SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The preposition in is idiomatically paired with the noun manner to indicate the specific way, method, or style in which an action is performed. In this context, Portia is describing the restrictions of her father's will, stating that her suitor must win her according to the particular method or process he established. The phrase in the manner is the standard grammatical construction used to show that an event must occur following a prescribed set of rules or conditions.

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb that agrees with the third-person singular subject She. In the simple present tense, which is established by the preceding verb claims in the first sentence, the verb must take the -s suffix. Therefore, worries is the grammatically correct form to describe Portia's state of mind regarding the casket test and her father's will.

Explanation

The definite article "the" is used before the noun phrase "casket test" because it refers to a specific, well-defined challenge established by Portia's father. In the context of the passage and the literary reference to Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, the test is a unique and singular entity known to the characters and the reader. Since the passage has already established the context of the father's will and the specific manner of Portia's claim, the definite article is required to identify this particular, predetermined ordeal.

Explanation

The sentence requires the Present Perfect tense in the Passive Voice because of the time expression by now, which indicates an action completed leading up to the present moment. The grammatical structure for the Present Perfect Passive is Subject + has/have + been + Past Participle (V3). In this case, the subject is the singular pronoun It, necessitating the auxiliary has been followed by the past participle conveyed to accurately express that the information has already reached the residents.

Explanation

The word repudiate means to refuse to accept or be associated with something, or to reject the validity or authority of a claim or belief. Renounce is the most appropriate synonym because it means to formally declare one's abandonment of a right, claim, or possession, or to refuse to continue to recognize or abide by something. Both terms share the core meaning of casting off or disowning a previous connection, belief, or obligation.

Explanation

The word accommodation is correctly spelled with a double c and a double m. It originates from the Latin word accommodare, which is formed by the prefix ad- (meaning to) and the verb commodare (meaning to make fit). In English orthography, both sets of double consonants from the Latin root are preserved, resulting in the sequence a-c-c-o-m-m-o-d-a-t-i-o-n. This spelling remains consistent across both British and American English.

Explanation

The word severe refers to something that is intense, harsh, or extreme in nature, such as a severe climate or a severe punishment. Its direct antonym is mild, which describes something that is gentle, moderate, or not harsh in degree. In contexts relating to intensity, weather, or temperament, mild represents the opposite end of the spectrum from severe.

Explanation

The word samaritan refers to a charitable or helpful person who provides assistance to those in distress or need, often a stranger. The term originates from the biblical Parable of the Good Samaritan, which tells the story of a man from Samaria who stopped to help a traveler who had been beaten and robbed, showing compassion when others had passed him by. In modern usage, it specifically denotes an individual who selflessly aids someone in difficulty without expecting anything in return.

Explanation

The word indignant describes a feeling of righteous anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as a wrong, improper, or unjust action. In the given sentence, the owner of the house is reacting to a security failure where the watchman neglected his primary duty by allowing a stranger to enter. Since this lapse in responsibility is a valid reason for the owner to feel angry or offended, the adjective indignant perfectly captures the emotional state of the owner directed at the watchman for his negligence.

Explanation

The idiom keep the wolf from the door means to have enough money or resources to afford basic necessities, primarily food, in order to avoid hunger or starvation. In this metaphor, the wolf represents famine or extreme physical want that threatens to consume a household. Given the context of extreme poverty in the sentence, the woman is struggling to maintain the bare minimum level of sustenance required for survival.

Explanation

In indirect speech, when a sentence begins with a reporting verb like asked and is followed by a question word such as where, why, or how, the conjunction that is never used. The question word itself acts as the connector. Furthermore, indirect questions must follow assertive word order (Subject + Verb) rather than interrogative word order (Verb + Subject). Therefore, the construction that where had her mother gone is doubly incorrect; it should be where her mother had gone to maintain grammatical accuracy in reported speech.

Explanation

Prudent describes an individual who acts with or shows great care and thought for the future, demonstrating wisdom, caution, and sound judgment in practical affairs. The word indiscreet serves as its most appropriate antonym because it refers to a lack of judgment or a failure to be cautious, especially in speech or behavior that might cause offense or reveal private information. While a prudent person is circumspect and careful to avoid risks or complications, an indiscreet person is reckless and lacks the necessary foresight or restraint to act appropriately in a given situation.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence D, which introduces the main character, Mr Oliver, and the specific event of finding a boy in the woods. Sentence A follows logically by providing context to the situation, explaining that seeing a boy out at such a late hour was a violation of school regulations. Sentence C then describes Mr Oliver's emotional reaction to this violation, noting his anger as a schoolmaster. Finally, sentence B describes the action taken as a result of that anger, where he approaches the boy to identify and punish him for being out of bounds. This order follows a natural narrative progression from the initial observation to the reasoning, the reaction, and finally the resulting action.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the world's agricultural land, which is an uncountable singular noun phrase, therefore it requires the singular auxiliary verb is instead of are. The idiomatic expression used to describe being subjected to force or influence is under pressure, not in pressure or at pressure. Additionally, the construction requires a to-infinitive to express purpose or the result of the pressure, making to raise the grammatically correct form following the prepositional phrase.

Explanation

Lament is defined as a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. It involves weeping, wailing, or expressing deep regret and disappointment about a situation or loss. Mourn is the most appropriate synonym because it specifically refers to the act of feeling or showing deep sadness, typically following the death of someone or the loss of something significant. Both words center on the emotional response to grief and the manifestation of sorrow.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the future indefinite tense in the passive voice, which follows the structure: Subject + will + be + V3 (past participle). To convert this into the active voice, the agent of the action (the enemy) becomes the subject of the sentence. The verb structure then changes from will be taken/shot to will take/shoot, following the active voice formula: Subject + will + V1 (base form of the verb). Consequently, the passive construction will either be taken prisoner or shot by the enemy correctly transforms into the active form the enemy will either take you prisoner or shoot you.

Explanation

The phrasal verb dispose of means to get rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed, such as by selling it or throwing it away. In the context of the sentence, the speaker is expressing frustration because they are unable to get rid of their old car. This verb is specifically followed by the preposition of to complete its meaning in English grammar.

Explanation

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem. This legal protection gives the inventor the sole authority to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period, typically twenty years, preventing others from commercially exploiting the patented invention without permission. In exchange for this monopoly, the inventor must disclose the technical details of the invention to the public.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Present Perfect tense in interrogative form. To convert an active voice sentence in the Present Perfect tense into passive voice, the structure used is Has/Have + New Subject + been + V3 (past participle). In this sentence, the object the world cup cricket team becomes the subject in the passive voice. Since the world cup cricket team is a singular collective noun, the auxiliary verb must change from Have to Has to maintain subject-verb agreement. Thus, the correct transformation follows the pattern of placing the auxiliary Has at the beginning, followed by the new subject, the marker been, and the past participle announced.

Explanation

The idiom to end in smoke means to come to nothing or to fail completely without producing any practical or tangible result. It is used to describe schemes, efforts, or promises that may have started with much energy or potential but ultimately vanished like smoke, leaving no lasting impact or achievement. In the given sentence, it indicates that the ambitious project to provide free books was unsuccessful and yielded no outcome.

Explanation

The verb bite is an irregular verb with the principal forms bite (present), bit (past simple), and bitten (past participle). The sentence uses a passive voice construction, which follows the pattern of the auxiliary verb be (was) combined with the past participle of the main verb. Since the correct past participle form of bite is bitten, the use of the non-standard form bited is grammatically incorrect. To rectify the error, the segment should be changed to he was bitten.

Explanation

The word particular is correctly spelled using the sequence p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r. It is derived from the Latin word particularis, which stems from particula, meaning a small part or particle. In English grammar and vocabulary, it serves as an adjective to denote a specific individual, item, or instance as distinct from others, or as a noun referring to a specific detail. The spelling maintains the u after the c and utilizes the -ar suffix, consistent with its etymological roots in Middle English and Old French.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the future indefinite tense, identified by the structure will + be + past participle (benefitted). To convert this into the active voice, the object of the preposition by (this scheme) becomes the subject, and the passive subject (we all) becomes the object (us all). The verb structure changes from will be + V3 to will + V1 (benefit). Therefore, the active form follows the structure: Subject (This scheme) + will + adverb (greatly) + V1 (benefit) + Object (us all).

Explanation

The idiom the sword of Damocles originates from a Greek legend involving Damocles, a courtier who praised the great luck and power of King Dionysius. To demonstrate the precarious nature of such power, the king allowed Damocles to sit on the throne, but suspended a sharp sword above his head by a single horsehair. It signifies a situation where someone is in constant, imminent danger or faces a continuous threat, even amidst apparent prosperity or stability. In the context of the sentence, the frequent layoffs create an environment where employees feel their jobs are perpetually at risk.

Explanation

Sentence C is the most logical opening statement as it introduces the general topic of sleeping. Sentence B follows by explaining that despite being asleep, the body is productive, while sentence D specifies how the body utilizes that time. Sentence A concludes the sequence by adding that the brain is also active, indicated by the word too.

Explanation

A pseudonym is a fictitious name adopted by an author to conceal their identity or to publish work under a different persona. The term originates from the Greek words pseudo, meaning false, and onyma, meaning name. It is commonly referred to as a pen name or a nom de plume in the literary world, allowing writers to distinguish between different genres of their work or to maintain personal privacy while engaging with the public.

Explanation

When a plural noun represents a specific quantity, distance, time, or amount of money that is considered as a single collective unit, it takes a singular verb. In this sentence, Ten kilometres is viewed as a single total distance to be covered, which is further indicated by the singular phrase a long distance. Therefore, the plural verb are is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with the singular verb is to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the gerund phrase Knowing the particular things that motivate each person. In English grammar, a gerund or gerund phrase acting as a subject is always treated as singular. Consequently, the verb must agree with this singular subject. The singular form of the verb help is helps. The phrase helps you add power correctly follows this rule of subject-verb agreement, where the singular verb helps corresponds to the singular gerund subject Knowing.

Explanation

The verb perplex refers to the act of complicating or confusing a person's mind, making them feel baffled or unable to understand something clearly. Bewilder is its direct synonym, as it specifically describes the state of being thoroughly confused, puzzled, or lost in a complicated situation. Both terms denote a mental state where an individual is unable to grasp the meaning of something or finds it difficult to reach a clear conclusion due to its complexity.

Explanation

The verb entered is the most appropriate choice to describe the physical action of going into a building or a specific area. In the context of the narrative, the individual leaves his car outside with a valet and then moves into the interior of the hotel. Entered is a transitive verb that correctly takes the hotel as its direct object to indicate the transition from the exterior to the interior space, providing the necessary sense of arrival at the event location.

Explanation

The word about completes the phrasal verb mill about, which describes the movement of a group of people. To mill about or mill around means to move around in a confused or aimless way within a particular area, typically while waiting for something to happen. In the context of the passage, it describes the large crowd of people moving restlessly in the hotel area before the event begins.

Explanation

The preposition at is used to denote a specific point or location in space. In this context, the receptionist's table represents a specific functional station within the hotel where the action of finding the badge occurs. It indicates the precise spot or point of contact where the badge was placed for him to collect.

Explanation

The most appropriate idiomatic expression for finding a place to sit in an auditorium or meeting hall is to take one's seat. This fits the context of a person joining a crowd and waiting for a moderator to begin the event.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes an event taking place in a hall where a large crowd has gathered. In formal or organized settings, a moderator typically waits for the seating area to be occupied by the audience before starting the session. The term filled is the standard word used to describe the state of a room or venue once it is occupied by people. It signifies that the attendees have arrived and are seated, establishing the appropriate moment for the moderator to begin the proceedings and welcome the crowd.

Explanation

The grammatical error in this segment involves the incorrect use of the quantifier many with an uncountable noun. In English grammar, nouns are categorized as countable or uncountable. Rice is an uncountable noun because it is treated as a mass or substance rather than as individual units that can be counted. The quantifier many is used strictly with plural countable nouns, such as many apples or many people. For uncountable nouns, the correct quantifier to use in negative sentences or questions is much. Therefore, the phrase should be corrected to There isn't much rice to ensure proper grammatical agreement between the quantifier and the noun it modifies.

Explanation

The word tuition refers to the fee charged for instruction at an educational institution or the act of teaching itself. It is derived from the Latin term tuitio, which means protection or guarding, originating from the verb tueri, meaning to look after. In modern English, the standard spelling preserves the ui vowel combination in the first syllable, reflecting its etymological roots. This specific spelling is consistent across all major dictionaries and formal academic contexts.

Explanation

The word meagre is defined as something that is lacking in quantity, quality, or substance, often representing an amount that is very small or inadequate. Its direct antonym is plentiful, which characterizes something that exists in great quantities or is more than sufficient. While meagre indicates scarcity and insufficiency, plentiful denotes abundance and a generous supply, making it the most suitable opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The idiom through thick and thin originated from the Old English phrase referring to traveling through both thickets and thin woods, representing all types of terrain. In modern usage, it means to support or stay with someone regardless of the situation, encompassing both prosperous and adverse conditions. It emphasizes the quality of being steadfast and loyal under all circumstances, reflecting a commitment that does not waver whether times are good or bad.

Explanation

The word defer is a verb that means to put off or postpone an action or event to a later time. It is commonly used when a decision, payment, or task is intentionally rescheduled for the future rather than being dealt with immediately. The word delay is a direct synonym as it also refers to the act of making something happen later than expected or intended, or to postpone a planned event. Both terms describe the temporal displacement of an activity to a future point.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Past Perfect Tense, following the structure: Subject + had + V3 + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object such a rough sea becomes the subject, and the verb form changes to had been + V3. The adverb never is placed between the auxiliary verbs. The resulting structure follows the standard passive rule for past perfect: Object + had + been + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. This ensures the tense remains consistent while shifting the focus from the sailors to the experience of the sea.

Explanation

The word proficient means being well-advanced, skilled, or competent in a particular field, activity, or language. In the context of the sentence, someone would be hired for a high-paying translator role because they possess a high level of mastery or skill in the required language. The adjective proficient is commonly followed by the preposition in when referring to a person's command over a language, accurately describing the necessary qualification for professional translation work.

Explanation

The word unanimous is used to describe a situation where every member of a group or committee is in complete agreement. When a formal body like a committee reaches a conclusion without any dissenting votes, it is standard English usage to refer to it as a unanimous decision. Furthermore, although the word begins with the vowel letter u, it is pronounced with a consonant sound /j/, which is why it is correctly preceded by the indefinite article a.

Explanation

The term bibliophile is derived from the Greek roots biblion, meaning book, and philos, meaning loving. A bibliophile is an individual who has a deep affection for books, often manifesting as a passion for reading, collecting, and preserving them, particularly rare or aesthetically significant editions.

Explanation

The expression the rule rather than the exception is a fixed idiomatic phrase in English used to indicate that a particular behavior or situation is the standard, expected, or normal occurrence. The conjunction rather than is necessary to establish a comparison between the two states. Furthermore, the definite article the is used before both rule and exception to provide the specific emphasis required by the idiom, indicating that the action of coming home on time should be the established norm.

Explanation

The logical sequence begins with sentence D, which establishes the initial historical context of colonial rule, highlighting the fear and disagreement felt by the people regarding British decisions. Sentence A follows D because it uses the pronoun these decisions to directly refer to the decisions mentioned in sentence D, explaining the negative consequences and danger of criticizing them. Sentence C provides a transition by stating that the freedom movement changed this prevailing situation of fear and silence. Finally, sentence B describes the outcome of that change, where nationalists began to openly criticize British policies, contrasting the previous state of danger described in the earlier sentences.

Explanation

The word privilege is correctly spelled with an i after both the r and the v, followed by l-e-g-e. It is derived from the Latin privilegium, which combines privus meaning individual and lex meaning law. In English, it denotes a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a particular person or group. A common mnemonic to remember the spelling is that the word contains two i characters followed by two e characters in the sequence p-r-i-v-i-l-e-g-e.

Explanation

Arrogance is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, pride, or a haughty attitude that manifests as a feeling of superiority over others. Humility is the direct opposite trait, representing a modest or low view of one's own importance and a lack of ego or pretense. In linguistic and psychological contexts, these two terms form a standard antonym pair, where arrogance denotes an inflated ego and humility denotes a grounded and self-effacing character.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a comparison between two groups of farmers: the big farmers and the many others who are facing a water crisis. When comparing two specific groups or entities, the comparative degree of an adjective is required. The use of deeper tubewells indicates that the wells of the big farmers reach a greater depth than those of the other farmers. Additionally, the superlative degree deepest generally requires the definite article the to be grammatically correct, whereas the comparative degree deeper fits the context of showing a relative advantage in depth that allows the big farmers to maintain their water supply while others cannot.

Explanation

The sequence begins with D, which establishes the time and the protagonist's initial goal of going to the library. Sentence A provides an immediate contrast to her movement by describing the surrounding environment where other students rush past her, introducing the simile that she felt invisible. Sentence C flows directly from this comparison, confirming her internal emotional state regarding that feeling of non-existence. The narrative concludes with B, which completes the physical journey initiated in the first sentence as Jessica finally enters the library and settles into a seat.

Explanation

The context of the sentence indicates a positive and effortless movement of the ship, as signified by the adverb smoothly. In maritime contexts, favorable winds refer to wind conditions that are helpful and advantageous to a vessel's course, providing the necessary push in the desired direction to ensure a calm and steady journey.