SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of a Type 1 conditional sentence, which expresses a real or possible situation in the future. In such constructions, the conditional clause (the if-clause) must be in the simple present tense, while the main clause uses the simple future tense. Since the main clause contains she will listen, the if-clause should use the simple present tense approach instead of the future tense will approach. This grammatical rule ensures that the condition is established in the present to determine a future outcome.

Explanation

The word eccentric is derived from the Greek prefix ek meaning out of or away from and the root kentron meaning center. Literally, it describes something that is not placed centrally or deviates from a circular path. In geometry and mechanics, an eccentric circle or orbital path is one that does not have the same center as another. This etymological foundation directly supports the definition of being away from the center, which also extends figuratively to describe unconventional behavior that departs from established social norms or the metaphorical center of standard conduct.

Explanation

A pragmatist is a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals or theories. This individual evaluates the truth or value of beliefs and ideas based on their success in practical application and their functional results in real-world scenarios. The term is derived from the Greek word pragma, meaning deed or act, which highlights the focus on action and empirical consequences over abstract speculation.

Explanation

The word Inocuous is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Innocuous, which means not harmful or offensive. It is derived from the Latin word innocuus, where the prefix in- means not and nocuus means harmful. The correct spelling requires the double n after the first vowel.

Explanation

Sentence R introduces the foundational concept that thoughts, such as love and compassion, have the power to influence and transform the state of others. Sentence Q transitions this idea into a social context by referencing the well-known adage that an individual is defined by the company they keep. Sentence P then provides the underlying mechanism for this social influence, explaining that a sensitive mind absorbs the vibrations produced by the thoughts of those in one's immediate circle. Sentence S concludes the paragraph by providing a specific application of this principle, illustrating how the positive thoughts and vibrations of holy people in sacred spaces effectively impact a person's well-being. This sequence creates a logical flow from the general power of thought to its social manifestation, its psychological cause, and a practical spiritual example.

Explanation

Sentence Q serves as the introductory statement by establishing the general topic of idealism and identifying a distinction between Western and Eastern philosophical traditions. Sentence R follows logically by elaborating on the specific nature of Western thought mentioned in Q, defining the ideal as relating to direct knowledge of subjective mental ideas or images. Sentence S builds upon this definition by providing its standard philosophical counterpoint, explaining how this subjective approach is juxtaposed with realism. Sentence P concludes the paragraph by providing a concrete example of this school of thought, citing Kant as an epistemological idealist who insists that only ideas can be directly known for certain. This order creates a coherent flow from a broad introduction to a specific definition, a conceptual contrast, and a representative example.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Active Voice and follows the Simple Present Tense structure: Subject + Verb (Vₛ_/ₑₛ) + Object. To convert this into Passive Voice, the object of the active sentence (coffee) becomes the subject, followed by the appropriate form of the verb to be (is/am/are) and the past participle (V₃) of the main verb. Since coffee is an uncountable noun, it requires the singular auxiliary verb is. The past participle of grow is grown. Therefore, the passive structure becomes: Subject (Coffee) + is + V₃ (grown) + prepositional phrase (in Karnataka).

Explanation

The reporting verb reminded in the indirect speech indicates that the speaker gave a prompt to ensure a specific action was not overlooked. When converting this to direct speech, the most appropriate way to express a reminder is through the imperative phrase Don't forget. Option b correctly captures this sentiment and maintains the original context where the mother is the speaker addressing Gopal. The transformation from the infinitive phrase to take in indirect speech to the imperative Don't forget to take in direct speech is the standard grammatical way to convey a reminder while preserving the communicative intent of the sentence.

Explanation

In the context of organizational behavior and institutional theory, members within an organization often engage in internal competition to climb the social and functional hierarchy. The pairing of status and power is a standard sociological concept where status represents social standing or prestige, and power represents the capacity to influence or control others and resources. The subsequent part of the passage reinforces this choice by explicitly mentioning the desire for power to direct the activities of others, establishing a consistent thematic link throughout the text regarding the nature of organizational competition and the drive for authority.

Explanation

The passage describes the internal dynamics of an organization where individuals strive to achieve personal and departmental goals within a limited environment. The first sentence establishes that members are in a state of rivalry by using the word compete in relation to status. The second sentence continues this logic by describing how members interact regarding the resources of the organization. In English grammar, the verb compete is frequently paired with the preposition for to indicate the objective or prize being sought. Therefore, stating that members compete for resources aligns with both the established thematic context of organizational rivalry and the necessary idiomatic structure.

Explanation

In the context of organizational behavior and resource allocation, members compete for various assets to achieve their goals. The sentence specifies a need to expand departments, which fundamentally requires capital or monetary backing. Finance represents the financial resources and funding provided by an organization to its sub-units. Therefore, within the framework of competing for organizational resources, finance is the specific tool used to facilitate departmental expansion and operational growth.

Explanation

In the context of organizational dynamics and institutional competition described in the passage, members strive for individual professional growth and upward mobility. Career advancement is a standard term used to describe the process of climbing the hierarchy, gaining more responsibilities, and achieving higher professional status within a company or institution. This fits logically with the other objectives mentioned, such as expanding departments and gaining power over the activities of others, all of which contribute to an individual's professional trajectory and long-term success within the organization.

Explanation

In an organizational context, power is defined as the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. When individuals compete for power within an institution, their primary objective is often to gain the authority to regulate, direct, and oversee the work processes and behaviors of their colleagues or subordinates. The term control accurately describes this exercise of managerial or hierarchical influence, as it refers to the power to command the actions and activities of others to ensure they align with specific objectives or institutional goals.

Explanation

The error lies in the third part of the sentence due to the incorrect use of the definite article. When the preposition "by" is used to express the means or mode of transportation, it is followed immediately by the noun without any article. Common idiomatic expressions include "by car," "by bus," "by train," and "by plane." The phrase "by the car" is grammatically incorrect in this context because the focus is on the method of travel rather than a specific vehicle. The article "the" should be removed to make the construction "by car" grammatically accurate.

Explanation

The verb ascend functions as a transitive verb when it refers to the act of succeeding to a position of power or a title, such as a throne. Transitive verbs are followed immediately by a direct object and do not require a preposition to link them. The inclusion of the preposition to in the second part of the sentence is grammatically redundant. To correct the error, the preposition should be removed so that the verb acts directly upon its object, resulting in the phrase ascended the throne.

Explanation

The phrasal verb get through means to succeed in an examination or to pass a test. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that Neha was unable to pass her exams, which resulted in her mother being annoyed with her.

Explanation

The verb forgive is used to describe the act of ceasing to feel resentment or anger toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake. In this sentence, the conditional clause if she apologises establishes a situation where the speaker is willing to overlook the misbehavior once regret is expressed. Forgiveness is the natural and logical result of receiving an apology in a social or personal context, making it the most suitable word to complete the sentence's meaning.

Explanation

The word ebullient is an adjective used to describe someone who is cheerful, full of energy, and overflowing with excitement. It originates from the Latin word ebullire, which literally means to boil over. In a figurative sense, it refers to an individual's high spirits and exuberant nature. Therefore, it is synonymous with being enthusiastic, as both terms characterize a state of intense and lively interest or passion.

Explanation

The word truculent is used to describe a person or behavior that is aggressively defiant, eager to fight, or savagely fierce. It stems from the Latin word truculentus, which means grim or harsh. Ferocious is a direct synonym as it describes something that is savagely fierce, cruel, or violent. Both terms convey an intense level of aggression and a readiness for confrontation or brutality.

Explanation

The word niggardly describes a person who is stingy, miserly, or extremely reluctant to spend or give money. It carries a connotation of being ungenerous and mean-spirited regarding financial or material resources. Generous is the direct opposite because it refers to a person who is willing to give money, help, or time freely and in large amounts. While a niggardly person withholds resources, a generous person is characterized by liberality and an open-handed nature.

Explanation

Dissident refers to a person who opposes official policy or disagrees with an established religious or political system, representing a stance of non-conformity and rebellion. Orthodox describes a person or belief that conforms to what is traditionally and generally accepted as right or true. Since dissident implies a departure from the norm and orthodox implies strict adherence to established standards, it is the appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The idiom bear the palm originates from the ancient Greek and Roman custom of awarding palm branches or wreaths to the victors of athletic contests and military triumphs. Because the palm tree was a symbol of victory, honor, and excellence, the person who carried or received the palm was recognized as the winner. In modern usage, the phrase means to be victorious, to win a competition, or to be acknowledged as the best in a particular field.

Explanation

The idiom to give the devil his due means to acknowledge the positive qualities or merits of a person who is otherwise disliked, unpopular, or notorious. It suggests that even an individual with a bad reputation deserves fair credit for their achievements or good deeds. The phrase emphasizes the importance of being impartial and just, ensuring that recognition is given whenever it is earned, regardless of the overall character of the person involved.

Explanation

The phrase adapted for is used when an object or system is modified, adjusted, or designed to suit a specific purpose, use, or requirement. In the context of industrial equipment, the preposition for correctly indicates the intended application or utility of the machinery within the cotton industries. While adapt to generally refers to adjusting oneself to new conditions or environments, adapt for emphasizes the suitability of a tool or process for a particular function or end-use. Therefore, the equipment is modified specifically for the functional needs of that industry.

Explanation

A stevedore is a person or a company employed at a dock to manage the loading and unloading of cargo from ships. The term specifically refers to the manual labor or the contractor responsible for the stowage of goods in a vessel's hold and the discharge of freight once the ship reaches its destination. Historically, this role has been central to maritime logistics and port operations, ensuring that cargo is handled safely and efficiently to maintain the ship's stability and schedule.

Explanation

Heresy refers to a belief, doctrine, or opinion that is fundamentally at odds with established customs, traditional dogmas, or generally accepted views. While the term is most commonly used in a religious context to describe ideas that contradict the orthodox teachings of a church, it is also applied more broadly to any theory or stance that challenges the prevailing consensus or conventional wisdom of a society or professional group.

Explanation

The word occurrence is incorrectly spelled as it is missing a second r. According to English spelling rules, when the suffix -ence is added to the verb occur, the final consonant r must be doubled because the last syllable of the base word is stressed and ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel. Therefore, the correct spelling is occurrence.

Explanation

The word in option a is misspelled. The correct spelling is receding, which is the present participle of the verb recede. This verb follows the spelling pattern of words derived from the Latin root cedere, such as concede and precede, which use a single e before the d. When forming the present participle of a verb ending in a silent e, the e is dropped before adding the -ing suffix. Therefore, the double e in receeding is incorrect.

Explanation

Sentence S serves as the logical introductory statement because it uses a participial phrase to transition from a previous discussion about rural life to a new point of focus. Sentence Q follows by introducing a specific subject within that rural context, the village artisans, to further the discussion. Sentence P then builds on this by proposing a condition where satisfying local requirements allows peasants to utilize their spare time effectively. Finally, sentence R concludes the sequence by using the demonstrative pronoun this to refer back to the situation described in P, adding the secondary benefit of providing employment to the educated population in the village.

Explanation

Sentence R serves as the introductory statement by proposing the inclusion of agriculture in higher secondary schools and suggesting alternatives for urban students. Sentence P naturally follows by detailing what practical farming involves, specifically fruit and vegetable cultivation. Sentence Q refers back to the higher secondary schools mentioned in R using the phrase these schools and explains that they do not require independent farms due to the availability of village field work. Finally, sentence S uses the conjunction therefore to conclude that, given the practical opportunities available in the village as described in Q, schools only need to provide theoretical instruction at that stage. This sequence creates a logical progression from the general proposal to the specific curriculum and finally to the logistical implementation.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple past tense, following the structure: Subject (I) + Past Tense Verb (saw) + Object (him) + Present Participle Phrase (leaving the movie theatre). To convert this into passive voice, the object him becomes the subject He. The verb saw is replaced by was seen, which is the past passive form consisting of the auxiliary verb was and the past participle of see. The participle phrase leaving the movie theatre remains as a subject complement to describe the state in which the person was seen. Finally, the original subject I is placed at the end of the sentence as the agent in the prepositional phrase by me.

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence where the Principal is addressing the girls. When converting imperative sentences from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb is changed to a verb reflecting the tone of the command or request, such as ordered, urged, or commanded. The vocative noun girls in the direct speech becomes the object of the reporting verb in the indirect speech. Additionally, the imperative mood is converted into the infinitive mood by using to before the base form of the verb. In this case, the reporting verb urged is used with the object the girls, followed by the infinitive to be quiet to accurately convey the original instruction.

Explanation

The passage describes the restrictive and stressful nature of modern existence, where individuals are constrained by rigid schedules and the constant pursuit of wealth. In this context, the word care refers to the burdens, responsibilities, and heavy concerns that weigh upon a person. Pairing it with worry creates a complementary set that effectively illustrates a state of persistent mental distress and lack of peace. This choice fits the thematic focus on the negative psychological impact of being imprisoned by a routine, highlighting that such a life is defined by constant preoccupation with duties rather than relaxation or enjoyment.

Explanation

The opening sentence of the passage establishes the theme by stating that modern man is imprisoned by his time-table and routine. A time-table is a tool used specifically for the management and allocation of time. Consequently, the sentence describing what man lacks for anything other than his duties must relate back to this temporal constraint. In this context, the word time logically completes the thought that man's rigid schedule leaves him with no free hours for activities outside of his professional obligations and money-making occupations.

Explanation

The expression making money is the standard idiomatic phrase used to describe the process of earning a livelihood or generating income through ones work or profession. In the context of the passage, which discusses how modern man is consumed by his routine and professional obligations, the term occupation refers to the regular activity or job a person performs. The primary purpose of such an occupation in a materialistic or routine-driven society is the acquisition of wealth or financial resources, making making the most natural and linguistically appropriate choice to complete the phrase.

Explanation

The phrase in all ages is a standard English idiom used to refer to all periods of human history or throughout the passage of time. In this context, the author is suggesting that the tendency to be consumed by routine and duties is not exclusive to the modern era but has likely affected mankind across every historical period. The word ages correctly identifies these broad spans of time, maintaining the logical flow of the comparison between the present day and the entirety of human existence.

Explanation

The passage uses the metaphor of a disease to describe the stress of modern life, and the word infected correctly completes the phrase indicating how people are affected by such a condition. Inflicted is grammatically incorrect in this context as one is typically afflicted by a disease or has a condition inflicted upon them.

Explanation

The error lies in the second part of the sentence regarding the use of the prepositional phrase "down the bridge." To indicate a vantage point or the location from which a person is looking, the preposition from is required. The phrase "down the bridge" implies looking along the length or surface of the bridge itself, whereas the context of admiring a "view of the downstream" necessitates looking from the bridge toward the water below. Therefore, the sentence should use "from the bridge" or "down from the bridge" to correctly establish the bridge as the point of observation.

Explanation

The error lies in the prepositional usage in part (2) of the sentence. The word out cannot function as a preposition on its own to indicate location or extent relative to a boundary like a country. To convey the meaning that his name was not known beyond the borders of his nation, the correct preposition to use is outside. The phrase should properly read as known outside his own country.

Explanation

The term fun quotient is an idiomatic expression used to describe the level, degree, or amount of enjoyment present in a particular situation. In figurative English, the word quotient is often used to denote the magnitude or proportion of a specific quality or characteristic, similar to how intelligence quotient measures cognitive ability. In this sentence, it serves as a measure of the enjoyment that decreased significantly when the mother joined the activity.

Explanation

In English grammar, a collective noun is a word used to represent a group of people, animals, or things as a single entity. The standard collective noun specifically used for a group of sheep is flock. In the context of the sentence, which mentions a shepherd and pastures, flock accurately describes the group of animals being guarded and moved.

Explanation

The word facsimile originates from the Latin phrase fac simile, which literally translates to make similar. It is used to describe an exact copy or reproduction of a document, a signature, or an original piece of artwork. A replica refers to an exact copy or model of an object, often created to match the original in every detail. Because both terms denote a precise and faithful duplication of an original source, replica is the correct synonym for facsimile.

Explanation

Chauvinism refers to an exaggerated, aggressive, or fanatical patriotism and a prejudiced belief in the superiority of one's own group, gender, or cause. It implies a blind and irrational devotion to a particular ideology or identity. Zealotry is defined as fanatical and uncompromising pursuit of religious, political, or other ideals. Both terms share the core meaning of extreme, biased, and intolerant devotion to a cause, making them synonyms in the context of intense and prejudiced loyalty.

Explanation

Melody refers to a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity and are characterized by their pleasant, harmonious, and tuneful quality. In contrast, cacophony describes a harsh, jarring, and discordant mixture of sounds that lacks any rhythmic or musical structure. Since melody represents sonic harmony and beauty, while cacophony represents sonic chaos and unpleasantness, they are direct opposites in meaning.

Explanation

Diffident describes a person who lacks self-confidence and is characterized by shyness, timidity, or a hesitant manner in social or professional interactions. It implies a lack of self-belief that causes one to shrink away from asserting themselves. Aggressive serves as an opposite because it refers to a person who is forceful, bold, and assertive, often acting with high energy or determination to dominate a situation. While a diffident individual is reserved and retiring, an aggressive individual is proactive and confrontational.

Explanation

The idiom to have a finger in every pie is used to describe a person who is involved in many different activities, projects, or enterprises at the same time. It suggests that the individual has an interest or influence in a wide variety of matters, often implying they are meddling in or multi-tasking across numerous distinct ventures.

Explanation

The idiom to make up one's mind means to reach a definitive decision or to resolve on a specific course of action after a period of consideration or hesitation. It describes the mental process of finalizing a choice among various alternatives, effectively ending any deliberation or uncertainty.

Explanation

The modal verb might must be followed by the base form of the auxiliary verb have to express possibility. In English grammar, when the auxiliary have follows a modal, it must be paired with the past participle form of the main verb to form the perfect infinitive structure (modal + have + past participle). Since done is the past participle of the verb do, the construction have done is the only grammatically accurate choice to follow the modal verb in this context.

Explanation

The sentence requires the continuous form of the verb to be to describe a specific instance of behavior rather than a permanent personality trait. In English grammar, using the structure subject + was/were + being + adjective indicates that the person is acting or behaving in a certain way at a particular moment. Since the subject He is singular, it must be followed by the singular auxiliary verb was. The phrase was being positively rude correctly conveys that the subject was behaving rudely during a specific event or time frame.

Explanation

The word travesty refers to a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something, typically something serious or significant. It describes a situation where the essence or quality of the original is so poorly imitated or handled that it becomes a mockery or a grotesque parody. For example, a legal proceeding that ignores the rule of law is often termed a travesty of justice because it represents a warped and corrupted version of what the judicial system is intended to be. The term originates from the concept of a disguise or a change in clothing, evolving into the sense of a debased imitation that fails to reflect the truth or reality of the subject.