SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The noun access is idiomatically followed by the preposition to when it refers to the opportunity or right to use or benefit from something. Furthermore, when connecting two parallel nouns like education and employment that are both objects of the preposition, the coordinating conjunction and is used to indicate addition. Therefore, the phrase access to education and employment correctly satisfies both prepositional requirements and logical conjunction.

Explanation

The idiom kicked up a row means to cause a noisy disturbance, create a scene, or complain vigorously and publicly about a situation. It is used to describe a person who expresses their anger or dissatisfaction in a loud and disruptive manner, which aligns with creating a fuss after being denied entry.

Explanation

Arrogance is a noun used to describe an offensive display of self-importance or superiority. The spelling of this word follows the standard rule for nouns derived from adjectives that end in -ant; since the adjective is arrogant, the corresponding noun ends in the suffix -ance. It is correctly written with a double r and a single g, reflecting its etymological roots in the Latin word arrogantia.

Explanation

The term dissent refers to the holding or expression of opinions that are at variance with those previously or commonly held, especially in a formal or official context. When applied to a committee, it signifies a lack of consensus or a formal disagreement among the members regarding a specific proposal, such as a budget. Using this word completes the sentence by accurately describing the state of conflict or opposition existing within the group during their deliberation.

Explanation

The phrasal verb stay up means to remain awake and not go to bed at the usual time. In the context of the sentence, Mo is described as reading late into the night, which indicates he is intentionally avoiding sleep to continue his activity. This usage is standard for describing late-night habits or vigils.

Explanation

The word inherited is used to describe the acquisition of a specific quality, characteristic, or passion from a parent or predecessor. In this context, Meggie has acquired her deep interest in books from her father, Mo. When a child develops the same habits or tastes as their parents through influence and environment, it is linguistically appropriate to say they have inherited those traits.

Explanation

The passage is written in the past tense, established by the verbs was and stayed in the preceding sentences. To maintain tense consistency throughout the narrative, the verb in blank 3 must also be in the simple past tense. The word took indicates a completed action or a habitual occurrence in the past where Meggie sought refuge with Mo, aligning with the overall chronological framework of the story.

Explanation

The sentence describes Meggie seeking comfort from her father, Mo, after a bad dream. The pronoun in blank (4) serves as the direct object of the verb phrase that describes the action of being lulled back to sleep. Since the subject of the clause is Meggie, referred to by the feminine pronoun she, the corresponding objective case pronoun required to refer back to her is her. This maintains grammatical consistency in gender and number throughout the passage.

Explanation

The preposition beside means at the side of or next to. In this context, Meggie has sought refuge with Mo to recover from a bad dream, implying they are in close physical proximity, likely lying or sitting next to one another. The sound of Mo's breathing right next to her provides the comfort and rhythmic presence necessary to help her fall back to sleep.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rule of subject-verb agreement where the distributive pronoun each acts as the head of the subject. In English grammar, each is always considered singular, regardless of any plural nouns that follow it in a prepositional phrase like of the girls. Since the subject is singular, it requires a singular verb to match. The plural auxiliary verb have given must be replaced with the singular form has given to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The sentence requires a conjunction that indicates simultaneous actions or a condition occurring at the same time as the main action. The word while followed by the present participle pursuing correctly forms an adverbial phrase of time, showing that one should not neglect important aspects of life during the act of seeking pleasures. Furthermore, momentary is the correct adjective form required to modify the noun pleasures, ensuring the phrase is grammatically sound and contextually meaningful.

Explanation

Sentence B poses a fundamental biological question regarding why certain species survive while others perish. Sentence D follows by using the demonstrative pronoun "this" to refer back to the specific question in B, while also introducing Darwin as the individual who contemplated it. Sentence C then provides Darwin's response, employing the possessive pronoun "his" to link back to the subject introduced in D. Finally, sentence A elaborates on the specific mechanism mentioned in the answer, explaining that survival in the struggle for life is determined by being the fittest during competition for resources. This sequence follows a logical flow from the posing of a problem to its attribution and final explanation.

Explanation

The word transient refers to something that is fleeting, ephemeral, or lasting for only a very short duration of time. Its antonym, permanent, describes a state or condition that is intended to last indefinitely or remain unchanged forever. Therefore, permanent is the most appropriate opposite as it represents enduring stability in contrast to the short-lived nature of something transient.

Explanation

The idiom a bolt from the blue refers to an event that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, usually with a shocking or unpleasant impact. The phrase originates from the literal idea of a lightning bolt striking from a clear blue sky, where there are no clouds to warn of an approaching storm. In the context of the sentence, the heavy business losses were unforeseen and occurred without any prior warning, making the event an unexpected disaster.

Explanation

The word reticent refers to a person who is reserved or hesitant to reveal their thoughts and feelings readily. It describes a temperament characterized by a disposition to remain uncommunicative or restrained in speech. In this context, silent serves as the most appropriate synonym because it accurately reflects the state of being quiet or not inclined to speak, capturing the core meaning of being reticent.

Explanation

The sentence Some people believe that discipline means blind submission to authority is in the Simple Present tense. To convert a sentence with a reporting verb followed by a that-clause into passive voice, the introductory construction It + is + past participle of the reporting verb + that-clause is used. Since the verb believe is in the present tense, it becomes is believed in the passive form. The subordinate clause that discipline means blind submission to authority remains unchanged as it represents the content of the belief. This resulting structure correctly shifts the focus to the belief itself while maintaining the original tense and meaning.

Explanation

The passive sentence follows the structure of the Past Continuous tense, which is Subject + was/were + being + V₃. To convert this into the active voice, the tense must remain consistent using the formula Subject + was/were + Vᵢₙ_g + Object. Here, everyone serves as the singular subject, requiring the auxiliary was followed by the present participle laughing. Since the verb laugh requires the preposition at to take an object, the active form correctly becomes everyone was laughing at the hunchback.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence C, which introduces the general context of societal diversity in terms of thought and action. Sentence B follows by using the phrase these differences to refer back to the individual variations mentioned in C, explaining how they lead to anger and tension. Sentence A then asks a rhetorical question about how to avoid the anger and provocation described in B. Finally, sentence D provides a direct answer to that question by suggesting the development of a capacity to convert negative experiences into positive thinking, completing the logical flow from observation to problem identification, inquiry, and solution.

Explanation

Fury is defined as intense, wild, or violent rage. It represents an extreme state of displeasure or hostility. Anger is the primary emotion characterized by such feelings of antagonism or resentment, making it the most direct synonym for fury. In linguistic usage, fury often describes a level of anger that has become uncontrollable or destructive.

Explanation

The adjective immense means extremely large or great in size, scale, or degree. In the context of the sentence, it is used to describe a vast amount of money or assets. The term immense wealth is a common collocation used to signify that the individual possesses a very large fortune, which in this case is being directed toward a charitable cause like the upliftment of the downtrodden.

Explanation

The sentence uses a third conditional structure to express a hypothetical past situation and its result. The correct grammatical form for the if-clause in this structure is the past perfect tense. In the passive voice, the past perfect is formed using the auxiliary had been followed by the past participle of the main verb. The use of being in the segment had not being dropped is incorrect because being is a present participle used for continuous tenses. To make the sentence grammatically accurate, being must be replaced with the past participle been to form the construction had not been dropped.

Explanation

Abdicate is the specific term used to describe the formal act of a monarch or sovereign renouncing their throne, office, or authority. Derived from the Latin word abdicare, meaning to proclaim away or renounce, it refers to a voluntary or forced resignation of supreme power. This term is distinct in legal and historical contexts for the official surrender of royal dignity and duties.

Explanation

Liberty refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. It represents personal independence and the right to act according to one's own will. Slavery serves as the direct antonym because it denotes a condition of total subjection and the complete absence of freedom. In a state of slavery, an individual is treated as property, lacks all personal rights, and is forced to obey the will of a master, which is the functional and conceptual opposite of possessing liberty.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the future perfect tense (will have + V3), which is converted to the passive voice using the structure "will have been + V3." Option C correctly applies this rule and maintains the original meaning.

Explanation

The narrative begins with sentence B, which sets the scene by establishing the initial quiet atmosphere outside the house where only the sound of rain is heard. Sentence D introduces a shift in the situation with the phrase "But then," describing the approach of footsteps and a stranger emerging from the darkness. Sentence A follows naturally by detailing what happens as the stranger moves from that darkness into the light, revealing a specific physical characteristic. The sequence concludes with sentence C, which describes Joe's internal reaction and recognition of the individual once he is visible.

Explanation

The word notorious refers to being widely known or recognized specifically for negative reasons, such as a bad reputation, a character flaw, or a criminal act. An antonym must represent the opposite quality of being well-known. The word famous describes someone who is widely recognized, honored, or celebrated, typically for positive achievements, talents, or distinguished qualities. While both terms involve public recognition, they differ in connotation; famous provides the positive or neutral counterbalance to the negative state of notoriety.

Explanation

The word maintenance is the correct noun form derived from the verb maintain. While the verb is spelled with an ai in the second syllable, the noun form undergoes a vowel change to a simple e. This is followed by the suffix ance, which is a standard suffix in English used to turn verbs into nouns denoting an action, state, or quality. Consequently, the correct alphabetical sequence is m-a-i-n-t-e-n-a-n-c-e. It is used to refer to the act of preserving, supporting, or keeping something in an existing state or repair.

Explanation

The sentence describes historical events that began in the past, requiring the verb visited to be in the simple past tense. To indicate the beginning of a continuous period of time that extends forward, the preposition from is idiomatically used in the construction from the sixteenth century onwards. The use of in is incorrect when followed by onwards as it fails to establish the necessary starting point for a progression. Additionally, specific centuries are unique historical periods that must be preceded by the definite article the. This substitution ensures grammatical agreement between the timeline of the action and the prepositional phrase used to describe it.

Explanation

The word sacred refers to something that is holy, dedicated to a religious purpose, or deserving of veneration and respect. Its direct antonym is profane, which describes things that are secular, worldly, or not religious in nature. Furthermore, profane can specifically denote a lack of respect or irreverence toward things that are considered sacred. This relationship establishes a clear dichotomy between the divine or hallowed and the common or irreverent.

Explanation

The idiom living from hand to mouth describes a precarious financial situation where an individual has only enough money to satisfy their immediate requirements for food and shelter. It implies that all earnings are consumed instantly to sustain daily life, leaving no surplus or savings for the future. The phrase evokes the image of a person who must put whatever food they find directly into their mouth because they lack the means to store or preserve resources for later use. In the given context, it signifies that a large portion of the population is surviving on a subsistence level.

Explanation

The idiom cut to the quick means to cause someone deep emotional pain or to hurt their feelings severely. It originates from the word quick referring to the sensitive, living flesh under the skin or nails. Metaphorically, when a person is cut to the quick, an insult or accusation has penetrated their emotional defenses and affected them at a very deep, personal level. In this context, being accused of theft despite being loyal would cause the watchman intense emotional distress.

Explanation

The segment contains a subject-verb agreement error. The word one is a singular indefinite pronoun and must be paired with a singular verb. In this sentence, the plural verb are is used incorrectly with the singular subject one. According to the rules of English grammar, the singular verb is should be used instead. Furthermore, the conjunction unless inherently means if not, which often makes the addition of a secondary negative like not redundant or logically confusing in this specific sentence structure. The correct grammatical construction for this segment should be unless one is.

Explanation

The sentence She was seen sitting in the last row is in the passive voice and uses the simple past tense, indicated by the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle seen. To convert this into the active voice, the verb must change to its simple past form, which is saw. The implied subject in the active voice performs the action directly. Therefore, We saw her sitting in the last row correctly transforms the sentence by using the past tense verb saw to match the original tense of the passive construction.

Explanation

The term philistine describes a person who lacks appreciation for or is hostile toward art, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Such individuals are typically viewed as having a narrow or materialistic outlook, showing a marked indifference to aesthetic refinements and creative expressions. The usage of this word in a cultural context became prominent in the 19th century, particularly through the works of writers like Matthew Arnold, to characterize the middle class who were seen as lacking in spiritual and cultural enlightenment. One who is described as a philistine remains unmoved by the beauty of literature, music, or fine arts, often dismissing them as useless or unnecessary.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is The India consensus study, which is a singular noun phrase. In the present indefinite tense, a singular third-person subject requires the verb to take the -s or -es suffix, making highlights the grammatically correct form. Additionally, since benefits is a plural noun, the indefinite article a is incorrect and should be replaced by the definite article the. The preposition of is used idiomatically to link the benefits to the gerund phrase adding domestic violence prevention approaches, correctly indicating the source or nature of those benefits.

Explanation

The term martyr refers to a person who suffers death or undergoes great sacrifice for a cause, belief, or country. It specifically denotes an individual who voluntarily accepts death rather than renounce their principles or who dies in the defense of their nation. The word is derived from the Greek martys, which means witness, representing someone who bears witness to their conviction through the ultimate act of self-sacrifice.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from a general observation to a specific instance and its outcome. Sentence C serves as the introduction, establishing the general theme of a school bell and its varying tones. Sentence B introduces a specific school, St. Ambrose High School, and uses the contrastive conjunction "But" to signal a departure from the traditional use of the bell mentioned in C. Sentence D provides the explanation for this departure, stating that the bell ("It") has been scrapped and replaced with music to organize the timetable. Sentence A serves as the conclusion, describing the result of this change by depicting students singing along to the music in the corridors. This structure ensures that the pronouns and transitions link the concepts of the bell, the school, the replacement music, and the students' reactions in a coherent sequence.

Explanation

The word precarious refers to a situation or position that is not securely held and is likely to fall, collapse, or fail. It describes something characterized by a lack of stability or certainty, which inherently involves a high degree of risk or hazard. Because a precarious state is dependent on chance or uncertain circumstances, it implies a condition where harm or injury is a probable outcome, making dangerous the most appropriate synonym. This term is frequently used to describe physical hazards or unstable circumstances where one's safety or security is at risk.

Explanation

The word sterile refers to something that is incapable of producing offspring, fruit, or vegetation, or more generally, something that is unproductive or lacks vitality. The term barren specifically describes land that is too poor to produce vegetation or a living being that is unable to conceive or bear young. Consequently, barren serves as the most accurate synonym as both words denote a state of infertility or lack of productivity.

Explanation

The grammatical error lies in the use of the superlative adjective worst instead of the comparative form worse. In English grammar, the comparative degree is used to compare two things or to indicate a higher degree of a quality in relation to a previous state or another location. The adverb even is frequently used to emphasize this comparison. Since the sentence compares the intensity of the water crisis in the northern suburbs to other parts of Bengaluru or a general standard, the comparative form worse must be used. The superlative form worst is reserved for indicating the extreme limit among three or more items and is typically preceded by the definite article the.

Explanation

The word ancient is the most suitable adjective to describe the sages of India because it refers to the distant past, specifically the historical era when these spiritual and philosophical teachers lived and established their doctrines. In English, the phrase ancient sages is a standard collocation used to denote historical figures of wisdom whose teachings form the foundation of a nation's cultural and philosophical heritage. It accurately captures the historical depth and traditional nature of the wisdom being discussed in the context of India's long history.

Explanation

The noun importance is conventionally followed by the preposition of when identifying the object or quality that possesses significance. In this context, the phrase the importance of balance indicates that balance is the specific concept being emphasized by the sages, adhering to standard English collocations and genitive constructions.

Explanation

The sentence context emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and avoiding extremes or radical actions. The phrase should be careful not to take anything too far indicates a need for caution and mindfulness in one's actions to ensure they remain within the bounds of moderation. This aligns with the teaching of the sages mentioned in the first sentence regarding the significance of balance.

Explanation

The conjunction or is used here to connect two alternative actions that should be avoided to maintain balance. In a negative construction starting with not to, the word or links parallel infinitive phrases, in this case take anything too far and be too radical. It indicates that neither of these extremes is desirable, effectively presenting them as related choices that the subject should refrain from choosing.

Explanation

The word venturing is used to describe the act of proceeding or moving into a course of action that involves risk or uncertainty. In the context of the passage, which advocates for balance and warns against taking things to an extreme, venturing too far refers to overstepping the bounds of moderation. This overextension beyond safe or balanced limits directly links to the negative consequences mentioned, such as environmental degradation, as it implies pushing human activity into dangerous or unsustainable territory.

Explanation

Adolescence is the correct spelling of the noun that describes the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to adulthood. The word is derived from the Latin verb adolescere, which means to grow up. The spelling reflects its linguistic roots, featuring the sc combination often found in Latin-derived words signifying a process of change or becoming. It concludes with the suffix -ence, a common ending for nouns in English that denote a state, condition, or quality. Therefore, the sequence of letters a-d-o-l-e-s-c-e-n-c-e is the standard and orthographically accurate form of the word.

Explanation

The word versatile refers to a person who is capable of adapting to many different functions or activities. In the context of acting, a versatile actor is one who possesses the skill and range to portray a wide variety of characters and roles effectively. Since the sentence specifically mentions her ability to perform different roles convincingly, this term accurately describes her professional talent.