SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence requires the passive voice because the tusker is the recipient of the action performed by the forest department staff. The contraction he's represents he is, which must be followed by the past participle form of the verb to create a passive construction. Consequently, fed is the appropriate choice to indicate that the elephant is being given the prepared ragi balls for dinner.

Explanation

The word mixed is idiomatically followed by the preposition with when describing the combination or blending of different ingredients or components. In the context of the sentence, the steamed ragi flour is being combined with other substances like rice, green gram, salt, and jaggery to form the elephant's meal. The phrase mixed with correctly indicates that these items are integrated together into a single mixture.

Explanation

The word There functions as an introductory or dummy subject in this sentence to indicate the presence or existence of people at the scene. In English grammar, the construction There + be + subject is the standard way to introduce a new noun or to state that something exists in a particular place. Here, it introduces the plural subject half-a-dozen Forest Department staff members who are present at the elephant camp.

Explanation

The blank requires a plural noun to follow the quantifier half-a-dozen and to agree with the plural verb are. In the context of a government organization like the Forest Department, the term officials refers to individuals holding a certain position of authority or representation, such as the Field Director mentioned later in the sentence. This term appropriately describes the personnel managing the operations at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Explanation

The preposition of is used to indicate a functional relationship between a person's title and the organization or entity they belong to. In the context of the sentence, V. Ganesan holds the specific position of Field Director associated with the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR). Therefore, of is the grammatically appropriate choice to connect the designation to the institution.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence B, which introduces the main subject—opening a bank account—and sets the context by mentioning a common concern that it might seem intimidating. Sentence D follows as a logical transition, offering a solution to this concern by stating that banks use a standardized process. Sentence C then elaborates on this process, explaining that it is simply a matter of providing details and funding. Finally, sentence A concludes the sequence by describing the outcome once the formalities are completed, emphasizing the benefits of using the account to save time and money.

Explanation

The phrase I done is grammatically incorrect because the past participle done requires an auxiliary verb like have to form the present perfect tense or should be replaced by the simple past tense did. The correct sentence should be I have done a lot of work today or I did a lot of work today.

Explanation

The word choose is the standard English spelling for the verb meaning to select or pick something from a set of alternatives. It is derived from the Middle English word chesen and follows the conventional orthographic pattern where the double o represents the long u sound, followed by a silent e at the end.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence C, which establishes the setting of increasing evening traffic while a bus moves through the city. Sentence D logically follows by describing the immediate physical result of that increasing traffic: the road becomes completely congested with no available space. This lack of road space leads to the specific situation in sentence A, where a motorcyclist is forced to ride on the pavement to keep moving. Finally, sentence B provides the resolution of the incident, explaining what happened when the motorcyclist attempted to return from the pavement back into the flow of traffic on the main road.

Explanation

The judiciary is the branch of government that interprets, defends, and applies the law in the name of the state. It is the system of courts responsible for the administration of justice, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring that the legal system operates in accordance with the constitution and statutory laws. By adjudicating cases and providing legal remedies, the judiciary serves as the primary authority for upholding the rule of law within a country.

Explanation

The adverb Scarcely, when used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize that one event happened immediately after another, requires the inversion of the subject and the auxiliary verb. This means the auxiliary had must be placed before the subject he. Furthermore, Scarcely is a correlative conjunction that must be paired with when or before to introduce the second action. The use of than is grammatically incorrect in this context as it is only paired with No sooner. Therefore, the structure had he gone out when correctly follows the rules of inversion and correlative pairing.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the simple past tense, identified by the structure was + past participle (was looked after). To convert it into the active voice, the agent of the action (his grandmother) becomes the subject, and the original subject (Dinesh) becomes the object (him). The verb is changed from the passive form to the simple past active form, which is looked after. The subordinate clause (when his parents went abroad) remains unchanged to maintain the contextual timing of the action. Therefore, the active construction is Dinesh's grandmother looked after him when his parents went abroad.

Explanation

The word deficit refers to a shortfall or a situation where the amount of something, especially money, is less than what is required or expected. It signifies a deficiency or a negative balance. Its most appropriate antonym is surplus, which describes an amount that remains after all requirements have been met, representing an excess, abundance, or a positive balance.

Explanation

The idiom actions speak louder than words is used to emphasize that what a person actually does carries more weight and provides a more accurate reflection of their character or intentions than what they merely say they will do. It suggests that tangible deeds and behavior serve as better evidence of a person's true nature or commitment than verbal promises or assertions, which are often easier to make but harder to fulfill.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice and uses the simple past tense, as indicated by the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle affected. In active voice transformations, the object of the preposition by (the inadequate rainfall) becomes the subject of the sentence, and the verb was affected changes to its simple past active form, affected. The adverb adversely is placed before the verb it modifies, and the original subject (the crop) becomes the direct object. The active structure follows the pattern: Subject + V2 (Past Tense) + Object.

Explanation

The word pardon means to forgive a person for an error or offense, or to officially release someone from the legal consequences of a crime. In contrast, punish means to impose a penalty or sanction on someone as retribution for an offense or shortcoming. Because pardon involves granting clemency and waiving a penalty while punish involves enforcing a penalty, the two words function as direct opposites.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence B, which establishes the primary context by providing a broad statistic on the 4 billion people living in water-scarce areas. Sentence A naturally follows as it uses the additive conjunction And to introduce a supplementary statistic regarding the 844 million people lacking clean water access. Sentence D summarizes the gravity of the situation presented in the first two sentences by characterizing it as a worsening global water crisis. The arrangement concludes with sentence C, which begins with the phrase It is because to provide the underlying reason for the crisis mentioned in sentence D, attributing it to the sixfold increase in global water usage over the last century.

Explanation

A cartographer is a specialist who uses scientific, mathematical, and artistic techniques to design, draw, and produce maps. This professional field involves the collection and synthesis of geographical data to create visual representations of the Earth or other celestial bodies. The work of a cartographer includes analyzing spatial information and applying principles of scale, projection, and design to ensure that maps are both accurate for navigation and readable for users. Historically, this involved manual drafting on parchment or paper, while modern practitioners utilize advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and digital modeling to represent physical features, political boundaries, and topographical data.

Explanation

A barrel is a large, hollow cylindrical container characterized by a bulging middle section, which is structurally formed by joining vertical wooden planks known as staves. These staves are tightly bound together by metal or wooden hoops to create a leak-proof vessel. The distinctive bulging shape, called the bilge, makes the barrel easier to roll and steer when being moved. Traditionally, barrels have been the standard units for storing and transporting liquids such as oil, beer, wine, and spirits, as well as various dry goods.

Explanation

The verb task is used in the idiomatic structure task someone with something or task someone with doing something when assigning a specific duty, responsibility, or mission to a person. In this sentence, the British Navy is assigning the specific responsibility of settling an island to Admiral Byron. Therefore, the preposition with is the grammatically correct choice to link the individual being commissioned to the specific action or objective they are required to fulfill.

Explanation

The sentence requires a relative adverb to refer back to the physical location mentioned, which is the island off the South American coast. In English grammar, where is used as a relative adverb to introduce a clause that provides additional information about a place or a geographical site. Here, it functions to indicate that the island is the specific location at which the ships could resupply, effectively acting as a replacement for the phrase at which or on which.

Explanation

In the context of maritime navigation and naval expeditions, the term route refers to a specific course or direction followed by a vessel to reach a destination. The passage describes a mission by the British Navy to find an alternative way to the East Indies across the ocean, making this the standard and most appropriate term for travel by sea. Explorers and naval officers like Admiral Byron were historically tasked with identifying sea routes that provided strategic advantages for trade, resupply, and military movement.

Explanation

The sentence identifies the Pacific Ocean in comparison to all other bodies of water on Earth. In English grammar, the superlative degree is used when comparing one entity against all others in a group to denote the highest degree of a quality. Since large is a single-syllable adjective, its superlative form is largest. The use of the definite article the and the possessive world's confirms that a superlative adjective is required to describe the Pacific Ocean as the most expansive body of water in existence.

Explanation

In the context of maritime exploration and visual observation, the verb appeared is the most appropriate term to describe an object becoming visible on the horizon. The passage establishes a setting where, after a month of seeing nothing but the empty ocean, a landmass suddenly comes into the Admiral's line of sight. The intransitive use of appeared perfectly conveys the sense of the island becoming manifest to the observers' eyes as they approached it.

Explanation

The sentence is an example of a first conditional, which is used to express a real or very probable future situation. The grammatical structure for a first conditional sentence consists of a condition clause in the simple present tense followed by a result clause in the simple future tense. The formula is: If + Subject + Present Simple (V1), Subject + Will + Base Form of the Verb. Since the first part of the sentence If I have money is in the simple present, the second part must use will purchase to indicate the intended future action that depends on the condition being fulfilled.

Explanation

The idiom pull someone's leg means to tease or joke with someone, often by trying to make them believe something that is not true in a playful or lighthearted manner. It is used when a person is being humorous or playing a friendly trick on another person.

Explanation

The word fierce is the most appropriate adjective to describe competition in this context. In English vocabulary, fierce competition is a standard collocation used to denote an intense, aggressive, or highly spirited rivalry between two parties. When discussing market dynamics and trade, particularly regarding pricing and product appearance, the term emphasizes the level of difficulty and the strong pressure exerted by competitors. While other words might describe strength or emotion, they do not traditionally pair with competition to convey the specific professional and economic pressure described in the sentence.

Explanation

The presence of the preposition since followed by a specific point in time (she got up in the morning) indicates that the action started in the past and is continuing into the present. In English grammar, this temporal relationship requires the Present Perfect Continuous tense, which is formed using has/have + been + verb-ing. Using has been reading correctly shows the ongoing nature of the activity from the starting point in the morning up to the current moment.

Explanation

The word confiscated refers to the act of officially seizing property by an authority, typically as a penalty for a legal violation or because the items themselves are prohibited. In this context, customs authorities at an airport are empowered to seize illegal or restricted goods, such as ivory, which is strictly regulated under international trade laws and wildlife protection acts. The term perfectly describes the legal process of taking possession of unauthorized items by a government body.

Explanation

The phrase in case of is used to express a precaution or a condition for a future event, such as in the sentence In case of emergency, break the glass. In this context, the sentence describes a completed action where the loss of the order was a direct result of a specific cause. To correctly express reason or causality, the phrase should be replaced with because of, due to, or owing to. Using in case of creates a logical error because it suggests the loss happened as a precaution against carelessness rather than being caused by it.

Explanation

The word inept describes someone who lacks skill, ability, or competence in a particular task, often resulting in awkwardness. The word clumsy is a direct synonym as it refers to a person who moves or handles things in a way that lacks coordination and grace, effectively mirroring the lack of proficiency associated with being inept.

Explanation

The word exite is a misspelling because it lacks the letter c required for the correct spelling of excite, which means to arouse or stir up strong feelings. If the intended word was for a point of departure, the correct spelling would be exit without the trailing e. In standard English vocabulary, exite is not a recognized word.

Explanation

The word inarticulate describes a person or speech that is unable to express ideas or feelings clearly or easily. Similarly, incoherent refers to language or thinking that is expressed in a confusing or disjointed way and is difficult to understand. Both terms convey a lack of clarity in communication, making them synonyms in the context of being unable to speak or explain oneself effectively.

Explanation

The original sentence is an imperative sentence expressing a request, as indicated by the word please. In passive transformations of requests, the modal verb may is often used to maintain the polite tone and the sense of seeking permission. To convert this to the passive voice, the indirect object me becomes the subject I. The structure follows the pattern: Subject + may + please + be + past participle (shown) + retained object (my son's Mathematics notebook). This construction effectively shifts the focus of the sentence while preserving the communicative intent and formality of the request.

Explanation

The word exceptional is used to describe something that is unusual, extraordinary, or much better than the average. It signifies qualities that stand out due to being superior or unique. In contrast, unremarkable refers to something that is ordinary, common, or lacks any special or distinctive features. Since it describes a state of being completely normal and not worthy of notice, unremarkable is the direct antonym of exceptional.

Explanation

The sentence requires parallel structure to connect the two actions performed by the subject, torrential rains and winds. The first verb, swept, is in the simple past tense. According to the rule of parallelism, when two or more verbs are joined by a coordinating conjunction like and to describe a sequence of completed actions, they must share the same grammatical form. Therefore, the present participle knocking is incorrect and must be replaced with the simple past tense form knocked to maintain consistency with swept. This change ensures that both actions in the series are grammatically aligned.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the logical opening for the paragraph as it introduces the general topic of plastic pollution in the world's oceans and its impact on the ecosystem. Sentence A follows C because it uses the demonstrative phrase "this plastic" to refer directly to the eight million tonnes mentioned in the preceding sentence, providing further detail that 70% of it sinks. Sentence D adds another characteristic of the plastic, noting that much of it is not biodegradable. Finally, sentence B concludes the sequence by categorizing these facts as a "problem" and contextualizing its global scale, specifically noting that it extends far beyond India.

Explanation

Agony refers to a state of extreme physical or mental suffering or intense pain. An antonym must represent the opposite condition, which is a state of physical ease, relaxation, and the absence of suffering. Comfort denotes a condition of being physically relaxed and free from pain or constraint, providing the direct lexical opposite to the intense distress characterized by agony.

Explanation

The phrase one of the must always be followed by a plural noun because it indicates a selection from a group of multiple items. In the given sentence, the noun cyclone following one of the worst tropical is in its singular form. To be grammatically correct, it must be changed to the plural form cyclones to indicate that Cyclone Idai is being compared to a group of several other severe tropical cyclones recorded in the region.

Explanation

An epitaph is a short text honoring a deceased person, typically inscribed on a tombstone or monument at their place of burial. The term originates from the Greek words epi, meaning upon, and taphos, meaning tomb. It serves as a commemorative tribute, often capturing a significant aspect of the individual's life, beliefs, or legacy for those who visit the grave.

Explanation

The sentence is an imperative sentence that gives a command or instruction. To convert such sentences into the passive voice, the standard grammatical structure used is Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3). In this instance, the outer gate is the object and lock is the verb. Applying the formula, the sentence begins with let, followed by the object the outer gate, the auxiliary verb be, and the third form of the verb, locked. The prepositional phrase at night is then appended to maintain the original context of the instruction.

Explanation

Triumph is defined as a great victory or achievement, especially one that is achieved after a struggle or a period of difficulty. The word originates from the Latin triumphus, which referred to a ceremonial procession celebrating a military commander's success. Therefore, victory is the direct synonym as it signifies the act of defeating an opponent or prevailing in a competition or conflict.

Explanation

The verb symbolizes means to represent or stand for an abstract idea or quality through a physical object or action. In the context of the festival of Dussehra, the physical act of burning the effigy of Ravana serves as a ritualistic representation of the victory of good over evil. Because the effigy and its destruction are used as a visual metaphor for the elimination of negative traits and moral darkness, the word symbolizes correctly defines the relationship between the ritual and its intended spiritual meaning.

Explanation

The preposition among is used when referring to something being shared, liked, or happening within a specific group of people or a collective set. In this sentence, it correctly indicates that the popularity of pigeon racing is distributed within the social circles of the country's elite and its middle class. The phrase popular among is a standard idiomatic construction in English used to specify the demographic or group that favors a particular activity or trend.

Explanation

The verb clarified is the most appropriate choice in this context because it involves an official representative, the deputy general-secretary, providing specific data and details to explain the scale of a situation. When an authority figure provides statistical evidence or precise information to substantiate a general claim about a trend—such as the popularity of pigeon racing—they are making the facts clear and precise for the audience. This term aligns with the formal reporting of numbers and organizational details typical of official statements intended to provide a clear understanding of a subject.

Explanation

In the given context, the adverb almost is used to indicate that the number of registered pigeon breeders is nearly, but not quite, 90,000. It serves as a modifier for the numerical value to provide a close approximation of the registered population relative to the total estimated figure of 100,000 breeders mentioned previously in the sentence. This usage effectively conveys that a very high proportion of the breeders in Beijing are officially affiliated with the associations.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective to modify the plural noun levels. The word different functions as an attributive adjective that describes the variety of administrative or hierarchical tiers within the Racing Pigeons Associations. In this context, it signifies that the associations operate at various distinct stages, such as local, district, or national scales. Using this adjective correctly identifies that the breeders are registered across multiple organizational strata to meet the requirements for competing in the spring and autumn games.

Explanation

The blank requires a noun to serve as an attributive modifier for the plural noun owners. In English grammar, nouns used as modifiers to describe another noun are almost always used in the singular form. In the context of pigeon racing, the phrase bird owners correctly identifies the participants by using the singular noun bird to modify owners. This construction follows standard grammatical conventions for compound nouns, similar to dog trainer or car dealership, where the modifying noun remains singular to define the category of the following noun.

Explanation

Sentence A introduces the general subject by establishing the cultural significance of mangoes in India. Sentence D shifts the focus to a specific timeframe, 2017, characterizing it as an exceptional year for consumers. Sentence B explains the physical cause behind the favorable year mentioned in D, which was an abundant harvest across multiple states. Sentence C concludes the logical sequence by detailing the economic impact of that bumper crop, specifically how the high supply resulted in the lower prices and increased market activity that benefited both parties.

Explanation

The sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error involving the distributive pronoun every. In English grammar, the word every is always followed by a singular countable noun and functions as a singular subject. Since the subject every employee is singular, it requires a singular verb to maintain agreement. The plural auxiliary verb were is grammatically incorrect in this context and should be replaced by the singular form was.