SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word Stagnation refers to the state of being still or not flowing, or a lack of activity, growth, or development in a process or economy. It is derived from the Latin word stagnare, meaning to stagnate. The correct spelling is S-T-A-G-N-A-T-I-O-N, which follows the standard phonetic construction for nouns ending in the suffix -tion to denote a state or condition. Every letter in this sequence correctly represents the root stag- followed by the suffix -ation.

Explanation

The error lies in the usage of the present perfect tense in the main clause. In English grammar, when a sentence contains a time clause introduced by as soon as, and the subordinate clause is in the simple present tense (the customers leave), the main clause should typically be in the simple future tense (I will come) to indicate an action that is intended to happen in the future. The present perfect tense I have come incorrectly implies the action has already been completed, which contradicts the sequence of events established by the time clause.

Explanation

The sentence contains an adverb of time, yesterday, which denotes a specific completed action in the past. According to the rules of English grammar, when a definite point of time in the past is mentioned, the Simple Past tense must be used rather than the Present Perfect tense. Since the first verb called is correctly in the Simple Past, the second verb in part C must also be in the Simple Past form, gave, to maintain tense consistency and correctly associate the action with the time marker provided.

Explanation

The sentence structure starting with the reason for is already designed to introduce a cause. Using the phrase due to in part (C) creates a redundancy or tautology because both expressions serve the same grammatical purpose of explaining a cause. In formal English, the word reason should be followed by a complement, typically a that-clause or a simple noun phrase, rather than another causative expression like due to or because. The sentence would be grammatically correct if it were written as the reason for my absence is ill health or my absence is due to ill health.

Explanation

The verb like is commonly followed by a gerund to express a general preference or an activity that someone enjoys doing. The word required in this context is the present participle form of the verb lie, which means to recline or remain in a horizontal position. When adding the suffix ing to the verb lie, the terminal ie changes to y, resulting in the spelling lying. This gerund effectively functions as the object of the verb like to describe the state of resting in the sunshine.

Explanation

The verb refuse is the most appropriate word to use when declining a suggestion, invitation, or proposal. In this sentence, the context involves an offer made by the Chairman, and refuse correctly expresses the act of declining to accept that offer. It is the standard term used to indicate that someone is unwilling to take or agree to something that has been presented to them.

Explanation

In an administrative or professional environment, a clerk typically requests specific identifying information for the purpose of record-keeping or processing documentation. The term designation refers to an individual official title, position, or rank within an organization. It is standard practice for a clerk to ask for this information to accurately fill out forms, verify authority, or categorize the individual in a professional database.

Explanation

The idiom evening of life is a metaphorical expression where the stages of a single day represent the various stages of a human lifespan. Just as evening signifies the final part of the day as the sun begins to set, the phrase refers to the later years of a person's life. It characterizes the period of old age or the concluding chapter of one's existence before death.

Explanation

The idiom button her lip or button one's lip is a figurative expression used to tell someone to stop talking or to remain silent about a particular matter. It derives from the literal action of fastening a button to close an opening; in this context, it suggests closing the mouth firmly to prevent speech. It is often used as a command or advice when someone is speaking too much or is about to reveal a secret.

Explanation

A cock and bull story is an idiom used to describe a story or explanation that is obviously false, far-fetched, or highly improbable. Such narratives are typically invented as excuses or to deceive others, and they lack credibility because the details are too ridiculous to be true. The term implies that the tale is an absurd fabrication meant to mislead the listener.

Explanation

To renovate is to restore something to a former better state or to make it like new again through repairing, cleaning, or remodeling. The term is derived from the Latin word renovare, which literally translates to make new again. It specifically refers to the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure or object to bring it back to its original condition or a modern standard.

Explanation

The word omniscient is derived from the Latin roots omnis, meaning all, and scientia, meaning knowledge. It refers to a person or entity that possesses infinite or universal knowledge, having the capacity to see and understand everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen. In linguistic and theological contexts, it defines the state of being all-knowing and having complete awareness of all facts and thoughts.

Explanation

The term hydrophobia is derived from the Greek roots hydro, meaning water, and phobos, meaning fear. It refers to an extreme or irrational aversion to water. While it is commonly used to describe a morbid dread of water in a psychological context, it is also a historical name for the disease rabies, as humans infected with the virus often experience painful involuntary spasms in the throat when trying to drink or even at the sight or sound of water.

Explanation

The noun intention is idiomatically followed by the preposition of when it is used with a gerund. In English grammar, the standard construction for expressing a specific aim or purpose using this noun is the intention of doing something. Using the preposition of correctly connects the noun to the specific action being described, making intention of insulting me the grammatically appropriate phrase in this sentence.

Explanation

In standard English usage, a student does not give an examination; rather, the examiner or the institution gives the test while the student takes it. When describing a candidate's participation in a formal test, the verb appear is used in conjunction with the preposition at or for. Therefore, to appear at the examination is the grammatically correct idiomatic expression to indicate that the subject was present to take the test.

Explanation

The conjunctions though and although are used to introduce a subordinate clause of concession or contrast. According to standard grammatical rules, these conjunctions are correctly paired with the correlative conjunction yet or simply a comma in the main clause. Using but after though is considered a redundancy error because both words perform the same function of expressing contrast. Therefore, replacing but with yet creates a grammatically sound and logically consistent sentence structure.

Explanation

The expression no sooner is a comparative adverbial phrase that is traditionally paired with the conjunction than to form a correlative conjunction. This structure is used to indicate that one action happens immediately after another. Because sooner is the comparative form of the adverb soon, it requires the use of than to introduce the second clause, similar to how other comparative adjectives and adverbs function in English grammar. In this sentence, the arrival of the teacher and the students standing up are two sequential events linked by this specific grammatical pair.

Explanation

The sentence requires the too...to construction to indicate that a quality exists to such an excessive degree that it prevents a certain action. While so is typically followed by that and a subordinate clause to show result, too is used with an infinitive verb to express a negative consequence or an inability to perform the action. When using a noun like coward to describe this state, the idiomatic structure is too much of a coward. This phrase correctly functions as an adjectival complement that leads into the infinitive to help, indicating his cowardice was the reason he did not assist his friend.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that a significant portion of modern medicine, involving both physicians and patients, pays very little attention to actual health and instead focuses very much attention on those who imagine they are ill. This preoccupation with perceived sickness is further reinforced by the proliferation of medical columns, health articles, and media programs, which the author suggests results primarily in an increase in the number of people suffering from imaginary illnesses rather than the actual promotion of health for the purpose of productive work.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that we have forgotten the true meaning of health, which is to enable a person to perform their work effectively. By contrasting the modern habit of treating health as an end in itself with the functional view that a healthy person should use their health for work, the author defines health as a functional tool. The suggestion is that health serves a higher purpose, making it a means to achieve the objective of productivity and labor rather than being the ultimate goal of human existence.

Explanation

The passage explicitly links the constant discussion of health in media and popular culture to the prevalence of psychosomatic concerns. It states that although people talk about health all the time, the result for the most part is more people with imaginary illness. The phrase for the most part indicates a high frequency or a general tendency, suggesting that such constant preoccupation leads people to often imagine ailments that do not exist instead of using their health to perform their work.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the functional purpose of health, arguing that it is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. The author specifically emphasizes that the true value of health lies in enabling a person to perform their work effectively. By stating that a healthy man should not waste time talking about health but should instead use it for work, the text provides a clear prescriptive guideline for the behavior and priorities of a healthy individual. This focus on the proper application of one's physical well-being and the rejection of obsessive health-related discourse directly addresses the conduct expected of a healthy person.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes that health is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. It defines the true purpose of health as the capacity to enable a person to perform their work effectively. The text specifically states that a healthy individual should not waste time focusing on or talking about health, but should instead use that health for the purpose of working. Consequently, the primary concern for a healthy person is the productive labor and tasks that their state of well-being facilitates.

Explanation

The word insolent is used to describe behavior that is characterized by a lack of respect, often manifesting as bold or arrogant discourtesy. It typically refers to someone who is intentionally disrespectful or contemptuous in their speech or actions towards others. The term rude precisely matches this meaning, as it denotes being impolite, offensive, or ill-mannered in a way that shows a disregard for social etiquette or the feelings of others. Therefore, rudeness is the defining characteristic of an insolent person.

Explanation

Virtue refers to behavior that demonstrates high moral standards, righteousness, or a specific quality of goodness in an individual. The word vice is its direct antonym, denoting a moral fault, wicked behavior, or a practice that is considered immoral or sinful. While virtue signifies merit and ethical excellence, vice represents the corruption of character or the presence of bad habits.

Explanation

The noun tranquillity is formed by adding the suffix ity to the adjective tranquil. In accordance with the spelling rules of British English, which are the standard for Indian civil and staff selection examinations, the final l is doubled when a suffix starting with a vowel is added to a word ending in a single l. This rule applies regardless of the word's stress pattern, resulting in the correct spelling containing a double l.

Explanation

The error in the sentence lies in the incorrect use of the preposition for after the phrase in support. In standard English usage, the noun support, when used in this context, is idiomatically followed by the preposition of. Therefore, the phrase in support for her case is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with in support of her case to properly indicate the relationship between the support and the object it refers to.

Explanation

The error lies in part (C) because the word discuss is a transitive verb. Transitive verbs are followed directly by their object without the need for a preposition. Therefore, using about after discussing is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The sentence should properly read as discussing the problems. While the noun form discussion can be followed by the preposition about, the verb form must take the object directly.

Explanation

In indirect speech or reported questions, the interrogative word order (verb before subject) must be changed to the assertive word order (subject before verb). The phrase who was he in part (B) incorrectly uses the inversion typically reserved for direct questions. Since this is a subordinate noun clause reporting a question, the subject he should precede the verb was, making the correct construction who he was. This change ensures grammatical consistency with the subsequent clause what he wanted, which already correctly follows the subject-verb pattern.

Explanation

The word momentary describes something that lasts for a very short duration or is fleeting. When paired with impulse, it refers to a sudden, brief urge or unreflective desire that prompts immediate action. The phrase suggests that the decision was made in a split second based on a passing feeling rather than through careful or long-term planning.

Explanation

The phrasal verb back up means to support, assist, or encourage someone. In this sentence, the speaker is providing an assurance of help and reinforcement to the person if they put in their best effort. This idiomatic expression is commonly used to indicate that one will stand behind another to provide the necessary aid or validation for their actions.

Explanation

The phrasal verb calls up means to telephone someone. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that Sanjay makes a phone call to his mother every morning as a part of his daily routine. This idiomatic expression is commonly used to describe the act of initiating a telephonic conversation.

Explanation

The idiom put two and two together means to draw a logical conclusion from the facts or evidence available. It describes the process of inferring the truth about a situation by combining various pieces of information to reach a sensible understanding. This phrase is typically used when someone correctly deduces what is happening based on simple observations or clear hints.

Explanation

The idiom an axe to grind refers to having a private, selfish, or ulterior motive for doing something. It typically describes a situation where a person is acting or expressing an opinion not out of genuine concern, but because they have a personal interest to serve or a hidden agenda to satisfy. The phrase is often used to suggest that an individual’s objectivity is compromised by their desire for personal gain or the resolution of a private grievance.

Explanation

The idiom pick to pieces means to examine or criticize something in extreme detail, typically to find faults, flaws, or weaknesses. It involves a systematic dismantling of an idea, argument, or piece of work to scrutinize every individual component. This process of exhaustive and rigorous evaluation is synonymous with critical analysis, where one looks deeply into the constituent parts of a subject to judge its validity or quality rather than accepting it at face value.

Explanation

A pedant is an individual who displays their academic knowledge in an ostentatious or tiresome manner, often focusing excessively on minor details, formal rules, and bookish learning. The term describes someone who prioritizes literal accuracy and scholarly technicalities over practical application or broader understanding, making it the precise definition for a person who lays too much stress on bookish learning.

Explanation

Respite is defined as a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. In legal and formal terminology, it specifically denotes the temporary postponement or stay of the execution of a sentence or the discharge of an obligation. It provides a person with a temporary delay or cessation from a penalty or a distressing duty, allowing for a reprieve before the requirement or punishment must be fulfilled.

Explanation

The term aberration originates from the Latin word aberrare, which means to stray or wander away. It specifically denotes a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically in an unwelcome way. In a literal or figurative sense, it represents a deviation from the right, standard, or prescribed course of action or thought.

Explanation

In English grammar, the indefinite article an is used before a unit of time to express a rate or frequency, functioning similarly to the preposition per. When stating speed, the conventional idiomatic structure follows the pattern of distance plus the article a or an followed by the time unit. Since the word hour begins with a silent h and a vowel sound, the article an is required. Using an hour is the standard and most precise way to indicate speed in this context, as it concisely establishes the relationship between the distance covered and the specific duration of time.

Explanation

Invective refers to insulting, abusive, or highly critical language used to attack or denounce someone. In the context of the sentence, substituting the quoted phrase with invective provides a more precise and stylistically appropriate description of speech that would naturally provoke jeers from a crowd. While an argument is a set of reasons, invective is characterized by its harsh and vituperative nature, which directly explains the audience's derisive and mocking reaction.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct in its current form. The relative adverb when is properly used to introduce a relative clause that modifies the noun time, specifying the exact moment the train departs. In English syntax, when is the standard function word for referring to a specific point or period in time within a relative clause. The construction is clear, idiomatic, and follows all rules of formal grammar. Since the sentence effectively communicates the intended inquiry without any structural or stylistic errors, no substitution is required.

Explanation

The verb own is a stative verb, which refers to a state of being or a condition rather than a physical action. In English grammar, stative verbs expressing possession, such as own, possess, or belong to, are generally not used in the continuous or progressive forms. Instead, these verbs are used in the simple present tense to describe a current fact or situation. Using the simple present tense own correctly indicates the permanent or long-term state of the friends possessing the farm.

Explanation

The noun advice is an uncountable noun in English. Uncountable nouns cannot be preceded by the indefinite article an and do not have a plural form. Instead, they require a quantifier such as some or a partitive phrase like a piece of to indicate an unspecified amount. Using some with advice adheres to standard grammatical rules for non-count nouns, making the phrase give you some advice the grammatically accurate construction for the sentence.

Explanation

The passage states that the Alaska pipeline stretches southward from the frozen edge of the Arctic Ocean and terminates at a remote ice-free seaport village. This destination is located nearly 800 miles from the pipeline's starting point and serves as the southern terminus where crude oil is loaded onto tankers for transport. The route specifically concludes at this coastal location after traversing the diverse and challenging geographical features of the state.

Explanation

According to the provided text, the Alaska pipeline has a diameter of 4 feet and is capable of pumping up to 2 million barrels of crude oil daily. The passage explicitly clarifies this volume by stating that 2 million barrels is equivalent to 84 million gallons. This figure represents the maximum capacity of crude oil that can be transported through the pipeline on a daily basis as determined by the operational specifications mentioned in the description.

Explanation

The provided passage explicitly defines bents as H-shaped steel racks. According to the text, long sections of the Alaska pipeline rest on these specific structures to stay elevated high above the frozen earth. These supports allow the pipeline to maintain a zigzag course while navigating the delicate tundra and permafrost of the arctic and subarctic regions. Their use is a critical design feature for the portion of the pipeline that is not buried, which accounts for a little more than half of the total project.

Explanation

The passage states that the Alaska pipeline was the most expensive construction project ever undertaken by private industry, costing approximately $8 billion. Because the financial requirement was so high that no single business could raise the necessary funds, eight major oil companies formed a consortium to share the costs. These companies contributed to the pipeline-construction fund based on the size of their land holdings and oil rights, ensuring the massive project was funded through collective investment rather than a single entity.

Explanation

The passage explains that although the pipeline cost approximately 8 billion dollars, making it the most expensive construction project ever undertaken by private industry, the financial requirements were met by forming a consortium. Eight major oil companies shared the costs, with each company paying into the construction fund according to the size of its land holdings in the oil fields. While the text explicitly lists climate, supply shortages, equipment breakdowns, labor disagreements, treacherous terrain, mismanagement, and theft as specific problems encountered during the project, it does not identify a lack of funds as a challenge faced during construction.

Explanation

The word profligate refers to a person or behavior characterized by reckless extravagance or the excessive use of resources. It describes an individual who spends money or uses materials in a way that is shamelessly wasteful and lacks restraint. Derived from the Latin profligatus, meaning cast down or abandoned, the term signifies a lifestyle of dissipation or prodigality where one exhausts their means without regard for the future. In its primary sense, it is a direct synonym for being wasteful in the management of wealth or assets.

Explanation

The word contemplative describes a state of being deeply, seriously, or soulfully thoughtful, often involving prolonged meditation or reflection. The term unreflective signifies a lack of serious thought, deliberation, or consideration. Since unreflective describes the absence of the very quality of deep thinking and meditation that defines the word contemplative, it serves as the direct opposite in meaning.