SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence "The sunrays burned my face" is in the simple past tense, where "burned" is the second form (V2) of the verb. To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the simple past tense, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the construction follows the formula: Subject + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Object. Since "my face" is a singular subject, the auxiliary verb "was" is used. The past participle of "burn" is "burned". Consequently, the sentence transforms into "My face was burned by the sunrays."

Explanation

The phrase some more examples of is the most appropriate substitution because it logically fits the context of a teacher asking students for additional illustrations of a concept. In English grammar, some is frequently used in interrogative sentences when the speaker expects a positive response or is making a request. When combined with the comparative adjective more, it functions to ask for an increased or additional number of items. This makes sense in a classroom setting where a teacher, having likely already provided or received some examples, seeks further participation from the class to ensure comprehension of subordinate clauses.

Explanation

The word in option d is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is allotment, which features a double l and a single t before the suffix. This term refers to the process of distributing or assigning shares of something, such as land or funds. In English orthography, the verb allot retains its double l when the suffix -ment is added, but it does not gain a double t; therefore, the correct form contains only one t after the o.

Explanation

The term each other is a reciprocal pronoun used to indicate that two or more people carry out an action or maintain a relationship in a mutual way. In the context of the sentence, communication is described as a process where people share information with one another. The phrase each other is the standard idiomatic expression used to denote this type of interaction and exchange between individuals.

Explanation

The preposition at is used to indicate a specific location, setting, or state of activity. In this context, it identifies one of the primary environments where communication is essential. The phrase at work is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to describe being at ones place of employment or engaged in professional duties. It functions parallel to the preceding phrase in everyday life to categorize the different spheres of human interaction where effective communication is necessary.

Explanation

The sentence requires a noun to serve as the direct object of the verb get to indicate what the bats are obtaining. Warmth is the appropriate noun form representing the state of being warm. Additionally, the preposition from is necessary to correctly identify each other's body as the source of that heat. Therefore, warmth from is the grammatically correct phrase to complete the intended meaning.

Explanation

The idiom twiddling one's thumbs refers to the physical action of rotating one's thumbs around each other while the fingers are interlaced. This gesture is typically associated with a person who is idle, has nothing productive to do, or is waiting for something to happen, thereby signifying a state of being bored.

Explanation

The word abstain means to deliberately restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something, or to formally decline to participate in an action such as voting. It conveys the sense of self-denial or holding back from a particular impulse or activity. Refrain is its most accurate synonym because it likewise describes the act of stopping oneself from doing something or choosing not to perform an action. Both terms are frequently used in contexts involving the avoidance of habits, behaviors, or specific choices through conscious effort.

Explanation

The sentence requires the present perfect passive voice because the students are the recipients of the action. The grammatical structure for this tense is subject + have/has + been + past participle (V3). The word notify is the base form of the verb, which is incorrect in this construction. It must be replaced with the past participle form, notified, to satisfy the requirements of the passive voice. Simple verb forms cannot follow the auxiliary phrase have been in this syntactic context.

Explanation

The passage defines communication as a connection between people sharing information. In the context of everyday life and work, the act of interacting involves human beings. Since the first sentence establishes the subject of communication as people, using the word people in the third blank maintains thematic consistency throughout the text. It completes the common phrase interact with other people, which aligns with the subsequent discussion about English proficiency and social skills.

Explanation

The word barbaric refers to behavior that is primitive, unsophisticated, or characterized by a lack of culture and refinement, often associated with wildness or extreme cruelty. Its antonym, civilised, describes a state of human society that is highly developed, refined, and organized under a system of social and moral laws. While barbaric implies a raw or savage nature, civilised denotes being polite, well-mannered, and culturally advanced, representing the direct opposite in terms of social conduct and development.

Explanation

The word Playright is incorrectly spelt; the correct spelling is Playwright. This term refers to a person who writes plays. The spelling is derived from the word play combined with the suffix -wright, which originates from the Old English word wyrhta, meaning a maker, builder, or craftsman. Similar to terms like shipwright or wheelwright, a playwright is considered a person who fashions or constructs a play.

Explanation

The idiom out of the blue refers to something that happens completely unexpectedly or without any prior warning. It is a shortened version of the phrase a bolt out of the blue, which compares a sudden and surprising event to a lightning bolt appearing from a clear, cloudless sky. Because there are no clouds to signal a storm, such a lightning strike is entirely unpredicted, much like a situation that occurs without any lead-up or anticipation.

Explanation

The word apparent is used to describe something that is clearly visible, obvious, or easy to perceive. In the context of the sentence, the gravity of the patient's medical condition was so evident that every person present could easily understand the life-threatening nature of the situation and the necessity for immediate medical intervention. The structure it was apparent to everyone indicates that the facts of the situation were unmistakable and recognized by all observers.

Explanation

A post-mortem, also known as an autopsy, is a specialized surgical procedure and medical examination performed on a corpse to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death. It is typically conducted by a pathologist to evaluate any diseases or injuries that may be present and to provide definitive evidence regarding why the individual died, especially in cases of sudden, suspicious, or unexplained fatalities.

Explanation

Cadence refers to the modulation or inflection of the voice or the rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words. In music and poetry, it denotes the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity. It specifically describes the rise and fall in pitch and the patterned tempo of language or melody. This makes rhythm the most appropriate synonym, as both terms describe a regular, repeated pattern of sound, movement, or emphasis.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect combination of the indefinite article a with the superlative adjective sharpest. In English grammar, superlative adjectives, which indicate the highest degree of a quality, must be preceded by the definite article the. To correct the sentence, one should either use the positive degree of the adjective to say take a sharp turn or use the definite article to say take the sharpest turn. The use of a with sharpest is grammatically inconsistent.

Explanation

The conversation follows a logical sequence starting with sentence B, where the boy initiates the dialogue by asking for directions to the post office. Sentence C is the shopkeeper's immediate response to this request, providing specific navigation instructions to go straight and turn right. After receiving the directions, the boy asks a follow-up question in sentence D regarding the distance of the post office to gauge how long it will take to reach. Sentence A concludes the exchange as the shopkeeper answers the boy's second query by clarifying that the destination is very close and only a short walk away.

Explanation

The word Neice is misspelled. The correct spelling is Niece, which follows the common English orthographic rule where i precedes e when the vowel pair does not follow the letter c. This term specifically refers to a daughter of one's sibling or a daughter of one's sibling-in-law.

Explanation

The phrase because of is a compound preposition used to indicate a reason or cause. In this context, it connects the occurrence of communication issues to the specific factor mentioned, which is the individual's English level. While because functions as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause containing a subject and a verb, because of is followed by a noun phrase, making it the grammatically appropriate choice to precede your English level.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice and uses the Simple Past tense (was/were + past participle). To convert it into the active voice, the agent of the action (him) must become the subject of the sentence in its nominative form (He). The passive verb "was given" is converted to the Simple Past active form "gave". The original subject "I" then becomes the indirect object in its objective form (me). Following the standard active voice structure of Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object, the sentence becomes "He gave me a robot."

Explanation

Delight is defined as a high degree of gratification or a state of great pleasure and happiness. Its antonym must represent the opposite emotional state, which is sadness or distress. Sorrow specifically refers to a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or misfortune, making it the most appropriate linguistic opposite to a state of delight.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to told when followed by an object. Since the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense within the reported speech must shift further into the past. According to the rules of backshifting, the past continuous tense (was raining) transforms into the past perfect continuous tense (had been raining). Additionally, the conjunction that is used to link the reporting verb with the reported statement, replacing the commas and quotation marks.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological sequence of events starting with the invitation and ending with the celebration. Sentence D introduces the primary context, which is Ram inviting Shyam for his birthday party. Sentence C follows logically by describing Shyam's arrival at the house where the other classmates were already gathered. Once the guest has arrived, sentence A depicts the next step of social interaction where the host, Ram, introduces Shyam to the group and serves snacks. Sentence B concludes the narrative by describing the main event of the party, the cake cutting, followed by dancing.

Explanation

The verb flowed is used metaphorically to describe the continuous, steady, and fluid movement of a large group of people or things. When describing crowds of tourists moving through an open area like a square, the term implies a constant and rhythmic stream of motion, similar to the movement of a liquid. This word effectively captures the persistent and collective nature of the movement over a period of time.

Explanation

An anchor is a professional who hosts and presents news or entertainment programs on radio or television. Their primary role involves introducing various segments of the show, conducting interviews with guests, and providing transitions between different parts of the broadcast to ensure a cohesive and engaging presentation for the audience. In the broadcasting industry, they serve as the central figure who guides the viewers or listeners through the scheduled content.

Explanation

The phrase by profession is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to identify a person's primary occupation or career. In this context, the preposition by correctly links the noun artist to the noun profession to specify the field in which John works. This construction is conventionally used whenever a professional title is followed by the word profession to indicate vocational identity.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires an adjective in its positive degree to be modified by the adverb very. In English grammar, the phrase good at is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe a person's proficiency or skill in a specific activity or field. Since the context describes John's ability as an artist, good accurately conveys his level of competence before the subsequent clauses explain the extent of his talent.

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb in its base form to follow the modal auxiliary verb could. In English grammar, modal verbs are followed by the bare infinitive without to. Since the context establishes that John is an artist, the most appropriate action he would perform on any subject he could think of is to paint. The word paint serves as the base verb that maintains both the grammatical correctness and the logical flow of the sentence.

Explanation

The verb specialize is the grammatically and contextually correct choice because it is idiomatically followed by the preposition in to indicate a narrow field of focus. In the narrative flow of the sentence, the word but introduces a contrast between John's broad ability to create any subject and the restricted scope of work he was forced to adopt. Therefore, specialize in describes his transition from a general artist to one who concentrates exclusively on a specific category of art.

Explanation

The preposition without is used here to indicate the absence of a specific condition or action while another is present. In English grammar, without is frequently followed by a gerund, such as knowing, to form a phrase that means and yet not or in the absence of. In the context of the passage, it establishes a logical contrast by showing that it is possible to possess the technical skill of speaking a language while lacking the functional skill of effective communication.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes a talented artist who, due to external pressures or necessity, is compelled to perform a specific action regarding the creations of famous painters. The word duplicating refers to the process of making an exact copy or reproduction of an existing work of art. In the narrative of a skilled artist forced by circumstances, this implies that he had to earn a living by creating replicas or forgeries of masterpieces rather than producing original content. This choice completes the logical progression of the sentence, highlighting the contrast between his innate ability to conceive any subject and the repetitive task of copying others' works.

Explanation

The segment from one generation through a next contains a grammatical error involving both the preposition and the article. In English, the standard idiomatic expression used to describe a sequence or a hand-over process is from one to the next. The preposition through is used to indicate movement within a space or a period, whereas to is required here to indicate the destination or recipient of the tradition. Furthermore, the word next refers to a specific subsequent generation in the sequence, which requires the definite article the rather than the indefinite article a. Therefore, the segment should correctly read from one generation to the next.

Explanation

Rhetoric is defined as the art of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form. It involves the study and practice of techniques such as figures of speech, logical reasoning, and emotional appeals to influence or motivate an audience. Originating in classical antiquity, rhetoric is a foundational discipline in communication that focuses on the strategic choice of words and structure to achieve a specific purpose or impact.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence B, which sets the scene by introducing the ancient ruins located in the Mexican jungle. Sentence D identifies the city as Calakmul and establishes its historical role as a superpower of the Mayan civilization. Sentence A adds further detail by describing the vast population of the city and its surrounding kingdom during its prime. Finally, sentence C provides specific archaeological data regarding the physical remains discovered at the site, completing the transition from a general introduction to specific historical and physical details.

Explanation

The standard idiomatic expression in English for being watched or monitored is to be under surveillance. The preposition under is used to indicate that someone is being subjected to a particular condition, control, or process. In the context of monitoring prisoners, the phrase kept under constant surveillance correctly describes their state of being continuously observed by authorities.

Explanation

The error lies in the phrase to sold their land because it violates the rule of the to-infinitive. In English grammar, an infinitive is formed by using the particle to followed by the base form of the verb. The word sold is the past tense or past participle form of the verb sell. To correctly express the purpose of Raman going to the village, the base form sell must be used after to. Consequently, the grammatically correct construction is to sell their land.

Explanation

The word lessen means to diminish, make smaller, or reduce in size, amount, or degree. Its direct opposite is increase, which means to become or make greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree. Therefore, increase serves as the most appropriate antonym because it describes the process of growth or expansion, which is the exact reverse of the process of reduction implied by lessen.

Explanation

The word controlled describes a state of being held in check, restrained, or managed with emotional composure and discipline. It implies that feelings or actions are kept within specific limits and are not allowed to become excessive or unruly. The word excited is the most appropriate antonym because it signifies a state of high energy, agitation, or intense emotion that lacks restraint. When someone is excited, they are no longer calm or steady, representing a departure from the measured and disciplined nature of being controlled.

Explanation

The word drag is defined as the act of pulling something forcefully or with difficulty along a surface. It implies moving an object by exerting a continuous pulling force, often against resistance or friction. In common usage and within the context of synonyms, to drag and to pull both describe the action of attracting or moving an object toward the force's origin or along a path of motion.

Explanation

The idiom to fight tooth and nail signifies using every possible resource, effort, and strength to achieve a goal or defeat an opponent. It draws on the imagery of a wild animal or a person in a desperate struggle using their natural "weapons"—teeth and nails—to fight with maximum ferocity. It is used to describe a situation where someone competes or resists with extreme intensity and determination.

Explanation

The idiom to fan the flames originates from the physical act of blowing air onto a fire, which provides more oxygen and causes the fire to burn more intensely and spread more quickly. Metaphorically, this expression is used to describe actions or words that aggravate an already tense, difficult, or volatile situation. When someone fans the flames, they are provoking further anger or excitement, thereby making a bad situation significantly worse.

Explanation

The word crowd is a collective noun that refers to a group of people acting as a single unit. In formal grammar, collective nouns take a singular verb when the members of the group are performing the same action in unison. Since the group is gathering together as one entity, the singular auxiliary verb has must be used instead of the plural have to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. The present perfect tense is correctly formed by combining the singular auxiliary has with the past participle gathered.

Explanation

The original sentence uses the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb took. To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the simple past, the construction follows the formula: Object + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Subject. Here, the singular object a brilliant catch is moved to the subject position and paired with the auxiliary verb was and the past participle taken. The original subject, the fielder at the slip position, is then added as the agent following the preposition by.

Explanation

The word humdrum is an adjective used to describe something that lacks variety, excitement, or interest. It typically refers to a monotonous routine or a dull situation that has become tedious due to its repetitive and predictable nature. Because humdrum signifies a state of being commonplace and uninspiring, it is synonymous with boring.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, the tense of the reported clause must shift backward if the reporting verb is in the past tense. Here, the reporting verb said is in the past tense, requiring a change in the tense of the quoted sentence. The past continuous tense, was playing, shifts to the past perfect continuous tense, had been playing. Additionally, the first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person pronoun he to match the subject, Nelson. The addition of the conjunction that connects the reporting verb to the transformed statement.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical chronological sequence of a dialogue between Arun and a thief. Sentence C initiates the conversation with Arun demanding his money back, which serves as the natural starting point for the interaction. Sentence A provides the thief's direct response to that specific demand, explaining that the money is already gone. Sentence B represents Arun's immediate angry reaction to the news that his money has been spent, characterized by his threat to involve the police. Finally, sentence D concludes the interaction with the thief pleading for mercy in response to the threat of legal action. This flow establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between each statement in the exchange.

Explanation

The word chauffeur refers to a person who is professionally employed to drive a passenger vehicle, particularly a private or luxury car. Originating from the French verb meaning to heat, the term was first used for operators of early steam-powered automobiles and has evolved into the standard English term for a professional driver tasked with operating a private or hired car for an employer or passenger.

Explanation

The verb adhere is the most appropriate choice because it is idiomatically followed by the preposition to. In English grammar, the phrasal verb adhere to means to believe in and follow the practices of something, such as a rule, belief, or custom. In the context of the sentence, it accurately describes the people of Rajasthan strictly following or observing their traditional customs. While other verbs might convey a similar sense of compliance, they require different prepositional collocations; for example, the word abide would necessitate the preposition by to be grammatically correct. Therefore, given the presence of the preposition to after the blank, adhere is the only word that fits both the grammatical structure and the intended meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence discusses a potential future outcome for humanity involving self-destruction through nuclear warfare. A prediction is a statement or forecast about what might happen in the future based on existing evidence or logic. Within the context of existential risks, the prospect of global catastrophe is often framed as a dire foresight or forecast, making this the most logically and semantically appropriate choice to describe a possible future scenario.