SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

A skeptic is defined as an individual who habitually doubts, questions, or suspends judgment regarding generally accepted beliefs, theories, or facts, often requiring empirical evidence before acceptance. In contrast, a believer is a person who maintains faith or confidence in the truth or existence of something, often without requiring absolute proof. Because skepticism focuses on doubt and uncertainty while a believer represents acceptance and conviction, the two words function as direct antonyms.

Explanation

The idiom Herculean task originates from Greek mythology, referring to the twelve labors performed by the hero Hercules. These tasks were legendary for being nearly impossible and required superhuman strength, courage, and perseverance. In modern English, the phrase describes any undertaking that is extremely difficult, requiring immense physical or mental effort and extraordinary dedication to accomplish. It characterizes a job that is far more demanding than a standard or routine activity.

Explanation

The idiom on tenterhooks originates from the textile industry, where a tenter was a wooden frame used for stretching and drying washed cloth. The cloth was fastened to the frame using sharp, hooked nails called tenterhooks to keep it taut and prevent it from shrinking while it dried. Metaphorically, being on tenterhooks describes a person who feels mentally or emotionally stretched and strained by uncertainty, much like the cloth held tight on the frame. It signifies a state of being in anxious suspense, nervous anticipation, or uneasy waiting for an outcome.

Explanation

In this sentence, the verb look functions as a linking verb meaning to appear or to have a certain outward appearance. Linking verbs are intransitive and describe the state or quality of the subject, followed by an adjective like beautiful. Because they are intransitive, they cannot be used in the passive voice. The structure would look is the correct active form, where the modal verb would is followed by the base form of the verb to express a conditional state or a prediction of how someone appears in a specific context.

Explanation

The sentence requires the active voice because people are the subjects who perform the action of knowing. The present perfect tense is used to indicate a state that began in the past and continues into the present. In this structure, the adverb long is correctly placed between the auxiliary verb have and the past participle known to modify the verb and indicate duration. This construction properly links the subject to the clause explaining what they know about the importance of trees.

Explanation

The term accomplice refers to a person who knowingly, voluntarily, or intentionally gives assistance to another in the commission of a crime. An accomplice is someone who participates in the planning or execution of an unlawful act alongside the principal offender, thereby sharing legal responsibility for the offense regardless of whether they were directly involved in the physical act of the crime itself.

Explanation

The term effeminate is used to describe a man who exhibits characteristics, manners, or behaviors traditionally associated with women rather than those considered typical for men. Derived from the Latin word effeminatus, it specifically refers to qualities such as perceived softness or delicacy in a male, which the phrase describes as behaving more like a woman.

Explanation

The word Grammer is misspelled. The correct spelling is Grammar, which ends with the suffix -ar. This noun refers to the set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a language. The word originates from the Old French gramaire and the Latin grammatica, both of which support the use of an a in the final syllable. Using an e in the final syllable is a common orthographic mistake that deviates from standard English conventions.

Explanation

The error lies in the first part of the sentence due to a mismatch in number between the demonstrative adjective and the noun it modifies. The plural demonstrative adjective these must be followed by a plural noun. Since the verb are in the second part of the sentence is plural, the noun kind should be changed to the plural form kinds to maintain grammatical consistency. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read these kinds of clothes. If the singular noun kind were to be used, the demonstrative adjective would have to be the singular this, but that would also necessitate changing the verb to is. Since the plural context is established by are, the subject part must be made plural.

Explanation

Sentence R serves as the general introduction to the topic by stating the versatile role of water in the biosphere. Sentence Q logically follows by introducing the water cycle and its two specific components: the atmospheric branch and the terrestrial branch. Sentences S and P then elaborate on these two branches in the order they were mentioned. Sentence S describes the state of water in the atmospheric branch, while sentence P describes the predominant states of water on the earth, representing the terrestrial branch. This sequence creates a logical progression from a broad concept to specific classifications and their respective details.

Explanation

Sentence Q introduces the concept of compassion in the works of the Renaissance and Shakespeare, which is then directly referenced in sentence S by the phrase this compassion. Sentence S introduces the idea of the creative genius of the age, which is further described as a genius of courage in sentence R and elaborated upon in sentence P.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the present perfect tense, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The formula for this transformation is: Object + has/have + been + past participle (V3) + by + Subject.

In the given sentence, Sunita is the subject, has written is the verb in present perfect tense, and a story is the object. Following the rule, the object a story moves to the front, the verb changes to has been written, and the subject Sunita is placed after the preposition by. The relative clause which fascinates everyone remains attached to the noun it modifies, resulting in the structure: A story has been written by Sunita which fascinates every one.

Explanation

The sentence is in indirect speech and needs to be converted into direct speech. The reporting verb ordered indicates that the original sentence was an imperative command. In direct speech, the reporting verb said to is used followed by the imperative mood. The subordinate clause as he was told is in the simple past passive voice, which corresponds to the simple present passive voice are told in direct speech when the reporting verb is in the past tense. Additionally, the pronoun he in the indirect speech refers to the driver, so it changes to the second person pronoun you in the direct speech. Combining these changes, the direct speech becomes Rajesh said to his driver "Do as you are told".

Explanation

The passage describes management through a series of functional activities such as planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, and problem-solving. In organizational theory, these systematic and ongoing activities are defined as processes that ensure a complex system of people and technology operates smoothly. The use of the word processes is further reinforced by the parallel structure in the subsequent sentence, which characterizes leadership as a set of processes that creates or adapts organizations to change.

Explanation

The expression running smoothly is a standard idiomatic phrase used to describe a system, process, or organization that functions efficiently and without interruptions, problems, or friction. In the context of management, the core objective of activities like planning, budgeting, and organizing is to ensure that the complex interaction between people and technology operates in a stable and trouble-free manner. Management focuses on maintaining order and consistency, making smoothly the most appropriate adverb to define the successful operation of these integrated organizational components.

Explanation

The passage describes the fundamental functions that define the discipline of management. Planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, controlling, and problem-solving are the core pillars and essential activities required to maintain a complex system of people and technology. In the context of organizational theory, these are the primary and significant elements that ensure operational stability and efficiency, making them the most important aspects of the management process.

Explanation

The adverb significantly is used to modify the adjective changing, indicating the degree or scale of the shifts occurring in the environment. In the context of organizational theory, leadership is distinguished from management by its role in guiding a system through substantial or meaningful transformations. By using significantly, the sentence emphasizes that leadership is essential when circumstances undergo a high degree of change, necessitating the adaptation of the organization's core processes or structure to remain effective. This adverbial modification clarifies that leadership is not merely for routine adjustments but for responding to major external or internal shifts.

Explanation

The sentence describes the core functions of leadership, specifically the process of conceptualizing the future. In a management and organizational context, a clearly defined idea of what the future should look like is termed a vision. The demonstrative adjective that refers back to the preceding clause defines what the future should look like, identifying that specific mental image as the vision. Leadership involves not only creating this vision but also aligning the workforce with it and motivating them to achieve it. This terminology is standard in leadership theory, where leaders are expected to provide direction through a forward-looking perspective.

Explanation

The verb concede means to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it, or to yield to a particular argument or demand. In the context of a formal or professional disagreement between an employee and a manager, it is the appropriate term to describe the act of acknowledging the validity of the manager's points or giving in to their line of reasoning. The sentence indicates that the employee maintained their original position and did not yield to the logic presented by the manager.

Explanation

The phrasal verb swear in means to admit someone formally to a public office or a position of responsibility by administering an official oath. In the context of a Prime Minister assuming their duties, the passive form was sworn in is used to describe the formal ceremony where the individual takes the oath of office before beginning their tenure.

Explanation

The word cantankerous is an adjective used to describe a person who is bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. It characterizes someone who is difficult to deal with and prone to complaining or engaging in petty disputes. Similarly, the word quarrelsome refers to a person who is habitually inclined to argue or fight. Since both terms describe a disposition characterized by hostility and a tendency to engage in disagreements, they are synonymous.

Explanation

A connoisseur is an individual who possesses expert knowledge and a refined appreciation in a specific field, particularly within the realms of fine arts, craftsmanship, or gourmet food and drink. The term is derived from the French word for one who knows, characterizing a person who has the specialized experience and critical capacity to distinguish quality and authenticity. Such an individual acts as a discerning judge because they can perceive subtle nuances and exercise authoritative evaluation based on deep understanding and long-term study of their subject matter.

Explanation

The word nugatory refers to something that is of no value, importance, or effectiveness, often describing actions or arguments that are futile or trifling. The term productive is its direct opposite because it describes something that yields significant results, benefits, or outcomes. While nugatory implies a lack of consequence or worth, productive signifies the ability to generate or create something useful and effective.

Explanation

The word naive describes an individual who is innocent, unsophisticated, and lacks worldly experience or wisdom, often leading them to be overly trusting. In contrast, artful refers to someone who is clever, crafty, or cunning, especially in a deceitful or manipulative way. While a naive person acts without guile or hidden motives, an artful person uses skill and strategic thinking to achieve their ends, making it the direct antonym in the context of character and behavioral complexity.

Explanation

The idiom mealy-mouthed describes a person who is unwilling to speak their mind plainly or directly, often out of fear of causing offense or being too blunt. It characterizes a style of communication that is indirect, evasive, or overly cautious. In many linguistic contexts, this is equated with being soft-spoken, as it implies using gentle or guarded language to avoid the harshness of a direct statement.

Explanation

The idiom by fits and starts describes an activity that happens in short, inconsistent bursts rather than in a steady, continuous, or predictable manner. It implies that progress is frequently interrupted by stops and starts, lacking a constant rhythm or uniform pace. The word fit in this context refers to a sudden, temporary period of activity, while start refers to a sharp or abrupt beginning. Consequently, the phrase is used to characterize any process that occurs intermittently or irregularly.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression used to describe being startled or caught off guard is taken by surprise. In English grammar, fixed idioms must use specific prepositions to convey the intended meaning. The phrase taken with typically means to be attracted to or charmed by something, whereas the context of seeing a monument unexpectedly or for the first time requires the phrase taken by surprise to indicate the feeling of being stunned or amazed. Thus, the preposition with must be replaced by by.

Explanation

The sentence describes two actions that occurred in the past at different times. According to the rules of English grammar, when two past actions are related in a sequence, the action that happened earlier must be expressed in the Past Perfect Tense (had + past participle), while the action that happened later is expressed in the Simple Past Tense. Since the speaker finished the chores before the other person reached the destination, the first part of the sentence is grammatically incorrect. It should be modified from I finished to I had finished to correctly establish the chronological order of the events.

Explanation

The word conscientious is an adjective used to describe a person who is diligent, thorough, and governed by a strong sense of duty or moral integrity. In the context of the sentence, the phrase never shirks work indicates that the doctor is dedicated and takes his professional responsibilities seriously. Therefore, conscientious is the most appropriate term to describe a doctor who performs his duties with care and effort.

Explanation

The phrasal verb preside over is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe the act of being in charge of or leading a formal meeting, ceremony, or organization. When a chairman or an official occupies the seat of authority to conduct proceedings, they are said to preside over the event. This usage follows the transitive pattern where the preposition over connects the verb to the subject of the authority.

Explanation

The word vacillate means to waver between different opinions or actions, or to be indecisive and hesitant in decision-making. It comes from the Latin vacillare, meaning to sway. Similarly, the word irresolute describes a person who is uncertain or lacks the determination to make a firm decision. Both terms characterize a state of fluctuation and a lack of resolve.

Explanation

Indomitable describes a person or quality that is impossible to subdue, defeat, or tame. It originates from the Latin word indomitabilis, where in- means not and domitare means to tame. Therefore, it refers to an invincible spirit or determination that cannot be broken by hardship or opposition. Unconquerable is a direct synonym, as it describes something that cannot be overcome, beaten, or surpassed in strength and resolution.

Explanation

The sentence utilizes the correlative conjunction not only... but also, which mandates that the elements being connected follow a parallel grammatical structure. In the latter portion of the sentence, but also is followed by the prepositional phrase with providing him links. To maintain grammatical balance and symmetry, not only must also be followed by a similar prepositional phrase. By shifting the position of the conjunction to follow the verb phrase helped her, the structure becomes not only by giving hints, which perfectly mirrors the structure following but also. This arrangement ensures that both conjunctions are followed by phrases of means, thereby satisfying the rule of parallelism in English grammar.

Explanation

The word extenuate means to lessen the strength, force, or magnitude of something, or to make a mistake or wrongdoing seem less serious by providing excuses. Its primary meaning involves weakening or diminishing the impact of a situation or substance. Strengthen is the direct antonym because it means to make something more forceful, vigorous, or intense. While extenuating involves making something thinner or less significant, strengthening involves increasing its power or effectiveness.

Explanation

The word fecund is an adjective used to describe something that is highly fertile or capable of producing an abundance of offspring, crops, or new ideas. In contrast, the word sterile refers to the biological inability to produce offspring or fruit, or more broadly, to something that is totally unproductive and barren. Therefore, sterile serves as the direct antonym for fecund, as it represents the complete absence of the generative power or productivity that fecundity implies.

Explanation

The idiom refers to a small, seemingly insignificant action or event that is the beginning of a much larger, more serious, and usually undesirable development. The metaphor is derived from the physical use of a wedge to split wood; once the narrowest part of the tool is inserted into a small crack, it becomes much easier to drive the thicker part through, eventually causing the entire log to split. In common usage, it serves as a warning that a minor concession or change today will inevitably lead to much more significant and harmful consequences in the future.

Explanation

The noun reason is idiomatically paired with the preposition for when identifying the cause or justification of a specific action, event, or emotion. In this context, reason for her outburst correctly establishes the link between the cause and the resulting behavior.

Explanation

The phrasal verb agree with is used when someone shares the same opinion as another person or approves of a specific idea, statement, or policy. In the context of company policies or systems, agree with indicates that the individual finds the rules or principles acceptable and consistent with their own views. While agree to typically signifies giving consent to a proposal or a formal request, the sentence describes a situation where the speaker left their job due to a fundamental disagreement with the nature and fairness of the appraisal system itself, making agree with the grammatically correct choice.

Explanation

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by frequent problems with the normal fluency and flow of speech. It involves involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, syllables, words, or phrases, as well as involuntary silent pauses or blocks where the speaker is unable to produce sounds. Stuttering is synonymous with stammering and describes the specific speech impediment where the rhythmic flow of oral expression is disrupted. The term identifies the physiological and behavioral patterns associated with the hesitant and repetitive speech patterns mentioned in the phrase.

Explanation

Ergomania is derived from the Greek roots ergon, meaning work, and mania, meaning madness or obsession. It refers to an abnormal or excessive compulsion to work, often leading to a state where an individual feels a morbid urge to be constantly busy or productive, even at the expense of their health or personal life.

Explanation

The word in option d is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is surreptitious, which requires a double r. Derived from the Latin surrepticius, meaning snatched secretly or stolen, the word is an adjective used to describe something kept secret or done by stealth, especially because it would not be approved of. The mistake in the provided option is the omission of the second r after the prefix sur-.

Explanation

The spelling provided is incorrect because it lacks the letter e between the f and the r. The correct spelling is Referendum. This term refers to a direct vote by an entire electorate on a specific proposal, law, or constitutional issue. It is an instrument of direct democracy used to gauge public opinion or finalize legislative changes, originating from the Latin word referre, which means to carry back. The word requires the e-f-e-r sequence for correct orthography.

Explanation

The adverbial phrase half an hour ago specifies a definite point in the past. In English grammar, when a sentence refers to a completed action at a specific time in the past indicated by words like ago, yesterday, or last week, the Simple Past tense must be used. The verb finished is the simple past form of finish and correctly aligns with the temporal marker provided in the sentence.

Explanation

Sentence Q establishes the primary context by introducing the privatization of the oil industry following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Sentence S follows this by providing a transition using the word However, which shifts the focus from the industry's privatization to the fact that this wealth did not reach all citizens. Sentence R elaborates on this disparity by comparing the Russian government's current management of oil revenue with the more extensive social provisions of the former Soviet Union. Sentence P completes the logical sequence by offering specific historical examples of those Soviet provisions, such as subsidized consumer goods, while concluding the paragraph with the ideological shift where Russia ultimately rejected the socialist system.

Explanation

Sentence R functions as the introductory statement by establishing the broad theme: how the financialisation of commodity trade and global financial conditions have driven price spurts. Sentence P follows logically by providing specific details of these financial conditions, namely the reduction in US interest rates and liquidity injections that pushed investors toward commodity markets. Sentence Q builds directly on the factors mentioned in P, explaining the technical mechanism of how easy liquidity and low interest rates specifically induce volatility through inventory holding. Sentence S concludes the sequence by introducing the weakening US dollar as an additional factor that further contributes to the volatility described in the preceding sentences.

Explanation

When an active sentence contains a verb of mental state followed by a that-clause, the passive voice is commonly formed using the introductory dummy subject it. In this sentence, the main verb hope is converted into the passive form is hoped. Additionally, the subordinate clause that I shall win this dance competition is also transformed into its passive equivalent. In the passive version of this clause, the object the dance competition becomes the subject, the future tense verb shall win changes to will be won to maintain grammatical agreement with the new third-person subject, and the original subject I is expressed through the agent by me. This dual transformation ensures that both the reporting verb and the reported action are accurately reflected in the passive voice.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reporting verb and the tense of the reported clauses must reflect the context and the past tense of the introductory verb. In the sentence He said, Let it rain I have to go, the speaker expresses a sense of determination or indifference toward the rain. The verb persisted accurately captures this intent. The first-person pronoun I shifts to the third-person he to match the subject. Additionally, the present tense have to must be converted to the past tense had to. Option a successfully paraphrases the concessive mood of let it rain by stating he did not care for the rain and correctly applies the required tense and pronoun changes for the rest of the sentence.

Explanation

The Sanskrit phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, often transliterated in the text as Vasudeva Kutumbakam, is derived from the Maha Upanishad. It translates literally to the world is one family. In the given sentence, the word one serves as a direct translation of the core philosophy behind the motto, indicating that India perceives the entire global population as a single, unified entity rather than a collection of separate or divided groups. This concept of oneness forms the foundational basis for India's traditional approach to international relations and global peace.

Explanation

The sentence requires the standard idiomatic expression a number of to function as a quantifier meaning several or many. In English grammar, the construction a + [noun] + of is used to indicate a quantity of the following plural noun, which in this case is pillars. This phrase correctly sets up the list of foundational principles that define India's foreign policy, such as non-alignment and peaceful co-existence, by indicating that there are multiple such supporting elements.

Explanation

The passage outlines the fundamental principles of India's foreign policy, which are rooted in the philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam. In this context, the sentence describes the active role India plays in fostering international harmony. The term promoting is the most appropriate fit as it signifies the proactive encouragement and advancement of peace among nations, which aligns with the subsequent mention of policies like non-alignment, peaceful co-existence, and diplomatic negotiations. These efforts are designed to build and maintain a stable global order, making promoting the logically and contextually correct choice for describing a national policy goal regarding world peace.