SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The verb occur is the most suitable choice in a scientific or research context to describe the manifestation or existence of a phenomenon. In linguistics and psychology, expressions or behaviors are said to occur when they are observed to happen or exist within a specific set of circumstances or environments. The sentence implies that these 16 facial expressions are found to be present and used consistently in similar situations across diverse geographical regions.

Explanation

The sentence describes an action that began in the past and continues into the present, as indicated by the time phrase for two years. This context requires the use of the present perfect continuous tense. Since the subject Sunil is a third-person singular noun, it must be followed by the singular auxiliary verb has instead of have. Therefore, the grammatically correct form is has been working to maintain proper subject-verb agreement.

Explanation

The word adviseable is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is advisable. According to the standard rules of English suffixation, when adding the suffix -able to a root word that ends in a silent e, such as advise, the e is dropped. This rule applies to most verbs ending in e, resulting in the correct form being advisable rather than adviseable.

Explanation

The word herd is a collective noun used to refer to a group of animals. In standard English grammar, collective nouns are treated as singular subjects when the group acts as a unified whole. Since the animals in the herd are performing the action of grazing together as a single unit, the subject requires a singular verb to maintain proper subject-verb agreement. The singular auxiliary verb is is used with the present participle grazing to form the present continuous tense, accurately describing an ongoing action performed by the collective entity.

Explanation

The idiom to pay lip service means to express verbal support, agreement, or loyalty to a cause or person without actually intending to follow through with any supporting action. It implies that the speaker is merely saying what is expected or required for the sake of appearance while their true intentions or feelings are contrary, which makes the expression inherently insincere.

Explanation

The term invigilator refers specifically to a person who is appointed to supervise students or candidates during an examination. Derived from the Latin word invigilare, which means to keep watch over, an invigilator ensures that the exam is conducted fairly, prevents cheating, and makes sure that all administrative rules and time limits are strictly followed within the examination hall.

Explanation

A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or doctrine that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. In a similar sense, an axiom is a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true. Both terms refer to primary rules or basic truths that provide the starting point for further logical deduction or a framework for conduct.

Explanation

The idiom to get the ball rolling means to set an activity or process in motion. It is commonly used in professional and social settings to describe the act of starting a project, a conversation, or a sequence of events so that progress can be made. The phrase suggests that once the initial action is taken, the momentum will help the process continue more easily.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the tense of the verb in the reported clause undergoes a backshift. The Present Perfect tense (have done) changes to the Past Perfect tense (had done). Additionally, pronouns must be updated to reflect the perspective of the reporter: the first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person pronoun he to match the subject Kamal, and the possessive adjective my changes to his. The conjunction that is typically used to introduce the reported statement, resulting in the construction Kamal said that he had done his work.

Explanation

Sentence B serves as the introductory statement by defining polymers as the large, chain-like molecules used to produce man-made fibres. Sentence C logically follows by detailing the specific characteristics and advantages of these materials when they are utilized in fibre form. Sentence D then broadens the discussion by explaining that the polymers used for fibres are often identical or similar to those used in plastics, rubbers, and adhesives. Sentence A concludes the paragraph by providing specific examples, such as regenerated cellulose, to demonstrate how these polymers are versatile enough to be manufactured into both familiar textiles like rayon and non-fibre products like plastic bottles.

Explanation

Censure refers to the formal expression of severe disapproval, harsh criticism, or an official reprimand directed at someone’s actions or behavior. It is a negative assessment intended to condemn or rebuke. In contrast, applause signifies a public or collective expression of approval, praise, and commendation. While censure focuses on fault-finding and social or professional condemnation, applause focuses on celebrating merit and showing high regard. Therefore, applause serves as the direct antonym by representing the opposite spectrum of public evaluation—moving from severe disapproval to enthusiastic approval.

Explanation

The word endorsed is the most appropriate fit because it means to give official approval or support to a plan, policy, or proposal. In a governmental context, the Cabinet is the executive body that reviews and formally sanctions specific proposals before they are moved forward for implementation or legislative action. Using endorsed correctly describes the formal act of the Cabinet accepting and backing the proposed changes to university funding and management.

Explanation

The error in this sentence is a matter of subject-verb agreement within the relative clause. The relative pronoun who refers back to its antecedent My brother, which is a singular third-person noun. In the present simple tense, a singular subject requires a singular verb form, typically ending in s or es. Consequently, the verb live should be corrected to lives to properly match the singular subject My brother.

Explanation

The error in this sentence is the use of the incorrect preposition in the phrase their resignations on protest. In English grammar, the standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that an action is performed as a formal demonstration of strong objection or dissent is in protest. The preposition on is not used with protest in this context. Therefore, the phrase should correctly read their resignations in protest to indicate the motive behind the members' actions.

Explanation

Triumph denotes a state of great victory, a significant achievement, or a successful outcome in a contest or struggle. It represents the pinnacle of accomplishment and winning. Conversely, failure signifies the lack of success, a defeat, or the inability to achieve a desired goal. Since triumph is defined by winning and success, and failure is defined by the absence of success or losing, it constitutes the direct semantic opposite of the given word.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb wrote. To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the simple past tense, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, followed by the auxiliary verb was or were and the past participle (V3) of the main verb. The formula used is New Subject + was/were + V3 + by + Agent.

In this sentence, the object a letter is singular, so it is paired with was. The past participle of write is written. Therefore, the core passive structure is a letter was written by Shiva. The remaining phrases, to the head of the HR department and in response to the advertisement, are kept in their respective positions to complete the meaning.

Explanation

In the phrase remarkable range, the word remarkable begins with a consonant sound /r/. According to the rules of English grammar, the indefinite article a is used before singular countable nouns or noun phrases that start with a consonant sound. Here, the sentence is describing a general characteristic of English vocabulary, making the indefinite article the most appropriate choice to introduce the quality of having a wide and flexible scope.

Explanation

The preposition of is used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate a specific type or characteristic of the noun preceding it. In the context of the sentence, periods of contact is a standard idiomatic structure where of connects the noun periods to the noun contact to specify what kind of periods are being discussed. This indicates that the duration of time was characterized by interaction with foreign influences.

Explanation

The passage discusses the evolution and growth of English vocabulary. A language's lexicon expands primarily through interaction with other linguistic systems. Throughout history, English has incorporated a vast number of loanwords and expressions through prolonged contact with foreign languages such as Latin, French, and Old Norse. This linguistic exchange is what provides the remarkable range and adaptability described in the text, allowing the language to integrate diverse elements into its core vocabulary.

Explanation

In linguistics, the verb coin is specifically used to describe the act of inventing or creating a new word or phrase. The passage highlights the flexibility and adaptability of English, noting its capacity to generate fresh vocabulary from existing linguistic components. Coining is the standard term for this process of neologism, where new terms are established and integrated into the language's core lexicon.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the expansive nature and development of the English word system. The term core vocabulary is a standard linguistic expression used to describe the primary set of words that constitute the heart of a language. By using this term, the sentence maintains thematic consistency with the opening statement of the passage, which explicitly identifies the subject as English vocabulary. It accurately refers to the total stock of words available to speakers of the language in comparison to other linguistic systems.

Explanation

The word Dissapoint is spelled incorrectly because it should contain a single s and a double p. The correct spelling is Disappoint. It is formed by combining the prefix dis- with the verb appoint, meaning to fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone.

Explanation

An arbitrator is an independent person or neutral third party officially appointed by mutual agreement between two conflicting sides to settle a dispute outside of a formal court of law. This individual reviews the evidence and arguments presented by both parties to reach a decision or settlement that resolves the disagreement.

Explanation

In English grammar, the auxiliary verbs do, does, and did are always followed by the base form of the main verb, also known as the bare infinitive. When using the negative contraction doesn't (does not), the third-person singular inflection is already carried by the auxiliary verb does. Therefore, the main verb must not take an additional -s or -es ending. Since the subject he is third-person singular, the correct construction requires doesn't followed by the base verb mend.

Explanation

Sabotage refers to the deliberate act of destroying, damaging, or obstructing something, typically to prevent a system or process from working successfully. It is an act of subversion aimed at weakening or dismantling an existing entity or plan. Conversely, create means to bring something into existence, to build, or to produce through effort. Since sabotage involves the intentional ruin of an object or effort, create is its most appropriate antonym as it represents the act of construction and origination rather than destruction.

Explanation

The word spill refers to the act of accidentally letting a substance, typically a liquid, flow out or fall from a container onto a surface. Similarly, drop means to let something fall or move downwards, often unintentionally or by losing one's grip. In the context of losing control over an object or its contents, both words describe a situation where something is released or falls to the ground, making drop the most suitable synonym.

Explanation

The word perspective refers to a particular way of viewing or considering a situation, often implying a broader outlook or a mental view of the relative importance of things. In the context of a committee or formal study, examining the larger perspective signifies looking beyond immediate specific details to understand the overall context, background, and various dimensions of the problem. This choice maintains logical coherence in the sentence by contrasting a narrow focus on a specific issue with a wide-angle viewpoint on the entire subject matter.

Explanation

The idiom through thick and thin originated from the medieval English phrase through thicket and thin wood, which described a traveler who continued their journey regardless of whether the terrain was dense with vegetation or clear and easy to navigate. In contemporary usage, it signifies steadfastness and loyalty, meaning that someone remains committed or a situation persists regardless of the circumstances. It specifically implies enduring both good and bad times, or staying the course under all conditions and in spite of any obstacles or difficulties encountered.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition from in the phrase from childhood. In English grammar, when referring to a specific point of time that marks the beginning of a state or action continuing up to the present, the preposition since must be used. Since indicates a starting point in the past for a period of time that is still ongoing, whereas from is typically used for a starting point in time that does not necessarily have a direct link to the present or is followed by to or until to show a range. For the sentence to be grammatically correct, it should use since childhood, which would also necessitate changing the preceding clause to the present perfect tense, I have been fond of cricket, to correctly reflect the duration.

Explanation

The word lavish describes something characterized by extravagance, profusion, or excess, often involving the spending of large amounts of money or resources in an unrestrained manner. In contrast, moderate refers to something that is kept within reasonable or average limits and is not extreme, intense, or excessive. Therefore, moderate acts as the most suitable antonym by representing a restrained and balanced approach as opposed to the opulent and abundant nature of lavish.

Explanation

The word is incorrectly spelt because the correct spelling is Occasion. It is derived from the Latin word occasio, which requires a double c and a single s. A common orthographic error involves either omitting the second c or incorrectly doubling the s, but the standard English spelling always maintains the cc and s structure.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into reported speech with a reporting verb in the past tense like said, the tenses in the reported clause must shift backward. In this sentence, the first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person he to correspond with the French scientist. The simple present tense verbs want and find are backshifted to the simple past forms wanted and found. The conjunction that is introduced to connect the reporting verb to the reported statement, while the third-person possessive pronoun their remains unchanged.

Explanation

A caravan is defined as a group of people, such as merchants, pilgrims, or travelers, who journey together for safety and mutual assistance, particularly across deserts or through dangerous regions. This collective movement often involves a line of vehicles or pack animals like camels and horses to carry passengers and goods over long distances. Historically, caravans were the primary means of trans-continental trade and travel in Asia and North Africa.

Explanation

The sentence describes a hypothetical situation in the past, indicated by the result clause "would have fined" and the past tense verb "damaged". The original segment "he come" is grammatically incorrect because the third-person singular subject "he" requires "comes" in the present tense or "came" in the past tense. In conditional sentences where the consequence is expressed in the "would have + past participle" form, the "if" clause typically requires a past tense to maintain temporal consistency. The form "he came to know" correctly provides the past tense needed to match the context of the sentence and resolve the subject-verb agreement error.

Explanation

The term breakthrough refers to a significant or major development, especially in the context of science, technology, or research, where an important obstacle is overcome or a new realization is reached. It signifies a sudden and dramatic leap in progress or knowledge. Discovery is the most appropriate synonym because it also denotes the act of finding or uncovering something new and important for the first time, aligning with the sense of making a major advancement or finding a solution to a long-standing problem.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Past tense (negative form). To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the Simple Past tense, the auxiliary verb did not is replaced by was not or were not followed by the past participle (V3) form of the main verb. Since the object my phone is singular, it takes the auxiliary was not. The past participle of the verb repair is repaired. Therefore, the passive structure follows the formula: New Subject + was/were + not + V3 + by + agent. Applying this gives: My phone was not repaired yesterday by them.

Explanation

The grammatical rule for the construction one of the requires the use of a plural noun because the phrase refers to one specific unit selected from a larger group. In this sentence, the noun enterprise is in its singular form, which is incorrect. It must be changed to the plural form enterprises to correctly complete the structure one of the + superlative adjective + plural noun. While the noun is plural, the verb is declaring remains singular because it agrees with the subject one.

Explanation

The idiom on the horizon refers to an event, situation, or development that is likely to happen or exist in the future. It is derived from the literal observation of something appearing in the distance where the earth meets the sky, suggesting that while it is not currently present, its arrival is anticipated or imminent. In a figurative sense, it denotes prospects, plans, or upcoming occurrences that one can foresee or expect to manifest.

Explanation

The verb accuse means to charge someone with an offense, fault, or wrongdoing. The second part of the sentence provides the reason for the instruction, stating that the person in question has done no harm. Logically, if a person is innocent of causing harm, there is no basis to charge or blame them, making accuse the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence describes the muskmelon as being ideal for the summer season due to its high water content and ability to mitigate fluid loss. In this context, the word companion is used metaphorically to denote something that is a perfect match or a beneficial addition to a particular time or situation. Describing a fruit as a perfect summer companion signifies that it is highly suitable and helpful for maintaining health and hydration during the hot weather.

Explanation

The adjective rich is used to describe something that contains a large amount of a particular substance or quality. When followed by the preposition in, it forms a standard collocation used to indicate high nutritional or elemental value. In the context of the passage, the muskmelon is being praised for its high hydration properties, making rich the most appropriate word to characterize its significant water content.

Explanation

The sentence uses the verb help, which is commonly followed by either a bare infinitive or a to-infinitive. The phrase take care of is a standard English idiom meaning to look after or deal with something. In this context, it refers to managing the body's fluid loss. By using the bare infinitive take, the sentence correctly completes the idiomatic expression within the grammatical structure established by the preceding verb.

Explanation

The context of the passage relates to the physical and physiological effects of the summer season on the human system. Fluid loss, or dehydration, occurs when the physical organism loses more water and electrolytes through perspiration and metabolic processes than it takes in. Therefore, the possessive noun body's is the most appropriate term to describe the system experiencing this fluid loss, as it specifically refers to the biological and physical structure of a person.

Explanation

To absolve means to formally declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment, particularly in a legal, moral, or religious context. Pardon serves as a direct synonym because it refers to the act of forgiving an offense or releasing an individual from the legal consequences of a crime. Both terms describe the process of exonerating or clearing someone of blame or responsibility.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from the introduction of a concept to its specific consequences. Sentence A serves as the opening statement, introducing Information Communication Technology tools as the source of significant changes in communication. Sentence B immediately follows by using the demonstrative phrase "These changes" to refer back to the changes mentioned in sentence A, specifying that they have made communication faster. Sentence C builds upon this by adding that communication has become not only faster but also easier, creating a transition from technical efficiency to user convenience. Sentence D provides the logical conclusion by stating the final result of these developments, which is a more relaxed life. This sequence ensures a cohesive flow from the cause to the final impact on human experience.

Explanation

Mortality is the noun form used to describe the state or condition of being mortal, which means being destined to die. Derived from the Latin root mors or mortis, meaning death, the term refers to the inescapable reality that all biological organisms possess a finite lifespan and are subject to the eventual cessation of life.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the adjective fearless to modify the verb marched. In English grammar, an adjective is used to describe a noun or pronoun, whereas an adverb is required to describe an action or modify a verb. Since the word describes how the army marched, the adverbial form fearlessly should be used instead of the adjective fearless to correctly indicate the manner of the action.

Explanation

The idiom on cloud nine is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, elation, or euphoria. It originates from the idea of being at a great height of joy, similar to other expressions like being over the moon or walking on air. This expression typically characterizes a person's emotional state following a very positive event, a great achievement, or a moment of intense satisfaction.

Explanation

The word Petete is an incorrect spelling of the French-derived adjective Petite. The correct spelling is Petite, which is used to describe a person, typically a woman, who is small, slender, and daintily built. In English, the middle vowel must be an i to maintain the proper spelling and pronunciation of the term.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Past tense (gave). To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the Simple Past tense, the auxiliary verb was or were is used along with the past participle form of the main verb (V3). The structure follows: Subject (receiver) + was/were + V3 + by + Object (doer). In this sentence, Kaveri is the indirect object that becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence. Since Kaveri is a singular noun, it is followed by was given. The agent He changes to its objective form him, preceded by the preposition by.