SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word intangible refers to something that lacks a physical presence, cannot be touched, or is not material in nature, such as an idea, a feeling, or a reputation. Concrete is the direct opposite because it describes something that exists in a material or physical form, is solid, and can be perceived through the senses. In linguistic and philosophical contexts, concrete represents the tangible and specific world, whereas intangible represents the abstract and non-physical realm.

Explanation

Pontifical is the correctly spelt word, originating from the Latin pontificalis, which pertains to a pontiff or high priest. In ecclesiastical contexts, it refers to the office, dignity, or jurisdiction of the Pope or a bishop. It is also commonly used to describe a person's manner or speech when it is perceived as pompously dogmatic or overly solemn. The spelling consists of the root pontific- followed by the adjectival suffix -al.

Explanation

The verb enjoy is a transitive verb that requires a gerund instead of an infinitive when it is followed by another verb to function as its object. In English grammar, certain verbs such as enjoy, finish, avoid, and suggest are traditionally followed by the -ing form of the verb. In the given sentence, the infinitive to read is used after enjoy, which is grammatically incorrect. To rectify the error, the infinitive to read must be replaced with the gerund reading to correctly express the action being enjoyed.

Explanation

The sentence contains an error in part C because it omits the definite article required for the idiomatic expression. The correct proverb is Variety is the spice of life. In English grammar, when a noun like spice is followed by a qualifying prepositional phrase such as of life, it becomes specific and typically requires the definite article the. This specific phrase traces back to William Cowper's poem The Task, where he wrote, Variety is the very spice of life, and the shortened version has remained a standard idiom requiring the article to be grammatically complete.

Explanation

The error lies in part A because the subject of the sentence is the distributive pronoun neither. In English grammar, distributive pronouns such as neither, either, each, and everyone are treated as singular subjects. Even though the pronoun is followed by the plural prepositional phrase of the scout leaders, the verb must agree with the singular subject neither. Therefore, the plural verb know must be replaced with the singular verb knows to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Explanation

The adverb scarcely means almost not or hardly at all. It is used to indicate that a condition is barely met or that an action is almost impossible to perform under the given circumstances. In this sentence, the presence of dim light creates a situation where visibility is extremely limited, making scarcely the appropriate choice to convey that seeing is nearly impossible.

Explanation

The verb rival is used to indicate that something is as good as, or can be compared to, another thing in terms of quality, depth, or excellence. In this context, it conveys that India’s vast diversity, vibrant aesthetic, and cultural depth in dance forms are so exceptional that very few other countries possess a heritage that equals or matches them. Using rival effectively highlights the nearly unparalleled status of Indian classical and folk dances on a global stage.

Explanation

The verb communicate requires the preposition with when used to describe the act of exchanging information or speaking with a person or group. Additionally, since the subject refers to students from different countries, implying a group larger than two, the reciprocal pronoun one another is grammatically standard for expressing a mutual relationship or action within a multi-member group. Therefore, the phrase with one another correctly completes the sentence by providing both the necessary preposition and the appropriate plural reciprocal pronoun.

Explanation

The idiom straw in the wind refers to a small sign or slight indication that suggests how a situation is developing or what is likely to happen in the near future. The expression originates from the practice of tossing a piece of straw into the air to see which way the wind is blowing, thereby predicting the weather or the direction of a coming storm. In a broader context, it signifies an early warning or a minor event that serves as a precursor to more significant changes or trends.

Explanation

The idiom face the music means to accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions, especially criticism or punishment. It is often used when someone has made a mistake or committed a wrongdoing and must now confront the resulting penalty or social disapproval rather than trying to avoid it. The phrase likely originated from military traditions where a disgraced soldier was drummed out of his regiment or from the theatrical world where an actor had to face the orchestra and the audience regardless of a poor performance.

Explanation

The idiom curry favour means to ingratiate oneself or to seek preferential treatment and approval through flattery, sycophancy, or overly attentive behavior. The phrase originated from the 14th-century French satirical poem Roman de Fauvel, where a fallow-colored horse named Fauvel represented hypocrisy and deceit. To curry Fauvel meant to groom the horse to gain its favor or to influence it for personal gain. Over time, the phrase evolved into curry favour in English. It describes a situation where an individual attempts to win favourable attention or improve their standing with someone in a position of power by being insincerely helpful or agreeable, rather than through merit or genuine hard work.

Explanation

A sojourn is defined as a temporary stay or a brief residence in a place. The term originates from the Old French word sojorn, which describes the act of residing somewhere for a short period, often during a journey or as a guest. It specifically denotes a transitionary period spent at a location that is not one's permanent home.

Explanation

The word credible is derived from the Latin root credere, which means to believe, combined with the suffix -ible, meaning able to be. Therefore, the term literally translates to able to be believed. It is used to describe statements, stories, or individuals that are convincing, plausible, and worthy of trust or belief.

Explanation

A stoic is a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. The term originates from Stoicism, an ancient Greek school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium, which teaches that the path to happiness is found in accepting the moment as it presents itself and not allowing oneself to be controlled by the desire for pleasure or the fear of pain. In general usage, it describes an individual who remains calm and detached from the emotional fluctuations caused by external circumstances, maintaining an even temperament regardless of whether they experience suffering or joy.

Explanation

The original sentence contains a dangling participle error because the subject of the main clause, all the buildings, cannot logically be the subject of the introductory participle phrase, knowing. In English grammar, a participle phrase at the beginning of a sentence must describe the subject that immediately follows the comma. Since buildings are inanimate and cannot possess knowledge, the phrase is grammatically incorrect. Option c) fixes this by replacing the participle phrase with a subordinate clause, Since the area was known to be prone to earthquakes. This change introduces a distinct subject for the introductory clause, thereby establishing a clear and logical causal relationship between the seismic risk of the area and the subsequent reinforcement of the buildings.

Explanation

In English grammar, the determiner some is generally used in affirmative sentences to indicate an unspecified quantity. In contrast, any is the standard determiner used in negative sentences and questions. Since the sentence contains the negation not, the word some should be replaced with any to correctly indicate that no quantity of mangoes will be purchased. Any is appropriate here because it functions as the negative counterpart to some when used with plural countable nouns like mangoes.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of a third conditional, which describes a hypothetical situation in the past and its imaginary result. The grammatical rule for a third conditional sentence is: If + subject + past perfect (had + V3), subject + would have + past participle (V3). Since the conditional clause uses the past perfect had requested, the main clause must use would have surely assisted to maintain grammatical consistency and express the unfulfilled condition correctly.

Explanation

The phrase alarming report is grammatically correct as it uses the present participle alarming as an adjective to describe the noun report. In English, the -ing form of a verb functions as an adjective when describing the characteristic of a thing that causes a particular feeling or reaction. Since the report is the source or cause of the alarm and shock experienced by everyone, alarming is the appropriate modifier. The sentence correctly follows the standard adjective-noun structure to convey that the nature of the news was frightening or disturbing.

Explanation

The phrase none the wiser is a standard English idiom used to indicate that someone does not understand something any better even after it has been explained to them. In this construction, none acts as an adverb modifying the comparative adjective phrase the wiser. It conveys that the explanation provided had no effect on the person's level of understanding, leaving them in the same state of ignorance as before. This specific idiomatic expression is the most grammatically precise way to complete the sentence in this context.

Explanation

The provided passage explicitly identifies the jamun tree as the primary attraction on this specific side of the lake. After mentioning a farm located on the far side, the text transitions by stating that the greatest pleasure on this side of the lake was the jamun tree. This direct statement establishes the tree itself as the source of greatest pleasure before describing the various activities, such as feasting on berries or observing nesting parrots, that the characters enjoyed because of the tree's presence.

Explanation

The provided passage explicitly states that the second-coolest thing Kalu and Sunil discovered about the jamun tree was the presence of parrots nesting within its branches. This detail is mentioned immediately following the description of the boys feasting on the tree's berries and shaking some down for Mirchi. The text further notes that Sunil developed a protective attitude toward these birds, checking for their presence every morning to ensure they had not been taken by other individuals looking to sell them at the local market.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that while other road boys were capturing the parrots to sell them at the Marol Market, Sunil had a different perspective. He convinced Kalu that the birds should be left as they were, indicating a protective stance toward the nesting parrots. Sunil demonstrated his concern for their well-being by listening for their squawks every morning to ensure they remained safe and had not been abducted during the night. His actions and the belief he shared with Kalu confirm his conviction that the birds should remain in their natural habitat and not be captured for commercial purposes.

Explanation

The passage explains that Kalu was able to successfully time his raids because he had mastered the trash truck's schedules. While the private waste collectors emptied the dumpsters on a regular basis, knowing the specific timing allowed Kalu to determine the night before a pickup. By understanding these schedules, he could ensure that the bins were overflowing and available for him to raid before the collectors arrived to empty them.

Explanation

The text specifies a direct causal link between Kalu being apprehended repeatedly and the change in how the police handled him. According to the passage, Kalu kept getting caught by the local police until the constables decided to propose a different arrangement. This indicates that the recurring cycle of his arrests was the specific circumstance that prompted the authorities to move away from standard detention and instead offer a deal where his freedom to collect scrap was traded for information.

Explanation

The word invigorating refers to something that makes a person feel healthy, energetic, and full of vitality. It is derived from the root vigor, which pertains to physical strength and good health. Similarly, refreshing means providing new strength or energy or having a revitalizing effect on someone who is tired or hot. Both terms are used to describe stimuli that restore a sense of well-being and alertness, such as a brisk walk in the morning air or a cold drink on a summer day.

Explanation

The word evade means to avoid, escape, or stay away from someone or something, often through cleverness or deceit. Its direct opposite is confront, which means to face, meet, or deal with a person or situation directly and boldly. While evasion involves moving away or hiding from a challenge or obligation, confrontation involves stepping forward to address it head-on.

Explanation

The word phenomenon is correctly spelled following its Greek origin, phainomenon, which means thing appearing. In English, it uses the ph digraph to represent the initial f-sound. The vowel structure consists of an e after the first n, an o before the m, another e before the second n, and an o before the final n. This spelling identifies it as a singular noun, whereas the plural form is phenomena. It is widely used in scientific and general contexts to describe an observable fact, occurrence, or circumstance that is often impressive or extraordinary.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition for after the adjective jealous. In English grammar, specific adjectives are followed by fixed prepositions to form idiomatic expressions. The adjective jealous must be followed by the preposition of when indicating the person or thing that is the object of envy. Therefore, the phrase should correctly be He is jealous of my success. The preposition for is incorrect because it does not follow the standard rule of collocation for this adjective.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition among in part C. According to standard English grammar rules, the preposition between is used when referring to two distinct people, things, or entities. The preposition among is reserved for referring to more than two people or things, or when the entities are viewed as a group or mass. Because the sentence specifically mentions two countries, the correct preposition to establish the relationship is between. Changing among to between ensures grammatical accuracy in describing the bilateral relationship.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition for after the verb achieve. Achieve is a transitive verb, which means it directly takes an object to complete its meaning without requiring a preposition. The correct construction is to achieve my object or to achieve my goal. Including the preposition for creates a redundant and grammatically incorrect structure in the sentence.

Explanation

In formal English grammar, when a gerund ( a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun) is preceded by a noun or pronoun, that noun or pronoun should be in the possessive case. In this sentence, accepting functions as a gerund and serves as the object of the preposition of. The possessive adjective his is used because the speaker is conceiving of the act of accepting, which belongs to the person in question. This rule ensures that the focus remains on the action itself rather than the individual performing it.

Explanation

In English grammar, the noun taste is followed by the preposition in when it refers to a person's ability to judge, appreciate, or choose things within a specific category such as music, art, or fashion. This idiomatic usage indicates a person's aesthetic discernment or preference. When someone is described as having taste in music, it pertains to their quality of selection and appreciation for the subject matter. Therefore, the preposition in is the grammatically correct choice to complete the phrase and establish the relationship between the person's judgment and the field of music.

Explanation

The phrasal verb turn up means to arrive or appear at a place, particularly when expected or after a delay. In the given sentence, the context of making a promise to come establishes an expectation of arrival, which was not met. Therefore, up is the correct particle to complete the expression of failing to appear.

Explanation

The idiom weal and woe is a literary expression where weal signifies prosperity, well-being, or happiness, and woe signifies grief, misfortune, or distress. When used together, the phrase refers to the alternating periods of prosperity and misfortune that occur throughout a person's life or history. It describes the totality of experiences, encompassing both the positive and negative circumstances one encounters.

Explanation

The idiom call in question means to express doubt about the truth, quality, or existence of something, effectively challenging its validity. It is commonly used when a person's motives, the accuracy of a report, or the legitimacy of a decision is being disputed or scrutinized. To call something in question is to formally challenge its status or authority, requiring further proof or justification to maintain its credibility.

Explanation

The idiom make both ends meet refers to the ability to manage one's finances so that the money earned is sufficient to cover all necessary expenses. It originates from the idea of bringing the two ends of a financial period, such as the beginning and end of a year or the income and expenditure columns in an account book, together. Consequently, it is used to describe a situation where an individual is able to live within their means without falling into debt.

Explanation

A hallucinogen is a psychoactive substance that significantly alters an individual's perception, thoughts, and feelings. These drugs primarily affect the senses, causing people to see, hear, or feel things that do not exist in the physical world. By interfering with the brain's neurotransmitter systems, specifically serotonin and glutamate, hallucinogens distort the way the mind processes sensory information, leading to vivid visual or auditory hallucinations and a detached sense of reality.

Explanation

A reprieve refers to the temporary cancellation or postponement of a punishment or a hardship, thereby providing immediate relief to the person concerned. In a legal context, it specifically denotes the act of delaying a criminal sentence, such as the death penalty, to allow for further investigation or appeal. More broadly, the term is used to describe any welcome break or respite from an unpleasant, difficult, or painful situation. By halting a negative process or condition, a reprieve functions as a source of relief.

Explanation

Altruism is the moral principle and practice of selfless concern for the happiness and well-being of others. The term was coined by the French philosopher Auguste Comte as an antonym to egoism, derived from the Latin root alter, meaning other. It represents a philosophical stance where an individual prioritizes the welfare of fellow human beings above their own personal interests, often involving actions that provide benefits to others without any expectation of personal reward or gain. This devotion to the collective good or the needs of individuals forms the basis of many ethical systems centered on compassion and social responsibility.

Explanation

The verb adapted means to adjust, modify, or make something suitable for a specific use or situation. In the context of a book being designed for a specific audience, such as beginners, the material is modified to suit their level of understanding. The preposition to is idiomatically paired with adapted when indicating the standard, condition, or requirement that something has been adjusted to meet. Consequently, the phrase adapted to correctly expresses that the book's content has been altered or tailored to satisfy the specific needs of beginners.

Explanation

The expression a good many is a standard idiomatic quantifier in English used to denote a large but indefinite number of countable items. It functions similarly to a great many or a lot of and is correctly followed by a plural noun, such as tigers. The construction uses the indefinite article a followed by the adjective good, which serves as an intensifier for the quantifier many. Since the phrase is grammatically correct and idiomatic in this context, the sentence requires no improvement.

Explanation

The preposition in is used to indicate a location within a specific geographical area or place, especially when following a superlative adjective like oldest. In English grammar, while of is used to show a relationship between a part and a whole or among a group of items, in is the standard preposition to define the spatial context of a singular entity such as a country or a town. Using in before England correctly identifies the setting within which London is being compared as the oldest town.

Explanation

The sentence is an example of a first conditional structure, which describes a likely future event dependent on a specific condition. In such constructions, the conditional clause beginning with if uses the simple present tense, while the main result clause uses the future simple tense with will. Since the main clause correctly uses will be late, the conditional clause do not leave now is already in the appropriate simple present form, making the sentence grammatically accurate as written.

Explanation

The sentence requires the present perfect tense to indicate an action that was completed in the past but has direct relevance to the present. Since people are asking questions about the motivation behind starting a magazine, the decision itself must have already occurred. The present perfect "have decided" correctly describes a completed action where the specific time is not as important as the present result or situation. This tense creates a logical connection between the past decision and the current inquiries being made by people.

Explanation

The passage defines learning in its opening sentence as the knowledge of that which is not generally known to others. It further elaborates that this type of knowledge is typically derived second-hand from books or other artificial sources, rather than from direct experience, immediate observation, or the common pursuits of life. The text emphasizes that true learning, in this context, refers to information that remains exclusive to the learned and is farthest removed from the practicalities of the everyday world.

Explanation

The provided passage defines learning as the acquisition of knowledge that is not commonly known and is typically derived second-hand from books rather than personal experience or observation. The author explicitly characterizes the most learned man as the individual who possesses the greatest amount of knowledge regarding subjects that are farthest removed from common life and actual observation. This definition prioritizes abstract, academic, or distant information over practical familiarity with one's immediate surroundings, neighbours, or sensory experiences.

Explanation

The passage defines a learned man as an individual whose knowledge is derived second-hand from books and artificial sources, rather than from direct experience or observation of the world. It explicitly states that the learned man prides himself on the knowledge of names and dates, not of men or things. This emphasizes a detachment from practical reality and human affairs, as the individual is preoccupied with abstract information and academic details while remaining indifferent to the actual people and physical objects in his immediate environment.

Explanation

The passage defines a learned man as someone whose knowledge is entirely derived from books and artificial sources, specifically excluding information gained through direct experience or observation of the world around him. According to the text, such an individual is so preoccupied with abstract data and historical figures that he remains ignorant of the people in his immediate social circle. The author explicitly states that the learned man does not know whether his oldest acquaintance is a knave or a fool, emphasizing a profound lack of insight into the character and nature of those he has known for a long time.

Explanation

The passage explicitly defines learning as the knowledge of that which is not generally known to others and states that learning consists of that which none but the learned know. It describes the learned man as someone whose knowledge is focused on information farthest removed from common life and actual observation, such as obscure dates, distant tribes, and the dimensions of foreign cities. By characterizing learning as information derived from artificial sources rather than the experience, passions, and pursuits shared by all men, the author establishes that the intellectual domain of the learned is restricted to their own specialized circle.

Explanation

Adversity refers to a state of serious or continued difficulty, hardship, or an unfavorable fortune. It signifies a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress. Misfortune specifically denotes an instance of bad luck or an unfortunate state of affairs, making it the most accurate synonym for adversity in this context.