SSC CGL Tier 1 2020 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The phrase in a week's time is a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that an action or state will begin at the end of a specific duration starting from now. In English grammar, time expressions acting as nouns of measure require the possessive case, which is why the apostrophe is used in week's. The preposition in is the appropriate choice to show the period of time after which the office will become operational.

Explanation

The definite article the is required before the noun damage because the text refers to a specific, identified consequence of tourism mentioned in the preceding sentence as environmental disruption. In English grammar, the is used when a noun is followed by a qualifying prepositional phrase, such as to environment, which limits the meaning to a specific instance or category. This clarifies that the concern is not about general damage, but specifically the damage inflicted upon the natural surroundings by tourist activities.

Explanation

The term sprawling is used as an adjective to describe buildings or urban developments that spread out over a large area in an untidy or irregular manner. In the context of tourism and environmental disruption, it specifically refers to the extensive and often unplanned expansion of resort infrastructure. This type of development typically prioritizes accommodating a high volume of tourists over maintaining the integrity of the local landscape, which aligns with the passage's focus on indiscriminate construction and the disregard for local architecture and ecology.

Explanation

The sentence employs the correlative conjunction neither, which is standardly paired with nor to connect two negative alternatives. Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join words or phrases of equal grammatical weight. In this context, the construction neither the local architecture nor the ecology indicates that both elements are being disregarded. The use of neither earlier in the phrase necessitates the use of nor to maintain grammatical consistency and correctly express the negation of both items listed.

Explanation

The passage discusses the negative impact of tourism on the environment, specifically focusing on the damage caused by unplanned construction. In this context, natural systems are physically ruined or obliterated due to indiscriminate building activities. The verb destroyed accurately conveys the sense of complete ruin or cessation of the existence of ecosystems, habitats, and natural processes. This aligns with the overall theme of environmental disruption mentioned earlier in the text, where the focus is on the harmful consequences of prioritizing tourist resorts over ecological preservation.

Explanation

The coordinating conjunction and is used to link words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically similar or of equal importance. In the context of the passage, the sentence describes various services provided through construction, specifically mentioning water and waste disposal facilities as a pair of essential infrastructure components. Using and correctly joins these two related items to show they are both part of the facilities being provided to tourists, alongside recreational arrangements.

Explanation

The word protagonist refers to the main figure or the central character in a novel, play, or movie. Derived from the Greek words protos, meaning first, and agonistes, meaning actor or combatant, the term originally described the first actor who played the leading role in ancient Greek drama. In a narrative, the protagonist is the character whose goals, conflicts, and development drive the plot forward and around whom the story revolves.

Explanation

The word eradicate is derived from the Latin roots ex, meaning out, and radix, meaning root. It refers to the complete destruction or removal of something, often used in the context of eliminating diseases, pests, or social evils. Uproot serves as a direct synonym as it literally means to pull a plant out of the ground by its roots and figuratively describes the act of displacing or entirely getting rid of something at its source. Both terms signify the total removal or annihilation of a subject so that it cannot regrow or recur.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the opening statement by introducing the central character, the peddler, and the primary object of the narrative, the rat-traps. Sentence B follows logically by describing the philosophical thought or theory the peddler develops while contemplating his traps, which is that the entire world functions as a giant rat-trap. Sentence D provides further detail on this theory, using the adverb here to refer to the world and introducing the concept of baits being laid for others. Sentence A concludes the sequence by using the demonstrative phrase these baits to refer back to the baits mentioned in sentence D, explaining that they represent temptations which individuals find impossible to resist.

Explanation

The phrasal verb make off with means to steal something and hurry away or escape with it. It is commonly used in contexts where someone takes something that does not belong to them and departs quickly to avoid being caught or detected. The essence of the idiom lies in the act of absconding or fleeing after taking possession of an item, which aligns with the meaning of running away.

Explanation

The sentence expresses a general fact or a scientific truth, which follows the rule of the zero conditional. In such constructions, both the if-clause and the main clause must be in the simple present tense because the outcome is a universal consequence of the condition. The phrase it has turned sour uses the present perfect tense, which is grammatically incorrect for stating a habitual or scientific result. To correct the error, the simple present tense it turns sour should be used to indicate that milk always becomes sour when lemon is added. Alternatively, in a first conditional context referring to a specific instance, the future simple it will turn sour would be appropriate. The present perfect form fails to establish the necessary logical connection between the condition and the result.

Explanation

The word Potraite is incorrectly spelled. The standard English spelling is Portrait, which refers to a painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person, especially one depicting only the face or head and shoulders. The correct spelling requires the letter r after the initial o and ends with the suffix -ait, without an e at the end. It is derived from the Old French word portraire, meaning to portray or depict.

Explanation

The word subscribe means to arrange to receive something, such as a magazine or newspaper, regularly by paying in advance. In the context of Reader's Digest, which is a well-known periodical publication, the most appropriate action is to sign up for regular issues. The verb is typically followed by the preposition to, making it the grammatically and contextually correct choice for the sentence.

Explanation

The word elicious is incorrectly spelt as it is missing the letter d to form the word delicious, whereas Failure, Furious, and Journey are all spelled correctly.

Explanation

The word rear denotes the back part of something or a position situated at the very end or behind. In spatial orientation, its direct opposite is front, which refers to the part of an object or area that faces forward or is furthest advanced in position. Therefore, front serves as the most appropriate antonym for rear.

Explanation

The sequence BADC establishes a logical chronological and thematic flow regarding the history of the ancient Olympic Games. Sentence B serves as the introduction by stating the origin and commencement of the games in 776 B.C. Sentence A follows by describing the growth of the event, noting that the prestige and glory of the games reached a wide audience. Sentence D introduces a shift in the narrative using the contrast conjunction "However," marking the period when the advent of Christianity led to a decline in the importance of the games. Sentence C completes the paragraph by providing the specific reason for this decline, explaining that the games were suppressed because Christians associated them with pagan worship.

Explanation

The word persuade means to convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. Its direct antonym is dissuade, which means to discourage or advise someone against a particular course of action. While persuasion focuses on moving someone toward an action, dissuasion focuses on turning them away from it. Both terms share the Latin root suadere, meaning to advise, but the prefix dis- in dissuade provides the opposite meaning.

Explanation

A parasite is a biological organism or a person that lives on or inside another organism, known as the host, and derives its nutrients or livelihood at the host's expense. This symbiotic relationship is specifically one-sided, where the parasite benefits from the resources of the other living being while often causing it harm or providing no benefit in return. In both biological and figurative contexts, the term identifies an entity that is dependent on another for its survival and growth.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error because of the rule governing the use of the auxiliary verb did in the past simple tense. In negative sentences, the auxiliary verb did or did not is followed by the base form of the main verb, not its past tense form. Since did already conveys the past tense, the main verb must remain in its root form to avoid a double past construction. Consequently, the correct phrasing should be did not go instead of did not went.

Explanation

The word discord refers to a lack of agreement or harmony between people, often resulting in conflict or strife. In the context of the sentence, unreasonable or excessive demands are a common cause of tension and disagreement within a domestic setting. Therefore, the term accurately describes the negative interpersonal friction that would arise in a family due to such demands.

Explanation

The word abort means to terminate or stop a mission, project, or process prematurely before it reaches its natural conclusion. In various contexts, such as technology or aviation, to abort a sequence is to bring it to an immediate stop. Therefore, the word end serves as an appropriate synonym because both terms denote the cessation or conclusion of an action or event.

Explanation

In English grammar, when a continuous action in the past is interrupted by a single, shorter event, the background action is expressed in the past continuous tense (was sitting), while the interrupting event is expressed in the simple past tense. The conjunction when typically introduces the simple past clause in this construction. Since the act of hearing the song occurred at a specific point during the time the speaker was sitting at home, the simple past form heard is the grammatically correct choice to describe the completed action within that past context.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from a general observation to specific behavioral traits of a certain group. Sentence C introduces the broad context by describing a general scene where many people are seen idle. Sentence D refines this observation by focusing on a subset—employed individuals—and highlighting their lack of punctuality. Sentence B then describes the unprofessional conduct of these employees once they arrive at the office, specifically their habit of receiving unappointed visitors. Sentence A concludes the sequence by using the additive conjunction "also" to provide another example of how these individuals prioritize personal errands over office responsibilities during work hours.

Explanation

Surplus refers to an amount of something left over when requirements have been met, or an excess of production or supply over demand. The term is derived from the Old French words sur meaning over and plus meaning more. It specifically describes the state of having a quantity or amount that is greater than what is used or needed, directly matching the definition of having something more than required.

Explanation

When converting a direct interrogative sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb asked is used, and the vocative Jane becomes the object of this verb. The question word what serves as the connector, and the interrogative word order are you going is changed to the assertive word order she was going. Additionally, the present continuous tense are going changes to the past continuous was going to maintain backshift in reported speech, and the second-person pronoun you is updated to the third-person she to refer correctly to Jane.

Explanation

The phrase medium of is a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate the means, agency, or instrument through which something is accomplished or expressed. In the context of the sentence, the village schools serve as the specific channel or vehicle for the adult education movement, making of the grammatically appropriate preposition to link the noun medium with the schools.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the implementation of adult education within a rural context, specifically through the medium of village schools. In this setting, the primary group whose cooperation and trust are required for the movement to succeed is the local population residing in the village. Historical and social contexts of rural development often highlight the initial skepticism of villagers toward new institutional changes or external educational initiatives. The subsequent sentences describe the challenge of persuading this group about the tangible benefits of the schools and their hesitation regarding family members leaving home, which directly aligns with the lived experiences and concerns of villagers.

Explanation

The pronoun them serves as the objective case required after the transitive verb persuade. The sentence describes the difficulty in convincing a specific group of people mentioned in the preceding context. Since the subsequent clause uses the plural subject pronoun they to refer back to this same group, the plural object pronoun them is the grammatically appropriate choice to maintain consistency in number and person. It functions to identify the recipients of the persuasion within the narrative flow of the passage regarding adult education.

Explanation

The preposition from is used to indicate the source or origin of an object, idea, or benefit. In this sentence, the villagers are receiving something of value, and the schools serve as the point of origin for that gain. The idiomatic construction getting something from a place or person is the standard way to express the acquisition of knowledge or benefits from a specific provider. Consequently, from correctly identifies the schools as the source of the education being received.

Explanation

The passage outlines the difficulties faced by the adult education movement in gaining the trust of rural communities. In the concluding sentence, the pronoun they refers back to the villagers who were suspicious and needed persuasion. Their apprehension centered on the utility of formal education versus the traditional role of family members within the household. Specifically, the villagers were hesitant to allow their children to leave their homes to attend school, as this would take them away from domestic responsibilities or agricultural work, which the parents initially valued more than the perceived benefits of the educational system.

Explanation

Indignation refers to a feeling of righteous anger or resentment provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment, injustice, or mean-spirited behavior. It originates from the Latin word indignatio, which stems from indignus, meaning unworthy. When an individual witnesses or experiences an act that violates their sense of fairness or moral standards, the resulting emotional response of displeasure and offense is termed indignation. This specific type of anger is often directed at a perceived wrong or a lack of dignity in a situation.

Explanation

The word exceed means to be greater than a particular number or amount, or to go beyond a set limit or standard. Surpass is its direct synonym, as it signifies the action of outdoing, being better than, or going beyond a certain level or expectation. Both terms are frequently used in contexts involving measurements, achievements, or boundaries to indicate that a specific threshold has been overtaken.

Explanation

The idiom blind alley refers to a course of action, an investigation, or a situation that leads to no further progress or favorable results. It is derived from the literal meaning of a street or passage that is closed at one end, commonly known as a dead end. In a figurative sense, when someone follows a blind alley, they are pursuing a direction that is unproductive and offers no possibility of advancement or success, effectively bringing their efforts to a complete halt.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological and logical sequence starting with sentence C, which sets the scene by introducing the speaker as a chief guest at a function. Sentence B logically follows by using the demonstrative pronoun This to refer back to the function and identify its location at a hostel. Sentence A then describes the specific benefits provided by this hostel, noting that accommodation and food were free. Finally, sentence D uses the conjunction But to provide a contrasting detail about the expenses that were not covered, such as clothing and toiletries, completing the description of the hostel's arrangement.

Explanation

The word guidance is formed by adding the suffix -ance to the verb guide. In English orthography, when a suffix beginning with a vowel is added to a root word ending in a silent e, the e is dropped. Therefore, guide becomes guidance. A frequent spelling error involves using the suffix -ence instead of -ance, but the version with an a is the correct noun form denoting the act or function of guiding.

Explanation

The sentence describes a continuous action that was taking place in the past at the same time as another ongoing action. The first clause, when father was coming home, uses the past continuous tense to establish a specific timeframe in the past. To maintain grammatical consistency and show that the narrator's action was also in progress during that time, the past continuous form was playing is necessary. This tense is used to describe background actions or ongoing situations that were happening when another event occurred in the past.

Explanation

The idiom acid test refers to a definitive or conclusive way of proving the true value, quality, or authenticity of something. It originates from the historical practice of using nitric acid to test whether a metal was genuine gold, as gold is resistant to the acid while base metals are not. In general usage, it signifies any situation, event, or fact that serves as a final and undeniable proof of whether a theory, claim, or product is effective and genuine.

Explanation

The preposition in is used incorrectly in this context. When the word taste refers to a person's liking, inclination, or fondness for a specific activity or art form, it is idiomatically followed by the preposition for. The phrase taste for denotes an interest or a preference for something. In contrast, the phrase taste in is generally used to describe the quality of a person's discernment or judgment within a specific category, such as taste in clothes or taste in music. Given that the sentence describes an interest in classical dance, the correct prepositional usage is taste for.

Explanation

The word mellow refers to something that is smooth, soft, or pleasantly matured, often used to describe fruit, sound, light, or a relaxed temperament. In terms of texture or character, the direct antonym is hard, which denotes rigidity, firmness, or a lack of softness and yielding quality.

Explanation

The word emerge is defined as the process of coming into view, becoming visible, or moving out of a concealed place into the open. In linguistic terms, its antonym must represent the opposite action of moving out of sight or ceasing to be visible. Disappear accurately serves as this opposite, as it describes the act of vanishing or passing out of sight.

Explanation

The word pioneering is used to describe research or work that involves new ideas or methods and is among the first of its kind. In the context of the sentence, the study is being recognised by others, which implies it has significant value, originality, or has broken new ground in the field of educational research. Therefore, it is the most logically and contextually appropriate adjective to describe a respected piece of academic work.

Explanation

Suzerainty refers to a relationship in which a dominant state or regional power exercises control over the foreign policy and international relations of a subordinate state, while allowing that state to maintain internal autonomy. The state subject to this arrangement is considered a dependent state because it lacks full sovereignty and is legally or politically beholden to the superior power, often referred to as the suzerain. This political condition was common in historical imperial systems where tributary states operated under the overarching authority of an empire.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from active to passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Here, the object his soldiers moves to the subject position as the soldiers. The simple past tense verb ordered is transformed into were ordered to agree with the plural subject. The original subject the commander is placed after the verb preceded by the preposition by. The infinitive phrase to move forward and attack the enemy camps remains unchanged as it functions as the complement to the verb ordered, describing the action the soldiers were told to perform. This maintains the original meaning and logical relationship between the commander and the soldiers.

Explanation

The word is misspelled as it incorrectly includes an additional letter e between the h and the l. The correct spelling is athlete, which refers to a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise. The term originates from the Greek word athletes, meaning a contestant in the games.

Explanation

The segment in more sense pleasures is grammatically incorrect because it uses the noun sense as a modifier for the noun pleasures. In this context, an adjective is required to describe the type of pleasures being referred to. The appropriate adjective is sensual, which relates to the gratification of the physical senses. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read as sensual pleasures. While nouns can sometimes function as adjectives, the idiomatic and grammatically standard expression for physical or worldly enjoyment is sensual pleasures rather than sense pleasures.

Explanation

The sentence requires a noun to follow the adjective great in the noun phrase. The word degrade is a verb, which is grammatically incorrect in this position. The noun form of the word is degradation, which refers to the process of decline or deterioration in quality or status. In this context, degradation of values correctly describes the erosion of moral standards in the modern age, using the preposition of to link the noun with the object it modifies.

Explanation

The verb shows is the most appropriate choice because it means to manifest or exhibit a particular quality, trait, or characteristic. In the context of the sentence, it describes how the leader displays the attributes of both a politician and a thinker. The third-person singular form shows correctly agrees with the singular subject he, effectively conveying that his outward actions and behavior reflect these internal qualities.

Explanation

Humane refers to showing compassion, benevolence, and kindness towards humans or animals, especially in situations where they are suffering. Cruel acts as its direct antonym because it describes a lack of pity or a deliberate desire to cause pain and suffering to others. While humane behavior is characterized by mercy and consideration, cruel behavior is characterized by a heartless or brutal nature.

Explanation

A granary is a storehouse or specialized building specifically designed for the storage of threshed grain or animal feed. These structures are engineered to keep the contents dry and protected from environmental factors and pests such as rodents and insects. The term is derived from the Latin word granarium, which comes from granum, meaning grain. Historically, granaries were essential for agricultural societies to ensure food security during non-harvest seasons by providing a controlled environment that prevented rot and infestation.

Explanation

The sentence describes two sequential actions that occurred in the past. The main clause uses the verb appeared, which is in the simple past tense. When two actions happen in the past, the action that took place earlier must be expressed in the past perfect tense (had + past participle), while the relatively more recent action is expressed in the simple past tense. Since the five horses finished drinking water before the old horse appeared, the use of had finished is grammatically necessary to indicate that the first action was completed prior to the second one.