SSC CGL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error lies in part (C) due to the incorrect use of the quantifier few. In English grammar, few used alone has a negative connotation meaning hardly any or almost none. To express a small but positive amount of time, the phrase a few should be used instead. Since the sentence conveys the positive expectation that the patient will get better in a short period of time, the correct construction is in a few days.

Explanation

The phrase cope up with is a common redundant error in English. The correct idiomatic expression is cope with, which means to deal effectively with something difficult or to manage a situation. The preposition up is superfluous and should be omitted to maintain grammatical accuracy. Therefore, the error lies in part (B) of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence contains a lexical error where the noun "years" is incorrectly used in place of the verb "yearns," which means to have an intense longing for someone. Therefore, part B should be corrected to "yearns for" to make the sentence grammatically sound.

Explanation

The sentence uses the present perfect continuous tense to describe a state that began at a specific point in the past and continues into the present. The phrase has been requires a present participle to indicate an ongoing process. Deteriorating is the present participle form of the verb, which correctly shows that the decline in his condition started last year and is still progressing at the time of speaking.

Explanation

The preposition at is used to indicate a person's presence at a specific location for a particular purpose or activity. In the context of education, the phrase at school is a standard idiomatic expression that describes the status of being a student or being physically present within the school environment for learning. The sentence refers to the period during which children are enrolled in and attending an educational institution, making at the grammatically appropriate choice to indicate their engagement with the school system during those specific ages.

Explanation

In the context of geology and natural disasters, the verb triggered is the most appropriate term to describe how a primary event like an earthquake initiates or causes secondary occurrences such as mudslides, landslides, or avalanches. It signifies the initiation of a sudden process or a chain reaction where the seismic energy destabilizes the ground, leading to the immediate onset of the mudslide. Thus, the word triggered accurately completes the sentence by establishing the cause-and-effect relationship between the quake and the environmental response on the outskirts of the city.

Explanation

The idiom wet behind the ears is used to describe a person who is inexperienced, immature, or naive. The phrase originates from the biological reality of newborn animals, such as calves or foals, which are born covered in amniotic fluid. This fluid takes time to dry, and the area behind the ears is typically the last place to become dry. Therefore, being wet behind the ears serves as a metaphor for being a newcomer or someone who has just entered a new environment or profession and lacks the practical knowledge and seasoning that come with time and experience.

Explanation

The idiom under a cloud refers to someone who is viewed with suspicion or distrust. It is typically used when a person is suspected of having committed a mistake, a crime, or an unethical act, but their guilt has not yet been definitively proven. The phrase evokes the imagery of a dark cloud hovering over an individual, symbolizing a period of disgrace or a tarnished reputation where they are being closely watched or investigated.

Explanation

The idiom get the sack is a common expression used in professional and informal contexts to mean being dismissed or fired from a job. It signifies the involuntary termination of employment by an employer. The phrase likely originated from the historical practice where tradesmen carried their own tools in a sack to their place of work. When an employer terminated their services, the worker was given back their sack to pack up their belongings and leave, making the act of receiving the sack synonymous with losing one's position.

Explanation

An idiosyncrasy is a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual. It represents a quirk or a unique mannerism that sets a person apart, characterizing their specific temperament or physical habit. The term is derived from Greek roots meaning a private or individual mixture of characteristics. It is used specifically to describe those eccentric habits or modes of expression that are specific to one person and may appear unusual to others.

Explanation

The term extempore refers to a speech, performance, or action that is carried out without any prior preparation or planning. It is often used in public speaking contexts where the speaker is required to talk on a specific topic immediately upon receiving it. Derived from the Latin phrase ex tempore, which literally translates to out of time or at the moment, it signifies a spontaneous delivery based on the speaker's existing knowledge and immediate thoughts rather than a rehearsed script.

Explanation

The term mercenary refers to an individual who is primarily motivated by financial gain rather than ethics, loyalty, or personal principles. While it specifically identifies a professional soldier hired by a foreign power, it is widely used in a broader sense to describe any person who is willing to perform any task or service solely for the sake of money. The word implies a lack of allegiance to anything beyond the payment received for the work performed.

Explanation

The sentence requires a double comparative structure to express a proportional relationship where one change is dependent on another. In English grammar, this construction follows the pattern of the + comparative adjective/adverb + subject + verb, the + comparative adjective/adverb + subject + verb. The definite article the functions as a degree adverb in this context. To maintain grammatical parallelism and correctly illustrate that the increase in spending is tied to the increase in earning, the word the must be placed before more in both clauses.

Explanation

The sentence context involves placing offerings, which requires a noun referring to a sacred table or raised structure used in religious ceremonies. The word altar is the correct noun for this purpose. The original word used, alter, is a verb meaning to change or modify something and is therefore contextually incorrect. Using the noun altar ensures the sentence correctly describes the location of the ritualistic offerings.

Explanation

The phrase Strictly speaking is a standard English idiom used to indicate that one is applying the most precise or literal definition of a concept. In the context of the sentence, it qualifies the assertion that no man is perfect by suggesting that, according to the exact and absolute definition of perfection, every human being has flaws. While Really speaking is occasionally used in informal conversation, Strictly is the grammatically preferred and more formal adverbial choice for making categorical statements about truth or accuracy.

Explanation

The subject Mankind is a collective noun used to represent the entire human race as a single unit. In English grammar, collective nouns referring to a unified group are treated as third-person singular subjects. In the simple present tense, singular subjects require the auxiliary verb does for negation. Since the sentence uses the singular form does to agree with the singular subject Mankind, it follows standard subject-verb agreement rules and requires no modification.

Explanation

In this sentence, the word man is used as a collective noun to represent the entire human race or mankind. When used in this generic sense to denote the human species as a whole, it does not require an article and is treated as a singular noun. This usage is grammatically standard in traditional English to express that humans, in general, utilize every part of the coconut tree. The sentence is structurally sound and conveys the intended meaning clearly without requiring any modification.

Explanation

The passage explicitly defines dyslexia as a perceptual disorder in the opening sentence. This classification is supported by the description of how the condition affects a person's ability to correctly perceive visual information on a page, leading to the reversal of letters like b and d, or words like from and form. Because the disorder involves a disruption in the way the brain processes and interprets sensory stimuli—specifically written language—rather than a deficit in intelligence or a physical disease, it is categorized as a perceptual impairment within the context of the text.

Explanation

According to the provided text, dyslexia is a perceptual disorder where the reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page because letters and numbers often appear reversed. The passage provides specific examples of this phenomenon, such as the letter b appearing as d, the word from being seen as form, and quite being read as quiet. This indicates that the visual orientation and sequence of characters are transposed in the perception of a dyslexic individual.

Explanation

The passage states that many individuals with dyslexia are left-handed or able to write with either hand. The term ambidextrous refers to the ability to use both the right and left hands with equal ease or skill. Since the text explicitly mentions this characteristic in relation to people suffering from dyslexia, it confirms that they are often ambidextrous. This trait is linked to the common observation in the text that dyslexics often confuse left and right, reflecting differences in how their brains process spatial and lateral information.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that dyslexia may persist into adulthood. While the condition is often identified when a child struggles with reading in school and can be managed with specialized teaching methods such as the phonetic approach, it is characterized as a long-term perceptual disorder. The text notes that although early intervention helps dyslexics learn to read, the underlying condition does not necessarily disappear and can remain with the individual throughout their adult life.

Explanation

According to the text, the perceptual difficulties associated with dyslexia are worsened when parents and teachers fail to identify the specific nature of the child's struggle. The passage explicitly states that the problem can be compounded by the failure to recognize the condition, which often leads to emotional distress for the child who cannot otherwise explain their inability to keep pace with classmates. Early identification is highlighted as essential for implementing specialized teaching methods that help the child overcome reading hurdles.

Explanation

The word rational refers to anything that is based on or in accordance with reason or logic. It describes a thought process, action, or person that exercises sound judgment and relies on objective facts rather than emotions or impulses. Similarly, the word logical pertains to the principles of formal argument and sound reasoning. When an idea is logical, it follows a clear and sensible sequence of thought, making it the most accurate synonym for rational in the context of intellectual reasoning.

Explanation

The word interim refers to something that is intended to last for only a short time or serves as a temporary arrangement until a final or long-term solution is established. Its direct antonym is permanent, which describes something that is intended to exist or remain unchanged indefinitely. While interim denotes a stopgap or transitional state, permanent denotes a fixed and lasting state.

Explanation

The definite article "the" should be omitted when a title like King, Queen, President, or Pope is followed immediately by a proper name. In English grammar, the correct construction is "King Juan Carlos of Spain." The article is only used if the title is mentioned without the specific name, such as "The King of Spain," or if the name follows the title as an appositive offset by commas.

Explanation

The error lies in part (B) of the sentence. In English grammar, the verb die is followed by the preposition of when referring to a specific disease, hunger, thirst, or grief. Since cholera is a disease, the correct phrasing should be die of cholera rather than die with cholera. The preposition with is typically used when expressing an accompaniment or a tool, whereas of indicates the direct cause of death in the context of illnesses.

Explanation

The error lies in the idiomatic expression used in part (B). The correct phrase is at a loss, which means to be uncertain, puzzled, or in a state of confusion regarding what to do or say. Idioms are fixed expressions that must be used in their standard form, and in this specific case, the indefinite article a is a mandatory component of the phrase. Without the article, the expression is grammatically incomplete.

Explanation

The phrase moved with pity is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to describe a feeling of deep compassion or sorrow aroused by the suffering or distress of another person. In this context, the king experiences a strong emotional response to the beggar's plight, leading him to feel sympathy and a desire to help. The word pity specifically refers to the sympathetic sorrow evoked by the misfortune or poverty of others, which logically completes the narrative of a superior figure responding to the condition of someone less fortunate.

Explanation

The sentence requires a singular verb to agree with the singular subject A big dictionary. The verb is satisfies this requirement. Additionally, the preposition on is the standard choice to indicate that an object is resting upon the surface of another object, such as a table. Combining these elements results in the grammatically correct phrase is on.

Explanation

The sentence requires a modal verb to express a possibility regarding a present situation. The first sentence establishes that Mr. Sen is absent today, which is a present state. To provide a reason for this absence, the speaker uses the modal verb might followed by the base form be to indicate a present possibility or a logical deduction. This construction expresses that it is possible Mr. Sen is currently ill, making it a grammatically and contextually appropriate way to suggest a reason for his absence.

Explanation

The idiom feather in one's cap originates from ancient customs where warriors or hunters added a feather to their headgear for every enemy killed or significant feat achieved. This physical token served as a visible mark of bravery and success. In modern English, the phrase refers to a notable achievement or an honor that a person can be proud of, representing a symbolic mark of excellence that adds to their prestige. It signifies a significant accomplishment that serves as a new and additional distinction in one's career or life.

Explanation

The idiom donkey's years is a colloquial expression used to describe a very long period of time. It is believed to have originated as a pun on the phrase donkey's ears, which are physically long, or as a reference to the fact that donkeys are known to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other pack animals. In usage, it emphasizes the significant duration that has passed since a particular event occurred or the extensive time required for a process to complete.

Explanation

The idiom leave no stone unturned means to make every possible effort or use all available resources to achieve a specific goal or find a solution. It signifies being thorough, exhaustive, and meticulous in an investigation or an attempt to solve a problem. The origin of the phrase dates back to an ancient Greek legend where a man seeking a hidden treasure was advised by an oracle to move every single stone in his search, implying that only by exploring every possible location or method can success be guaranteed.

Explanation

The word posthumous refers to something that occurs, appears, or is born after the death of the person involved. It is derived from the Latin postumus, which means coming after or last. Specifically, in a genealogical or legal context, a child born after the death of their father is termed a posthumous child. This adjective is also frequently applied to awards granted after a recipient has passed away or to literary works published after the death of the author.

Explanation

The term teetotaler refers to a person who practices teetotalism, which is the principle or practice of complete personal abstinence from alcoholic beverages. This word emerged in the 1830s during the temperance movement, likely as a way to emphasize total abstinence by doubling the initial letter of the word total, resulting in t-total. It distinguishes an individual who avoids alcohol entirely for moral, religious, or health reasons.

Explanation

The term ambidextrous refers to a person who is able to use both the right and left hands with equal ease and proficiency. Etymologically, the word is derived from the Latin roots ambi, meaning both, and dexter, meaning right-handed or skillful. A person who is ambidextrous does not have a dominant hand and can perform manual tasks, such as writing or drawing, with the same level of coordination and effectiveness using either hand. In a literal sense, the word implies that the individual is as skillful with their left hand as they are with their right.

Explanation

The term commodities refers to basic goods or products that are bought and sold, especially those that are widely used and necessary for daily life. In the context of a natural calamity or economic disruption, the phrase essential commodities is the standard formal expression used to describe items like food, fuel, and medicine. It is more precise and appropriate for describing supplies and trade materials than the generic word things.

Explanation

The verb caution is idiomatically paired with the preposition against when used to warn someone not to do something or to advise them of potential danger. In the context of the sentence, the husband is warning his wife about the risks of going to a specific place or advising her not to go. Using against after the object her correctly conveys this sense of warning or opposition to the planned action. This construction follows the standard grammatical pattern of cautioning someone against a particular course of action or decision.

Explanation

The original sentence is grammatically correct as the phrase very much is a standard intensifier used to modify past participles acting as adjectives, such as interested, pleased, or surprised. While very can often modify such adjectives alone, the addition of much is idiomatic and serves to emphasize the depth or degree of the feeling. The construction follows standard English usage for expressing a strong state of interest in the present tense.

Explanation

The verb deny is the grammatically and contextually appropriate term to use when a person asserts that an accusation, allegation, or charge is untrue. To deny a charge means to declare that one is not guilty of the specific offense mentioned. In legal and formal contexts, this specific word choice is standard for rejecting the validity of a claim made against an individual.

Explanation

Industrious is the most appropriate adjective to describe students who consistently put in a lot of effort and work steadily toward a goal. While the original phrase Working hard is intended to convey diligence, it functions poorly as an attributive adjective in that specific position. The term industrious is a precise synonym that specifically denotes the trait of being hardworking and persistent. Replacing the original phrase with this adjective results in a grammatically correct and more formal sentence structure that accurately reflects the relationship between a student's character and their academic success.

Explanation

The passage describes the Nairs as nice and gentle, explicitly stating that Namita has no cause to complain about them initially. This indicates a relationship based on mutual politeness, pleasantness, and professional respect. The word cordial specifically defines such a warm and friendly interaction that is civil and agreeable, fitting the description of Namita's initial positive experience with her employers.

Explanation

The word jittery refers to a state of being nervous, uneasy, or apprehensive. In the narrative, Namita discovers that her employer is involved in illegal business, which contradicts what she was previously told. This sudden realization of potential danger or legal trouble creates a feeling of nervousness and worry about her situation and safety in a foreign land. This specific emotional response, characterized by being on edge and fearful of future consequences, is the standard definition of anxiety.

Explanation

Namita and Gopal both find themselves in vulnerable and precarious positions while working abroad in the Middle East. Namita discovers her employer is involved in illegal activities, which creates a sense of fear and a desire to escape that is complicated by being far from her support system in Kerala. Gopal's situation involves the confiscation of his passport by his contractor, which is a common method used to restrict freedom of movement and trap workers in exploitative conditions. Both individuals are isolated from their homes and are unable to freely leave or change their circumstances due to the legal, financial, or personal constraints imposed upon them in a foreign land. This commonality defines them as being stranded, as they lack the immediate agency to return to their people or secure their safety in an unfamiliar environment.

Explanation

Namita's situation is relatively better because she has a clear understanding of her next steps and a defined goal. The text states that after discovering the illegal nature of her employer's business, she wants to go back to her home town to her own people. This shows she has mental clarity and a specific desire for her future action. In contrast, Gopal is portrayed as being in a state of complete uncertainty and helplessness, as the passage explicitly mentions he has little idea what he must do. Namita retains her agency and a sense of direction, whereas Gopal is overwhelmed by his circumstances and lacks a plan to resolve his predicament.

Explanation

Both Namita and Gopal face significant distress because they acted on incomplete or misleading information regarding their employment abroad. Namita discovered that the nature of her employer's business was illegal, a fact that contradicted what she had been told. Gopal, after investing his family's limited assets, faced exploitation through the confiscation of his travel documents and poor living conditions. These scenarios demonstrate that the primary cause of their predicament was a lack of prior validation. Therefore, the common lesson is the importance of performing due diligence and verifying the legitimacy of the employer, the working conditions, and the legalities of the job contract before committing to a move. Verifying such details acts as a critical safeguard against fraud, exploitation, and legal complications in a foreign country.

Explanation

The word emancipate originates from the Latin term emancipatus, which means to set free from control or authority. It is primarily used to describe the act of granting legal, social, or political freedom to individuals who were previously restrained, such as freeing people from slavery or removing the legal disabilities of a minor. Liberate is a direct synonym that means to set someone free from imprisonment, oppression, or confinement. Both words center on the transition from a state of bondage or restriction to a state of independence and liberty.

Explanation

The word treachery refers to the betrayal of trust or the act of being deceptive and unfaithful to a person, cause, or country. It denotes a violation of confidence or an act of perfidy. Conversely, loyalty signifies a state of being steadfast in allegiance, showing constant support, and maintaining faithfulness to a commitment or relationship. Since treachery describes the breach of faith and loyalty describes the preservation of it, they are direct antonyms.

Explanation

Adjournment is the correct spelling of the noun that refers to the act of suspending or postponing a meeting, trial, or legislative session to a future time or place. The word is derived from the Old French verb ajorner, which means to put off to another day. In English, the spelling incorporates the prefix ad, the root journ from the French word for day, and the suffix ment. The letter d in the prefix is a standard component of the word construction, though it is typically silent in pronunciation.

Explanation

The grammatical structure some of the requires a plural countable noun because it refers to a portion of a larger group. In this sentence, the singular noun business magnate in part B must be changed to the plural form business magnates to correctly follow the quantifier some of the and to agree with the plural verb live in part C.