SSC CGL Tier 1 2020 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word auspicious means conducive to success or favorable, which is the most appropriate adjective to describe a day chosen to start a new business. While audacious means bold or daring, it typically describes a person or an action rather than a specific day.

Explanation

The word relief refers to the assistance, help, or support provided to those in need, especially during times of distress, poverty, or disaster. In this context, it is synonymous with aid, which denotes the resources, such as money, food, or medical supplies, given to alleviate suffering or provide support. Both terms are frequently used in humanitarian and socio-economic contexts to describe the act of helping individuals or communities overcome a crisis or difficult situation.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the introductory statement by establishing the general principle that warfare involves destroying an enemy's productive capacity, which varies according to the economic foundation of the time. The subsequent sentences follow a chronological progression to illustrate this principle across different epochs. Sentence A describes the agrarian era, where the focus was on crops and fields. Sentence D transitions to the industrial era, highlighting the shift toward bombing urban factories. Finally, sentence B brings the timeline to the present information era, where the target becomes digital and informational infrastructure. This CADB sequence logically moves from a broad thesis to specific historical examples in order of their occurrence.

Explanation

In the context of entering a restaurant, the most logical and idiomatic action a customer performs before being served is sitting down. The phrase take your seat is a common English expression used to describe the act of occupying a chair or designated place in a public establishment. This sequence follows the natural order of service where a customer is seated first and then provided with water by the staff.

Explanation

The expression take your time is an idiomatic phrase meaning to consume as much time as is required for a task without rushing. In the context of the passage, once a person is seated at a restaurant, they need a period of deliberation to look through the menu and decide which dishes they would like to order. This fits the narrative sequence of being served water and then contemplating the meal options before the waiter arrives to take the order.

Explanation

The context of the passage is a restaurant setting where a customer is preparing to order food. The sentence following the blank specifically mentions that the waiter begins to recite the menu. This provides a direct contextual clue that the person who appears at the table to take the order and answer the customer's routine question is the waiter. In standard dining service, the waiter is the staff member responsible for attending to patrons and providing information about the available dishes.

Explanation

In the context of a restaurant setting, the customer is inquiring about the food items or menu options available for ordering. The interrogative pronoun what is used to ask for information about specific things or objects. Therefore, the question What do you have? is the grammatically correct and standard way to ask the waiter for the list of available dishes.

Explanation

The definite article "the" is used to refer to a specific noun that has been previously mentioned or is easily identified within the context. In this passage, "the day's menus" refers specifically to the menus available on the particular day the customer is visiting the restaurant. The use of the possessive form "day's" combined with the definite article creates a specific reference to the offerings of that specific time, making it the most grammatically appropriate choice for identifying a particular set of items.

Explanation

The idiom to take a back seat originated from the literal position of a passenger in a car who does not have control over the steering wheel or the direction of the journey. In a figurative sense, it means to choose a less active or prominent role in a situation, thereby allowing someone else to take the lead or make the primary decisions. It signifies a transition where an individual reduces their level of responsibility or influence, effectively becoming less important in the hierarchy of control for a specific task or organization.

Explanation

Extol is a verb that means to praise someone or something highly or enthusiastically. It is typically used to glorify or laud achievements, virtues, or qualities. Censure serves as its direct antonym because it means to express severe disapproval, to criticize harshly, or to issue a formal statement of condemnation. While to extol is to offer high acclaim, to censure is to deliver strong formal blame or negative judgment.

Explanation

The sequence follows a logical narrative structure starting with sentence C, which establishes the setting and characters through the introductory phrase Once upon a time. Sentence A provides a descriptive elaboration of the disciples and the sage's pride in them, maintaining the focus on the subjects introduced in the first sentence. Sentence B marks a shift in the story's timeline with the phrase One day, indicating that the period of general instruction has reached a conclusion. Sentence D then acts as a qualifier to the sufficient knowledge mentioned in sentence B, identifying the specific piece of information that the disciples still lacked. This progression from introduction to description and then to a specific development creates a coherent paragraph.

Explanation

The word pathetic means arousing or deserving pity or sadness, which is the direct definition of pitiful. While pathetic can sometimes mean inadequate, pitiful remains the most accurate synonym among the provided choices.

Explanation

The idiom to bark up the wrong tree originates from hunting practices where a dog might bark at the base of a tree, believing the prey is there, even though the animal has already escaped to another tree. In a figurative sense, it means that someone is pursuing a mistaken line of thought or a misguided course of action. It describes an effort that is being directed toward the wrong person or objective and will consequently fail to produce the desired result.

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence expressing a command or instruction. The standard rule for converting an imperative sentence into passive voice is to use the structure: Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3). In the active sentence, Conduct is the verb and all the exams is the object. Following the rule, the object is placed after Let, followed by be and the third form of the verb conduct, which is conducted. The prepositional phrase in a fair and proper manner remains unchanged at the end of the sentence to maintain the original meaning.

Explanation

The error in this segment is the use of the word abroad instead of aboard. While abroad means being in or to a foreign country, aboard specifically means being on or inside a vehicle, such as a ship, aircraft, or train. Since the sentence describes a maritime disaster involving a ship sinking, the correct term to describe the people on the ship is aboard. This is a common lexical error involving similar-sounding words with vastly different meanings.

Explanation

The word inclement is an adjective used to describe weather that is unpleasantly cold, wet, or harsh. Derived from the Latin root inclemens, meaning not mild, it refers to atmospheric conditions that are severe or turbulent. In various contexts, such as official announcements or meteorological reports, inclement weather signifies the presence of rain, strong winds, or snow, which is directly synonymous with stormy conditions. This usage highlights a lack of clemency or mildness in the environment, indicating a state of being foul or tempestuous.

Explanation

The word diligent describes a person who shows persistent effort, care, and conscientiousness in their work or duties. It combines the qualities of being industrious and thorough, ensuring that tasks are completed with both great effort and meticulous attention to detail. This term is derived from the Latin word diligentem, which translates to being attentive or careful, making it the precise synonym for the phrase working very hard and very carefully.

Explanation

To convert an imperative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said is replaced with a verb that reflects the intent of the speaker, such as asked, told, or ordered. The person addressed in the direct speech, Johnny, becomes the indirect object of the reporting verb. The imperative verbs run and get are converted into their infinitive forms, to run and get, to link the reporting clause with the reported action. This transformation maintains the original meaning while correctly shifting the grammatical structure to an indirect command.

Explanation

The verb upgrade means to improve the quality, value, or effectiveness of something by adding or replacing components or by learning new methods. In the context of professional development, graduates must constantly refine and enhance their existing abilities to keep pace with changing industry demands and technological advancements. This continuous improvement of one's skill set is essential for achieving excellence and maintaining a competitive edge in both career and personal life.

Explanation

The sentence requires the correlative conjunction whether to be used in conjunction with or not to express a condition that applies regardless of the circumstances. The construction whether... or not is the standard idiomatic expression for indicating an alternative or a state of indifference. Additionally, the verb like is a stative verb, which typically describes a state of being or preference rather than an action. Stative verbs are generally used in the simple present tense rather than the continuous form in this context. Therefore, whether you like it correctly provides both the necessary conjunction and the appropriate tense to complete the sentence logically and grammatically.

Explanation

The sentence contains a logical and grammatical error in the use of the coordinating conjunction but. The word but is used to introduce a contrast or exception, but here the final clause expresses a negative consequence that would occur if the advice in the previous clause is not followed. To provide the correct logical flow, an alternative conjunction like otherwise or or should be used. These terms correctly indicate that getting wet is the result of failing to take an umbrella. The use of but incorrectly implies that the person will get wet despite taking an umbrella, which contradicts the intended meaning of the cautionary advice.

Explanation

The word Faisneting is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is Fascinating, which means extremely interesting or charming. This word is derived from the Latin verb fascinare and requires the letter c after the s, along with the correct sequence of vowels, specifically an i after the sc and an a before the t.

Explanation

The word hilarious describes something that is extremely funny, cheerful, or causing great amusement and laughter. An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning; therefore, sad is the correct choice as it refers to a state of unhappiness, sorrow, or grief, which is the emotional opposite of the joy and mirth associated with being hilarious.

Explanation

To convert a direct interrogative sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to asked. For questions beginning with a wh-word such as what, the same word acts as the connector, and the conjunction that is not used. The second-person pronoun you changes to the first-person I to agree with the object me. Additionally, the present continuous tense are doing shifts to the past continuous was doing because the reporting verb is in the past tense. The sentence structure also changes from interrogative to assertive, meaning the subject I precedes the auxiliary verb was.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes the increasing reliance of human beings on machines for their daily functioning and survival. In English grammar, the adjective dependent is the correct choice because it is idiomatically followed by the preposition on to indicate that one entity relies upon another. This usage perfectly captures the author's point that man has become so reliant on technology that the original relationship of master and servant is being reversed.

Explanation

The passage utilizes a thematic contrast to describe the evolving relationship between humans and technology. By stating that machines were originally intended to be man's servants and then introducing the transition word yet, the author signals a shift to the opposite role. In the context of a hierarchy, the direct antonym and functional opposite of a servant is a master. This transition from subservience to dominance is further supported by the subsequent description of machines as stern bosses that require constant care and specific conditions to function. Consequently, the term masters logically completes the idea that the roles have reversed, making humans dependent on the very tools they created to serve them.

Explanation

The phrasal verb wait upon means to attend to the needs of someone or to serve them in the manner of a servant. In the context of the passage, machines are depicted as having shifted from being servants to becoming masters or stern bosses. This thematic reversal implies that humans now occupy the role of servants who must provide for and maintain the machines, making upon the correct preposition to complete the expression waiting upon.

Explanation

The sentence structure employs the passive voice following the modal verb construction must be. In this context, the verb phrase describes actions performed on the machines, which necessitates the use of a past participle to maintain grammatical parallelism with the preceding verb fed. The past participle given completes the passive construction must be given, indicating that petrol is provided to the machines. This ensures consistency in the series of requirements listed for the maintenance of machines.

Explanation

The term optimum refers to the most favorable or advantageous condition for a particular process or function to occur. In mechanical contexts, machines are designed to operate within specific thermal parameters to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent internal damage or wear. Maintaining an optimum temperature is a technical requirement for the cooling and lubrication systems to function correctly, ensuring the machine performs at its peak capacity without overheating or failing.

Explanation

The sequence forms a logical narrative by first establishing the speaker's immediate plans and then providing the background and a subsequent request. Sentence C introduces the main topic by stating that the speaker is going on a jungle safari tomorrow. Sentence D follows by adding context regarding a friend's recommendation about the beauty of the jungle, which justifies the speaker's interest in the trip. This focus on the visual appeal of the destination leads naturally to Sentence A, where the speaker asks to borrow a camera to capture the scenery. Finally, Sentence B completes the interaction by offering a specific promise to return the camera the following week, fulfilling the logical requirement of a borrowing request.

Explanation

An emigrant is a person who leaves their native country or region to settle permanently in another land. The term is derived from the Latin word emigratus, where the prefix e- means out of and migrare means to move or depart. In the context of international relocation, this term specifically identifies an individual from the perspective of the country they are departing. The primary motivation for such a move is typically to establish a new, long-term residence elsewhere for economic, social, or personal reasons.

Explanation

The word Practicle is misspelled; the correct spelling is Practical. The other words, Flexible, Flashy, and Elegant, are all spelled correctly.

Explanation

When a subject is composed of two nouns or pronouns joined by phrases such as along with, together with, as well as, or accompanied by, the verb must agree in number with the first noun. In this sentence, the first subject is The Prime Minister, which is singular. The phrase along with the other ministers is a parenthetical addition and does not make the subject plural. Therefore, the plural auxiliary verb have left is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with the singular form has left to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Explanation

The word Ostentasion is misspelled. The correct spelling is Ostentation, which refers to a pretentious or showy display of wealth, luxury, or knowledge intended to impress others. In English, this noun follows the standard -tion suffix derived from the Latin root ostentat-, which is the past participle stem of ostentare, meaning to display or show off.

Explanation

The word vicious is used to describe something or someone characterized by vice, immorality, or a malicious nature. It implies a lack of moral principles and a tendency toward wicked or depraved behavior. Virtuous is the direct opposite as it describes a person who possesses high moral standards and displays qualities such as righteousness, integrity, and ethical excellence. While vicious relates to the presence of vice, virtuous relates to the presence of virtue, making it the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

In English grammar and vocabulary, certain words frequently go together in a pattern known as collocation. The verb commit is the standard lexical choice used when referring to performing an act that is illegal, immoral, or harmful, such as a crime, an offense, or a sin. Therefore, when describing someone performing a heinous crime, committed is the most appropriate and idiomatic word to use. This usage establishes a clear link between the perpetrator and the illegal action performed.

Explanation

The idiom on shank's mare refers to the act of walking or traveling by using one's own legs. The term shank denotes the part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle. By humorously referring to one's legs as a mare, which is a female horse, the phrase implies that a person is using their own limbs as a substitute for a horse or a vehicle. It originated in the 18th century as a way to describe moving from one place to another on foot.

Explanation

The idiom a snake in the grass refers to a person who is treacherous, deceitful, or a hidden enemy while pretending to be harmless or friendly. The phrase originates from the Latin poet Virgil, who used the expression latet anguis in herba to warn of a literal snake lurking in the grass to bite the unwary. Figuratively, it describes someone who hides their malicious intentions and poses a danger that is not immediately visible, much like a snake concealed by tall foliage. This makes the term a standard metaphor for a secret enemy who may strike or betray without warning.

Explanation

The word decade is the specific term used to define a span of ten years. It originates from the Greek word dekas, which means a group of ten, and the Latin decas. In the measurement of time, it serves as the standard unit for a ten-year duration, often used to categorize historical eras or age groups.

Explanation

Penitence refers to the state of feeling or showing deep sorrow and regret for having done something wrong or for committing a sin. It is often associated with the act of atonement or seeking forgiveness. Repentance is the exact synonym as it specifically denotes the sincere remorse or regret for one's past actions or conduct, typically involving a desire to make amends or change one's behavior. Both words describe the internal emotional and spiritual process of acknowledging a fault and experiencing contrition.

Explanation

Sentence B introduces the central theme by defining progress in terms of happiness. Sentence C follows with the conjunction But to clarify that happiness is subjective and varies from person to person. Sentence A uses Nevertheless to pivot from individual differences to universal requirements that everyone desires, namely sound health, economic security, and mental satisfaction. Sentence D acts as the concluding statement, using the transition So to link the specific factors mentioned in A back to the original definition of progress, identifying that any change contributing to these factors constitutes true progress.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the past continuous tense, which is characterized by the structure: Object + was/were + being + past participle (V3). To convert this into the active voice, the structure must change to: Subject + was/were + present participle (V1-ing) + Object. In this sentence, the police acts as the subject, and the thief acts as the object. By applying the past continuous active formula, the auxiliary being is dropped, and the verb arrested changes to its continuous form arresting. This results in the construction: The police was arresting the thief.

Explanation

The phrase pleaded for help is grammatically sound and contextually appropriate. The verb plead signifies making an earnest or urgent appeal, which is the logical action for someone described as being in need. In English grammar, the verb plead is correctly followed by the preposition for when specifying the object of the request. The sentence follows the standard subject-verb-prepositional object structure, and the use of the past tense pleaded is consistent with narrative descriptions. There is no grammatical error or idiomatic awkwardness in the original phrasing.

Explanation

The word Patrner is spelled incorrectly because the letter t and the letter r are placed in the wrong order. The correct spelling is Partner, where the letter r follows the vowel a to complete the first syllable par, which is then followed by the syllable tner. A partner refers to an individual who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business, relationship, or competitive activity.

Explanation

The segment looking anybody contains a grammatical error because the verb look, when used to mean directing one's sight toward someone or something, is an intransitive verb. Intransitive verbs cannot take a direct object and require a preposition to connect to the recipient of the action. In this sentence, the preposition at is missing. To be grammatically correct, the phrase must be looking at anybody. The absence of this preposition leaves the relationship between the action of looking and the person being looked at incomplete.

Explanation

The word Negociate is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is Negotiate, which features a t in place of the c in the third syllable. This word is derived from the Latin verb negotiari, meaning to carry on business or do business. In English, it refers to the process of formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement or settle a dispute.

Explanation

When converting an interrogative sentence into reported speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to asked. The question word what time acts as the connector, eliminating the need for a conjunction like that. Because the reporting verb is in the past tense, the present tense is must be backshifted to the past tense was. The second-person possessive adjective your changes to my to correspond with the object me. Furthermore, the sentence structure changes from interrogative to assertive, meaning the subject my flight precedes the verb was. Lastly, the time expression tomorrow is updated to the following day to reflect the shift in time from the moment of speaking.

Explanation

The noun shoes is a plural noun. In English grammar, when substituting or referring back to a plural noun to avoid repetition, the plural pronoun ones must be used instead of the singular one. Additionally, the indefinite article a is only used with singular countable nouns and cannot precede the plural pronoun ones. Therefore, to maintain grammatical agreement with the plural subject shoes, the phrase must be changed to new ones.

Explanation

The idiom blow one's own trumpet means to talk boastfully about one's own achievements, talents, or successes. It is used to describe a person who engages in self-praise or self-promotion to make themselves appear important or successful to others. The expression likely originates from the historical custom of using heralds to blow trumpets to announce the arrival of royalty or important figures; blowing the trumpet for oneself suggests that the individual is acting as their own herald to announce their own greatness.

Explanation

The phrase believe it or not is a fixed idiomatic expression in English used to introduce a statement that is surprising or difficult to believe. It functions by presenting a choice between two alternatives—believing the information or not—using the coordinating conjunction or. In this context, it serves to emphasize the remarkable nature of the fact that watermelon harvests were documented nearly 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt.