SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the reciprocal pronoun one another in the second part of the sentence. In standard English grammar, the pronoun each other is used when referring to two people or things, while one another is used when referring to more than two. Since the sentence explicitly mentions the two men, the correct phrase should be quarrelling with each other to maintain grammatical accuracy regarding the number of subjects involved.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the word other in the third part of the sentence. In English grammar, when using a superlative degree such as the most peaceful, the subject is considered a part of the whole group being discussed. The word other is used with comparative degrees to exclude the subject from the group it is being compared to, such as in the phrase Bhutan is more peaceful than any other country. However, in superlative constructions, including other is grammatically incorrect because the superlative already implies the highest rank within the entire category. The sentence should correctly read as of all countries of the world.

Explanation

The sentence follows the double comparative structure, which is used to show a proportional relationship between two actions or states. The standard grammatical form for this structure is The + comparative adjective/adverb + subject + verb, the + comparative adjective/adverb + subject + verb. Since the sentence expresses a general fact or a scientific truth regarding the effect of altitude on breathing, the simple present tense is required in both clauses. Because the first clause uses the simple present verb climb, the second clause must use the simple present verb becomes to maintain parallel structure and indicate a universal condition.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Present Perfect Continuous tense, which is used to describe an action that began in the past and continues into the present. In this tense, the preposition since is used to denote the specific point in time when the action started. Because morning represents a specific starting point rather than a duration of time, since is the grammatically correct choice to connect the time reference to the ongoing action of crying.

Explanation

The word opulent is derived from the Latin term opulentus, which means wealthy or splendid. It is an adjective used to describe someone or something characterized by great wealth, luxury, or lavishness. In a linguistic context, it signifies an abundance of resources, ostentatious displays of high value, and an expensive lifestyle. Therefore, the word rich is the most accurate synonym as it directly refers to having a great deal of money, assets, or valuable possessions.

Explanation

The word morose describes a person who is sullen, ill-tempered, and characterized by a dark or unhappy mood. It is derived from the Latin word morosus, meaning peevish or fretful. Gloomy is a direct synonym as it refers to a state of being despondent, depressed, or lacking in cheer. Both terms are used to describe a temperament or atmosphere that is pessimistic and devoid of brightness or joy.

Explanation

The word irk means to annoy, vex, or irritate someone. Its antonym must denote an action that results in a positive emotional state or satisfaction. Please means to give pleasure or satisfaction to someone, making it the direct opposite in meaning to irk.

Explanation

Grotesque refers to something that is comically or repulsively ugly, distorted, or incongruous. It is characterized by bizarre, unnatural, or highly elaborate and strange forms that deviate significantly from the normal or natural appearance. Plain is the opposite because it describes something that is simple, ordinary, and unadorned. While grotesque implies a sense of extreme distortion or complexity in appearance, plain signifies a lack of decoration or deviation, representing a straightforward and natural state.

Explanation

The idiom to keep the wolf from the door originates from the historical personification of the wolf as a symbol of famine, hunger, and extreme poverty. In this metaphorical sense, the wolf represents the threat of starvation that looms over a household when resources are scarce. By earning just enough money to afford the basic necessities of life, particularly food, a person manages to prevent this threat from entering their home. Consequently, the phrase specifically refers to the struggle of maintaining a minimum level of income to satisfy essential needs and avoid the physical reality of going hungry.

Explanation

The idiom teething problems refers to the short-term difficulties or minor glitches that typically occur during the initial stages of a new project, business, or venture. This expression is a metaphorical extension of the physical process of an infant growing their first set of teeth, which is often a painful and fussy period of transition. In a professional or technical context, it describes the expected setbacks and adjustments required when a system or process is first implemented before it begins to function smoothly.

Explanation

When a sentence begins with a negative statement, expressing that the same negative condition applies to another subject requires the use of neither or nor followed by subject-auxiliary inversion. In this structure, the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject. Since the main clause She did not like uses the simple past tense, the corresponding auxiliary verb did must be used. Therefore, the phrase nor did I correctly applies the rule of inversion to show that the speaker also did not like having coffee.

Explanation

The adjective worth, when followed by a gerund like seeing, typically functions as a post-positive modifier. This means it must be placed immediately after the noun it describes rather than before it. The construction noun + worth + gerund is the standard idiomatic structure in English to indicate that something deserves a particular action. Therefore, a monument worth seeing is the grammatically correct arrangement, as it properly positions the descriptive phrase after the noun monument to indicate its value or merit.

Explanation

The term incorrigible is an adjective used to describe a person or their behavior that is beyond reform or incapable of being corrected or improved. It is derived from the Latin prefix in-, meaning not, and the verb corrigere, which means to correct. In English usage, it specifically refers to habits, traits, or individuals that are so firmly established that they are resistant to change, correction, or punishment.

Explanation

The term scapegoat refers to a person who is unfairly blamed for the mistakes, faults, or wrongdoings of others, often to provide a convenient target for public anger or to shield the actual perpetrators from consequences. The word has its origins in the ancient Hebrew ritual described in the Book of Leviticus, where a goat was symbolically burdened with the sins of the people and sent away into the wilderness. In modern usage, it describes any individual or group that is made to bear the punishment or stigma for a situation they did not cause.

Explanation

The word Neice is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is Niece. It follows the standard English spelling rule of i before e except after c when the sound produced is a long e. Since the letter preceding the vowel pair is n and not c, the i must come before the e.

Explanation

The sequence follows a chronological and thematic progression starting with sentence Q, which establishes the setting and the narrator's journey during a dull autumn day. Sentence S logically follows as the journey continues until nightfall, when the narrator reaches a specific destination, the house of Usher. Sentence R provides an immediate identification of this house and introduces the character Roderick Usher, defining him as the narrator's childhood friend. The paragraph concludes with sentence P, which offers additional context about their relationship by mentioning the long span of time since they last met.

Explanation

Sentence Q introduces the central theme of the paragraph by describing the German practice of rounding up civilians in occupied Poland. Sentence S follows logically by providing the specific terminology for this practice, lapanka, and explaining its etymology. Once the concept and its name are established, sentence P provides the statistical context and frequency of these events in Warsaw between 1942 and 1944. Sentence R concludes the paragraph by offering a specific historical example from September 1942 that illustrates the massive scale described in the preceding sentence. This sequence moves from a general introduction and naming of the practice to broad statistics and finally to a specific illustrative instance.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice, characterized by the structure of the modal verb followed by be and the past participle (may be helped). To transform this into the active voice, the agent of the action (an ant) is moved to the subject position, and the original subject (an elephant) becomes the object. The modal verb "may" is followed by the base form of the verb (help). The adverb "even" is placed at the beginning of the sentence to modify "an ant," maintaining the original emphasis that even a small creature is capable of providing assistance to a much larger one.

Explanation

When converting an imperative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb is changed to requested, begged, or asked to reflect the tone of the word please. For negative imperatives starting with don't, the reporting structure uses the format not + to + infinitive. In this case, he said is replaced by the reporting verb begged, and the imperative don't cry is correctly transformed into the infinitive phrase not to cry.

Explanation

The term effectiveness refers to the capability of producing a desired result or the degree to which specific objectives are achieved. In the context of academic delivery, the primary goal of a lecture is to ensure that the audience understands, processes, and retains the information presented. By introducing a lecture with a brief review of previous work and explaining how the current topic fits into the overall course structure, the instructor provides essential context and cognitive scaffolding. This preparation helps students integrate new knowledge with existing concepts, thereby increasing the overall impact and success of the instructional session in meeting its educational goals.

Explanation

The context of the sentence discusses methods to enhance the effectiveness of a lecture by providing continuity. A review is naturally intended to revisit material that has already been covered in the past. The word preceding means coming before in time or order, which accurately describes the previous lessons or work that set the stage for the current day's lecture. By reviewing preceding work, the lecturer establishes a foundation for the new information being presented.

Explanation

The verb fits is the most appropriate choice here because it is commonly used with the preposition into to describe how a specific component integrates or aligns with a larger structure or system. In the context of education and pedagogy, determining how a single lesson or day's lecture fits into the course pattern helps students understand the overall sequence, hierarchy, and relevance of the material within the broader syllabus. This usage implies logical placement and suitability within a pre-existing framework.

Explanation

Efficiency in the context of academic lectures refers to the optimization of the learning process, ensuring that students absorb information with minimal cognitive friction. By beginning with a review of previous material and clarifying how the current session fits into the broader course architecture, the instructor creates a logical bridge for the listeners. This structural clarity allows for a more streamlined transfer of knowledge, reducing the time and effort students must spend on basic orientation and allowing them to focus directly on the new content. Such pedagogical techniques maximize the output of the session relative to the time invested, which is the defining characteristic of instructional efficiency.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the word capacity refers to the mental ability or the cognitive limit of an individual to focus and process information. When the text mentions that a long lecture strains the capacity of concentrated listening, it implies that the human mind has a limited threshold for maintaining intense focus over a duration. Once this limit or capacity is exceeded, the listener experiences a wandering of attention and a break in the logical flow of information, which directly results in the intermittent distraction and loss of continuity described in the sentence.

Explanation

The verb prefer is used to indicate a liking for one thing over another and is grammatically followed by the preposition to instead of the conjunction than. When comparing two actions expressed as gerunds, such as reading and going out, the correct idiomatic structure is prefer doing something to doing something else. Replacing than with to in part (3) ensures the sentence follows standard English usage for comparisons involving the verb prefer.

Explanation

Certain comparative adjectives of Latin origin that end in -ior, including junior, senior, superior, inferior, prior, anterior, and posterior, are followed by the preposition to instead of the conjunction than. In the given sentence, the use of than after the adjective junior is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage requires the preposition to to establish the comparison between Rohit and Mukesh.

Explanation

In theological and philosophical contexts, the term immanent refers to the divine being present throughout the universe and inherent within the material world. It signifies that God is not only transcendent or existing beyond physical limits but is also intimately involved with and pervades all of creation and the human soul. This concept defines the presence of a deity as being internal to and operating within the natural order of the world.

Explanation

The verb passed is the standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that a candidate has been successful in an academic test or examination. In the context of a matriculation examination, it signifies that the individual met the required criteria and achieved the necessary grades to qualify for the certificate or next level of education. This usage specifically denotes the successful clearing of an assessment, making it the most appropriate choice for describing an educational milestone achieved in a particular year.

Explanation

Articulate means expressing oneself clearly, fluently, and coherently. When applied to speech or ideas, it describes something that is well-defined and easy to perceive. Distinct shares this meaning as it refers to something that is clearly marked, unmistakable, or lucid. Both terms characterize information or expression that is sharp and clear rather than blurred or vague.

Explanation

The word ascend is a verb that means to move, climb, or go upward, or to rise from a lower station to a higher one. In English vocabulary, climb serves as a direct synonym as both terms describe the action of moving toward a higher point, whether literally, such as scaling a mountain, or figuratively, such as rising through professional ranks. Both words fundamentally signify an increase in elevation or a vertical movement upward.

Explanation

Waggish describes someone or something that is humorous in a playful, mischievous, or facetious manner. It is typically associated with a lighthearted and witty disposition. Solemn means characterized by deep sincerity, gravity, or a formal and dignified seriousness. Because solemn represents a temperament that is grave, sober, and devoid of humor, it serves as the direct antonym to the playful nature of waggish.

Explanation

Desecrate means to treat a sacred place or object with violent disrespect or to violate its holy status. The word sanctify serves as the direct antonym because it means to set something apart as holy, to purify it, or to declare it sacred. While desecration involves the act of devaluing or damaging the spiritual significance of a person, place, or thing, sanctification involves the act of making it holy or consecrating it for religious or spiritual purposes. Therefore, sanctify represents the opposite action and intent of desecrate.

Explanation

The term will-o-the-wisp originally referred to a phosphorescent light seen at night over marshy ground, which would often mislead travelers who followed it. In a figurative sense, the idiom describes an elusive goal or something that is impossible to achieve or grasp. It signifies a deceptive person or thing that leads someone on a fruitless chase, representing a hope or aim that remains perpetually out of reach despite one's efforts to attain it.

Explanation

The idiom to go through fire and water signifies a person's willingness to endure any struggle, face extreme hardships, or encounter numerous dangers to achieve a specific goal or to remain loyal to a cause. It evokes the image of surviving the most destructive natural elements, representing the ultimate test of perseverance and bravery in the pursuit of an objective.

Explanation

The verb agree is followed by the preposition on when referring to a specific topic, matter, or subject of discussion. In the sentence "We do not agree on certain things," the preposition on correctly introduces the points of contention or the shared subject matter. This usage is standard for indicating that a consensus or common opinion exists (or in this case, does not exist) regarding a particular issue. Since the original phrasing is idiomatic and grammatically sound, the sentence requires no changes.

Explanation

The word either is a distributive pronoun used to refer to one of two persons or things. In English grammar, distributive pronouns are always considered singular and must be followed by a singular verb. To maintain subject-verb agreement in the simple present tense, the third-person singular form of the verb write must be used. Therefore, either writes is the grammatically correct construction, as it matches the singular nature of the subject.

Explanation

The word gust refers to a sudden, brief, and strong rush of wind. In meteorological terms, it is defined as a rapid increase in wind speed that lasts for a very short duration, typically less than twenty seconds, distinguishing it from a sustained wind or a breeze. This term is the precise linguistic substitute for a powerful blast of air.

Explanation

Cynophobia is the clinical term for an irrational and overwhelming fear of dogs. The word is derived from the Greek root kyon, which means dog, and phobos, meaning fear. This specific phobia is characterized by a level of anxiety that is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the animal. People with this condition may experience significant distress or panic when encountering dogs or even viewing images of them, often leading to extreme avoidance of places where dogs might be present.

Explanation

The word bulletin is incorrectly spelled with an extra t. The correct spelling is B-U-L-L-E-T-I-N, which features a double l but only a single t. A bulletin refers to a short official statement or a summary of news issued for public information, or a regular newsletter or report issued by an organization.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence P, which provides a detailed physical description of the man, establishing him as the subject of the passage. Sentence R follows P logically by referencing the unusual features just described and explaining how they served as a standing joke among his friends. The narrative then shifts from his appearance to his professional life in sentence Q, which explains that he did not work as a stonecutter more than was strictly necessary for his family's survival. Sentence S concludes the sequence by summarizing his character as an idler and a poor man based on the work habits described in the previous sentence, providing a coherent transition from physical traits to social and economic status.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from the general economic environment to a specific consequence. Sentence R establishes the context of a materialistic culture where consumers are encouraged to buy new products regardless of need. Sentence S follows by explaining the mechanism used to exploit this culture, specifically how consumers were lured through marketing and then provided with loans to facilitate further purchases. Sentence P describes the inevitable result of this credit-based expansion, noting that once individuals reached their borrowing limits, the market for them effectively ended. Finally, sentence Q provides a concluding observation, suggesting that this entire cycle of market saturation would have had some value if it had served as a corrective lesson or eye-opener.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice using the simple past tense structure (was + past participle). To convert this into the active voice, a logical subject must be provided for the actions of arresting and releasing, which is the police. The active voice for the simple past tense follows the structure: Subject + V2 + Object. Option a correctly identifies the police as the subject and uses the past tense verbs arrested and released to act upon the object John (represented by the pronoun him in the second clause), thereby maintaining the original meaning and tense throughout the sentence.

Explanation

When converting a sentence from direct to indirect speech, several grammatical shifts occur. Since the reporting verb (said) is in the past tense, the verb in the reported speech must shift from the simple past (saw) to the past perfect (had seen). The first-person pronoun (I) changes to the third-person pronoun (he) to maintain consistency with the subject of the sentence. Furthermore, adverbs of place and time are adjusted to reflect the change in context, meaning the word (here) is converted to (there).

Explanation

In this sentence, identified is the correct choice because it is used with the preposition with to show a close conceptual connection or equivalence. To be identified with something means to be considered the same as or closely associated with it. The passage establishes that morality and ethics are essentially synonymous or intrinsically linked when discussing the doctrine of right and wrong actions. This creates the necessary context to contrast these ethical ideals with the pragmatic and expedient nature of politics mentioned in the following sentences.

Explanation

The term notion refers to a general concept, belief, or understanding of a particular subject. In the context of the passage, which contrasts the philosophical foundations of morality with the practical application of politics, politics is defined as being rooted in the idea of expediency. Expediency represents the quality of being convenient or practical despite possibly being improper or immoral. By stating that politics is the notion of expediency, the text characterizes politics as a field governed by pragmatism and the pursuit of useful results rather than fixed ethical doctrines. This conceptual definition sets the stage for the argument that political actions are often judged by their effectiveness rather than their moral correctness.

Explanation

The passage establishes a fundamental distinction between morality and politics. Morality is defined as the doctrine concerning whether actions are right or wrong. In contrast, politics is described as being governed by expediency, which prioritizes practical necessity or advantage over ethical considerations. Because political decisions are driven by what is useful or convenient in a specific situation, the text implies that these actions do not always have to align with moral standards. Therefore, political actions need not always be right in an ethical sense, as they are measured by their effectiveness rather than their virtue.

Explanation

The word merely is the most appropriate adverb here as it functions to diminish the value of expediency, suggesting that an action being only or simply practical is not enough to justify it if it is morally wrong. In the context of ethics versus politics, merely is standardly used to contrast a superficial benefit (expediency) against a fundamental moral principle.

Explanation

In the context of the passage discussing the tension between morality and politics, the final sentence argues that political expediency does not excuse a moral wrong. Therefore, if an action is morally wrong yet politically expedient, it cannot be considered justifiable. Option D is logically incorrect because a "wrong" action is by definition immoral, so it would be contradictory to say it "cannot be immoral."

Explanation

The error lies in the third part of the sentence because of the incorrect usage of the noun sugars. Sugar is a material noun and is classified as an uncountable noun when referring to the substance used as a sweetener. Uncountable nouns do not have a plural form when they denote the substance in a general sense. Therefore, the singular form sugar should be used instead of the plural sugars to correctly describe the ingredient being added to the milk.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the reflexive pronoun myself as the subject of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject or for emphasis, but they cannot function as the subject itself. In this context, the nominative case personal pronoun I is required. Furthermore, following the grammatical rule of politeness known as the 2-3-1 rule, the first-person pronoun should follow the third-person noun. Thus, the correct construction for the subject of the sentence is Roshni and I.