SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

In English grammar, when the indefinite pronoun one is used as the subject of a sentence, it must maintain consistency in its possessive form. The correct possessive adjective to correspond with the subject one is one's. Using gender-specific possessive pronouns like his or her is grammatically incorrect in this context. Therefore, the phrase his word contains an error and should be replaced with one's word to ensure proper pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Explanation

In English grammar, modal verbs such as will must be followed by the base form of the main verb, also known as the bare infinitive. The word found in this sentence is the past tense and past participle of the verb find. For the sentence to be grammatically correct within the structure of a first conditional, the base form find should be used instead of found. Consequently, the segment should read you will find a house.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct and follows standard English usage. The verb bears is the appropriate choice for describing a quality or characteristic that someone or something possesses. The noun resemblance is correctly modified by the adjective striking and is followed by the preposition to, which is the standard preposition used when indicating the person or thing that is the subject of the comparison. Although some formal grammarians might suggest a possessive form to compare appearance with appearance, the phrase resemblance to [person] is idiomatic and widely accepted in competitive examinations.

Explanation

The verb congratulate is idiomatically paired with the preposition on to indicate the reason for the praise or celebration. In standard English usage, the syntactic pattern follows the structure of congratulate someone on something. This specific prepositional requirement remains constant whether the object following it is a noun, such as success, or a gerund.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective to describe the emotional state of the subject (the boys) following the linking verb were. The past participle delighted functions as a predicative adjective in this context, expressing that the boys felt great pleasure or satisfaction upon hearing the news. This follows the standard English grammatical structure of subject + linking verb + adjective + to-infinitive to describe a person's reaction to information.

Explanation

Preliminary discussions are the initial talks held at the beginning of a negotiation process to explore possible solutions before a final agreement is reached. In the context of a dispute between revolting players and administrators, these first-stage meetings are essential to establish common ground and set the framework for resolving complex issues like payment disagreements. This term indicates that the discussions were the introductory steps taken to pave the way for a more formal or comprehensive settlement.

Explanation

The idiom wild goose chase refers to a pursuit or search that is completely unsuccessful and a waste of time because the objective is either unattainable or non-existent. It describes an undertaking that is destined to fail, resulting in a foolish and unprofitable adventure where significant effort is expended for no gain. The phrase originates from an old form of horse racing where riders had to follow a lead horse in a random, unpredictable pattern similar to the flight formation of wild geese, which proved to be a difficult and often pointless endeavor.

Explanation

The idiom smell a rat is used to describe the act of sensing that something is wrong, dishonest, or suspicious in a given situation. It refers to the intuitive feeling that one is being deceived or that a trick is being played, even if there is no immediate or obvious evidence. The phrase likely originates from the ability of a cat or a terrier to sense the presence of a rat by scent before the rodent is actually seen, signifying the detection of something hidden and unpleasant.

Explanation

The idiom a live wire refers to a person who is exceptionally energetic, enthusiastic, and full of vitality. It draws a metaphorical comparison to an electrical wire carrying a current, which is active and capable of producing an immediate effect. In common usage, it describes someone who is dynamic and highly alert, making the description lively and active the most accurate expression of its meaning.

Explanation

Coronation is the specific term used to describe the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, traditionally signified by the placing of a crown upon their head. Derived from the Latin word corona, meaning crown, the ceremony often includes religious rites and the taking of a coronation oath, marking the official commencement of a sovereign's reign.

Explanation

A snob is defined as a person who believes that their social status, wealth, or intellect makes them superior to others. This individual typically treats those they perceive as belonging to a lower social class with condescension or disdain while simultaneously attempting to associate with, imitate, or flatter those they regard as their social superiors. The term specifically describes the behavior of someone whose self-worth is tied to social hierarchy and who seeks to distance themselves from the common people while aspiring to be part of the elite.

Explanation

A mortuary is a specialized room or building used for the temporary storage of deceased human bodies before they are claimed for burial, cremation, or an autopsy. These facilities are commonly found in hospitals or funeral homes and are equipped to maintain specific conditions necessary for the preservation of the remains until final arrangements are made.

Explanation

The original sentence is grammatically sound as the determiner any is correctly paired with the singular countable noun man to refer to any individual within the specified category. In this context, any functions to denote one or some of a thing or number of things, no matter how much or many. Since the subject man is singular, it requires the singular auxiliary verb is to maintain proper subject-verb agreement. The phrase effectively conveys that the criteria for eligibility apply to every individual who meets the physical description provided, making the existing structure correct.

Explanation

In English grammar, when multiple adjectives are used to describe a noun, they follow a specific cumulative order: Opinion or Quality, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, and Purpose. In this sentence, broken describes the condition or quality of the object, while wooden describes the material from which it is made. Following the standard hierarchy, quality or condition must precede material. Therefore, broken is placed before wooden to correctly modify the noun table.

Explanation

The idiom screeched to a halt is the standard English expression used to describe a vehicle stopping very suddenly and noisily. This phrase specifically mimics the high-pitched sound made by tires skidding on a road surface during an abrupt braking maneuver. Given the context of the sentence, where the man immediately gets out and runs, the implication is one of urgency or a sudden event, which is best conveyed by this idiomatic phrasing.

Explanation

When a question is reported in indirect speech, the sentence structure changes from an interrogative form to an assertive form. This means the subject must precede the verb. In direct speech, the word order is Verb + Subject (e.g., Who was he?), but in indirect speech, it shifts to Subject + Verb (e.g., who he was). Since the sentence uses the reporting verb asked, both clauses within the reported question must follow this assertive word order. Therefore, the inverted structure who was he and why was he must be corrected to who he was and why he was to function correctly as a noun clause.

Explanation

In English grammar, the preposition by is used to indicate the means or mode of transportation when referring to vehicles, such as by bicycle, by bus, or by car. Conversely, the idiomatic expression used to describe traveling by walking is specifically on foot. Therefore, to maintain grammatical correctness and idiomatic accuracy, the phrase must use by for the vehicle and on for the act of walking.

Explanation

The passage begins by describing a procession to the gallows, a setting inherently associated with execution and death. The presence of armed warders gripping a prisoner and the serious involvement of magistrates establish a somber and dark atmosphere. This focus on the impending loss of life and the cold, mechanical nature of the march toward a hanging creates a heavy, depressing mood, which defines a gloomy tone.

Explanation

The passage describes the procession to the gallows as a rigid and formal event that is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a dog. The text explicitly states that everyone stood aghast and was too taken aback even to grab at the dog, indicating that the sudden appearance and playful behavior of the animal left the warders, magistrates, and other officials in a state of shock or disbelief. This unexpected intrusion broke the solemnity of the march to the execution, momentarily paralyzing the group and causing the entire procession to stop short without any formal order.

Explanation

The passage explicitly describes the dog as being wild with glee upon finding a large group of human beings. Its physical actions, such as bounding among the crowd, wagging its whole body, prancing, and attempting to lick the prisoner's face, are characteristic behavioral signs of happiness and excitement. The author uses the word glee, which is a direct synonym for joy, to characterize the dog's emotional state during the encounter.

Explanation

The passage describes a solemn and rigid procession leading a prisoner to the gallows, which is suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a dog. The dog's behavior is considered surprising because it ignores the gravity of the situation and the authority of the guards and magistrates, instead making a direct dash for the prisoner to jump up and try to lick his face. This unexpected display of affection and joy in a grim setting leaves the entire group aghast and taken aback.

Explanation

The author describes himself as part of the group of magistrates and officials following the prisoner toward the gallows. When the dog suddenly appears and jumps toward the prisoner, the passage states that everyone stood aghast and was too taken aback even to grab at the dog. Since the author was part of this group, his reaction is included in this collective state of shock and hesitation.

Explanation

The word hoodwink historically referred to the practice of covering someone's eyes with a hood to blindfold them. In contemporary usage, it means to trick, dupe, or mislead someone by using false appearances or dishonest tactics. To deceive is to intentionally cause someone to believe something that is not true, often for personal gain or to hide the truth. Since both words describe the act of misguiding others through trickery, they are synonymous.

Explanation

The word futile is used to describe an action or attempt that is completely useless, ineffective, or incapable of producing any result. Its opposite is fruitful, which describes an endeavor that is productive, successful, and yields positive or beneficial results. Since futile signifies a lack of purpose or outcome, and fruitful signifies the abundance of useful results, the two words are antonyms.

Explanation

The word aggression is derived from the Latin term aggressio, which comes from the verb aggredi, meaning to step toward or attack. The correct spelling requires a double g and a double s. The double g occurs because the Latin prefix ad- assimilates to ag- when it precedes a root beginning with g. The double s is a standard feature of nouns derived from the Latin supine stem of verbs ending in -di or -de. This etymological structure remains consistent in modern English orthography.

Explanation

The sentence contains an error in part C because the adjective senior belongs to a group of Latin-derived comparative adjectives ending in -ior. In English, adjectives such as senior, junior, superior, inferior, prior, anterior, and posterior are followed by the preposition to instead of the conjunction than when making a comparison. Consequently, the phrase senior than me is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with senior to me.

Explanation

The error in part B is the use of a double superlative. In English grammar, the superlative degree of short, one-syllable adjectives like tall is formed by adding the suffix -est, resulting in tallest. The word most is used to form superlatives for longer adjectives that do not take the -est suffix. Using both most and tallest together is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The sentence should correctly use the tallest to describe the man.

Explanation

The error is in the second part of the sentence where the relative pronoun which is used incorrectly. In English grammar, which is used to refer to animals or inanimate objects, but it cannot be used to show possession. To indicate that the money belonged to the boy, the possessive relative pronoun whose must be used. Whose is the possessive form of who and is used for both persons and things to show ownership. Replacing which with whose correctly identifies the boy as the owner of the lost money, making the sentence grammatically sound as The boy whose money was lost felt sorry.

Explanation

The sentence identifies a specific response related to a question. In English grammar and logic, the standard term for a response provided for a question is an answer. Therefore, the word answer is the most appropriate noun to collocate with the adjective wrong when referring to a question.

Explanation

The word beside is a preposition used to indicate a physical position or location. It means at the side of, next to, or adjacent to. In this sentence, it serves to describe the spatial relationship between the resort and the lake, indicating that the resort is situated right next to the water. This correctly establishes the geographical placement of the subject in relation to the object.

Explanation

The conjunction but establishes a contrast between the duration of the mosquito's existence and its level of energy. The word brief signifies a short period of time, which aligns with the biological reality of a mosquito's life cycle, typically spanning only a few days to a few weeks. This short duration is contrasted with its high level of activity during that period, such as flying, feeding, and breeding, making brief the logically and grammatically appropriate choice to complete the sentence's intended meaning.

Explanation

Capital punishment is a legal penalty under which a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. The term is derived from the Latin word capitalis, which literally means of the head, referring to the historical practice of execution by beheading. In modern legal and common usage, it is the highest form of judicial penalty and is synonymous with the death sentence.

Explanation

The idiom leaps and bounds is used to describe progress, growth, or movement that occurs with great speed and significant advancement. It conveys the idea of making large, rapid strides forward rather than moving in small or gradual increments. When a process or development happens by leaps and bounds, it indicates a very fast rate of improvement or increase over a relatively short period of time.

Explanation

The idiom smell a rat is used to describe a situation where someone begins to suspect that something is wrong, dishonest, or deceptive. It implies an instinctive feeling or a premonition that a trick is being played or that a person is being disloyal or underhanded, even without concrete evidence being immediately visible. This expression likely originates from the way a cat or dog might sense the presence of a hidden rat by scent, alerting them to something amiss before the animal is actually seen.

Explanation

Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme power is absolutely or nominally lodged with an individual, known as a monarch, who usually holds the position for life or until abdication. The term is derived from the Greek words monos, meaning alone, and arkhein, meaning to rule. In this system, the head of state is typically a king or queen, and the position is often inherited through a specific family line or dynasty.

Explanation

The idiom Hobson's choice refers to a situation where one is offered only one option, essentially meaning there is no alternative but to take what is offered or nothing at all. The phrase originated from Thomas Hobson, a stable owner in 16th-century Cambridge, who gave his customers the choice of taking the horse in the stall nearest the door or none at all. This practice ensured that the horses were used equally and not overworked based on customer preference, resulting in a take it or leave it scenario that effectively removes any real selection.

Explanation

Sacrilege is defined as the violation, profanation, or disrespectful treatment of something held sacred. This term is specifically applied to actions that desecrate holy objects, places, or symbols. The word originates from the Latin roots sacrum, meaning sacred, and legere, meaning to steal. While it originally referred to the theft of property from a temple, its meaning in modern English encompasses any act that treats a sacred place or object with irreverence or contempt.

Explanation

The word transformed is the most appropriate verb in this context as it means to undergo a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. In the sentence, a chance remark serves as a catalyst that significantly alters the course or nature of the person's life. This usage correctly conveys the idea of a profound and lasting modification to one's circumstances or perspective.

Explanation

The phrasal verb switch off is the standard English expression used to mean stopping the operation of an electrical device or appliance by using a switch. In this context, the word off acts as a particle that indicates the disconnection of a circuit or the cessation of function. The word of is a preposition typically used to show possession, belonging, or composition and does not carry the meaning of termination or disconnection required for electrical appliances like a fan.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression hell-bent is used to describe someone who is stubbornly or recklessly determined to do something. This particular adjective phrase is conventionally followed by the preposition on rather than at, for, or about. When followed by an action, it requires a gerund, resulting in the fixed structure hell-bent on doing something. Therefore, the phrase hell-bent on getting is the grammatically and idiomatically appropriate form to express the employees' firm determination to receive what they are owed.

Explanation

The adjective popular is the appropriate term to describe a book that is liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people. It denotes widespread favor or success within a community or the general public. In contrast, the word used in the sentence refers to a geographical area with a large population and is not used to describe the success or reception of an object like a book.

Explanation

The sentence refers to a specific, completed event that occurred at a definite point in the past, indicated by the word first. In English grammar, the Simple Past tense is used to describe finished actions that happened at a specific time. When forming an interrogative sentence in the Simple Past, the auxiliary verb did is used along with the base form of the main verb. The structure follows the pattern: Did + subject + base form of the verb. Therefore, did you first meet is the correct grammatical construction because the auxiliary did already indicates the past tense, requiring the main verb meet to appear in its root form.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that Ancient Egyptians highly appreciated the cat's ability to destroy rodents. This practical utility was crucial because cats proved far more effective at pest control than the grass-snakes and weasels previously kept in homes. Those animals were unable to cope with the massive hordes of rats that had invaded Egypt from Asia. Because cats successfully protected food stores and households from these rodents, they were eventually elevated to the status of sacred animals and associated with the goddess Bast.

Explanation

The provided text details the historical relationship between humans and cats in Ancient Egypt, explaining that cats became highly valued due to their effectiveness in pest control. It explicitly identifies the origin of the rodent problem by stating that hordes of rats invaded Egypt from Asia. The text notes that the previously kept animals, such as grass-snakes and weasels, were unable to manage these specific invaders. This specific geographical detail regarding the rats' origin is what led to the elevation of the cat to a sacred status, as they were the only animals capable of protecting Egyptian food supplies from the Asian rats.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that the cat was ranked as a sacred animal because of its vital role in protecting Egyptian households and grain stores from rodent infestations. Its efficiency in destroying pests, particularly the hordes of rats that invaded from Asia, led the Egyptians to transition from viewing the animal with mere practicality to treating it with religious adoration. This sacred status is further evidenced by the fact that cats were kept in luxury within temples, had dedicated priests, and were the focus of massive festivals where hundreds of thousands of people brought offerings in honor of the feline-headed goddess Bast.

Explanation

The term votaries is derived from the Latin word votum, meaning a vow. In the context of the passage, it refers to the devoted followers, worshippers, or adherents who were dedicated to the service of the goddess Bast and the sacred cats. A votary is characterized by intense loyalty, devotion, and support for a particular belief or entity. The word critic serves as the opposite because it describes a person who expresses disapproval, finds fault, or offers a skeptical assessment rather than showing devotion or faithful adherence. While a votary is a committed supporter, a critic is an evaluator who often points out flaws or maintains a stance of opposition.

Explanation

The word deification is derived from the Latin roots deus, meaning god, and facere, meaning to make. It refers to the process of elevating a subject to the status of a deity or worshipping it as a divine being. The passage illustrates this transition in the Egyptian attitude toward cats by describing how they were ranked as sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bast, housed in sumptuous temples, and attended to by priests and votaries. These actions signify that the cats were no longer viewed merely as useful animals but were treated as gods within Egyptian society.

Explanation

The word forswear means to formally reject, renounce, or give up a formerly held belief, habit, or claim. It often implies a solemn or official abandonment of something. Similarly, the word forsake means to abandon or renounce a person, thing, or habit. Both words convey the central idea of giving something up or deserting a previous commitment, making them synonyms in the context of renunciation.

Explanation

The word inclement is used to describe weather that is unpleasantly cold, stormy, or severe. It can also refer to a person or action that is harsh, unmerciful, or rigorous in nature. The word mild serves as its direct opposite because it characterizes weather that is temperate, warm, and pleasant, or a temperament that is gentle, kind, and lacking in severity. In both meteorological and behavioral contexts, mild represents the absence of the harshness denoted by inclement.

Explanation

The word antiseptic refers to a substance that inhibits the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. It is derived from the Greek prefix anti, meaning against, and the word septikos, which means putrefying or characterized by decay. Following standard English orthography based on its etymological roots, the word is correctly spelled with an s after the prefix.