SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as it stands. The pronoun them is used in the objective case as the object of the preposition on. It correctly refers back to the plural noun hands mentioned earlier in the sentence. Since the pronoun agrees in number with its antecedent and is in the proper case, no substitution is necessary.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Present Continuous tense (is advising). To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the Present Continuous tense, the structure must follow the pattern: Subject (the original object) + is/am/are + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + Object (the original subject). In this case, the students is a plural subject, so it is followed by are being advised. The rest of the infinitive phrase not to carry calculators into the examination hall remains unchanged, and the doer of the action is introduced by the preposition by.

Explanation

The correct spelling is Violence. This noun refers to behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. It is derived from the Latin word violentia. The standard spelling requires the vowel e in the second syllable (v-i-o-l-e-n-c-e) rather than an a. This word is frequently misspelled in competitive examinations by incorrectly substituting the letter e with the letter a.

Explanation

When a sentence is converted from direct to indirect speech and the reporting verb is in the past tense, such as said, the tense of the verb in the reported speech undergoes a backshift. In this instance, the present form is going to is changed to its past equivalent was going to. The conjunction that is added to connect the reporting clause with the reported statement, resulting in a grammatically correct indirect transformation that maintains the original meaning while reflecting the shift in time.

Explanation

The term drove is a collective noun specifically used to describe a herd or flock of livestock, such as cattle or sheep, while they are being moved or driven together in a group from one place to another. It is derived from the verb drive, reflecting the action of the herder directing the animals' movement.

Explanation

The word gradual refers to a process or change that occurs slowly, steadily, or by degrees over a period of time, characterized by a smooth and non-sudden transition. Its direct antonym is abrupt, which describes an action or change that is sudden, unexpected, or happens without any warning. While gradual implies a slow and continuous progression, abrupt signifies a sharp and immediate shift, representing the opposite extreme of timing and manner.

Explanation

The term procure is the standard administrative and military terminology used to describe the official process of obtaining or purchasing equipment, goods, or services, especially on a large scale. In the context of international defense deals, such as India acquiring fighter jets from Russia, it specifically refers to the formal acquisition and contract-based purchase of these assets. The sentence structure requires a verb that denotes the act of acquisition, making procure the most linguistically and contextually appropriate choice for a government-to-government transaction involving military hardware.

Explanation

This sentence follows the structure of a third conditional, which is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past and its unrealized consequence. The condition is expressed using the past perfect tense in an inverted form (Had you not reached), which is equivalent to saying "If you had not reached." According to the rules of third conditional sentences, the main clause must follow the structure: subject + would/could/might + have + past participle. The use of the modal "will" in the segment "we will have" is grammatically incorrect because it shifts to a future tense that is incompatible with the past hypothetical condition. To correct the error, "will" must be replaced with "would."

Explanation

The error lies in the confusion between the homophones quiet and quite. The word quiet is an adjective that refers to a state of making little or no noise or being calm. However, the context of the sentence requires an adverb of degree to modify the adjective unpleasant. The correct word is quite, which means to a certain or significant extent or degree. Therefore, the phrase should properly read as both are quite unpleasant experiences to indicate how disagreeable the situations are.

Explanation

The idiom bang for the buck refers to the value, quality, or quantity of something received in return for the money spent. In this expression, bang represents the impact or result obtained, while buck is a slang term for a dollar. It originated in the mid-20th century, often associated with military spending to describe the amount of firepower achieved per dollar expended. Over time, it transitioned into general usage to signify cost-effectiveness or obtaining more value for money in any transaction or investment.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological narrative structure beginning with sentence D, which introduces the primary characters and the conflict where a hare seeks refuge in a beetle's nest to escape an eagle. Sentence B naturally follows as the beetle responds to the hare's plea by interceding with the eagle. Sentence A describes the eagle's violent reaction to the beetle's interference and the eventual consumption of the hare. The sequence concludes with sentence C, depicting the beetle's immediate reaction of following the eagle to locate its nest after the eagle departs. This arrangement maintains logical consistency and cause-and-effect transitions between the events.

Explanation

The idiom raise the bar originates from sports like the high jump and pole vault, where the literal bar is moved to a higher level to increase the difficulty of the competition. Metaphorically, it refers to the act of elevating standards, expectations, or requirements for a particular task or field of endeavor. When someone raises the bar, they are setting higher goals and demanding a superior level of performance than what was previously established as the standard.

Explanation

The term pressures refers to the continuous stress, demands, or psychological strain arising from various responsibilities and obligations. In the context of professional and personal life, the phrase work and domestic pressures is a standard idiomatic expression used to describe the collective burden of tasks and expectations that can negatively affect a person's temperament. This usage specifically denotes the mental and emotional tension caused by the need to manage multiple demanding roles simultaneously.

Explanation

The word regime refers to a system of government or a specific way in which an organization or country is managed or controlled. It typically denotes a prescribed way of life or a period of authoritative administration. In this context, rule is the most appropriate synonym because it signifies the exercise of authority or control over a particular group or territory, which is the core meaning of a regime.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical narrative sequence starting with an observation and ending with an action. Sentence B sets the scene by describing a column of smoke seen from a distance. Sentence C follows naturally as the observers speculate about the source of that smoke. Sentence A provides the resolution to their curiosity, explaining that upon closer inspection, the smoke was actually steam from hot springs. Finally, sentence D concludes the sequence with a reaction to the discovery, mentioning the idea of bathing in the hot water. This BCDA order ensures a coherent flow from the initial sighting to the final thought.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of a zero conditional, which is used to describe general truths, scientific facts, or mechanical certainties where one action consistently results in another. The standard grammatical construction for the zero conditional is "If + present simple, present simple." Since the toy drummer's action is a direct and repeatable consequence of pressing the button, the use of the simple present tense in both the main clause and the conditional clause is grammatically accurate. This reflects a permanent fact about how the toy functions.

Explanation

The word generic refers to something that is characteristic of or relating to a whole group or class of things, rather than being specific or individual. It denotes a lack of a brand name or a particularizing quality, representing a general or common state. Universal is the most appropriate synonym because it describes something that applies to all cases, is characteristic of a whole, or is common to everyone in a group, matching the broad and non-specific nature of the word generic.

Explanation

The word Pieceful is misspelled because it incorrectly uses the root word piece, which refers to a fragment or part of a whole. The intended word is peaceful, which is derived from the noun peace, meaning a state of tranquility or freedom from disturbance. When the suffix -ful is added to peace to form an adjective meaning full of or characterized by peace, the spelling remains peaceful.

Explanation

The word seize means to take hold of something suddenly and forcibly or to grasp an object with a firm grip. An antonym must convey the opposite action of releasing or relaxing that hold. Loosen means to make something less tight or to release it from a constricted or firm state. Therefore, it serves as the direct linguistic opposite to the act of gripping or grasping tightly.

Explanation

In this sentence, the passive voice construction produced by is used to identify the agent or creator responsible for the action. Since Melipona Bees are the biological agents that generate the honey, the preposition by is required to link the action of production to the specific breed of bees performing it. This is a standard grammatical structure in English where the subject receives the action performed by the agent introduced after the verb.

Explanation

The preposition between is used to indicate a range or interval bounded by two specific points. In this context, it identifies the elevation range of 700 to 1,500 metres above sea level where the stingless Melipona Bees are found. When referring to numerical limits or geographic boundaries involving two distinct values, between is the standard choice to describe the space or extent separating them.

Explanation

The word "due" is part of the fixed prepositional phrase "due to," which functions as a compound preposition meaning "because of" or "owing to." In English grammar, this phrase is used to introduce a reason or cause for a particular situation or result. In this sentence, it connects the cause (the small size of the stingless bees) to the effect (their ability to access more nutrients). The preposition "to" is the only grammatically correct complement for "due" when expressing causality in this context.

Explanation

The sentence uses the comparative adjective larger to compare the nutrients gathered by stingless bees with those gathered by regular honeybees. In English grammar, the conjunction than is used specifically to introduce the second element in a comparison following a comparative degree adjective. Therefore, than correctly completes the comparative structure larger nutrients than.

Explanation

The verb soothe means to provide relief from physical pain, irritation, or discomfort. In the context of a sore throat, it refers to the action of a substance, such as honey, that calms the inflammation and eases the scratchy or painful sensation in the throat. It is the standard term used in medical and health contexts to describe the alleviation of physical soreness or surface-level irritation.

Explanation

The Panchatantra was traditionally composed as a pedagogical tool to educate the three dull-witted sons of King Amarashakti in the art of Nitishastra, which covers political science, diplomacy, and worldly wisdom. In this context, the text aimed to impart practical governing skills, which are the learned abilities and competencies required for effective administration and leadership. The stories serve as allegorical lessons to develop the strategic thinking and administrative proficiency necessary for future rulers to manage their state and subjects wisely.

Explanation

The idiom a live wire is used to describe a person who is exceptionally energetic, lively, and full of enthusiasm. It draws a metaphor from electrical engineering, where a live wire is one that carries an active electric current and is full of energy. In a social or professional context, such an individual is characterized by their dynamism, quick actions, and ability to bring a sense of vigor and activity to their surroundings.

Explanation

The word deride is a verb that means to express contempt for or to ridicule someone or something. It originates from the Latin word deridere, meaning to laugh at. It involves treating a person or an idea as being of no value or worthy of scorn. Similarly, the word mock means to tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner, often by mimicking or making fun of someone. Both terms describe the act of showing a lack of respect through ridicule or derision.

Explanation

The error is found in the phrase Four of earliest civilisations because it lacks the definite article the before the superlative adjective earliest. In English grammar, superlative adjectives used to indicate the highest degree of a quality must be preceded by the article the to function correctly as a determiner for the noun they modify. Consequently, the segment should be written as Four of the earliest civilisations to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Explanation

The phrase No sooner is a correlative conjunction that must be paired with than instead of when. Therefore, the part when she started jumping is grammatically incorrect and should be corrected to than she started jumping.

Explanation

The idiom lion's share refers to the major portion or the largest part of something. It originates from Aesop's Fables, where a lion hunts in partnership with other animals but claims the entire kill or the majority of it for himself by virtue of his superior power and status. In contemporary English, it is used to describe the biggest and most desirable slice of a resource, such as the majority of a budget, the bulk of the profits, or the largest part of a task.

Explanation

Comfort denotes a state of physical ease, mental tranquility, and satisfaction with one's surroundings or condition. It implies a feeling of being at peace and free from distress or hardship. Discontentment is the direct antonym as it describes a lack of satisfaction, a sense of restlessness, or unhappiness with one's current state. While comfort represents a positive state of fulfillment, discontentment signifies the absence of such peace and the presence of mental or emotional dissatisfaction.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to reported speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the verbs in the reported clause must undergo a backshift in tense. The simple present verbs (is) change to the simple past (was). Additionally, the demonstrative pronoun (this) changes to (that) to reflect the shift in perspective from the speaker's original context. The conjunction (that) is typically used to introduce the reported clause. In this sentence, the resulting construction (that that) is grammatically necessary because the first is a conjunction from the original clause and the second is the converted demonstrative pronoun.

Explanation

Somniloquy is derived from the Latin roots somnus, meaning sleep, and loqui, meaning to speak. It refers to the parasomnia or sleep disorder where an individual talks during sleep without being aware of it. The vocalization can range from simple mumbles or gibberish to clear and complex sentences, occurring during any stage of the sleep cycle.

Explanation

The word conceited refers to a person who has an excessively high opinion of their own qualities or abilities, often manifesting as vanity or arrogance. The term modest describes a person who is humble and does not seek to boast or draw attention to their accomplishments or importance. Therefore, modest is the direct antonym as it represents the absence of the self-importance associated with being conceited.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb broke. To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the simple past tense, the structure Object + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Subject is used. In this instance, the object is the neighbour's window, which is singular and therefore requires the auxiliary verb was. The past participle form of the verb break is broken. Following this grammatical structure, the passive form is correctly expressed as the neighbour's window was broken by the boy's cricket ball.

Explanation

Sentence D acts as the logical starting point for the paragraph as it introduces the primary characters, Tenali Raman and his wife, and establishes the setting of their journey toward Hampi. Sentence A follows by describing an event that takes place during this journey, using the pronoun they to refer back to the couple and introducing the weightlifter. Sentence C then provides specific details regarding the weightlifter's impressive physical feat mentioned at the end of sentence A. Finally, sentence B concludes the sequence by presenting Tenali's reaction to the strength displayed in sentence C.

Explanation

In English grammar, the preposition for is used to denote a duration or period of time, such as two hours, five years, or one month. In contrast, since is used to refer to a specific point in time when an action began, such as 2:00 PM, last Monday, or January. Because one month represents a span of time rather than a specific starting date, for is the grammatically appropriate choice to indicate the length of Suresh's employment.

Explanation

The term pessimist is derived from the Latin word pessimus, meaning worst. It specifically refers to an individual who habitually expects negative outcomes or focuses predominantly on the unfavorable aspects of a situation. This psychological disposition involves a tendency to believe that the evils or hardships in life outweigh the good, often leading to a lack of hope or confidence regarding future events.

Explanation

The term brat is an informal and often derogatory noun used to describe a child who is perceived as ill-mannered, annoying, or badly behaved. It specifically characterizes a young person who has been overindulged by parents or guardians, leading to a lack of discipline and a sense of entitlement, which is precisely captured by the term spoilt child.

Explanation

The word deteriorated means to become progressively worse in quality, value, or condition. In medical and physiological contexts, it is the standard term used to describe a decline in a person's physical state or the worsening of a health condition over time, especially when a person refuses medical treatment.

Explanation

The word Proffesser is spelled incorrectly. The standard English spelling is Professor, which is characterized by a single f, a double s, and the suffix -or. This spelling originates from the Latin term professor, referring to a person who professes an area of expertise or knowledge. Common errors in this word often involve doubling the wrong consonant or using the -er suffix typical of many English agent nouns, but in academic titles derived from Latin, the -or ending is the correct form.

Explanation

The logical flow of the conversation follows the standard sequence of a retail transaction. Sentence B starts the interaction with Mala placing her order for specific items. Sentence A follows as the shopkeeper confirms that the requested items have been packed. After the items are ready, Mala inquires about the price in sentence D. The dialogue concludes with sentence C, where the shopkeeper provides the final amount to be paid while explaining the discount offered.

Explanation

The term critical is used to describe decisions that are of essential importance or have a decisive effect on the outcome of a situation. In the context of the sentence, making critical decisions requires the application of logical thinking to ensure a successful result. The word effectively denotes that the choices being made are vital and significant, aligning with the promise of certain success mentioned in the latter part of the statement.

Explanation

The noun magnifying glass is a singular countable noun. In English grammar, singular countable nouns typically require an article or a determiner when used in a sentence. The preposition with is used here to indicate the instrument being used for an action. To make the phrase grammatically correct, the indefinite article a must be placed before magnifying glass to identify it as a single, non-specific instrument. Therefore, the construction with a magnifying glass provides the necessary grammatical structure for the sentence to function correctly.

Explanation

The phrase follows the standard grammatical construction one of + the + superlative adjective + plural noun. In this context, the preposition of is used to indicate a partitive relationship, where a specific subject is identified as being a member of a larger group or category. Here, it signifies that tourism is a constituent member of the group comprising the worlds largest businesses.

Explanation

The phrase at least is used to specify a minimum quantity or degree, indicating that the number of jobs generated by the tourism industry is not less than 200 million. In the context of economic statistics, this expression serves to emphasize the significant scale and magnitude of the sector's contribution to global employment. It functions as a quantifier that establishes a lower bound for the figure provided, which is the standard idiomatic way to present substantial statistical estimates in informative writing.

Explanation

The word many is a quantifier used with plural countable nouns to indicate a large number. In the context of the sentence, countries is a plural countable noun. Given that the passage describes tourism as one of the biggest businesses in the world, it logically follows that it serves as a vital economic pillar for a significant number of nations across the globe. Therefore, many correctly fits the grammatical and contextual requirements of the sentence.

Explanation

The word contributor denotes an entity or factor that plays a significant role in bringing about a particular result or situation. In environmental and socioeconomic contexts, industries are described as contributors when their operations directly lead to specific outcomes, such as global warming. Tourism involves activities like air travel, transportation, and energy-intensive hospitality services, all of which release greenhouse gases. Consequently, the industry acts as a primary factor that adds to the phenomenon of climate change, making it a major contributor to the environmental impact described in the passage.

Explanation

The term carbon emissions refers to the discharge of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere as a byproduct of human activity. In the context of tourism, these are primarily generated by transportation, such as flights and road travel, as well as the energy consumed by the hospitality sector. Because these released gases trap heat and are the primary drivers of global warming, the phrase carbon emissions is the standard technical colocation used to describe the environmental impact mentioned in the passage.

Explanation

When converting an imperative sentence expressing a request into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to requested. The word please is omitted in the indirect form as the request is already conveyed by the reporting verb. The comma and inverted commas are replaced by the infinitive to, which is placed before the base form of the main verb help. The first-person pronoun me refers back to the speaker, Raj, and is thus changed to the third-person masculine pronoun him. Furthermore, the demonstrative adjective this is changed to that to reflect the shift from direct to indirect narration. These transformations result in the sentence: Raj requested his friend to help him in that task.