SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The passage draws a parallel between Mary Garden's father, who saved the money he demanded from her to return it when she was in need, and the demands God makes on individuals. It explicitly states that while these demands may seem hard, God is helping people store up an eternal bank account in heaven. This spiritual accumulation is intended to balance the scales in the individual's favour during unexpected times, transforming troubles into instruments for better things.

Explanation

Part (B) is grammatically incorrect because the auxiliary verb have cannot be followed by a present participle like beginning. In the present perfect tense, have must be followed by the past participle form of the verb. The past participle of begin is begun. Therefore, the phrase should be I have begun to indicate an action that started in the past and continues to have an effect in the present. Alternatively, if the sentence intended to use the present perfect continuous tense, it would require the addition of been, as in I have been beginning, though I have begun is the standard idiomatic expression in this context.

Explanation

The error in part (C) is related to verb tense and the sequence of events. The sentence describes an action (creating the work) that took place over a duration of time (ten years) before another specific action in the past (destroying the work). In English grammar, when two actions occurred in the past, the earlier action should be expressed in the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle) to show the correct chronological order. Therefore, "he made" should be replaced by "he had made" to indicate that the decade of creation preceded the act of destruction. Additionally, "made over" typically means to renovate or legally transfer something, whereas "had made" or "had created" is the intended meaning for an artist producing work.

Explanation

The idiom to give someone the cold shoulder means to deliberately ignore, snub, or treat someone in an unfriendly and distant manner. It is a standard metaphorical expression in English used to describe social rejection or a cold reception. Historically, the phrase is often associated with the practice of serving an unwanted guest a cold shoulder of mutton as a signal that they have overstayed their welcome and are no longer entitled to a warm meal. In the context of the sentence, it correctly completes the warning against being dismissive or unkind to one's friends.

Explanation

The verb scalded is specifically used to describe an injury to the skin or flesh caused by contact with very hot liquid or steam. In this sentence, the injury is a direct consequence of upsetting a kettle of boiling water onto the hand. Because the damage was caused by a hot liquid, this term is the most precise and linguistically accurate way to describe the resulting burn.

Explanation

The adjective replete means filled or well-supplied with something. When used with the preposition with, it indicates that a particular object or entity is full of a specific thing. In the context of the sentence, stating that his writings are replete with mistakes means that they are overflowing with or characterized by a high number of errors. This usage is a standard English idiomatic construction for describing a work that contains an abundance of a particular element.

Explanation

The idiom cut a sorry figure is used to describe a situation where someone presents themselves in a way that results in a pitiable, unfavorable, or embarrassing impact on others. It often refers to a person's performance or appearance that fails to meet expected standards, leading to a loss of dignity or prestige. In this context, the word sorry functions as an adjective meaning wretched or poor, indicating that the individual has conducted themselves in a manner that leaves a negative or disappointing impression.

Explanation

The idiom to take to task means to criticize, scold, or rebuke someone severely for a mistake or a failure to perform a duty. It originates from the idea of holding someone accountable for a specific task they were assigned. When a person is taken to task, they are being formally reprimanded or censured for their actions or behavior, typically by someone in a position of authority.

Explanation

The idiom bring to light means to make something known that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown. It is commonly used when new information, evidence, or facts are discovered and shared with others, effectively making them visible or public. The term revealed is the most accurate synonym as it refers to the act of disclosing or uncovering something that was once concealed.

Explanation

The word rectify is derived from the Latin rectus, meaning right, and the suffix -ficare, meaning to make. It describes the act of putting something right, amending a fault, or removing errors from a situation or document. To rectify is to bring something into conformity with a standard or truth, which is synonymous with the act of making a correction. In technical fields, such as electronics or mathematics, it similarly refers to the process of refining or adjusting something to achieve a desired, accurate state.

Explanation

Vanquish means to thoroughly defeat, overcome, or conquer an opponent or enemy in a conflict or competition. It signifies the act of achieving total dominance or victory over another. In contrast, surrender means to yield to the power, control, or possession of another, or to give up and admit defeat. While the former represents the position of the victor who subdues an opponent, the latter represents the position of the defeated party who submits, making them direct opposites in meaning.

Explanation

The word grotesque is an adjective used to describe something that is comically or repulsively ugly, distorted, or bizarre. It originates from the Italian word grottesca, referring to the ornate and distorted styles of ancient Roman wall paintings discovered in underground caves or grottoes during the Renaissance. The spelling follows the standard English suffix -esque, which is used to indicate a particular style or resemblance.

Explanation

The error in the sentence lies in the use of the preposition on in part (C). In English grammar, when referring to attending a social event or an occasion while wearing specific clothing, the correct preposition to use is to. The phrase wear to the party indicates the destination or the event for which the clothing is intended. The preposition on is typically reserved for surfaces, specific days, or dates, and is idiomatically incorrect when used to describe wearing something for an event.

Explanation

The error lies in part A due to the incorrect word order in the idiomatic expression. The correct phrase to express strong support or being completely in favor of an idea is all for, not for all. The idiom to be all for something means to strongly agree with or support a specific plan or action. Conversely, for all is typically used to mean despite or in spite of, which does not fit the logic of the sentence. Therefore, the sentence should correctly read, He was all for selling the car and buying a bicycle.

Explanation

The term honorary refers to a position, title, or office held without the receipt of a regular salary or the fulfillment of standard requirements, usually conferred as a mark of distinction or respect. When an individual holds an honorary post, they perform the associated duties as a service or for the prestige of the role rather than for financial remuneration.

Explanation

In English grammar, the word like is used as a preposition and is followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. The word as functions as a conjunction and is used to introduce a clause that contains a subject and a verb. In the phrase do like I do, the segment I do is a clause. Therefore, the preposition like is grammatically incorrect in this context and must be replaced by the conjunction as to properly introduce the clause.

Explanation

The expression without fail is a standard idiomatic phrase used to emphasize that something must happen or be done certainly and without any exception. In this context, the word fail functions as part of a fixed prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial, meaning for sure or definitely. Using this idiom indicates that the instruction to meet tomorrow is mandatory and must be followed regardless of any circumstances.

Explanation

The phrasal verb gives off means to emit or send out something from a source, such as heat, light, a smell, or radiation. Since Radium is a radioactive element that naturally emits alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, the term gives off is the grammatically and scientifically appropriate choice to describe the release of rays that can cause blindness or other physical harm.

Explanation

The phrase as long as functions as a subordinating conjunction used to express a condition of time or duration. It indicates that an action remains true or necessary for the entire period that another situation exists. In this sentence, it specifies that the requirement to work continues for the full duration of the time the person is present in the office.

Explanation

The idiom to add fuel to the fire is used to describe an action or statement that intensifies a conflict or makes a difficult situation significantly worse. Just as adding combustible material to an existing fire causes it to burn more fiercely, figuratively adding fuel to a situation increases the level of anger, hostility, or trouble already present. It is commonly applied in scenarios where someone intervenes in a dispute or a problem in a way that further provokes the involved parties rather than resolving the issue.

Explanation

The idiom to take to heart means to be deeply affected or moved by something, such as a remark, a piece of advice, or a specific event. When someone takes something to heart, they consider it very seriously and allow it to impact their emotions or influence their future behavior. It implies a level of personal involvement where the individual internalizes the matter, often resulting in a strong emotional response or a significant change in perspective.

Explanation

The idiom to bring to light means to make something known that was previously secret or hidden. It is commonly used when information, facts, or evidence are discovered or disclosed to the public, effectively making them visible or understood. This makes to reveal the most accurate expression of its meaning.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the introductory participle phrase Lying in my room, which must logically modify the subject of the main clause that follows. In the original structure, the subject is the music, which results in a dangling modifier because music cannot perform the action of lying in a room. To rectify this grammatical error, the main clause must have a subject that can actually be lying in the room. Option a provides the subject I, which correctly links the action in the participle phrase to the person hearing the music, thereby establishing a clear and logical relationship between the modifier and the subject.

Explanation

The phrase you want to is the most appropriate replacement because it expresses the condition of intention or purpose. In English grammar, when an instruction is given to achieve a specific goal, the conditional clause often employs a verb that denotes desire or necessity. In this sentence, the advice to move quickly is directly dependent on the person's objective of catching the train. Using you want to establishes a clear and logical relationship between the action required and the intended outcome, which is a standard construction for providing guidance or suggestions based on a person's goals.

Explanation

The word real is frequently used as an adverbial intensifier in idiomatic English to mean very or extremely. In the expression real fast, the word real modifies the adverb fast to emphasize the speed of the action. Standard English syntax requires the intensifier to be placed immediately before the adverb it modifies. Therefore, real fast is the grammatically appropriate choice to describe the quickness of the subject turning in response to the sound.

Explanation

Pilferage refers to the act of stealing things of little value or in small quantities, often repeatedly over a period of time. It is commonly used to describe petty theft from a workplace, a store, or during the transport of goods.

Explanation

The noun people is a plural countable noun, which requires the quantifier few. In English grammar, the phrase a few signifies a small number, and it is conventionally preceded by the word only to highlight that the quantity was not large. The construction only a few is the standard idiomatic way to express that a limited number of individuals were present. Since the indefinite article a is already present before the quoted word, the use of few is grammatically precise and correctly modifies the countable subject to reflect the context of the sentence.

Explanation

The word aim refers to a specific purpose or intention that an individual strives to achieve in a particular situation. In this context, finding a place to live is a practical and immediate objective rather than a grand, long-term life goal. While ambition is generally associated with a strong desire for professional success, power, or distinction over time, aim is the more appropriate term for a focused and functional intention or a direct target.

Explanation

An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble that consists of a group of musicians playing a wide variety of musical instruments together. Typically, an orchestra includes sections of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. These groups are usually led by a conductor and are organized to perform complex musical compositions, such as symphonies or operas, where many different instrumental parts must be synchronized into a single cohesive performance.

Explanation

The term rites refers to formal, solemn ceremonies or acts that are performed according to a prescribed order, especially within a religious context. Rites are established practices that hold significant spiritual or cultural meaning, such as baptism, marriage ceremonies, or funeral services. They serve as structured ways for a community or individual to observe sacred traditions and maintain continuity in religious worship and belief systems.

Explanation

The word inevitable is used to describe an event or situation that is certain to happen and is impossible to avoid or prevent. It originates from the Latin word inevitabilis, where the prefix in- denotes negation and evitabilis means avoidable. In English usage, it signifies a result that is predestined or logically certain to occur, making it the precise substitute for the phrase describing something that cannot be averted.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that anyone who is gripped with fear will never be intelligent, emphasizing that where there is fear, there is no intelligence. It defines intelligence as the capacity to think freely, without a formula, so that one can discover what is real and true. Since fear prevents this freedom of thought and leads to imitation rather than discovery, its primary effect is the suppression of a person's ability to develop and exercise their intelligence.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the role of education is to help individuals understand the need for freedom. According to the text, freedom is a prerequisite for intelligence because it eliminates fear, which otherwise prevents a person from thinking freely or discovering what is real and true. The author emphasizes that without freedom, one cannot understand the whole process of living or the extraordinary mysteries of life, as freedom allows an individual to discover rather than merely imitate. Thus, the realization of the need for freedom is central to the purpose of education described.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that when people are young, they must seek and find out what life is all about. It clarifies that the primary function of education is to prepare individuals to understand the whole process of life, which is described as an extraordinarily wide and profound mystery. By seeking this understanding during youth, individuals cultivate intelligence and the capacity to think freely, allowing them to discover what is real and true rather than merely imitating others or focusing strictly on vocational goals.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the primary function of education is to help individuals understand the need for freedom. According to the text, unless a person is free, they cannot understand the whole process of living or cultivate true intelligence. The author defines intelligence as the capacity to think freely and without fear, asserting that where there is fear, there is no intelligence. Therefore, education serves the vital purpose of helping us realize the necessity of freedom so that we may discover what is real and true rather than merely imitating others or focusing solely on professional security and livelihood.

Explanation

The passage primarily focuses on the true purpose and function of education. It establishes from the outset that education should go beyond preparing students for exams or careers, emphasizing instead its role in helping individuals understand the complexities of life. While the text explores themes like intelligence and freedom, it frames them as essential outcomes or components of a proper educational process. Education is depicted as the medium through which one cultivates the capacity to think freely and discover truth, making it the central subject that connects all the secondary ideas presented.

Explanation

The term occidental is derived from the Latin word occidens, which means the setting sun or the direction where the sun sets. In English usage, it is specifically defined as relating to the countries or cultures of the West, primarily encompassing Europe and the Americas.

Explanation

The word home often functions as an adverb of place when used with verbs of movement or arrival such as go, come, reach, or arrive. In English grammar, adverbs of place do not require a preposition to link them to the verb. Therefore, the idiomatic and grammatically correct construction is arrived home. Prepositions are generally only used with home when it functions as a noun, typically preceded by a possessive pronoun or a definite article, which does not apply in this sentence.

Explanation

The verb pass functions transitively when used in the context of succeeding in a test, course, or examination. Standard English usage dictates that a person passes the examination directly, without the need for an intervening preposition. Using the phrase pass in the examination is considered a grammatical redundancy. The correct construction involves the verb followed immediately by its object, which maintains clarity and adheres to formal syntactic rules. This direct usage distinguishes it from phrasal verbs that change the meaning entirely or require specific prepositions for different contexts. Therefore, the simple transitive form is the most appropriate and grammatically sound choice for the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase desire for power is the most appropriate choice because it identifies the specific motivation—ambition—that typically leads to a person's downfall. While powerful desire describes the intensity of a feeling, it lacks a subject or goal. In the context of a downfall, the noun phrase desire for power acts as a complete logical unit, explaining the cause-and-effect relationship between the individual's thirst for authority and their subsequent failure. This usage is standard in English to describe tragic flaws or political collapses.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past tense of the intransitive verb lie, which means to recline or rest. The principal parts of this verb are lie (present), lay (past), and lain (past participle). Since the context indicates a past action, as evidenced by the use of could in the latter part of the sentence, the correct past tense form is lay. The word used in the original sentence, laid, is the past tense of the transitive verb lay, which means to put or place something and requires a direct object. Because the subject Ramesh is performing the action of reclining himself rather than placing an object, the intransitive past tense form lay is grammatically appropriate.

Explanation

The verb foresee means to be aware of an event or situation before it happens or to predict future outcomes. In the context of financial literacy, the objective is to enable an individual to anticipate the negative results of poor habits, such as over-spending or over-borrowing, before they actually occur. While oversee implies the supervision or management of a process or a group of people, foresee correctly identifies the cognitive ability to recognize potential future repercussions. This prospective vision is a fundamental part of an education in handling money, as it allows a person to weigh current actions against their likely future impact.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage identifies the primary purpose of learning grammar by stating that it is essential for good speaking and writing. Since these two skills are the means by which an individual's mind is judged by others, grammar acts as the necessary foundation for effective communication. The author emphasizes that while the study requires hard work and patience, the mastery of grammar allows a person to achieve high standards in both verbal and written expression, ultimately providing a lifetime of pleasure and profit.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage directly states that a knowledge of grammar is essential for good speaking and writing, by which one's mind is judged. The author establishes a clear causal link where the quality of an individual's speech and written communication serves as the primary metric used by others to evaluate their mental capacity and intellect.

Explanation

The word impeccable is derived from the Latin term impeccabilis, where in- means not and peccare means to sin. In modern usage, it refers to something that is in accordance with the highest standards of propriety or quality, meaning it is flawless or exemplary. When an object, performance, or piece of work is described as impeccable, it implies that it is entirely free from any defects, errors, or blemishes. Consequently, the term faultless is the most accurate synonym as it directly describes the state of being without any flaws or mistakes.

Explanation

Disavowal refers to the act of repudiating, denying, or disclaiming any responsibility, support, or knowledge regarding a particular matter. It is a formal rejection or renunciation of a claim or action. Approval serves as its opposite because it denotes the act of accepting, sanctioning, or giving a formal agreement to something. In a context where disavowal represents a distancing or refusal to acknowledge, approval represents the positive endorsement and acceptance of that thing.

Explanation

The word hierarchy originates from the Greek hierarkhia, which is formed by combining the words hieros, meaning sacred, and arkhein, meaning to rule. The correct English spelling preserves this etymological root by using the prefix hier- followed by the suffix -archy. This follows the common linguistic pattern for terms describing systems of ranking or government, such as monarchy or anarchy. In the first syllable, the vowel sequence is correctly written with the letter i preceding the letter e.

Explanation

The verb enter, when used to mean physically moving into a place like a room, building, or hall, is a transitive verb and should not be followed by the preposition into. The correct phrasing is entered the room. The phrase enter into is only used in a figurative sense when referring to abstract things such as agreements, negotiations, discussions, or alliances. In the context of entering a physical space, into is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it maintains consistent tense and proper idiomatic usage. The first clause uses the simple past tense verb waited followed by the appropriate preposition for to indicate expectation. The second clause uses the coordinating conjunction but to introduce a contrast, followed by the past tense phrasal verb turned up, which correctly means to arrive or appear. Both verbs are in the past tense, ensuring logical chronological flow, and the sentence contains no errors in syntax or word choice.

Explanation

The passage explicitly provides a timeline for achieving proficiency in the subject, stating that if people devoted only their leisure time to studying grammar, they could master it in one year. This timeframe is presented as a realistic goal for any motivated individual, regardless of their financial or social circumstances, provided they approach the study with the necessary thought and patience.