SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

A bequest refers to the act of giving or leaving personal property or assets to a recipient, typically through a legal will or as a legacy. It represents a formal grant or an endowment passed from one individual to another, signifying a transfer of ownership or provision. Conversely, to withdraw means to take back, remove, or retract something that was previously provided or available. While a bequest involves the outward transfer and granting of resources to a beneficiary, withdrawal signifies the act of pulling away or reclaiming those resources. In the context of the distribution or retention of assets and rights, these two terms function as conceptual opposites.

Explanation

The idiom Adam's ale is a humorous or colloquial term used to refer to plain water. The phrase originates from the biblical story of Adam, the first man in the Garden of Eden. Since Adam lived before the invention of brewing and distillation, the only beverage available for him to drink was natural water. Consequently, water began to be referred to as his version of ale or liquor, signifying it as the simplest and most essential form of drink.

Explanation

The idiom at one's wits end refers to a state of being so worried, frustrated, or annoyed that one no longer knows what to do. It suggests that a person has reached the limit of their mental resources or ingenuity and has exhausted all possible solutions to a problem. When someone is at their wits end, they are completely bewildered and unable to find a way forward, which is synonymous with being deeply puzzled or perplexed.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression done for means to be in a state of serious trouble, ruin, or certain failure. In the context of the sentence, the speaker has not finished the project and is suddenly asked to submit it, implying they are about to face negative consequences or reprimand from the manager. This makes the phrase the most appropriate fit for expressing a sense of being doomed or in a predicament.

Explanation

The phrasal verb picked at means to eat small amounts of food slowly or without interest, often because one is unhappy, feeling unwell, or not hungry. In the context of the sentence, Rohan is described as upset, which explains why he would lack the appetite to eat properly. This stands in direct contrast to his cousins who ate heartily, making picked at the most appropriate choice to describe his behavior toward the food.

Explanation

Abdicate is a formal verb that specifically means to renounce or give up a position of authority, such as a throne, high office, or sovereign power. This action is typically voluntary and involves a public or legal declaration of the intent to step down, often allowing for the succession of another individual. Historically, the term is most frequently applied to monarchs who choose to relinquish their crown and royal duties before the end of their reign.

Explanation

An epitaph is an inscription or short text written on a tombstone or monument to commemorate a deceased person. The term is derived from the Greek words epi, meaning over or upon, and taphos, meaning tomb. These writings serve as a final tribute or memorial, often summarizing the individuals life, character, or beliefs in a concise and poetic manner.

Explanation

The word Sedentery is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Sedentary, which describes a way of life or a job that involves a lot of sitting and little exercise. It originates from the Latin word sedere, meaning to sit, and follows the -ary suffix pattern common in English adjectives of this type.

Explanation

The word Chaufer is spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling is Chauffeur, which refers to a person employed to drive a private or luxury automobile. It originates from the French verb chauffer, meaning to heat, as early chauffeurs often had to preheat the engines of steam-powered vehicles. The word requires a double f and the suffix eur to be correct in English.

Explanation

Sentence Q serves as the introductory statement by establishing the main subject, books, and defining them through the metaphor of "never failing friends." Sentence P logically follows Q as it uses the pronoun "They" to refer back to books and continues the friendship analogy by contrasting books with human "fair weather friends." Sentence R further elaborates on the positive influence of these book-friends by describing their ability to dispel gloom and enhance happiness. Sentence S provides a broader, historical context to the preceding points by mentioning how scriptures and great books have provided solace to humanity throughout the ages, serving as a comprehensive concluding observation.

Explanation

The sequence follows a logical chronological progression of events during a burglary attempt. Sentence Q establishes the initial situation where a robber enters the room while the protagonist, Lakshmi, remains silent. Sentence R describes her immediate strategy of pretending to be asleep while preparing her defense by gripping a knife. Sentence P depicts the climax of the interaction, occurring when the intruder approaches the bed and Lakshmi suddenly confronts him. Sentence S concludes the narrative by describing the robber's reaction to the surprise and his immediate flight from the scene. This structure ensures a clear flow from the introduction of the threat to the tactical response, the confrontation, and the final resolution.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Simple Future Tense in Active Voice, following the structure: Subject + will/shall + Verb (base form) + Object. When converting this to Passive Voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, followed by the auxiliary verb phrase will be, the past participle (V3) of the main verb, and the agent introduced by the preposition by. Applying this rule, the object an essay moves to the subject position, will write changes to will be written, and the subject I becomes the agent me. The resulting passive sentence is: An essay will be written by me.

Explanation

When converting an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said is changed to asked. Since the question begins with the modal verb need and expects a yes or no answer, the conjunction if is used to connect the reporting verb with the reported clause. The first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person she to correspond with the speaker Neha. In terms of tense, the modal need expressing present obligation or necessity is transformed into had to in the past tense to align with the past tense reporting verb. The word order is also changed from interrogative to assertive, resulting in the structure she had to write a letter.

Explanation

The context of the entire passage revolves around the concept of happiness and how different individuals or philosophical groups define it. The second sentence explicitly mentions that every man tends to define a happy life in an individualistic fashion, and the third sentence notes that various attempts have been made to define a happy life. Consequently, to maintain thematic consistency and logical flow, the introductory sentence must identify the quest for a happy life as the central subject of the discussion.

Explanation

The sentence describes how every human being defines a happy life based on their personal perspective. The adverb distinctly is used to modify the adjective individualistic, emphasizing that these definitions are clearly separate and unique to each person. In this context, a distinctly individualistic fashion implies a manner that is characteristically and unmistakably unique to the individual, aligning with the core idea that everyone has their own specific interpretation of happiness.

Explanation

The passage discusses the philosophical and subjective nature of defining a happy life, moving from individual perspectives to broader intellectual frameworks. The context involves the conceptual exploration of human existence and the pursuit of happiness, which is a core subject of philosophical inquiry. The subsequent sentence mentions Hedonists, a specific group associated with ethical and philosophical theories regarding pleasure. Thinkers is the most appropriate term to describe individuals who engage in such deep reflection and theorizing about abstract concepts like happiness, morality, and the human condition. Unlike specialized academic or empirical roles, this term encompasses the philosophers and moralists throughout history who have sought to provide various definitions of a meaningful life.

Explanation

The adjective simple describes a life that is uncomplicated and focused on fundamental fulfillment. In the context of the passage, the quest for a simple life is introduced as a universal human endeavor. This serves as a conceptual starting point before the text explores how different schools of thought, such as Hedonism, define the pursuit of happiness in more specific or varied ways. Using this term establishes the basic nature of the human quest mentioned in the opening sentence.

Explanation

Hedonism is a school of thought that argues that pleasure and the pursuit of satisfaction are the primary goals of human life. In philosophical terms, hedonists believe that happiness is rooted in the fulfillment of desires. Therefore, when discussing physical appetites such as hunger or other bodily cravings, the term gratification is the most appropriate choice. It refers to the act of satisfying a desire or need, which aligns perfectly with the hedonistic view that the satisfaction of these appetites is the key to achieving a happy life.

Explanation

This sentence follows the structure of a first conditional, which is used to express a real possibility in the future. The standard grammatical rule for the first conditional requires the if-clause to be in the present simple tense, while the main clause uses the future simple tense (will + base verb). In the given sentence, the use of would in the if-clause is incorrect. According to the formula If + Present Simple, will + verb, the auxiliary would should be removed and the verb rain should be changed to the present simple form rains to agree with the singular subject it. The corrected sentence should read: If it rains, they will not come.

Explanation

The error lies in the third part of the sentence regarding the tense of the verb. The sentence discusses the current popularity of organic pulses and the present wonder of the people. When the adverb ever is used to refer to a life experience or a state that spans from the past up to the present moment, the present perfect tense is required. Therefore, the simple past lived should be replaced with the present perfect have ever lived to correctly indicate how people have managed to exist without them throughout their lives until now.

Explanation

The verb approve is idiomatic and requires the preposition of when it means to have a favorable opinion of something or to agree with a particular action. In English grammar, when expressing that someone agrees with or gives their consent to a plan, the structure used is approve of something. Therefore, of is the correct preposition to follow the verb in this sentence to indicate the father's lack of agreement with the travel plan.

Explanation

The verb settle requires the preposition in when it refers to establishing a permanent residence or making a home in a specific country, city, or large geographical area. In this context, Canada is a nation-state, and the phrase settled in Canada correctly indicates that the subject moved there to live permanently last year.

Explanation

Abeyance refers to a state of temporary inactivity, dormancy, or being set aside for a period of time. In legal and formal terminology, when a matter or rule is held in abeyance, it means it is not currently in force or being used, but remains in existence for potential future reactivation. Suspension similarly denotes the act of temporarily stopping, delaying, or interrupting a process, operation, or privilege. Both terms describe a condition where an action or status is put on hold rather than being permanently terminated, making them synonyms in the context of temporary cessation.

Explanation

The word dauntless is derived from the verb daunt, which means to intimidate or discourage. By adding the suffix -less, the word describes a person who is incapable of being intimidated or subdued by fear. It refers to an individual showing great determination and fearlessness, especially in the face of danger or difficulty. Therefore, brave serves as a direct synonym because it describes the quality of possessing or exhibiting courage and mental or moral strength.

Explanation

The word clandestine is defined as something kept secret or done secretively, especially because it is illicit or unauthorized. It conveys the idea of hidden actions, stealth, or concealment. The word open serves as its direct opposite because it refers to something that is not secret or hidden, but is instead conducted in a public, manifest, or transparent manner. While clandestine implies a lack of visibility and intentional hiding, open implies that an action or state is clearly observable and known to others.

Explanation

The word intrepid is defined as being fearless, adventurous, and possessing undaunted courage, especially when facing danger or difficulty. In contrast, the word meek describes a person who is quiet, gentle, submissive, and easily imposed upon. While an intrepid person is characterized by boldness and bravery, a meek person is characterized by a lack of spirit or assertiveness, making the two words opposites in terms of temperament and courage.

Explanation

The idiom to steal a march has its origins in military strategy, where it referred to moving troops secretly to gain a superior position before an opponent could react. In modern usage, it means to gain an advantage over a rival by acting before they do or by performing more effectively. By successfully achieving a head start or superior position through timely or clever action, an individual outshines their competitors.

Explanation

The idiom in a jiffy is used to describe an action that happens almost instantaneously or within a very short period of time. It is a colloquial expression that signifies extreme speed or promptness in completing a task. Historically, the word jiffy appeared in the late 18th century as a slang term for a moment or an instant. In various scientific fields, it has even been adopted to represent specific, minute units of time, such as the time light takes to travel a centimeter or the duration of a single cycle of alternating current. In everyday English, saying something will be done in a jiffy implies that it will be finished very quickly.

Explanation

The sentence describes a habitual or regular routine, as indicated by the use of the simple present tense verb goes in the main clause. In English grammar, when expressing a sequence of habitual actions, both the subordinate clause of time and the main clause should typically be in the simple present tense. The verb arrives maintains this tense consistency, ensuring that the entire sentence correctly reflects a recurring schedule where one action follows another in the present.

Explanation

The sentence correctly employs the past continuous tense to describe an action that was in progress at a specific point in time in the past. When two actions occur in the past, the past simple tense is used for the shorter, interrupting action or the specific moment of observation, while the past continuous tense is used for the ongoing background action. In this context, Ankit was already engaged in the act of playing cricket at the moment the speaker first saw him, making the original phrasing grammatically accurate.

Explanation

Dromomania is defined as an uncontrollable psychological urge or obsession to wander or travel. The term is derived from the Greek words dromos, meaning running or a course, and mania, meaning madness. It represents a pathological impulse to leave one's home and travel long distances, often without a clear destination or purpose. In a clinical sense, it is characterized by the sudden and intense need to move away from familiar surroundings, distinguishing it from ordinary curiosity or a hobby-based interest in travel.

Explanation

The term parvenu refers to a person who has recently or suddenly acquired wealth, social standing, or power but has not yet developed the manners or culture traditionally associated with that class. Originating from the French word parvenir, which means to reach or attain, it characterizes an upstart who has risen from a humble background to a position of prominence. In social contexts, it describes an individual who has arrived at a new status but is often viewed by the established elite as lacking the appropriate refinement or pedigree.

Explanation

The word is spelled incorrectly because it contains an unnecessary second letter b. The correct spelling is Sabotage, which refers to the deliberate action of destroying or damaging something to hinder an enemy or competitor. It originates from the French word saboter, and in English, the standard spelling requires only a single b.

Explanation

Sentence R serves as the introductory statement by providing a formal definition of self-esteem, establishing the core subject of the paragraph. Sentence S logically follows by expanding on this definition, moving from the general concept of value to the specific internal perspective of how an individual perceives themselves and their personal achievements. Sentences P and Q then work together to refine the concept by addressing common misconceptions. Sentence P clarifies that self-esteem is not about bragging or arrogance, while sentence Q concludes the thought by emphasizing that true self-esteem is rooted in the internal realization of being worthy of love and acceptance rather than a false sense of perfection. This progression from a primary definition to specific elaborations and then to clarifying distinctions ensures a coherent and logical flow of ideas.

Explanation

Sentence Q introduces the primary subject, crude mineral oil, describing its origin and physical appearance. Sentence R follows by elaborating on the nature of this oil, using the pronoun it to refer back to the mineral oil and describing it as a complex mixture of substances. Sentence P identifies these substances (referred to as them) as combinations of hydrogen and carbon. Finally, sentence S uses the phrase such hydrocarbons to refer back to the hydrogen and carbon combinations mentioned in P, providing examples of other forms these chemicals take in nature.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Future Perfect tense (shall have + V3). The passive form of the Future Perfect follows the structure: object + will/shall + have been + past participle (V3). Therefore, "A car will have been bought by him" is the correct transformation.

Explanation

When converting an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to asked. In the case of a yes/no question beginning with an auxiliary verb like have, the conjunction if or whether is used to connect the clauses. The tense of the reported speech must shift from the Present Perfect (have brought) to the Past Perfect (had brought) because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Furthermore, the second-person pronouns you and your are updated to the third-person pronouns he and his to align with the object of the reporting verb, the student. The sentence structure also shifts from an interrogative format to an assertive one.

Explanation

The word habit refers to a settled or regular tendency or practice that is acquired through frequent repetition. In the context of early childhood education, hygiene practices are taught repeatedly so that they eventually become automatic and ingrained behaviors. Establishing a habit ensures that children continue to maintain personal cleanliness and health standards throughout their lives without needing constant reminders or external prompts.

Explanation

The term susceptible means having a specific tendency or being easily influenced or affected by something, particularly a disease or medical condition. In the given context, children are described as being highly vulnerable to hygiene-related disorders like skin issues, rashes, and infections due to their developing immune systems and higher exposure to environmental germs. This makes susceptible the linguistically and contextually accurate choice for describing a lack of resistance to illnesses.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes the prevention of hygiene-related disorders such as skin issues, rashes, and infections. In the context of health education and disease prevention, it is essential to instruct children on identifying and staying away from harmful factors that compromise their health. Teaching them what to avoid, such as unsanitary habits, germs, or contaminated environments, is a fundamental step in minimizing their susceptibility to the illnesses mentioned in the preceding sentence.

Explanation

The sentence discusses teaching children specific steps to avoid contracting infections and diseases. In the context of health and hygiene, actions taken in advance to protect against potential illness or harm are defined as precautionary measures. The passage emphasizes the prevention of hygiene-related disorders, making the word precautionary the most suitable fit to describe these preventive actions.

Explanation

The word imperative is used to describe something that is of vital importance, crucial, or an essential necessity. In the context of the passage, which discusses the vulnerability of children to various hygiene-related disorders and the long-term benefits of early education, taking measures to prevent infections and diseases is presented as a fundamental requirement for maintaining health. It conveys that these actions are not optional or secondary but are instead a mandatory priority for ensuring a child's well-being and the development of healthy habits.

Explanation

The use of the conjunction because after the phrase the reason is a grammatical redundancy known as a tautology. Since the word reason already indicates causality, following it with because results in using two words for the same logical function. In standard formal English, the subject the reason should be followed by a noun clause introduced by the conjunction that. Thus, the correct syntactic structure for this sentence requires replacing because with that to properly complete the predicate.

Explanation

The sentence uses the correlative conjunction not only, which must be paired with but also to maintain grammatical correctness. In part 2, the word also is missing after the conjunction but. For the sentence to be structurally sound, part 2 should be corrected to but also provided or but they also provided to complete the required correlative pair.

Explanation

The phrasal verb set up means to establish someone in a business or to provide them with the means to begin a career or venture. In this context, the father provided the necessary resources or support to establish his son in the construction industry. The construction of the sentence requires a transitive verb that forms a meaningful idiomatic expression with the preposition up to denote the act of starting a commercial enterprise for another person.

Explanation

The word profound is an adjective used to describe a feeling or quality that is very great, intense, or deep-seated. In English grammar and usage, it is a standard collocation to use profound with nouns representing emotions or attitudes such as respect, gratitude, or admiration. When used in the phrase profound respect, it conveys that the speaker possesses an exceptionally high and sincere level of regard for the achievement mentioned.

Explanation

The word boast means to speak with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's own achievements, possessions, or abilities. Similarly, pride refers to the feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own merits or the act of showing such a feeling. Both terms center on the concept of self-glorification and the display of one's perceived superiority or success. In linguistic usage, to pride oneself on a particular trait is often synonymous with boasting about that trait, as both involve highlighting one's own excellence.

Explanation

The word haste refers to excessive speed or urgency of movement or action, typically implying that something is being done quickly or with dispatch. Hurry is a direct synonym that describes the act of moving or acting with great speed or urgency. Both terms represent the concept of rapidity and the need to complete a task or reach a destination in a short amount of time.

Explanation

The error lies in the pluralization of the compound noun in the first part of the sentence. In compound nouns where a noun is followed by a prepositional phrase, the plural is formed by adding the suffix -s to the principal or head noun. In the term sister-in-law, the word sister is the principal noun that denotes the person. Therefore, the correct plural form is sisters-in-law. The construction sister-in-laws is grammatically incorrect because it incorrectly attaches the plural marker to the end of the phrase rather than the root word.

Explanation

Refulgent is an adjective used to describe something that shines brightly, is radiant, or gleams with a brilliant light. It originates from the Latin word refulgere, meaning to shine back or flash. Since the word specifically denotes brilliance and the presence of light, the term dark, which refers to the absence of light or brightness, is its direct opposite in meaning.