess. The etymology of the word traces back to the Greek term hypokrites, meaning an actor or a stage player, signifying someone who assumes a persona or masks their true identity and intentions to deceive others. This term specifically describes someone who feigns a certain character or morality while their genuine actions or thoughts are inconsistent with that outward display.

Explanation

The sentence requires the idiomatic expression "to no purpose," which means "without any result" or "in vain." The preposition "to" is the fixed part of this idiom, used to indicate that an action or effort was unsuccessful. Substituting the incorrect preposition with "to" ensures the sentence correctly conveys that the attempt made was ultimately fruitfulness.

Explanation

The standard English idiom used to indicate that something is done in agreement with or following a specific rule, law, or agreement is in accordance with. This fixed prepositional phrase requires the preposition in at the beginning and with at the end to correctly link the noun accordance to the object of the agreement. In this context, it properly conveys that the payment of fifty pounds was made as specified by the terms of the signed contract.

Explanation

The sentence involves a logical deduction about a past occurrence. The modal phrase couldn't have is used to express the belief that it was impossible for Pankaj to have seen the speakers. When the conjunction or is used in this context, it functions like "otherwise," introducing the hypothetical consequence that would have occurred if the first part were not true (i.e., if he had seen them).

To express a hypothetical result in the past, English grammar requires the conditional perfect tense, formed with would have followed by a past participle. The use of will have is incorrect here because it refers to the future or a future perfect state, creating a tense mismatch with the past-oriented deduction. Therefore, would have waved correctly completes the conditional logic of the statement.

Explanation

The term herd is the specific collective noun used to describe a group of large herbivorous mammals, such as elephants, cattle, or deer, that live and move together. In the context of animal social structures, herd is the most precise and idiomatic choice for referring to the communal units formed by elephants in the wild.

Explanation

The original sentence contains a dangling modifier where the participial phrase Taking the test incorrectly appears to modify the subject of the main clause, the teacher. This implies that the teacher was the one taking the exam. To resolve this grammatical error, the sentence requires a subordinate clause with its own subject to clarify who performed the action. Using the clause After I took the test provides the necessary subject I, ensuring the logical relationship between the student taking the test and the teacher awarding the grade is properly established.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly states in the first paragraph that the person the reporters and city officials were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Dr. Albert Schweitzer received this prestigious honor in recognition of his humanitarian work in Africa and his philosophical principle of Reverence for Life. Although the scene described in the passage takes place in 1953, it confirms that he was the recipient of the prize for the year 1952.

Explanation

Dr. Albert Schweitzer was a renowned missionary doctor who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized in Africa. The passage highlights his character through his spontaneous act of helping an elderly woman with her heavy suitcases at a Chicago railroad station, even while being officially greeted by dignitaries. His willingness to pause his own reception to perform a humble act of service demonstrates that his primary source of fulfillment and joy was derived from assisting others in need, embodying the concept of a living sermon through his actions.

Explanation

Dr. Albert Schweitzer's actions in the passage demonstrate his profound lack of racial bias. By choosing to assist an elderly black woman with her heavy luggage despite the presence of a formal welcoming committee of city officials and reporters, he showed that he valued human dignity and service over social status or racial distinctions. His life's work as a medical missionary in Africa, dedicated to treating the poor and sick, reinforces the fact that he was not prejudiced against black people. The observer's comment describing him as a sermon walking reflects that his character and actions embodied the universal values of compassion and equality.

Explanation

The passage illustrates Dr. Albert Schweitzer's character through his selfless actions during a public reception in Chicago. Despite being a Nobel Peace Prize winner greeted by dignitaries and reporters, he prioritized assisting an elderly woman struggling with heavy suitcases over his own formal welcome. By personally carrying her bags and escorting her to a bus, he demonstrated a genuine concern for the well-being of others. This behavior, combined with his lifelong dedication as a missionary doctor helping the poor in Africa, identifies him as a kind and helpful individual who lived out his moral values through direct action.

Explanation

The passage illustrates Dr. Albert Schweitzer prioritizing a humble act of service over the formal recognition and praise of the city officials and reporters. By excusing himself from the reception committee to help an elderly woman with her heavy suitcases, he demonstrated his values through conduct rather than through the prestige of his Nobel Prize or the speeches of the officials. The remark made by a member of the reception committee, describing the scene as a sermon walking, underscores that Schweitzer's moral convictions were expressed more effectively through his selfless behavior than through verbal teaching or public accolades. This aligns with the idiomatic expression that actions speak louder than words.

Explanation

The term manuscript is derived from the Latin words manu, meaning by hand, and scriptus, meaning written. It refers specifically to a document, book, or piece of music that is written out by hand rather than being printed or typed. In a historical context, manuscripts describe any text produced before the invention of the printing press, and in modern literary terms, the word denotes the original version of an author's work before it undergoes the publication process.

Explanation

The phrase came live is the standard idiomatic expression used in broadcasting to indicate that a program or segment is being transmitted in real-time. While the original phrase came alive means to become animated or spirited, the context of a satellite transmission from Hollywood specifically refers to a real-time media broadcast. In television and radio terminology, an interview or report is said to come live when it is aired exactly as it happens at the source.

Explanation

The word salvage means to rescue or recover something from potential loss or a state of ruin. In the context of a battered reputation, it is the most precise and formally appropriate term to describe the act of attempting to restore or regain integrity and respect after it has been severely damaged. While the original word is not grammatically incorrect, salvage specifically denotes the effort to save something that is already in a state of near-destruction.

Explanation

The phrase much too is used as an intensifier before an adjective to indicate an excessive degree. In English grammar, the construction much too + adjective is correct, whereas too much is generally followed by a noun. Since important is an adjective, the use of much too is grammatically precise. The sentence follows the standard too + adjective + to-infinitive structure, and adding much simply serves to provide extra emphasis to the adjective. Therefore, the original sentence is correct as written and requires no improvement.

Explanation

In English grammar, the word further is used to denote something additional in degree, quantity, or time, whereas farther is specifically reserved for physical distance. Since the context of the sentence refers to additional assistance or support, which is an abstract concept rather than a measurable physical distance, further is the grammatically appropriate choice to indicate extra or more help.

Explanation

The preposition into is used to indicate movement toward the interior of a space or to show a change in position from the outside to the inside of something. In the context of jumping toward a body of water like a lake, the action involves a transition from one medium to another and motion from an external point to an internal one. Therefore, into is the grammatically appropriate preposition to express this directional movement and entry.

Explanation

The passage explicitly mentions that while some languages are used by only a few people, others like Mandarin Chinese and English are spoken by millions. The term millions indicates a large quantity of individuals. In the context of describing a large population of speakers, the adjective many is the grammatically correct and logically consistent choice to represent this significant number.

Explanation

A linguist is defined as a person who is skilled in multiple foreign languages or someone who specializes in the study of linguistics, the scientific analysis of language structure, grammar, and evolution. This term encompasses individuals who possess the ability to speak, read, or write in various tongues and understand the complexities of how different languages, such as the Germanic or French-derived examples mentioned in the text, develop and interact over time. In the context of language proficiency and the study of regional variations like dialects, a linguist is the specific designation for one who masters these communication systems.

Explanation

The word credulous is derived from the Latin root credere, which means to believe. It describes an individual who is overly ready to believe things without sufficient evidence and is consequently easily deceived. Similarly, gullible refers to a person who is easily persuaded or tricked because they are too trusting or lack skepticism. Both words characterize a personality trait defined by a naive readiness to accept statements as true, making them direct synonyms in the context of being easily misled.

Explanation

The word reassure means to restore confidence or to relieve someone of anxiety and doubt by providing comfort or positive words. It is an action intended to make someone feel more certain and secure. The word discourage serves as its opposite because it means to deprive someone of courage, hope, or confidence. While reassuring someone builds their spirit and resolve, discouraging someone disheartens them and makes them less likely to feel capable or certain about a situation.

Explanation

The word defiance is the correctly spelt noun derived from the verb defy. Under English spelling conventions, when the suffix -ance is added to a root word ending in a consonant followed by y, the y is changed to an i. This results in the spelling d-e-f-i-a-n-c-e, which denotes a daring or bold resistance to authority or any opposing force.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the singular noun variety, modified by the phrase too great a. In formal English and subject-verb agreement rules followed in competitive examinations, the noun variety is treated as a singular subject when it refers to the state or quality of being varied. Therefore, it must be followed by a singular verb. The word distract is a plural verb, which does not agree with the singular subject variety. To correct the sentence, the singular verb distracts should be used instead of distract.

Explanation

The sentence contains a vocabulary error in part C where the word trial is used incorrectly. A trial refers to a formal legal proceeding or a test of something. In the context of a natural disaster like a cyclonic storm moving through an area, the correct word is trail, which refers to a path or a series of signs left behind by something as it passes. The idiomatic expression used to describe the aftermath of a disaster is a trail of misery or a trail of destruction.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly defines regional variations of a language as dialects. In linguistics, a dialect refers to a specific form of a language that is peculiar to a particular region or social group, distinguished by its unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. While the passage mentions various global languages and their historical origins, it categorizes the internal variations that arise within a language based on geography specifically as dialects.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it follows the standard construction for actions or states that began in the past and continue to the present. The present perfect tense has been is appropriately used to denote a continuing state of interest. The phrase ever since correctly introduces the starting point of this duration, followed by a clause in the simple past tense she was a child. Additionally, the adjective interested is correctly paired with the preposition in. Since all components of the sentence align with the rules of English syntax and idiomatic usage, there is no error.