SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The term brood refers specifically to a family of young animals, especially birds, produced at one hatching or birth. It is used as a collective noun to describe a group of hatchlings or chicks that are cared for together by the same mother until they are old enough to survive on their own.

Explanation

The word impoverished describes a state of being extremely poor, depleted of resources, or reduced to poverty. It signifies a lack of financial means or essential qualities. In contrast, rich refers to having an abundance of wealth, possessions, or valuable resources. Since impoverished denotes a deficiency of assets and rich denotes a surplus or plentiful supply of them, rich serves as the direct antonym by representing the opposite economic and material condition.

Explanation

Autonomy is derived from the Greek roots autos, meaning self, and nomos, meaning law. It represents the right or condition of self-government, particularly the power of a country, region, or organization to manage its own internal affairs and make independent decisions without external interference. In political geography, it specifically denotes a territory that has a degree of independence from a centralized government, allowing it to exercise authority over its own local laws and administration.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the simple past tense, as the verb put functions here as a past tense action. The standard rule for converting the simple past tense from active to passive voice is: Object + was/were + past participle (V3) + by + Subject.

In this sentence, an impressive parade is the singular object, so the auxiliary verb was is used. The past participle of put is put. Applying the formula, the object moves to the subject position, followed by was put up, and then the original subject the armed forces is introduced by the preposition by. This results in the construction: An impressive parade was put up by the armed forces on Republic Day.

Explanation

When converting a direct Yes/No question into indirect speech, the reporting verb asked remains asked or is changed to inquired. The comma and inverted commas are replaced by the conjunction if or whether. The second person pronoun you is changed to he to agree with the object Gopal. According to the rules of sequence of tenses, since the reporting verb is in the past tense, the present perfect tense have heard must be converted into the past perfect tense had heard. Finally, the interrogative word order is changed to an assertive word order by placing the subject before the auxiliary verb.

Explanation

The phrase same like human beings is grammatically incorrect because the word same requires the preposition as to form a valid comparison. In standard English, the idiomatic expression used to show identity or similarity is the same as. Alternatively, the word like can be used on its own as a preposition to compare the manner of thinking, such as think like human beings. Combining them into same like is redundant and non-standard, making this the erroneous part of the sentence.

Explanation

The idiom a square deal refers to an agreement or transaction that is honest and equitable for all parties involved. It conveys the idea of fairness and justice, implying that no one is being cheated or taken advantage of. The term became widely popularized in the early 20th century by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, whose Square Deal domestic program focused on the three Cs: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection. In this context, the word square serves as a metaphor for something that is straight, level, and balanced, representing integrity and transparency in dealings.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a finite verb in the subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction as soon as to complete the action. The word cutting is a present participle and cannot function as the principal verb of a clause without an auxiliary verb. To maintain grammatical consistency with the main clause verb flew, which is in the simple past tense, the participle cutting must be replaced with the simple past form cut. This change provides the necessary predicate for the subject the man, indicating a completed action in the past.

Explanation

Agricultural output refers to the total volume of crop yield produced from a specific area of land over a certain period. In economic and scientific contexts, this term is specifically used to measure the efficiency and productivity of farming practices. The introduction of chemical inputs like fertilisers, which provide essential nutrients to plants, and insecticides, which prevent crop loss from pests, directly results in a higher quantity of food production. This increase in total yield is essential to ensure food security for an expanding global population.

Explanation

The context of the passage relates to the physical dimensions and characteristics of waterfalls and river channels. When describing a vertical drop of water, height is the standard geographical term used to measure the distance from the top of the fall to the base. The sentence distinguishes cascades from larger waterfalls based on their vertical scale and the angle of the descent. In fluid dynamics and topography, the vertical magnitude of a waterfall is invariably referred to as its height, which makes it the most linguistically and scientifically appropriate choice to describe small-scale vertical drops in a river's course.

Explanation

The word term is the most appropriate fit for blank 2 because it refers back to the specific name cascades mentioned in the preceding clause. In technical and descriptive writing, term is the standard word used to denote a specific label, name, or expression assigned to a particular concept or natural feature. The passage is categorizing different types of water descents, and the sentence explains how the specific nomenclature cascades is applied to a sequence of small falls. Using term correctly identifies cascades as a designated vocabulary word within the context of geographical classification.

Explanation

The preposition along is used to indicate a position or movement following the line or path of something. In the context of a river, it describes features that occur sequentially following the watercourse. Therefore, along is the most appropriate choice to describe a series of small falls situated within the linear path of a river's channel.

Explanation

The word exhibit means to manifest, display, or show a specific quality or characteristic. In the context of the passage describing geographical features, it is used to indicate that even gentler reaches of a river can display or demonstrate the physical traits of turbulent flow and white water. This term is appropriate for formal and scientific descriptions where a subject possesses and makes visible certain observable properties.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error because the quantifier many is incorrectly used with the uncountable noun effort. In English grammar, many is used exclusively with countable plural nouns, whereas uncountable nouns require much or any. Furthermore, the adverb hardly has a negative connotation meaning almost none. When used in a negative or semi-negative context to indicate a negligible amount, it is idiomatically paired with any. Therefore, the phrase should be hardly any effort at all to correctly convey that the action was performed with almost no difficulty.

Explanation

In the context of fluid dynamics and geography, the term intensification denotes an increase in magnitude or degree. A local intensification in channel gradient signifies a sudden and significant increase in the steepness of the riverbed's slope. This abrupt change in the physical incline forces the water to move more rapidly and with greater energy, resulting in the turbulent flow and white water characteristic of rapids. The word accurately describes the localized heightening of the gravitational pull acting on the water due to the steeper terrain.

Explanation

A mint is a specialized industrial facility authorized by a government or a sovereign authority to manufacture coins, medals, and tokens used as legal tender or for commemorative purposes. These establishments utilize precision machinery to strike or cast metal into specific shapes with standardized weights and designs. The term is derived from the Latin word moneta, which was associated with the temple of Juno Moneta in Rome where the first Roman coins were produced.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into reported speech, the reporting verb asked is in the past tense, necessitating a shift in the tense of the reported clause. The simple present is becomes the simple past was. For yes/no questions, the conjunction if is used, and the word order changes from interrogative to assertive. Additionally, specific time-related adverbs must be updated; therefore, now changes to then. The sentence correctly identifies Mrs. Gulyani as the neighbour's wife and her husband as the subject of the inquiry.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically sound and follows standard English conventions. The singular subject The river correctly agrees with the singular present tense verb appears. The construction to have got uses a perfect infinitive to indicate that the action of receiving a name occurred prior to the current state of appearing. In British English and many international variations, got is the standard past participle of get. The possessive pronoun its is used correctly to show ownership by the river, and the phrase from the town nearby is a well-formed prepositional phrase where nearby acts as an adjective modifying the noun town. Since all components of the sentence align with formal grammatical rules, there is no error present.

Explanation

Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, characterized by trust and confidence in a positive outcome. Doubt represents a feeling of uncertainty, lack of conviction, or distrust regarding the likelihood of an event. Because hope involves looking forward with certainty and positivity while doubt involves hesitation and lack of belief, they are direct antonyms in the context of emotional outlook and expectation.

Explanation

The idiom to walk on air is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, elation, or excitement. It originates from the physical sensation of feeling weightless or floating when one experiences a great sense of joy or achievement, as if gravity no longer holds them down. This expression is commonly used in contexts where someone has received wonderful news or has accomplished a significant goal that brings them immense satisfaction.

Explanation

The word putrefy refers to the process of organic decay or rotting, which involves the chemical breakdown and disintegration of complex matter into simpler, separate components. In the context of these options, combine serves as the antonym because it signifies the act of joining, merging, or uniting different elements to form a single whole. While putrefaction represents the natural fragmentation and decomposition of a substance, combining represents the conceptual opposite of synthesis and integration.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical chronological order: first, the rich man sends his servant to buy apples (B); second, he provides the specific instruction to only buy sweet ones (A); third, at the orchard, the owner offers a sample to prove their sweetness (D); and finally, the servant responds with a question about the sample's validity (C). Therefore, the correct sequence is BADC.

Explanation

Exposition means a comprehensive description or explanation of an idea or theory, which fits the context of a teacher explaining a topic clearly. Qualification refers to credentials or skills and does not logically lead to students having fewer doubts about a specific subject during a class.

Explanation

The word infirm means physically or mentally weak, especially due to age or illness. Its antonym is strong, while weak, frail, and feeble are all synonyms of the given word.

Explanation

The idiom "the gift of the gab" refers to the ability to speak easily, fluently, and persuasively. Therefore, the phrase "Talks well and persuasively" is the correct meaning.

Explanation

The idiom to take a chill pill is an informal expression used to tell someone to relax or calm down, especially when they are acting in an overly agitated, stressed, or angry manner. It functions as a figurative suggestion for the person to reduce their emotional intensity and regain their composure. The phrase uses the metaphor of a pill to imply a quick remedy for irritability or anxiety, encouraging a transition from a state of high tension to one of tranquility and patience.

Explanation

The word sprightly means lively, full of energy, and brisk. Lethargic, which means sluggish and lacking energy, is its direct antonym.

Explanation

The noun food is an uncountable or mass noun. In standard English grammar, the pronoun one is used specifically to substitute for singular countable nouns to avoid repetition. To refer back to an uncountable noun in a comparison, the demonstrative pronoun that must be used instead. Consequently, the phrase the one in RK Puram is grammatically incorrect because it uses a countable pronoun for an uncountable antecedent. It should be replaced with that in RK Puram or the food in RK Puram to ensure proper pronoun-antecedent agreement and a logical comparison between the two food items.

Explanation

The preposition in is the standard idiomatic choice when referring to contributions or achievements within specific domains, subjects, or areas of study. While inside typically refers to physical containment, in is used for abstract sectors such as photography and electronics. Additionally, because the sentence lists multiple examples, the plural noun fields is grammatically necessary to reflect the diversity of the areas mentioned. Thus, in some fields like correctly links the contributions to the academic and industrial subjects provided in the context.

Explanation

Leverage refers to the power to influence a person or situation to achieve a particular result, making influence the most appropriate synonym among the given options. The other terms do not share the same meaning of power or strategic advantage.

Explanation

A siesta is a short nap or rest taken in the afternoon, specifically after the midday meal or lunch. While doze means to sleep lightly, siesta is the precise term for the timing specified in the question.

Explanation

The phrase 'the need of the hour' is a standard idiomatic expression meaning something that is highly necessary at a particular time. Using the definite article 'the' before both 'need' and 'hour' is required to correctly form this idiom.

Explanation

The word 'Licenced' is incorrectly spelled. In standard English, while 'licence' is the noun (in British English), the verb form is 'license', and its past participle or adjective form is correctly spelled as 'licensed'.

Explanation

The sentence requires a superlative adjective because the definite article the precedes the blank and the context compares the share of students in 2020 to other years. Lowest is the most appropriate choice to indicate the minimum share recorded due to the lack of academic sessions.

Explanation

When converting a sentence from direct speech to indirect (reported) speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the tense of the verb in the reported speech must shift accordingly. In this case, the simple present tense verb live changes to the simple past tense lived. Additionally, the first-person pronoun I shifts to the third-person she to correspond with the subject of the reporting verb. The conjunction that is used to introduce the reported statement, resulting in the construction: She said that she lived in Mumbai.

Explanation

The word "Override" is spelled with a double 'r' (r-r-i-d-e). Therefore, "Overide" is the incorrectly spelt word, while all other options are spelled correctly.

Explanation

A conglomerate is a large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms. It specifically refers to a multi-industry company where multiple business entities operate in entirely different industries under one corporate umbrella.

Explanation

The idiom feel at sea or all at sea means to be confused, lost, or uncertain about what to do in a particular situation. It is derived from the literal sense of a ship being out of sight of land and unable to determine its position.

Explanation

Integrate means to combine or blend things together to form a whole, which is synonymous with assimilate, meaning to absorb or incorporate something into a larger system. Distribute and separate are near-antonyms, while disburse specifically refers to paying out money.

Explanation

Sentence D serves as the logical introduction to the paragraph by defining the subject, TV, and establishing its status as a powerful modern medium. This is followed by sentence B, which illustrates the practical impact of this medium by describing how people of all ages are constantly engaged with it. Sentences C and A provide the underlying reasons for this widespread engagement. Sentence C highlights its function as a primary source of entertainment, while sentence A utilizes the transition word also to introduce its secondary role as a provider of global news updates. This structure follows a logical progression from a general introductory claim to specific evidence and functional explanations.

Explanation

The sentence is in the simple past tense, so the passive voice requires the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle worn. Option A correctly transforms the object into the subject and uses the proper passive construction.

Explanation

The subject "small businesses" is plural, which requires the plural verb "have been" instead of the singular "has been" for correct subject-verb agreement. Therefore, the error is in the third part of the sentence.

Explanation

The term potential refers to a risk that is latent or has the capacity to develop into a future condition. In medical contexts, smoking is viewed as a significant factor that increases the likelihood of developing cancer; therefore, the danger it poses is a potential risk until a diagnosis occurs. By quitting smoking, an individual reduces this existing possibility of disease progression, allowing the body to begin repairing damaged tissues and reducing the cumulative threat to cellular health.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on the restorative effects of quitting smoking on the body's cellular health. When a person stops smoking, the lungs and airways begin to replace damaged tissue with healthy new growth. These replenished cells are functionally and structurally similar to the cells found in individuals who have never been exposed to tobacco smoke. The verb resemble correctly describes this likeness or similarity between the newly regenerated healthy cells and those of a non-smoker.

Explanation

The sentence follows the double comparative grammatical structure, often expressed as the more... the more... pattern. This construction is used to show a proportional relationship between two variables, where a change in one leads to a corresponding change in the other. Since the second half of the clause already uses the comparative form the more mutations, the first half must also use the comparative form more to maintain structural parallelism and indicate that the rate of mutation increases in direct proportion to the amount of smoking.

Explanation

The passage describes the pathological process by which smoking leads to cancer through repetitive exposure to carcinogens. Smoking is a chronic habit that subjects the respiratory system to persistent and unceasing injury. The term constant is the most appropriate descriptor for this damage because it signifies the continuous and ongoing nature of the assault on the cells lining the airway. This unrelenting exposure prevents the body from effectively repairing cellular structures and leads to the progressive accumulation of genetic mutations required for the development of cancers in the lungs, larynx, and pharynx.

Explanation

The word prompt as an adjective describes an action or response that is performed without delay, immediate, or punctual. In this context, quick is the most appropriate synonym as it similarly refers to something happening or being done in a short time or at a rapid pace. Both terms emphasize the absence of hesitation and the efficiency of the action taken.

Explanation

The sentence describes a cause-and-effect relationship where physiological damage results in a specific medical outcome. The phrasal verb lead to is the standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that a particular condition or action serves as a pathway to a certain consequence. In this context, it explains the progression from cellular damage caused by smoking to the development of malignant tumors in the respiratory and upper digestive tracts. This usage is common in scientific and health communication to denote how risk factors eventually result in clinical diseases.

Explanation

The preposition among is used to describe relationships, interactions, or states involving more than two entities or a collective group. In the context of market dynamics, it correctly indicates that the rivalry is occurring between the various entities within the group of restaurants. This usage effectively conveys that the competition is distributed throughout the entire collective set of businesses, which is the standard way to express mutual interaction within a specific category or class.

Explanation

Sentence B serves as the introduction to the paragraph by establishing the primary characters and the premise of the story. Sentence D follows as the first action in the sequence, where the father initiates his visits by going to the gardener's home. Sentence C must follow D because it uses the phrase "other daughter," which logically necessitates that a visit to the first daughter has already been mentioned. Sentence A concludes the paragraph by providing the direct speech response to the inquiry made in sentence C, following the standard narrative structure of a question followed by an answer.