SSC CGL Tier 1 2020 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb to follow the singular subject "A disciplined person" and the adverb "always". In English grammar, the principle of subject-verb agreement dictates that a singular subject in the third person requires a singular verb form in the simple present tense. The word "succeeds" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "succeed", which correctly completes the predicate and agrees with the singular subject.

Explanation

The sentence expresses a general truth or a habitual action, which requires the use of the Simple Present Tense. In this sentence, the subject is Disciplined people, which is a plural noun phrase. According to the principles of subject-verb agreement, a plural subject must be paired with the base form of the verb in the simple present tense. The verb make is the plural form that correctly agrees with the plural subject people, ensuring grammatical consistency within the passage.

Explanation

The verb impose is the most appropriate fit for the blank because it means to force a rule, tax, or behavior to be accepted or put in place. In the context of discipline and regulations, the phrase imposed upon is a standard idiomatic expression used to describe requirements mandated by an external authority. The sentence uses a contrastive structure, stating that discipline should not be forced from the outside but should instead originate from an individual's own internal will.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the logical introduction by establishing the context of the Indian Government's announcement regarding new facilities during the budget session. Sentence B follows by specifying what these facilities entail, which is the importation and provision of technologically advanced medical instruments to entrepreneurs. Sentence A continues this progression by detailing the terms under which these entrepreneurs can acquire the instruments, specifically through subsidized rates and loan facilities. Sentence D concludes the sequence by stating the ultimate goal or result of the initiative, which is the strengthening of the economic condition of the entrepreneurs involved.

Explanation

Acknowledgement refers to the act of accepting or admitting the existence, truth, or receipt of something. In various contexts, it serves as a formal declaration that validates a previous action or statement. Confirmation is a direct synonym because it involves the process of verifying, establishing, or ratifying something as true or valid. Both terms describe the assurance or proof provided to signify that information has been received or that a particular fact is recognized.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the introductory statement by establishing the main subject, which is the temptation of children and teenagers toward junk food. Sentence A follows logically because the demonstrative pronoun "This" refers back to the attraction mentioned in C, explaining that it is caused by the food's aroma and variety. Sentence D provides further details about the physical properties of junk food, specifically its high sugar and salt content and lack of nutrition. Sentence B concludes the sequence by using the transition word "Thus" to connect the lack of nutritional value in D to the resulting poor health and mental disorders in children.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past perfect tense to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past. The past perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb had followed by the past participle (V3) form of the main verb. The verb begin has the forms begin (V1), began (V2), and begun (V3). In the segment already began, the past simple form began is used incorrectly with the auxiliary had. The correct grammatical structure requires the past participle form begun to follow had, resulting in the correct phrase had already begun.

Explanation

The word malicious refers to something characterized by malice, intending to cause harm, or motivated by ill will. In the context of the sentence, terrorists are individuals who plot to cause destruction and harm to society. Therefore, their plans or designs are described as malicious because they are inherently destructive and evil in nature. Foiling such designs is a standard objective for any government taking stringent security measures.

Explanation

The idiom to throw a fit refers to a sudden and violent outburst of extreme anger, frustration, or temper. It is used to describe a person who reacts to a situation with excessive emotional distress or an uncontrolled display of rage, often involving shouting or physical agitation. The expression implies a temporary loss of composure or self-control in response to something disagreeable.

Explanation

The word Veterinary is correctly spelled and refers to the branch of medicine dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, disorder, and injury in animals. Its spelling is derived from the Latin root veterinarius, which relates to draft animals or beasts of burden. The orthography follows a specific vowel sequence—e, e, i, and a—forming the syllables Vet-er-i-nar-y. This is the standard form used in professional and academic contexts to describe medical practitioners, clinics, and sciences dedicated to animal health and welfare.

Explanation

The word prodigal is derived from the Latin prodigus, meaning lavish or extravagant. It is used to describe an individual who spends money or resources in a reckless and unrestrained manner, often leading to the exhaustion of wealth. Because it specifically denotes the act of squandering assets or using them without care for the future, wasteful is the most accurate synonym.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the simple past tense, following the structure: Subject + V₂ + Object. To convert a simple past active sentence into the passive voice, the structure used is: Object (as Subject) + was/were + V₃ (past participle) + by + Subject (as Object). The verb taught is the past tense of teach. When the indirect object him is moved to the subject position, it becomes the pronoun He. Since He is a third-person singular subject, the auxiliary verb was is required, followed by the past participle taught. Thus, the passive construction becomes He was taught English by his elder sister.

Explanation

The sentence involves a comparison between the difficulty of two specific mathematical calculations. In English grammar, when two things are being compared, the comparative degree of the adjective must be used. The comparative form of the adjective easy is easier. Additionally, the definite article the is required instead of the indefinite article a because it refers to a specific previous problem that serves as the point of comparison. Therefore, the construction easier than the correctly satisfies both the grammatical requirement for comparison and the need for definite reference.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the plural demonstrative pronoun Those. In English grammar, the principle of subject-verb agreement requires that a plural subject be followed by a plural verb. The segment is likely enjoying contains the singular auxiliary verb is, which is grammatically incorrect when paired with the plural subject Those. To ensure grammatical correctness, the singular verb is must be replaced with the plural verb are. The corrected sentence structure should be Those who follow a healthy routine are likely enjoying good health or are likely to enjoy good health.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to followed by an object is changed to told. The second-person pronoun You in the reported speech is updated to I to correspond with the object of the reporting verb, which is me. Furthermore, because the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the reported speech must shift from the Present Perfect have not submitted to the Past Perfect had not submitted. The conjunction that is employed to connect the reporting clause with the reported clause.

Explanation

The idiom to cash in on means to take advantage of a situation or to exploit an event or reputation for one's own profit or benefit. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the Indian cricket team utilizing its positive and vibrant image during the World Cup to gain commercial or professional advantages. The phrase requires the specific prepositional sequence in on to function correctly as a phrasal verb.

Explanation

The word derogatory is used to describe comments or attitudes that are intentionally disrespectful, critical, or intended to belittle someone’s reputation. Its antonym must therefore be a word that conveys praise, approval, or admiration. The term complimentary fits this requirement perfectly, as it refers to expressions of high regard, tribute, or polite praise. While derogatory remarks seek to diminish the value of a person or thing, complimentary remarks seek to honor or validate them, making the two words direct opposites in tone and intent.

Explanation

The adjective luxurious describes a lifestyle characterized by high quality, comfort, and opulence. Given that the subject is a millionaire, it is logical to conclude that he possesses the financial resources to sustain a life of elegance and physical ease. The term fits the context perfectly as it directly correlates extreme wealth with a superior and comfortable standard of living.

Explanation

The word sparse describes something that is thinly dispersed, scattered, or present only in small amounts, such as a sparse population or sparse vegetation. It conveys a sense of deficiency in density or quantity. The word abundant is the most appropriate antonym because it refers to something that exists in large quantities or is plentiful. While sparse implies a lack of fullness, abundant denotes a profusion or an overflowing supply, directly opposing the concept of thin distribution with the concept of great plenty.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Simple Past tense and interrogative form. The standard structure for converting a Simple Past interrogative sentence from active to passive voice is Was/Were + Subject + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Agent. In this sentence, the object "you" becomes the new subject in the passive form, which requires the auxiliary verb "were". The main verb "discourage" is converted into its past participle form "discouraged". The phrase "the problems you had to face" acts as the agent that performs the action. Following this grammatical rule, the correct transformation is "Were you discouraged by the problems you had to face?"

Explanation

An egoist is a person who is primarily focused on their own self-interest, needs, and personal gain. Derived from the Latin root ego meaning I, the term describes an individual who views the world through the lens of how events or actions benefit them personally, often disregarding the interests or well-being of others. This preoccupation with self leads to behavior and decision-making driven by personal advantage.

Explanation

Sentence B is the introductory statement as it identifies the subject, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, and establishes his profession as a writer. Sentence A follows logically by describing his return from travels and his arrival at his family home, using the pronoun he to refer back to Basheer. Sentence D expands upon the description of the household mentioned in sentence A by detailing that both family members and domestic animals occupied the space. Sentence C serves as the concluding remark, summarizing the chaotic atmosphere created by the inhabitants described in the previous sentences and noting the unsuitability of such an environment for a writer.

Explanation

The word is misspelled because the correct spelling is Itinerant. It is derived from the Late Latin word itinerari, meaning to travel, and the suffix should be -ant rather than -ent. The term refers to a person who travels from place to place, especially for work, such as an itinerant laborer or preacher. Consistent with its Latin roots, the spelling with an a is the standard form used in English to describe someone who is wandering or journeying.

Explanation

The preposition in is used when referring to years, months, seasons, and long periods of time. In the context of the sentence, 1905 is a specific year, making in the grammatically correct choice to indicate when the chocolate manufacturing plant was opened.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, Milton Hershey established his chocolate factory in the heart of dairy country to ensure a plentiful supply of the primary raw material required for milk chocolate. The word needed is the most appropriate choice as it indicates the necessity of fresh milk for the manufacturing process. Having access to all the milk he required allowed him to produce high-quality confections on a large scale, fulfilling the specific volume requirements of his production recipe.

Explanation

The sentence requires a relative pronoun to refer back to the noun phrase "The plant," which is an inanimate object. In English grammar, the relative pronoun "that" is used to introduce a restrictive relative clause that identifies or provides essential information about a non-human antecedent. Using it here correctly connects the subject to the specific action of being opened in a small Pennsylvania village.

Explanation

The sentence structure compares the Hershey chocolate factory to all other chocolate factories in the world, necessitating the use of the superlative degree of the adjective. In English grammar, the superlative degree is used when comparing more than two things to indicate which one has the greatest degree of a quality. For the one-syllable adjective large, the superlative form is largest. The presence of the definite article the immediately preceding the blank further confirms that a superlative adjective is required to complete the phrase the largest chocolate factory.

Explanation

The word favourites is used to describe things that are preferred or liked above all others. In the context of the passage, which discusses the global reach and success of the Hershey chocolate factory, the term highlights the popularity and high consumer preference for the confections produced there. It signifies that the chocolates are widely enjoyed and chosen by people across the globe, fitting the narrative of a world-renowned brand.

Explanation

The word exempted means to be officially excused from a requirement, duty, or legal obligation that others are expected to fulfill. In the context of administrative and legal procedures such as passport applications, certain groups are granted relief from specific protocols based on criteria like age or physical condition. According to standard passport issuance guidelines, children under the age of five are not required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints or iris scans, because their biological traits are still developing and difficult to capture reliably. The term exempted accurately describes this formal release from the biometric requirement.

Explanation

The word octagon is derived from the Greek prefix octa-, which translates to the number eight. In geometry, an octagon is specifically defined as a polygon that possesses eight sides and eight interior angles. The total sum of the interior angles in such a figure is 1080°, determined by the geometric formula (n - 2) × 180° where n equals 8.

Explanation

The idiom bring to light is used to describe the act of making something known or revealing information that was previously hidden, secret, or obscure. It draws on the metaphor of moving an object from a dark place into a well-lit area where it can be clearly seen and inspected. In common usage, it often refers to the discovery of new evidence, the exposure of a truth, or the disclosure of facts during an investigation.

Explanation

The word fury denotes a state of extreme, wild, or violent rage. It represents an intense level of resentment and wrath, which aligns directly with the meaning of anger, as both terms describe a powerful feeling of displeasure and hostility.

Explanation

The idiom hold water originates from the idea of a container being sound enough to retain liquid without leaking. In a figurative sense, it describes an argument, theory, or explanation that is logical, sound, and able to withstand close scrutiny or criticism. When a statement holds water, it is considered to be valid and credible because it does not possess the metaphorical leaks or flaws that would make it unreliable or unbelievable.

Explanation

The word benefit acts as a transitive verb when it means to be useful or helpful to someone. Transitive verbs are followed directly by a direct object without the intervention of a preposition like to or for. In the given sentence, advice is the subject and me is the direct object receiving the action. Therefore, the correct grammatical structure is benefit me.

Explanation

The sentence is an interrogative construction referring to a completed action at a specific time in the past, indicated by the time adverb yesterday. In English grammar, direct questions in the simple past tense must follow the structure: Wh-word + auxiliary verb (did) + subject + base form of the main verb (V1). The segment where did you leave correctly adheres to this rule by employing the auxiliary did and the present simple form of the verb leave to inquire about a past event.

Explanation

Friendship denotes a state of mutual affection, trust, and cooperation between individuals or groups. Enmity represents the exact opposite condition, characterized by a feeling of active opposition, hostility, or deep-seated hatred. While friendship implies harmony and goodwill, enmity signifies a state of being an enemy or experiencing ill will toward another.

Explanation

To convert the given direct speech into indirect speech, several grammatical changes are required. The reporting verb said to followed by an object (me) changes to told me. The conjunction that is used to link the reporting clause with the reported speech. In the reported clause, the simple present tense verb is must be changed to the simple past tense was because the reporting verb is in the past tense. The second-person possessive pronoun your refers to the object me, so it changes to the first-person possessive pronoun my. Additionally, the demonstrative adjective this changes to that to reflect the shift in perspective from the original speaker. Applying these rules, the sentence becomes: The lawyer told me that there was no proof of my involvement in that case.

Explanation

The verb believe is a stative verb, which represents a mental state, opinion, or belief rather than a physical action. Stative verbs are generally not used in the continuous (progressive) tense, as they describe a condition that exists rather than an activity in progress. In this sentence, the speaker is expressing a current state of mind, which necessitates the use of the simple present tense. Therefore, the phrase I am believing is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with the simple present form I believe.

Explanation

The grammatical error in the sentence is the use of the conjunction when. The expression No sooner is a correlative conjunction that must always be paired with than to introduce the second part of the sentence. This is because sooner is the comparative form of the adverb soon, and in English, comparative structures require than to connect the related clauses. While words like hardly, scarcely, and barely are followed by when or before, No sooner specifically requires than to maintain grammatical accuracy. Therefore, the segment when we heaved should be corrected by replacing when with than.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence D, which introduces the subject and establishes the central theme of the Curies working under conditions of extreme poverty. Sentence A logically follows by providing a specific illustration of these hardships, describing how their makeshift shed was inferior even to a poorly equipped laboratory. Sentence C introduces a contrast using the conjunction but, shifting the focus from their physical limitations to their unwavering determination to discover radium. The paragraph concludes with sentence B, where the transition word thus summarizes how their mental focus allowed them to overcome the difficulties described in the preceding sentences.

Explanation

The word solitary describes something or someone that exists alone, is isolated, or is the only one of its kind. Similarly, singular refers to something that is unique, individual, or being the only one of its kind in a specific context. Both terms share a core meaning of being single or separate from a group, which makes them synonymous.

Explanation

The word Diliver is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Deliver, which features the vowel e in the first syllable instead of i. The term is a verb that refers to the act of bringing and handing over letters, parcels, or goods to the intended recipient. It is derived from the Old French word delivrer, which traces back to the Latin prefix de- meaning away and liberare meaning to set free.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past participle form of the verb to function as an adjective describing the state of the subject. In the construction is completely engross, the verb engross must be changed to engrossed to correctly indicate that modern man is in a state of being absorbed or occupied by something. The structure subject + linking verb + adverb + past participle is the grammatically correct way to express this condition.

Explanation

The sentence "They offered me a chair" is in the simple past tense, following the active voice structure: Subject + V₂ + Indirect Object + Direct Object. To convert a simple past active sentence into the passive voice, the object (in this case, the indirect object "me") becomes the subject ("I"), followed by the appropriate form of the verb "to be" (was/were) and the past participle (V₃) of the main verb. The formula used is: New Subject + was/were + V₃ + Direct Object + by + Agent. Applying this rule, "me" changes to "I", "offered" becomes "was offered", and "they" becomes "by them", resulting in the construction: I was offered a chair by them.

Explanation

The idiom a bed of roses refers to a situation or way of life that is very easy, comfortable, and pleasant. It is derived from the idea of lying down on a surface made of rose petals, symbolizing a state of luxury and lack of hardship. This expression is frequently used in a negative sense to point out that a particular task or life in general is not always simple or free from trouble.

Explanation

When converting an exclamatory sentence starting with "What" or "How" into indirect speech, the reporting verb is typically changed to "exclaimed" to convey the tone of the original statement. The exclamation is transformed into an assertive sentence using the conjunction "that". In this process, the word "what" is replaced by intensifiers such as "very" or "great" to maintain the emphasis of the original expression. Additionally, because the reporting verb "remarked" is in the past tense, the implied present tense in the exclamation "What a good idea!" (meaning "It is a good idea") must undergo a backshift to the past tense "was". Following these rules, the phrase "What a good idea!" becomes "it was a very good idea" in the indirect form.

Explanation

The word latter is used specifically to denote the second of two things or people that have been previously mentioned. In the given sentence, two distinct items are introduced: tea and coffee. To indicate a preference for the second item in that sequence, coffee, the grammatically correct term is latter. This term serves as a specific pointer to the second member of a pair, distinguishing it from the first member, which would be referred to as the former.

Explanation

The idiom close-fisted describes an individual who is extremely reluctant to spend or give away money. The expression originates from the literal image of a person keeping their hand tightly clenched in a fist to ensure that no coins or currency can escape or be taken. This physical metaphor characterizes a personality trait of being stingy or parsimonious, making it a direct synonym for a miserly person.

Explanation

A patriot is defined as a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors. The term originates from the Greek word patriotes, meaning fellow countryman, and describes an individual who possesses a deep sense of love, devotion, and attachment to their homeland. This attachment often manifests as a desire to act in the best interests of the nation and its people.

Explanation

The word retain is defined as the act of continuing to have, use, or keep something in one's possession. Similarly, maintain means to keep something in its current state or to continue a particular condition or activity. In linguistic contexts involving the preservation of a status, property, or position, these terms are used interchangeably to signify the act of keeping something rather than losing it. Both verbs emphasize the continuity of possession or existence over time.