SSC CGL Tier 1 2020 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence refers to the historical event of the first recorded watermelon harvest. In English, when describing an event, incident, or instance taking place at a specific time or location, the verb occurred is the most appropriate choice. It signifies that the harvest happened or took place nearly 5000 years ago in Egypt, aligning perfectly with the chronological context provided in the passage.

Explanation

The passage discusses the historical record of watermelon harvests in ancient Egypt. In the context of Egyptian hieroglyphics and wall carvings, the word depicted is the most appropriate choice as it means to represent or show something through a drawing, painting, or other art form. Hieroglyphics are a pictorial writing system, so a harvest being shown on the walls of buildings is a visual representation, making depicted the logically and grammatically correct verb to describe how these events were recorded in art.

Explanation

The passage describes the history of watermelon harvesting in Egypt dating back nearly 5000 years. In historical and linguistic contexts, the term ancient is the standard adjective used to describe civilizations, periods, or structures belonging to the very distant past, particularly those from the earliest stages of recorded human history. Since the context refers to Egyptian hieroglyphics and burial customs from five millennia ago, ancient correctly characterizes the buildings belonging to that era of history.

Explanation

The preposition in is used to indicate position within an enclosed space or a container. In the context of the sentence, the fruit was physically situated inside the burial tombs, which were enclosed chambers designed to hold the remains and belongings of the deceased. Using in accurately describes the placement of objects within the interior of these historical structures.

Explanation

A wardrobe is a tall cupboard or a large piece of furniture specifically designed for storing and hanging clothes. It typically features a combination of hanging space, shelves, and drawers to keep various types of apparel organized and protected. The term is the standard English designation for a dedicated storage space for garments within a household.

Explanation

The sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The subject of the sentence is the indefinite pronoun everything. In English grammar, indefinite pronouns such as everything, everyone, someone, and nothing are always singular. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject must be paired with a singular verb. Therefore, the plural verb are is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced by the singular verb is to match the singular subject everything.

Explanation

The word vigilant is an adjective used to describe someone who is exceptionally watchful, alert, and careful to avoid potential danger or problems. It implies a state of constant attention and caution. The word rash, however, refers to acting or done without careful consideration of the possible consequences. It describes behavior that is impulsive, reckless, and characterized by a lack of foresight or care. Since being vigilant involves being mindful and cautious, and being rash involves being heedless and impulsive, rash serves as the direct opposite in terms of behavioral caution and attention.

Explanation

The word flexible refers to something that is capable of bending easily without breaking or someone who is easily able to adapt to different circumstances. Its most appropriate antonym is stiff, which describes an object or person that is rigid, firm, and difficult to bend, move, or change. While flexible implies elasticity and adaptability, stiff denotes a lack of pliability and a resistance to deformation or modification.

Explanation

The word hoard means to accumulate and store away a large quantity of a particular item, often secretly, to create an artificial shortage and drive up prices. In the context of essential commodities like onions, traders often engage in hoarding to profit from the resulting price hike. Governments frequently issue warnings and impose stock limits under regulations like the Essential Commodities Act to prevent this practice and ensure price stability for consumers.

Explanation

The sentence describes a habitual action, which requires the use of the simple present tense. In English grammar, when the subject is a third-person singular pronoun like He, the base form of the verb must take the suffix s or es to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. Additionally, adverbs of frequency such as always are typically placed before the main verb they modify. Therefore, the construction He always sings correctly applies the rules of tense, agreement, and word order for expressing a routine behavior.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence C, which introduces the protagonist, Bheema, and the primary subject of the narrative, a rising disc-shaped object. Sentence B logically follows because it describes Bheema's initial interpretation of the object as a stuck kite. The transition to sentence D is signaled by the conjunction but, which contrasts his initial thought with the object's actual behavior of rising higher and emitting light, leading to his shock. The paragraph concludes with sentence A, indicated by the adverb then, as Bheema reacts to his shock by calling for help just as the object disappears, leaving only a red glow in the sky.

Explanation

The word implore is a verb that means to beg or beseech someone earnestly and desperately to do something. It is derived from the Latin word implorare, which conveys the sense of invoking with tears or calling for help. Similarly, to plead means to make an emotional or urgent appeal to someone, often in a sincere or desperate manner. Both terms describe the act of entreating another person with great intensity or humility to achieve a desired outcome or favor.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence D, which introduces and defines the primary concept of physical strength. Sentence A follows as a continuation, using the pronoun It to refer back to physical strength and explaining the requirements for building it. Sentence C provides a logical transition using the word However to contrast physical strength with strength of character. Finally, sentence B elaborates on the nature of character strength by describing how individuals with strong personalities handle life's challenges. This order ensures a smooth flow from a physical definition to a contrasting psychological quality.

Explanation

The word respective is an adjective used to describe things that belong or relate separately to each of the people or things previously mentioned. In the context of this sentence, after a collective event like a morning assembly, the students return to the specific, individual classrooms assigned to them. Using this term indicates that each group of students is going to its own specific class rather than all students going to the same one.

Explanation

The original sentence "Martin drew a picture of the snow-capped mountains" is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb "drew." To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the simple past tense, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, followed by the auxiliary verb "was" or "were" and the past participle (V₃) of the main verb. Since the new subject "A picture of the snow-capped mountains" is singular, the auxiliary verb "was" is used. The past participle of "draw" is "drawn." Therefore, the passive form is "A picture of the snow-capped mountains was drawn by Martin."

Explanation

The idiom spill the beans means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information, often prematurely or unintentionally. It is commonly used in situations where a surprise or a hidden plan is made known to others before the intended time. The phrase implies that information meant to be kept private has been let out, much like accidentally knocking over a container of beans and letting them scatter.

Explanation

The word reticent refers to a person who is habitually silent or uncommunicative in speech. It describes someone who is disinclined to speak freely or share their thoughts and feelings readily with others. This personality trait characterizes an individual as being naturally reserved or quiet in social interactions, which matches the group of words provided.

Explanation

The word glorious describes something that is magnificent, illustrious, or full of splendor and beauty. Splendid serves as its most appropriate synonym because it similarly refers to things that are very impressive, grand, or excellent in appearance and quality. Both terms are frequently used to characterize scenes, achievements, or objects that evoke a sense of wonder and admiration through their excellence or brilliance.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the simple past tense, which follows the structure: Subject + was/were + V₃ + by + Object. To convert this into the active voice, the sentence must follow the simple past active structure: Subject + V₂ + Object. Here, the agent Maya becomes the subject, the verb was written changes to its simple past form wrote, and this beautiful story becomes the object.

Explanation

The word is misspelled because it lacks a second m. The correct spelling is Consummation. This noun is derived from the verb consummate, which comes from the Latin roots con (together) and summa (sum or peak), meaning to bring to completion or to finish. In English, it is used to describe the act of bringing something to a state of perfection or completion, or specifically making a marriage legally complete through sexual intercourse. The spelling requires a double m to accurately reflect its etymological origin and standard usage.

Explanation

The idiom back to square one signifies returning to the starting point of an endeavor because previous attempts have failed or yielded no progress. It implies that a person must begin a process all over again from the very first stage, effectively nullifying any prior advancement. The phrase is derived from games or structured processes where failure requires a participant to return to the initial position, which is the original point of departure, to start the task anew.

Explanation

Liberty signifies the state of being free from oppressive restrictions or control, allowing for autonomy and self-determination. In contrast, dependence refers to a condition where one is subject to the control, influence, or support of another, effectively representing the absence of freedom and self-reliance. Thus, dependence serves as the direct antonym by describing a state of subordination that is fundamentally opposite to the independence and agency associated with liberty.

Explanation

The sentence describes the act of fighting on a battlefield for one's country, which specifically requires bravery and the ability to face danger or pain without fear. Courage is the standard and most precise noun to describe this mental and moral fortitude. While the original term used is a rare derivative of strong, courage more accurately captures the specific quality of valor and heart necessitated by combat and patriotic sacrifice.

Explanation

The sentence discusses the wisdom of the proverb A stitch in time saves nine, which emphasizes taking timely measures to prevent problems from escalating. In this context, the word appropriate is the most suitable choice because it signifies a proper, suitable, or correct action required to rectify an error. Taking an appropriate action ensures that the mistake is handled effectively before it leads to an accumulation of further issues.

Explanation

The phrasal verb rule out means to exclude, eliminate, or prevent a possibility from occurring. In the context of the passage, taking timely action to rectify an error serves to eliminate or prevent the chance of more errors accumulating. The expression indicates that an immediate fix ensures that future complications are avoided entirely.

Explanation

The proverb A stitch in time saves nine conveys that immediate action taken to fix a small problem prevents it from becoming much larger and more difficult to deal with later. In the context of the passage, if errors are allowed to accumulate over time, they inevitably lead to negative consequences, harm, or loss. The word damages correctly identifies these detrimental outcomes that arise from neglecting timely repairs or corrections. Therefore, the sentence logically concludes that acting promptly avoids both the buildup of mistakes and the resulting harm they would cause in the future.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on the timely rectification of errors to prevent them from accumulating. To correct an error, one must first become aware of its existence. The word discovered is the most appropriate fit because it refers to the act of finding or noticing something that was previously unknown or hidden, such as a mistake or an oversight. By identifying the error as soon as it occurs, a person can take immediate remedial action, which is the central theme of the proverb discussed in the text.

Explanation

The word malady refers to a disease, ailment, or a deep-seated problem. In the metaphorical context of the passage, which discusses the proverb 'A stitch in time saves nine', the error or problem being addressed is likened to an illness. The sentence warns against allowing a small issue to worsen or grow into a larger, more complex problem that would eventually require hasty and difficult corrective measures. Using this term emphasizes the negative and potentially destructive nature of unattended errors.

Explanation

Defiance is defined as a bold resistance to authority or an open refusal to obey orders, laws, or established rules. It originates from the concept of challenging someone to a fight or contest, evolving into its current meaning of demonstrating a complete lack of submission to power. This term specifically describes situations where the refusal is not hidden but is instead manifested through a visible and intentional act of disobedience.

Explanation

The word prevent means to stop something from happening or to hinder an action. Similarly, avert means to ward off or turn away a disaster or an unpleasant event, thereby preventing it from occurring. Both terms are used in contexts where an action is taken to ensure a particular situation or outcome does not take place.

Explanation

Ethics refers to the branch of knowledge or the system of moral principles that influence and govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. It acts as a set of rules or standards that guide an individual in distinguishing between right and wrong, thereby shaping their actions and decisions within a social or professional context. Derived from the Greek word ethos, which signifies character, it fundamentally encompasses the values and codes of conduct that define the moral integrity of an individual's life.

Explanation

The word broad refers to something that has a great distance from side to side or is wide in extent. Its direct antonym is narrow, which describes something that has a small distance from one side to the other or is limited in width. While broad suggests spaciousness and expansion, narrow indicates restriction and a lack of lateral space, making them opposite in meaning regarding physical dimensions and scope.

Explanation

The logical sequence of a narrative typically follows an introduction, a problem, a solution, and a conclusion. Sentence D introduces the subject, Rama, and establishes her socio-economic background as a poor girl. Sentence C builds on this by identifying the specific challenge she faced, which was the need for financial support to finish her graduation. Sentence B provides the specific action she took to resolve this challenge by participating in a college finance scheme. Finally, sentence A uses the transition word eventually to signify the passage of time and the successful resolution of her struggles, providing a definitive conclusion to the story.

Explanation

The logical sequence follows a natural conversational flow beginning with a question and its subsequent answers and instructions. Sentence B initiates the dialogue with the father asking a question about the children's destination. Sentence A directly responds to this inquiry, with Reetu and Geetu stating they are going to the market. Once the destination is established, sentence C provides a relevant piece of advice from the mother regarding the weather and the need for an umbrella. Finally, sentence D concludes the interaction as the children acknowledge and agree to follow their mother's advice.

Explanation

The error in the sentence is the use of the relative pronoun which to refer to a human subject. In English grammar, which is reserved for referring to animals and inanimate objects. When the antecedent is a person, such as the boy, the correct relative pronoun to use is who or that. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read as the boy who or the boy that.

Explanation

The idiom dead heat originates from the sport of horse racing, where a heat refers to a single race or a stage of a competition. When two or more competitors reach the finish line at exactly the same time, making it impossible to determine a winner, the race is called a dead heat. In modern usage, it describes any competition, election, or contest where the participants are so evenly matched that the result is a tie or a draw.

Explanation

The grammatical rule for the phrase "one of the" requires it to be followed by a plural noun. This is because the word "one" refers to a single entity being singled out from a larger group or collection. In the sentence provided, the segment "one of the best college" incorrectly uses the singular noun "college". To be grammatically accurate, the plural noun "colleges" must be used to indicate that the institution is one among a group of several top-tier colleges in the country.

Explanation

The verb insisted is the only word among the choices that grammatically pairs with the preposition on in this context. In English grammar, the construction insist on is a standard phrasal pattern used to express that someone is firm or demanding about a particular action. When followed by a gerund like paying, it indicates a persistent determination to perform the action, making it the most appropriate fit for the sentence structure.

Explanation

The verb resemble is a transitive verb, which means it acts directly upon an object. Transitive verbs do not require a preposition to connect the action to the person or thing receiving the action. In the sentence structure Subject + Verb + Object, the object must follow the verb directly. Consequently, the correct grammatical form is the animal resembled a cat, where the verb connects directly to its object without any additional words.

Explanation

The altar is the consecrated table or elevated platform located at the front of a church where religious rites and ceremonies are performed. In a traditional wedding ceremony, the groom and bride stand before the altar to exchange their vows and receive the marriage blessing from the officiant. It serves as the primary focal point for the formal union, making it the most appropriate location for the groom to stand during the proceedings.

Explanation

The indirect sentence uses the reporting verb commanded, which indicates an imperative sentence. In direct speech, a negative command or prohibition is expressed using the structure Don't followed by the base form of the verb. When converting from indirect to direct speech, the phrase not to shout transforms into the imperative Don't shout. The reporting verb commanded is replaced by said to when followed by an object like the students. This maintains the past tense of the reporting verb while correctly presenting the original spoken command within quotation marks.

Explanation

The word revere is a verb that means to feel deep respect, admiration, or awe for someone or something, often due to their age, character, or status. It is derived from the Latin revereri, which implies standing in awe of or honoring someone. In common usage, it is synonymous with words like respect, venerate, and honor, as all these terms describe the act of holding a person or an entity in extremely high regard.

Explanation

A reward functions as a formal acknowledgement of an individual's effort, skill, or accomplishment. This form of acknowledgment is best described as recognition, which serves as a powerful psychological incentive. By validating a person's hard work and success, recognition provides the necessary motivation for them to continue striving for higher standards and to achieve excellence in their specific area of work.

Explanation

The idiom the bee's knees is a popular expression that originated in the 1920s to describe something or someone that is outstanding, top-notch, or of exceptionally high quality. During that era, it was fashionable to use nonsensical animal-related phrases to denote excellence. The term extraordinary is the most fitting meaning because it refers to something that is very remarkable, unusual, or superior to what is common, directly reflecting the idiom's usage to highlight something truly superb or exceptionally good.

Explanation

The word encouragement is the correctly spelled noun form of the verb encourage. It is constructed by appending the suffix -ment to the root word. According to standard English spelling rules, when a suffix starting with a consonant is added to a base word that ends in a silent -e, the -e is typically retained. Therefore, the word is spelled e-n-c-o-u-r-a-g-e-m-e-n-t. It refers to the act of providing someone with support, confidence, or motivation.

Explanation

Obsolete refers to something that is no longer in use, out of date, or has been replaced by something newer and better. It describes items, technologies, or practices that have become antiquated and have lost their functional relevance in the current era. Recent is the most appropriate antonym because it signifies something that has happened, begun, or existed only a short time ago. While obsolete denotes the distant past or the end of a lifecycle, recent denotes the immediate past or the present state of being, representing the direct opposite in terms of temporal relevance and modern usage.

Explanation

A stampede refers to a sudden, frenzied rush of a large mass of frightened people or animals. This collective behavior is typically triggered by a perceived threat, panic, or a sudden impulse within a crowd or herd. In such situations, the impulsive flight of a few individuals quickly escalates into a disorganized and often dangerous surge as the rest of the group follows instinctively, frequently leading to chaotic movement and trampling. Such events are common among herding animals like cattle and horses, as well as in highly congested human gatherings where a sudden alarm can cause a mass rush toward an exit or away from danger.

Explanation

A stevedore is an individual or a firm engaged in the loading and unloading of ships at a port. The word is derived from the Spanish term estibador, meaning one who stows or packs cargo. Stevedores are essential to maritime trade as they are responsible for the safe and efficient handling of goods, ensuring that cargo is properly secured within the ship hold to maintain balance and prevent damage during voyages. This role requires specialized knowledge of weight distribution and the operation of port machinery like gantry cranes and reach stackers.

Explanation

The adverb usually is used to indicate that something happens in the majority of instances or is a common occurrence. In this context, it describes the frequent misconception people have regarding discipline. By stating that discipline is usually misunderstood as a restriction to freedom, the passage establishes a typical societal perspective before transitioning to the actual benefit of discipline, which is making life organized. This choice logically connects the common perception with the corrective statement that follows the conjunction but.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, discipline is described as a positive trait that organizes life and leads to success in various fields. A virtue is a commendable quality or a beneficial habit that provides a moral or professional advantage. Since the text emphasizes that discipline is essential for students and professionals to function effectively and contribute to a powerful nation, it is correctly identified as a virtue.