SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word litigants refers to persons or parties involved in a lawsuit or legal dispute. It is derived from the Latin verb litigare, which means to dispute or carry on a suit. The spelling follows the standard English convention of adding the agentive suffix -ant to the root word litigate, where the i in the second syllable and the a in the suffix are consistent with its etymological roots in Latin.

Explanation

The word stoically is the adverbial form of the adjective stoic. In English grammar, adjectives that end in -ic typically form their corresponding adverbs by adding the suffix -ally. This follows the standard linguistic pattern observed in words such as basic/basically, tragic/tragically, and phonetic/phonetically. The term refers to the manner of enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining, rooted in the Stoic school of Hellenistic philosophy.

Explanation

The introductory phrase "The space in front of the large" requires a noun to complete the prepositional object, which is provided by "hut" in segment X. This segment completes the first independent clause, "The space in front of the large hut was empty," and ends with the conjunction "but" to introduce a contrasting observation. Segment Z follows by providing a locational reference "before it," where the pronoun "it" refers back to the hut, followed by the auxiliary verb "were." Segment Y completes the thought by providing the participle "placed" and the subject "several stools." This creates a grammatically sound sentence using an inverted structure for stylistic emphasis: "The space in front of the large hut was empty, but before it were placed several stools."

Explanation

The sentence begins with the introductory phrase From our common experience, which requires a prepositional phrase to define the object of that experience. Fragment X provides this by adding of the relation of the. The word relation necessitates the mention of two entities linked by a conjunction. Fragment Z introduces the first entity, physical, followed by the conjunction and the. This leads logically to fragment Y, which contains the second entity, mental, and concludes the thought with the subject and verb he starts out. This arrangement ensures that the definite articles and the conjunction correctly connect the contrasting concepts of the physical and the mental.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Simple Present tense, as indicated by the verbs vacuums and dusts. When converting an active sentence in the Simple Present tense to the passive voice, the structure follows the formula: Subject (the original object) + is/am/are + Past Participle (V3) + by + Object (the original subject). In this case, the house is a singular noun, so the auxiliary verb is is used along with the past participle forms vacuumed and dusted. The adverbial phrase every day remains consistent with the habitual action expressed in the original sentence, resulting in the construction where the house is the receiver of the action performed by the maid.

Explanation

The sentence describes a chronological sequence of events within a narrative. In English grammar, the word later is used as an adverb of time to indicate that something happened after a specific period or a previously mentioned event. When preceded by a duration, such as a few glorious minutes, it functions to show the passage of time before the next action, which in this case is the decision to head ashore.

Explanation

The phrase this time is used to refer to the specific instance or occasion currently being described in the narrative. In the context of the passage, the author is contrasting their current movements with their earlier ones. By stating this time, the author indicates that during this particular moment of swimming back to the shore, their strokes had become more fluid and their movements more relaxed than they were previously. It serves as a temporal marker to highlight the change in the author's physical state and comfort level during the final part of their experience in the water.

Explanation

The sentence requires an infinitive of purpose to explain the reason behind the narrator's action. In English grammar, the to-infinitive structure (to + base verb) is used to express the intention or objective of a preceding action. In this context, the narrator turned back for the specific purpose of greeting the clown fish, making to say the grammatically correct choice to complete the phrase.

Explanation

In English grammar, the phrase play hide-and-seek with is a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate the person or object one is playing the game against or alongside. The preposition with is used here to denote the participant or the companion in the activity. In the context of the passage, the clown fish is interacting with the sea anemone, and the preposition with correctly establishes the relationship of engagement between the two marine entities during the game.

Explanation

The preposition of is used to express the relationship between a part and the whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. In this sentence, the phrase blue waters of the Bay of Bengal indicates that the waters are a constituent part of or belong to the specific geographical entity known as the Bay of Bengal. It establishes a clear possessive or associative link between the noun waters and its source or location.

Explanation

The preposition among is used when referring to more than two entities or a collective group. In this sentence, the context involves exactly two distinct parties: the British and the Americans. According to standard grammatical rules, the preposition between must be used when referring to a relationship, interaction, or conflict involving two specific groups or individuals. Therefore, the phrase took place among is incorrect and should be replaced with took place between.

Explanation

The error is in the third part of the sentence because of the incorrect use of the gerund rounding after the infinitive marker to. In this context, the verb slowed is followed by an infinitive of purpose or result to describe the action taken as the stream approached the curve. The standard grammatical construction requires the base form of the verb after to in such phrases. Therefore, rounding must be replaced with round to make the sentence grammatically correct as slowed to round the bend.

Explanation

An alias is a false or assumed identity used by a person, particularly a criminal, to conceal their true identity and evade detection or arrest by law enforcement. The sentence describes a scenario where a name change is used specifically to elude the police, making alias the most precise term for a secondary name used for deceptive purposes.

Explanation

The word quarrel refers to an angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms. In the context of the sentence, the noise generated by a verbal altercation between a husband and wife was intense enough to disturb the sleep of their children. The noun fits the sentence structure and the descriptive clues regarding volume and interpersonal conflict.

Explanation

The word litter refers to waste material, rubbish, or debris that has been discarded incorrectly or left lying around in public spaces. In common usage, it signifies refuse such as paper, cans, and bottles. Trash is a direct synonym as it also denotes discarded or useless items, garbage, and waste matter. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe unwanted materials that need to be disposed of.

Explanation

The word obliterate means to destroy something completely, to wipe it out, or to cause it to become utterly invisible or forgotten. Annihilate is a direct synonym that carries the same meaning of total destruction or reducing something to non-existence. Both terms are frequently used in contexts where an object, a memory, or an entire entity is removed so thoroughly that no traces of its original form remain.

Explanation

The word scrimp means to be extremely thrifty or to economize by using very little of something, often to the point of being meager or stingy. In contrast, the word squander means to spend or use money, time, or resources in a reckless or wasteful manner. Therefore, squander is the direct antonym of scrimp because it represents the act of wasting resources rather than saving them excessively.

Explanation

The word guzzle means to drink or eat something greedily and in large quantities, often noisily or quickly. It conveys the idea of excessive and eager consumption. In contrast, starve means to suffer severely or die from hunger or to be deprived of food. While guzzle describes an act of over-indulgence and rapid intake, starve represents the state of having no food or consuming nothing at all, making it the most appropriate antonym among the choices.

Explanation

The idiom to heave a sigh of relief refers to the sudden feeling of comfort or happiness that occurs when a stressful, difficult, or unpleasant situation is over or has been avoided altogether. The act of heaving a sigh represents the physical release of pent-up tension or anxiety that was being held during a period of uncertainty. It is commonly used when someone experiences a positive outcome after fearing a negative one, or when a long and arduous burden is finally lifted, allowing the person to relax.

Explanation

To be on cloud nine is a common English idiom that signifies a state of extreme happiness, euphoria, or elation. This expression is used to describe a person who feels exceptionally joyful or triumphant, typically following a major success, an achievement, or receiving very positive news. While its exact etymological origins are debated, one prominent theory relates to the 1896 International Cloud Atlas, where cloud types were categorized by number. The cumulonimbus, which is the tallest and most majestic type of cloud, was designated as cloud number nine. Consequently, being on top of this cloud represents being at the highest possible level of bliss and contentment.

Explanation

The sentence describes two situations in the past where one state precedes the other. The main clause she was uneasy is in the Simple Past tense, establishing a specific point in past time. To express an action or condition that occurred before that specific point, the Past Perfect tense is required. The Past Perfect is constructed using the auxiliary verb had followed by the past participle of the main verb. In this instance, had never been correctly identifies that the lack of experience on a plane was a state existing prior to the moment of her being uneasy. This tense sequence is necessary to clarify the chronological order of events occurring in the past.

Explanation

The verb escape is followed by a gerund when indicating an avoided action. Since the subject is the receiver of the action of smashing, a passive gerund structure is required. The passive gerund is formed using being followed by the past participle of the main verb. The past participle of dash is dashed, making being dashed the grammatically correct phrase to indicate that the person avoided the state of being broken into pieces.

Explanation

Upthrust, also known as buoyancy or buoyant force, is the upward force exerted by a fluid—whether a liquid or a gas—on any object immersed in it. According to Archimedes' Principle, when a body is partially or fully submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. This force acts in the opposite direction to gravity and determines whether an object will sink, float, or remain suspended in the fluid.

Explanation

Sarcasm is a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark that uses irony to mock or convey contempt. It typically involves saying something that is the opposite of what is actually meant, with the specific intent of highlighting a flaw, ridiculing a situation, or expressing disdain for a person or an idea.

Explanation

The word thrashing is the correctly spelled present participle of the verb thrash. It signifies the act of beating or moving violently and convulsively. In English orthography, when adding the suffix ing to a verb ending in the consonant digraph sh, the base form remains unchanged. This results in the spelling thrashing, which is the standard form used to describe physical punishment, vigorous movement, or a decisive defeat in a sporting context.

Explanation

The subject we in the introductory phrase requires a verb to complete the predicate, which is provided by were contented with (Z). The preposition with must then be followed by an object or a series of objects. The phrase a good wash and (Y) provides the first noun phrase and a conjunction to link it to a subsequent element. The final segment combing our hair (X) functions as the second object, completing the compound object of the preposition. The sequence ZYX forms the grammatically sound sentence: As for ourselves, we were contented with a good wash and combing our hair.

Explanation

The sequence forms a logical conditional statement linking neurological changes to sensory experiences. Starting with the introductory phrase, the fragment Z follows naturally to form If there is a change in brain activity of a certain. This leads directly into fragment Y, which completes the prepositional phrase as a certain kind, there has to be a. Finally, fragment X provides the required noun phrase to complete the sentence, resulting in there has to be a corresponding sensation. This arrangement ensures that the modifiers and objects are placed correctly to create a grammatically sound observation about the relationship between the brain and the mind.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Active Voice and the Simple Past tense, following the structure: Subject + V₂ (destroyed) + Object. To convert a Simple Past sentence into the Passive Voice, the structure used is: Object + was/were + V₃ (past participle) + by + Subject.

In this sentence, the object is the whole neighbourhood, which is singular, so the auxiliary verb was is required. The past participle of destroyed remains destroyed. Applying the rule, the sentence becomes: The whole neighbourhood (Object) + was + destroyed (V₃) + by the fire (Subject).

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to requested or begged because the use of sir and the nature of the statement imply a plea. Since the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the subordinate clause must also shift; therefore, die becomes died. Additionally, the first-person pronouns me and my are changed to the third-person pronouns him and his to align with the subject, the accused. Option b correctly follows these rules by using requested as the reporting verb and shifting the tense in the final clause to died.

Explanation

In this sentence, the word that functions as a demonstrative adjective used to specify and emphasize a particular noun. The author is listing various birds found in the mountains, and by using that before mischief-maker, the text points specifically to the characteristic role assigned to Clark's nutcracker. This construction is a common literary device used to introduce a subject alongside a descriptive epithet or nickname, identifying Clark's nutcracker as the specific mischief-maker being discussed in the context of mountain-dwelling birds.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires the present perfect tense, which is formed by the auxiliary verb has followed by the past participle of the main verb. The verb become follows a conjugation pattern where the base form is become, the past simple is became, and the past participle is become. In this context, the presence of the auxiliary has necessitates the use of the past participle form become to indicate a completed action or state relative to the present.

Explanation

The expression cannot help is a standard English idiom that requires the use of a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb. This grammatical structure is used to convey that a person is unable to refrain from or avoid a particular action or state. In this passage, using falling after the phrase creates the correct idiomatic construction, indicating that the observer is naturally and uncontrollably drawn into a speculative mood due to the environment.

Explanation

The sentence identifies a comparison between two specific groups: the birds of the East and the birds of the West. In English grammar, the preposition between is used to express a relationship, connection, or difference involving two distinct parties, groups, or items. When the noun contrasts is used to highlight the differences found by comparing two entities, it is idiomatically paired with between to link those entities. Thus, the phrase sharp contrasts between the birds of the East and those of the West correctly establishes the comparative relationship required by the context.

Explanation

The demonstrative pronoun those is used to refer back to a previously mentioned plural noun to avoid unnecessary repetition. In this comparison, the sentence refers to the birds of the East and the birds of the West. Since birds is a plural noun, those is the grammatically correct substitute to represent the birds in the second part of the phrase. This usage ensures parallel structure and clarity in comparative sentences.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the prepositional phrase in the second part of the sentence. The expression down the dignity is idiomatically incorrect in English. The standard idiom used to describe an action that is considered unworthy of one's social status, rank, or self-respect is beneath one's dignity. Therefore, the preposition down should be replaced with beneath to correctly convey that the actions were not suitable for the status of princes.

Explanation

The use of the preposition by in the third part of the sentence is grammatically incorrect. In English, the adverb here indicates a specific location and functions independently in this context to show where the action is taking place. Therefore, the preposition by is redundant and conceptually misplaced. The standard and correct construction for this inquiry is What are you doing here? to ask about someone's presence or activity at a particular spot.

Explanation

The word perchance is an adverb that means perhaps or by any chance. In English grammar, it is used to suggest a possibility or to make an inquiry more polite and formal. In this sentence, it functions to modify the verb own, essentially asking if the person happens to possess the book. This specific term is highly appropriate for the context because it carries a literary or slightly archaic tone that aligns perfectly with a reference to the works of William Shakespeare, who famously used the word in his own plays.

Explanation

The verb distinguish means to recognize or identify a difference between two or more things. In the context of a police detective's work, it refers to the cognitive process of discerning the difference between a lie and the truth. The word is frequently followed by the preposition between when identifying two distinct categories or concepts, making it the grammatically and semantically appropriate choice for the sentence.

Explanation

Commemorate means to recall and show respect for a person or an event through a ceremony or formal observance. It involves keeping the memory of something alive by marking it with a specific action or event. Celebrate is synonymous in this context as it means to honor a significant day, person, or event with public praise or a social gathering. Both words share the core meaning of acknowledging and honoring something important to ensure it is remembered and respected.

Explanation

A plebiscite is a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state or country on a specific public question, such as a change in government or territory. It is a tool of direct democracy used to gauge the public's will on matters of national or regional importance. A referendum is a synonymous term referring to the process where a legislative act or a political issue is referred to the electorate for a direct decision by popular vote. Both terms describe the mechanism of allowing the citizens themselves to decide on a specific policy or constitutional change rather than leaving the decision solely to elected representatives.

Explanation

Rampage refers to a period of violent, wild, and uncontrollable behavior, typically characterized by chaos and destruction. It describes a state where order is completely lost and aggression prevails. Harmony is the opposite because it denotes a state of peaceful agreement, balance, and systematic order. While a rampage involves conflict and disruption, harmony represents the absence of such strife, focusing instead on tranquility and the pleasing arrangement of various elements. Harmony stands as the antonym by replacing violent disorder with peaceful stability and coordination.

Explanation

The word blasphemous describes speech or behavior that is irreverent, sacrilegious, or shows a lack of respect for God and sacred things. Its direct opposite is pious, which refers to being devoutly religious and showing deep respect and dutiful spirit of reverence for divine entities or religious obligations. While blasphemy involves the violation of religious sanctity, piety represents the sincere devotion and holiness associated with religious practice.

Explanation

The idiom to have something on the brain is used to describe a situation where an individual is constantly thinking about or is preoccupied with a particular thing or idea. It implies that the person is so focused on that specific subject that they cannot stop talking or thinking about it, effectively meaning they are obsessed with it. This expression highlights the mental dominance of a single thought or interest over all other matters.

Explanation

The idiom not one's cup of tea is used to describe something that does not suit an individual's taste, interest, or preference. It originated from the positive expression one's cup of tea, which gained popularity in the early 20th century to signify something a person liked or was good at. By using the negative form, a speaker indicates that a particular activity, subject, or object is not what they prefer or choose to engage with. It serves as a polite way to decline an interest or acknowledge that something does not align with one's personal inclinations.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a tense that expresses an action continuing over a period of time, as indicated by the time prepositional phrase for some time. When an action started in the past and continued up to another point in the past, the Past Perfect Continuous tense is employed. This tense follows the construction of had been + verb-ing. Using had been raging correctly conveys that the battle was in progress for a duration of time before a specific point in the past, fulfilling the requirement for a continuous aspect paired with a perfect indicator.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past continuous passive tense to indicate that an action was not in progress at the time the subject glanced back. This tense is formed by using was or were followed by being and the past participle of the main verb. Because the subject she is singular, the correct auxiliary verb is wasn't. The construction wasn't being observed accurately conveys that the subject wanted to ensure no one was actively watching her at that specific moment in the past.

Explanation

Treason is the formal legal term for the crime of betraying one's own country or sovereign. It involves actions intended to overthrow the government, harm the head of state, or provide assistance to the nation's enemies during a conflict. Because it involves a breach of the fundamental duty of loyalty and allegiance that a citizen owes to their state, it is historically classified as one of the most serious offenses in a legal system.

Explanation

Zealotry refers to the quality or state of being a zealot, which is characterized by an excessive, fanatical, and uncompromising pursuit of religious, political, or other personal ideals. It implies a level of devotion that is often seen as extreme or radical, where the individual remains unwavering in their beliefs regardless of opposing arguments or consequences.

Explanation

The correctly spelt word is "Composure", which refers to the state of being calm and in control of oneself. The other options are incorrect variations of this word.

Explanation

The word alleviate is correctly spelled with a double l and an e after the second l. It means to make a problem or suffering less severe.