SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The introductory phrase "The unstated assumption is" requires a complement clause to define the assumption, which is provided by the conjunction "that" at the start of segment Y. In segment Y, the noun "time" functions as a modifier that logically pairs with the word "zone" at the beginning of segment Z to form the compound noun "time zone." Segment Z ends with the preposition "towards," which necessitates an object or a gerund phrase to complete the thought. Segment X provides this completion with the phrase "conceding spatial autonomy." Therefore, the sequence Y-Z-X creates a grammatically sound and meaningful sentence stating that the grant of a different time zone is perceived as a step toward granting spatial autonomy.

Explanation

The sentence follows the active voice structure for future intention: Subject + is/am/are + going to + base verb (V1) + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object becomes the new subject, and the verb phrase is modified using the structure: New Subject + is/am/are + going to be + past participle (V3) + by + Agent. Since the new subject A movie is singular, it takes the auxiliary verb is. The phrase going to watch is transformed into going to be watched. Finally, the original subject my friends is placed after the preposition by, resulting in the passive form: A movie is going to be watched by my friends tonight.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that there are two distinct varieties of vadu mangai available in the vicinity of Coimbatore. It identifies the first of these, which arrives in the markets earliest, as the Thadagam variety. The text clarifies that these varieties refer to the tiny tender mangoes being harvested and sold by vendors in the local markets of the region.

Explanation

The passage specifies that representatives from commercial pickle brands purchase the vadu mangai harvest in big lots directly from the wholesalers. Because these industrial buyers acquire the majority of the crop in such large quantities at the wholesale level, only a residual amount of the year's harvest is left to trickle down to the local retail markets for individual consumers and small vendors.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage establishes a direct causal link between environmental conditions and the harvest duration by stating that the vadu mangai season is expected to be short due to poor rainfall. In agricultural contexts described in the text, the availability of produce is contingent upon weather patterns. Since a lack of rain negatively impacts the length of the season, it follows logically that adequate or sufficient rainfall would allow the mangoes to thrive for a more extended period, thereby resulting in a longer season for the vendors and consumers.

Explanation

The passage specifies that there are two distinct varieties of vadu mangai available in the vicinity of Coimbatore. It explicitly states that the second variety, which comes from the Thirumoothry Hills near Udumalpet, is the more popular of the two. While the Thadagam variety is mentioned as appearing in the markets first, the popularity distinction is directly attributed to the produce sourced from the Thirumoothry Hills.

Explanation

The passage explicitly describes the vadu mangai in the second paragraph, stating that small vendors bring sacks full of these tiny tender mangoes to a specific street corner in Ram Nagar. This direct textual evidence confirms that the physical characteristics of the mangoes are both small in size and delicate in texture.

Explanation

The error lies in the third part of the sentence due to the incorrect use of the preposition with the verb stuck. The verb stick, when used to describe physical adhesion or entanglement, is followed by the preposition to or in. Stuck with is a phrasal verb that means to be burdened by something or forced to accept a situation or person. In this context, where chewing gum is physically attached to hair, the preposition in or to should be used to convey the intended meaning of physical entrapment. Therefore, the phrase should be corrected to stuck in her hair or stuck to her hair.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rule of subject-verb agreement which states that when two nouns are joined by phrases such as along with, together with, as well as, or in addition to, the verb must agree with the first noun mentioned. In this sentence, the first noun is The Captain, which is singular. Consequently, the singular auxiliary verb has is used correctly to maintain agreement. The phrase along with his team is a parenthetical addition and does not change the singular nature of the primary subject. The passive construction has been invited and the use of the preposition to are also grammatically accurate.

Explanation

The sentence requires a plural noun to serve as the subject for the plural verb include. The list following the blank mentions three distinct symptoms—bleeding, nausea, and vomiting—which necessitates the use of the plural form effects. In medical terminology, the phrase adverse effects is the standard expression used to describe the unintended or harmful results of a pharmacological treatment. Using the plural noun correctly matches the grammatical structure of the sentence where multiple consequences are being enumerated.

Explanation

The expression contrary to is a standard prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that opposes or contradicts a previous claim or belief. In the context of the sentence, the speaker is using empirical data to refute the assertion made by a political rival. The word contrary is the only choice that logically fits the preposition to while establishing the necessary relationship of contradiction between the rival's statement and the reality revealed by the data.

Explanation

A ravine is a deep, narrow gorge or valley with steep sides, typically carved by the erosive action of a stream or river over a long period. An abyss refers to a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or chasm that appears bottomless. Both terms are used to describe profound depressions or openings in the earth's surface characterized by significant depth and verticality. In many literary and descriptive contexts, they are used synonymously to convey the image of a steep-walled, deep physical void or geological formation.

Explanation

The word realm refers to a field, sphere, or domain of activity, thought, or influence. It denotes a specific area of existence or a scope of operation. Similarly, dimension can be used to describe a particular aspect, feature, or a distinct area of experience and interest. In both literal and abstract contexts, such as discussing the realm of possibility or a new dimension of thought, the two words function as synonyms to describe a conceptual space or domain.

Explanation

The word rebuff refers to a blunt, cold, or abrupt rejection of an offer, request, or person. It implies a sharp refusal or a snub that discourages further interaction or effort. Conversely, the word praise means to express warm approval, admiration, or commendation for someone or something. While a rebuff serves as a negative dismissal or a way to spurn an approach, praise serves as a positive affirmation and acceptance, making it the appropriate opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The word recede means to move back or away from a previous position, or to withdraw and diminish in distance or intensity. Its direct antonym is extend, which means to stretch out, reach forth, or increase in length, scope, or area. While recede implies a retreat or a shrinking movement, extend signifies an outward expansion or a forward progression, making it the opposite in terms of spatial or directional movement.

Explanation

The idiom ball is in your court originates from sports like tennis or basketball, where a player must play the ball once it enters their side of the court. In general usage, it signifies that the responsibility for taking action or making a decision has shifted to a specific person. It implies that one party has finished their part of a task or negotiation, and the progress of the situation now depends entirely on the next move or response of the other individual.

Explanation

The idiom refers to an ideal situation where an individual can enjoy the advantages or benefits of two distinct and often contrasting circumstances simultaneously, without having to choose one over the other or sacrifice the perks of either. It implies having a perfect balance where one gains the maximum possible utility or pleasure from two different sets of conditions or opportunities at the same time.

Explanation

The verb afford is a transitive verb that is grammatically followed by a to-infinitive when it is used to express the ability or inability to do something or pay for something. The structure requires the base form of the verb after the particle to, making to buy the correct construction to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence describes two distinct actions that occurred in the past: finishing eating and going for a walk. In English grammar, when two actions take place in the past at different times, the earlier action is expressed using the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle), while the subsequent action is expressed using the Simple Past tense. Since the act of eating was completed before the walk began, the use of "had finished" correctly establishes this chronological sequence. The conjunction "after" further reinforces this relationship, making the Past Perfect tense the most appropriate choice to indicate the priority of the first action.

Explanation

Heckling refers to the act of interrupting a public speaker with derisive, aggressive, or abusive remarks. This behavior is typically aimed at disrupting a speech, challenging the speaker's points in a hostile manner, or expressing public dissent. It is a common occurrence in political rallies and live performances where audience members attempt to unsettle the person on stage through loud and mocking interjections.

Explanation

The word spurious refers to something that is false, fake, or counterfeit rather than being genuine or authentic. It is the precise term used for an object, document, or argument that claims to be one thing while actually being another. By definition, spurious denotes a lack of authenticity or validity, directly matching the description of not being what it purports to be.

Explanation

The word castigated is the correct past tense form of the verb castigate, which means to reprimand or punish severely. The correct spelling uses a single t and an i after the s.

Explanation

The word possesses is the third-person singular present form of the verb possess, which originates from the Latin possessus, the past participle of possidere. The correct spelling requires two sets of double s characters, one after the letter o and another after the first letter e, resulting in a total of four s letters in the word. This follows the standard orthographic pattern for derivatives of the Latin root in English.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical grammatical structure where the word government acts as an adjective modifying the compound subject offices or educational institutions in part X. This subject is followed by the verb open in part Y, which completes the subordinate clause. The phrase many daylight in part Y then transitions into part Z to form the complete noun phrase many daylight hours, which serves as the subject for the final predicate are already lost. This arrangement creates a coherent observation about the timing of institutional operations relative to daylight.

Explanation

The sentence Sarla changed the curtains is in the simple past tense, following the active voice structure of Subject + V₂ + Object. In passive voice, the structure for the simple past tense is Object + was/were + V₃ + by + Subject. The object the curtains is plural, which necessitates the use of the plural auxiliary verb were. Consequently, the passive form is constructed by placing the curtains at the beginning, followed by were changed, and concluding with the prepositional phrase by Sarla.

Explanation

When converting an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to asked. For questions beginning with a WH-word like where, the same word is used as a connector instead of using that, if, or whether. The sentence structure changes from interrogative to assertive, meaning the subject precedes the verb. Additionally, because the reporting verb is in the past tense, the simple present tense do you live shifts to the simple past tense lived, and the second-person pronoun you changes to he to correspond with the stranger.

Explanation

The label CHRISTIN BIOR is a misspelled imitation of the high-end luxury brand Christian Dior. The narrator specifically mentions that while a genuine vintage Christian Dior label or a unique handmade garment would be acceptable in her workplace, a blatant counterfeit is not. By cutting out the label from a coat that cost only £9.99 at a flea market, she seeks to hide the fact that the item is a cheap copy or a knock-off, as wearing such an obvious imitation would carry a social stigma in her professional environment.

Explanation

The author explicitly states that having a CHRISTIN BIOR label in her coat is unacceptable for someone in her professional position. She describes cutting the label out as soon as she arrived home, indicating that wearing a knock-off brand is socially or professionally undesirable in her specific work environment. The passage contrasts this fake label with acceptable alternatives like genuine vintage Christian Dior, Japanese brands, or self-made clothing from retro fabrics, making it clear that the CHRISTIN BIOR label is the only one she actively avoids being seen with.

Explanation

The narrator mentions that their boss has been throwing hissy fits because of people swanning in at all times. This idiomatic expression refers to employees arriving at work whenever they please rather than adhering to a fixed schedule. The narrator's subsequent decision to leave twenty minutes early specifically to avoid being late and incurring the boss's anger confirms that the source of the boss's frustration is the lack of punctuality among the staff.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that there have been a lot of problems on the train line recently, with the specific issue being that they keep cancelling trains with no warning. This unpredictable cancellation during the London rush hour creates a situation where commuters are left stranded without prior notification or time to make alternative arrangements.

Explanation

The author explicitly identifies the day as a god-awful day because the train line has been experiencing significant problems, specifically the cancellation of trains without warning. This disruption occurs during the London rush hour, creating a situation where the author feels a knot of tension regarding the possibility of being late to work. The text directly links the definition of a bad day to these transport failures on the commuter line.

Explanation

The error in the third part of the sentence involves the incorrect use of the preposition for. When describing an object striking or hitting a surface with force, the idiomatic preposition to use is against. The phrase banged against the wall correctly conveys the physical impact of the door hitting the surface of the wall. Using for is grammatically incorrect in this context as it typically denotes purpose or a destination rather than a physical collision.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct and factually accurate. It uses the subordinating conjunction while to establish a clear contrast between the electrical properties of two different subatomic particles. The subject-verb agreement is correct in both the subordinate clause, where the singular subject electron matches the verb carries, and the main clause, where the singular subject neutron matches the verb is. Additionally, the articles an and a are appropriately placed based on the initial vowel and consonant sounds of the following nouns. Since the structure, punctuation, and scientific terminology are all used correctly, there is no error in the sentence.

Explanation

A landmark is a prominent or conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide or a point of reference for orientation and navigation. In the context of a lost traveller, a big stone monument represents a distinctive physical feature that helps identify a specific location or path. The term specifically denotes an easily recognizable structure used to establish one's position or to find a way back, aligning with the traveller's need for a spatial reference point.

Explanation

The word inexplicable describes something that is impossible to explain or account for. In the context of the sentence, the airline was unable to provide a justification or a cause for the delay, making the situation one that defies explanation. Therefore, it is the most appropriate adjective to describe a departure delay for which no reason can be given.

Explanation

Cajole means to persuade or coax someone to do something by sustained flattery, gentle urging, or deceptive praise. It involves using charm and sweet talk to influence a person's behavior or decisions. Entice is a synonym that means to attract or lead someone on by exciting hope or desire, or by offering some form of reward or pleasure. Both words describe the act of drawing someone toward a specific action through allure or skillful persuasion.

Explanation

Fustian refers to a style of speech or writing that is pompous, bombastic, and pretentious. It characterizes language that is unnecessarily high-flown or inflated, typically used in an attempt to sound important or impressive without having real substance. This quality of being grandiloquent is closely associated with an arrogant demeanor, as both terms describe a sense of self-importance and an overbearing, showy display of superiority. In literature and rhetoric, fustian is the hallmark of an individual who adopts an inflated tone to appear more significant or authoritative than they actually are.

Explanation

The word cavalier refers to a person's behavior or attitude that is dismissive, offhand, or showing a lack of proper concern. It typically describes someone who acts with an air of superiority or arrogant indifference toward others or important matters. The term humble is the opposite in meaning, as it describes a person who has a modest estimate of their own importance and displays a lack of pride or vanity. While a cavalier attitude is marked by haughtiness and a sense of being above others, a humble attitude is characterized by respectfulness and modesty.

Explanation

Vigilance denotes the state of being constantly watchful, alert, and attentive to detect potential danger or ensure that rules are followed. It implies a proactive engagement and a high degree of care. Indifference, on the other hand, describes a state of having no interest, concern, or sympathy. It represents a lack of attention and a passive disregard for what is happening, making it the direct antonym of the active watchfulness characterized by vigilance.

Explanation

The idiom give somebody a ring is an informal expression that means to telephone or call someone. The phrase is derived from the literal ringing sound produced by the bells in early mechanical telephones when an incoming call was received. In contemporary English, it is commonly used to indicate an intention to contact someone by phone, as seen in the phrase, I will give you a ring tomorrow to finalize our meeting time.

Explanation

The idiom leave no stone unturned signifies making every possible effort or exhaustive attempt to achieve a specific result. It implies a thorough and comprehensive approach where one explores every available resource, method, or opportunity without exception. The phrase suggests that the person involved is determined to succeed and will not rest until every potential avenue for success has been investigated or utilized.

Explanation

The sentence requires the perfect conditional tense following the modal verb would. In English grammar, modal verbs like would, could, should, and must are always followed by the base form of the verb. In the case of the perfect aspect, the base form have is used as the auxiliary, followed by the past participle of the main verb loved. This rule remains constant regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural, making would have loved the correct grammatical construction.

Explanation

The modal verb must is followed by the base form of the verb. To express a logical deduction or certainty about a completed action in the past, the structure must + have + past participle is used. Since the sentence is in the passive voice—indicating that the person was the recipient of the action—the auxiliary verb been is required before the past participle killed. Therefore, the correct construction is have been.

Explanation

Sanctity refers to the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. It is derived from the Latin word sanctitas, which signifies holiness or purity. The term is used to describe the ultimate importance and inviolability of something, often in a religious or moral context, such as the sanctity of human life or the sanctity of a place of worship.

Explanation

In chemistry and physics, the term volatile describes a substance that has a high vapor pressure at ordinary temperatures, which causes it to evaporate or vaporize rapidly into the air. This occurs because the intermolecular forces holding the liquid or solid together are relatively weak, allowing molecules to escape into the gaseous state even without the application of significant heat. Common examples of volatile substances include alcohol, gasoline, and various essential oils.

Explanation

The word hypnotist refers to a person who practices or is an expert in hypnosis. It is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. In English, terms associated with this root use the prefix hypno-, which is spelled with a y. When the suffix -ist is added to denote a practitioner, the resulting correct spelling is hypnotist.

Explanation

The word theorise is the correctly spelt British English verb meaning to form a theory or set of theories about a subject. It is derived from the noun theory, which comes from the Greek word theoria, combined with the suffix -ise. In American English, the spelling theorize is used, but among the options provided, theorise follows the standard orthographic rules for British English.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a logical flow where the definite article the at the end of the introductory phrase must be followed by a noun, which is desert in fragment Y. Fragment Y concludes with the phrase and no number, which grammatically necessitates a prepositional phrase starting with of to indicate what the number refers to. Fragment Z provides this with of knives would have tempted. The verb tempted then requires an object and an infinitive to complete the thought, which is supplied by fragment X as them to come a step farther. This sequence forms the coherent sentence: They had seen enough of the desert already, and no number of knives would have tempted them to come a step farther.

Explanation

The introductory phrase ends with the subject we, which requires a verb to follow it. Fragment Y provides the verb phrase meet with, establishing the location where the strata are found. Segment Y ends with the word filled, which grammatically leads into the prepositional phrase with shells starting segment Z. Finally, segment Z concludes with the phrase of the same, which functions as an adjective requiring a noun to complete the comparison. Fragment X provides this noun, species, and completes the thought by comparing the fossil shells to those currently living in the Mediterranean. This sequence creates a structurally sound and logical sentence.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Active Voice and uses the Simple Past tense (wrote). To convert this into the Passive Voice, the object of the active sentence (a sarcastic review) becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The verb form changes from the simple past to was/were + past participle (was written). Finally, the original subject (the movie critic) is placed after the verb, preceded by the preposition by.