SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error lies in the use of Sooner at the beginning of the sentence. The standard grammatical construction used to denote an action that takes place immediately after another is No sooner... than. When this phrase is used to start a sentence, it must include the negative word No and follow the rule of inversion, where the auxiliary verb had or did comes before the subject. Additionally, No sooner requires the conjunction than to connect it to the second part of the sentence. Using Sooner by itself in this context is grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

The verb enjoy is a transitive verb, which means it must be followed by a direct object or a reflexive pronoun to be grammatically complete. In the sentence fragment I enjoyed during, the word during initiates a prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial of time rather than a direct object. To make the sentence grammatically correct, one would need to add a reflexive pronoun such as myself after the verb or remove the preposition during so that my tenure becomes the direct object of the verb enjoyed. Since the verb is left without a proper object in the first part of the sentence, the error is located in part A.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect use of the phrasal verb in part (C). The phrase turned over means to flip something, to transfer control/possession, or to consider an idea. In the context of rejecting or refusing a proposal or a job offer, the correct phrasal verb is turned down. Using turned it over suggests the subject transferred the job to someone else or flipped it, which is logically inconsistent with the context of an offer being refused.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a finite verb in the past tense to complete the independent clause and maintain chronological consistency with the preceding phrase. The word retired serves as the simple past tense of the verb retire, which in this context means to withdraw to a private place or go to bed for the night. This tense correctly indicates that the action of finishing the day's activities occurred after the completed event of the noisy supper.

Explanation

The phrase at the top of one's voice is a standard English idiom used to indicate that someone is shouting or speaking as loudly as possible. It functions as an adverbial phrase of manner where the preposition at denotes a specific point on a scale of intensity or volume. In this sentence, it describes the villager using the maximum capacity of his voice to seek assistance.

Explanation

The phrase the art of is a standard idiomatic expression used to denote the skill, technique, or practice associated with a specific craft or field of study. In this context, it identifies water colour painting as the specific creative discipline being taught. The preposition of is used to link the general noun art with the specific subject matter that defines it, following the conventional linguistic pattern for describing professional or creative expertise.

Explanation

The phrasal verb be down with is a common English idiom used to indicate that someone is ill or incapacitated by a specific disease or sickness. It signifies that an individual is currently suffering from a health condition, such as the flu or a cold, which often requires them to rest or stay in bed.

Explanation

The idiom fair-weather friend refers to a person who remains a friend only when circumstances are pleasant and profitable but deserts or fails to provide help during times of trouble or distress. The term uses the metaphor of weather to distinguish between sunny, easy conditions and stormy, difficult ones. Consequently, such an individual offers their friendship and support only when it is easy and convenient for them to do so, lacking the loyalty required to stand by someone during adversity.

Explanation

The idiom pull together means to cooperate or work in a coordinated and unified manner toward a common goal. It emphasizes the importance of collective effort and synergy among members of a group, suggesting that they align their actions to function effectively as a single unit. This phrase is typically used to describe situations where individuals set aside differences to work harmoniously for the successful completion of a task.

Explanation

Barracks are specifically designed large buildings or groups of buildings used to house military personnel. These structures provide residential accommodation and living quarters for soldiers within a military base or camp, typically consisting of dormitory-style rooms or communal housing units.

Explanation

A numismatist is a person who specializes in the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. The term is derived from the word numismatics, which refers to the study of the physical and historical properties of money. This pursuit includes both the scientific study of currency and the hobby of collecting coins from different eras and regions.

Explanation

The term clientele refers to the customers or patrons of a business, shop, or restaurant, viewed collectively. It specifically describes the body of people who are regular users or frequent a particular establishment. While an individual might be a client, the word clientele is the collective noun used to describe the entire group of regular visitors or followers of a place.

Explanation

In English grammar, the word enough is used to indicate a sufficient quantity or degree. It can function as an adjective, an adverb, or a pronoun. Using much alongside enough is grammatically redundant because enough already implies a specific, sufficient amount or degree. The construction not enough is the standard and concise way to express that something is insufficient for a particular purpose or person.

Explanation

The preposition from is used with the noun change to indicate a departure or variation from an established pattern, routine, or state. When expressing that a current activity or situation is different from one's regular habits or typical duties, the idiom change from is the standard grammatical construction. In this context, the speaker is highlighting that the current task represents a break or a diversion from their customary work routine.

Explanation

The preposition with is used to denote the instrument, tool, or object used to perform a specific action. When a sentence describes an agent using a physical weapon or tool to achieve a result, with is the grammatically appropriate choice to connect the action to the instrument. In this context, the sword is the tool used by Maharana Pratap, requiring the use of with his sword to correctly indicate the means of the action.

Explanation

The verb hope requires the preposition for when it is followed by a noun or noun phrase representing a desired outcome or object. In this sentence, the subjects are expressing a desire for a specific condition, which is good weather. Therefore, the idiomatic construction hoped for is necessary to correctly link the verb to its object.

Explanation

In this sentence, the word other functions as an adjective modifying the plural noun children. When used as an adjective before a noun, the word remains in its singular form other regardless of whether the noun it modifies is singular or plural. The form others is a pronoun used to replace a plural noun phrase and cannot be used as a modifier directly preceding a noun. Therefore, the phrase some other children is grammatically correct as it properly uses the adjective form to qualify the noun.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage explicitly identifies the subject of the men's conversation, stating that they were walking along a forest path and talking of courage and loyalty. This thematic setup provides the narrative foundation for the rest of the story, as the bigger man's subsequent cowardice when faced with the bear stands in direct contrast to the topics of bravery and fidelity he was discussing and boasting about at the start of their journey.

Explanation

The word fidelity is derived from the Latin root fidelis, which means faithful. In the context of the passage, the two men are initially discussing themes of courage and loyalty. When the bigger man boasts of his bravery and fidelity, he is claiming to be a person who is steadfast, loyal, and reliable in his commitments to others. His subsequent action of abandoning his friend in the face of danger represents a betrayal of that promised loyalty. Therefore, fidelity is a synonym for faithfulness, denoting the quality of being constant and true to ones obligations or friendships.

Explanation

The passage describes that as soon as the bear appeared and stood in their way growling, the bigger man, who is identified as the boaster, fled to the nearest tree. The text states that he dropped his gun and climbed to a safe place without considering the safety of his friend. This direct narrative evidence confirms his immediate reaction was to seek refuge by climbing a tree rather than confronting the threat or assisting his companion.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that after the bear smelt the man's body, turned him over, and licked his face, it went on its way because it supposed him to be dead. The man had deliberately flung himself upon his face and remained still to feign death, a tactic that successfully convinced the animal that he was no longer a living threat or prey, leading it to leave him unhurt.

Explanation

The little man survived the encounter because he remained calm and acted rationally when faced with immediate danger. According to the passage, he flung himself to the ground and feigned death, which led the bear to lose interest and leave him unhurt. The narrative explicitly states that he owed his life to his own presence of mind, which refers to the ability to think clearly and act appropriately in a crisis. This quick thinking allowed him to use a specific survival tactic when his companion abandoned him.

Explanation

Arduous is an adjective used to describe a task, journey, or effort that is exceptionally difficult, laborious, or tiring. It implies that something requires a great deal of endurance and persistent effort. Strenuous is its direct synonym, as it characterizes actions or situations that demand vigorous exertion and are physically or mentally taxing. Both terms are frequently used to denote challenges that are straining and hard to overcome.

Explanation

The word commemorate is derived from the Latin term commemoratus, which is the past participle of commemorare, meaning to bring to mind or remember together. The correct spelling is characterized by a double m after the initial o (forming the prefix com-) and a single m following the first e. It refers to the act of recalling and showing respect for a person or event, typically through a ceremony or the creation of a memorial. The structure follows the standard linguistic pattern where the prefix meaning with or together is joined to the root related to memory or mindfulness.

Explanation

The error in part A is the use of the word beside instead of besides. In English, beside is a preposition that indicates physical location or proximity, meaning next to or at the side of. In contrast, besides is used as a preposition or adverb meaning in addition to or moreover. Since the sentence is intended to convey that the author has story ideas in addition to the fact that writing is their hobby, the additive term besides is the correct choice to introduce the clause.

Explanation

The verb recommend requires the preposition to when specifying the person or authority receiving the recommendation. In the given sentence, the recommendation is being directed toward the supervisor, making the use of with grammatically incorrect. The correct construction is to recommend something to someone, so the phrase should properly read as recommended my case to the supervisor.

Explanation

The noun knowledge is idiomatically followed by the preposition of when referring to a specific subject, language, or field of study. In standard English usage, a person possesses a knowledge of a language rather than a knowledge in it. Therefore, the phrase in part A should correctly be written as Her knowledge of English to maintain proper grammatical syntax.

Explanation

The verb impose is used to describe the act of forcing something, such as a rule, a tax, or a personal opinion, to be accepted or endured by others. It is idiomatic to use the construction impose something upon someone to indicate that a viewpoint or authority is being applied in a forceful or unwelcome manner. In this sentence, the speaker is advising against forcing one's subjective perspectives onto the audience.

Explanation

In English grammar, the word any is frequently used as an adverb of degree in negative sentences to modify adjectives. When combined with the adjective different and the preposition from, it forms the idiomatic expression isn't any different from. This structure is used to emphasize that there is no inequality or change between the two subjects being compared. The word any here functions to intensify the negation, indicating that the school does not vary in any way or to any degree from the previous one.

Explanation

The phrasal verb decide upon or decide on is used to indicate making a firm choice or selection among several possibilities after careful consideration. In the context of selecting a specific strategy or path, such as a course of action, the preposition upon is used to signify that a final determination has been reached regarding the plan to be followed.

Explanation

The idiom to bury the hatchet signifies the act of ending a quarrel or conflict and becoming friendly again. Its origins are traced back to a Native American custom where leaders of warring tribes would literally bury their weapons, such as tomahawks or hatchets, deep in the earth to symbolize the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a lasting peace agreement. In a figurative sense, it represents the decision to let go of past grievances and move forward in harmony.

Explanation

The idiom selling like hot cakes is used to describe goods that are being bought quickly and in large numbers. This expression dates back to the 19th century and alludes to the popularity of hot cakes, such as pancakes, at church bake sales or county fairs, where they would be purchased almost as soon as they came off the griddle. It signifies that a product is in high demand and is achieving a very high volume of sales in a short period of time.

Explanation

The idiom scot-free originates from the medieval English word scot, which referred to a tax, contribution, or municipal fine. To go scot-free originally meant to be exempt from paying such taxes or dues. In modern usage, the meaning has evolved to describe a situation where someone escapes the expected consequences of their actions. It specifically refers to getting away with a crime or wrongdoing without receiving any penalty, legal retribution, or punishment.

Explanation

The term obsolete refers to something that is no longer produced, used, or practiced because it has become out of date. It specifically describes items, technologies, or words that have been replaced by something newer, more efficient, or more relevant to current times.

Explanation

An observatory is a specialized facility or location used for the observation of celestial events and the study of the universe. These structures are equipped with telescopes and other scientific instruments designed to monitor and record data about stars, planets, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena. To ensure optimal visibility, they are frequently situated in areas with clear skies, high altitudes, and low light pollution, enabling astronomers to perform precise measurements and gather evidence about the nature of space.

Explanation

The term sororicide is derived from the Latin word soror, which translates to sister, combined with the suffix -cide, originating from the Latin caedere, meaning to kill or cut down. In forensic and linguistic contexts, it specifically denotes the act of an individual killing their own sister. This term follows the standard English convention for naming different types of homicide based on the specific familial relationship of the victim to the perpetrator.

Explanation

The standard idiomatic expression in English is "pass the buck," which means to shift the responsibility for something to someone else. The phrase originated from 19th-century American poker games, where a knife with a buckhorn handle (called a buck) was used as a marker to indicate whose turn it was to deal. If a player did not want to deal, they could "pass the buck" to the next person. In a bureaucratic or professional context, it describes the act of avoiding blame or accountability by redirecting a problem to another person or department. Substituting "throwing" with "passing" corrects the sentence to its proper idiomatic form.

Explanation

The phrasal verb tear up means to pull or rip something, such as paper, cloth, or a letter, into small pieces so that it is destroyed. Since the sentence describes an action performed on a letter in a state of anger, the past tense form tore up is the most appropriate idiomatic expression to indicate that she ripped the letter into pieces.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past perfect tense to indicate an action that was completed before another action in the past. In indirect speech, when the reporting verb is in the past tense like told, the subordinate clause describing an earlier event must use the past perfect construction. This construction consists of the auxiliary verb had followed by the past participle form of the main verb. The past participle of build is built, making had built the grammatically correct choice to complete the sentence.

Explanation

In standard formal English, the indefinite pronoun one must be followed by the possessive form one's to maintain grammatical consistency. Using their or his in place of one's is considered incorrect in the context of traditional grammar exams.

Explanation

The word moan refers to a long, low sound made by a person expressing physical or mental suffering. In the context of the sentence, the subject is reacting to physical distress, making moan the semantically appropriate noun to describe the sound produced. It correctly conveys the audible expression of pain that would naturally occur as someone sinks back in discomfort.

Explanation

The provided text explicitly states that Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, recognized as one of the greatest modern scientists, graduated from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. This academic foundation preceded his later achievements, such as obtaining a Tripos from Cambridge University and joining Presidency College as a Professor of Physics. His education at St. Xavier's College was the initial step in a distinguished career that included pioneering work in wireless communication, microwave technology, and the discovery of life-like responses in plants.

Explanation

The idiom yeoman service refers to the performance of efficient, reliable, and useful work, or providing great assistance to a cause. Historically, a yeoman was a dependable assistant or a freeholder known for hard work and loyalty. In the context of the passage, describing the Bose Institute as performing yeoman service indicates that the laboratory has provided exceptionally valuable and indispensable contributions to the advancement of various scientific disciplines. This term characterizes service that is consistently excellent and of great practical benefit to society and the scientific community.

Explanation

As specified in the provided text, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose was a pioneer in the discovery of wireless signaling, radio, and the Microwave. His scientific work in the late 19th century involved the generation and detection of electromagnetic waves in the millimeter range, specifically between 5 mm and 25 mm. By developing sensitive detectors like the galena receiver and using wave guides and horn antennas, he laid the groundwork for modern microwave technology and remote wireless communication.

Explanation

According to the provided text, Jagadish Chandra Bose used an instrument of his own invention, known as the Crescograph, to demonstrate the physiological responses of plants to external stimuli. His research proved that plants are not inanimate objects but living organisms that possess a sensitivity comparable to that of animals. Specifically, he showed that plants react to various factors such as light, heat, and chemicals, leading to the conclusion that they feel pleasure and pain as we do. This discovery was a landmark in the field of biophysics and botany, establishing that the fundamental mechanisms of life and response to stimuli are shared across different forms of life.

Explanation

A Tripos is the formal term used at the University of Cambridge for the academic courses and examinations required to earn an undergraduate degree. Historically, the name is derived from the three-legged stool upon which candidates or examiners sat during oral examinations in previous centuries. Students at Cambridge are typically required to pass the various parts of their specific Tripos, such as the Natural Sciences Tripos which Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose completed, to be awarded their Bachelor of Arts degree. This academic qualification served as the foundation for his professional career in physics and botany.

Explanation

The word scandalized refers to a state of being deeply offended, appalled, or horrified by something that is perceived as morally wrong, improper, or disgraceful. It conveys a strong reaction of moral outrage and disbelief. In this context, shocked is the closest synonym because it captures the essence of being suddenly and greatly disturbed or surprised by unacceptable behavior or events.

Explanation

Insolent refers to a person who is intentionally rude, disrespectful, or lacking in manners, often showing an arrogant disregard for others. The word mannerly describes someone who is polite, well-behaved, and observant of social etiquettes and respect. Because these terms represent opposite ends of the spectrum regarding social conduct and respectfulness, mannerly is the direct antonym of insolent.

Explanation

The word Immense is an adjective used to describe something extremely large or vast, especially in scale, size, or degree. It is derived from the Latin word immensus, where the prefix in- (meaning not) is combined with mensus (the past participle of metiri, meaning to measure). This etymological origin literally translates to something that is immeasurable. In English orthography, the assimilation of the prefix results in the double m spelling, and the word consistently ends with the -ense suffix.

Explanation

When a subject is connected to another noun or pronoun using phrases such as with, along with, together with, or as well as, the verb must agree with the first subject mentioned. In this sentence, the primary subject is the singular noun The leader. Therefore, the plural verb are is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced by the singular verb is. Additionally, the sentence requires the passive voice construction, which necessitates the past participle sent rather than the base form send.