SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the pronoun he, which refers back to the masculine singular noun Moore. In English grammar, when a subject performs an action for or upon themselves, a reflexive pronoun is used that must agree in gender and number with the subject. Since the subject is the third-person masculine singular he, the corresponding reflexive pronoun is himself. This indicates that Moore prepared the cup of tea for his own consumption.

Explanation

The preposition by is used to indicate proximity or being next to a specific location. In English, the idiomatic expression sitting by the fireside specifically describes the act of sitting near a fireplace to enjoy its warmth and light. It correctly establishes the spatial relationship where Moore is positioned close to the fire.

Explanation

In English collocations, the verb cast is the standard term used to describe the creation or projection of shadows by a light source. To cast a shadow means to cause a shadow to appear on a surface as a result of light being blocked or directed. In the context of the passage, the firelight acts as the light source that projects or throws shapes onto the walls, making cast the most appropriate and idiomatic choice to describe the movement and appearance of shadows in the room.

Explanation

The passage describes a scene where Moore is relaxed and enjoying a moment of peace after working late. In this context, an adjective is needed to describe the pleasant sensory experience of drinking the tea. The word excellent is used to indicate that the tea had a very high quality or a highly pleasing taste, which fits the overall tone of contentment and satisfaction Moore feels while sitting alone by the fireside. This choice effectively completes the description of his positive state of mind and the comfort of his surroundings.

Explanation

The definite article the is used before ordinal numbers such as first, second, or third when they function as adjectives to identify a specific position in a sequence. In this context, the phrase for the first time is a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that an event is happening for the initial time. The use of the specifies this particular instance in the chronological order of Moore's observations.

Explanation

The phrase lead against is grammatically incorrect because it uses the wrong preposition and violates subject-verb agreement. In English, the phrasal verb used to indicate a result or consequence is lead to, not lead against. Additionally, the subject of the sentence is Lack, which is a singular noun. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject requires a singular verb. Therefore, the base form lead must be changed to the singular form leads. The correct construction should be leads to, which accurately conveys that a deficiency in vitamins and minerals results in various health complications.

Explanation

When converting an imperative sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to told, and the base verb of the command or instruction is introduced by the infinitive to. In this sentence, Read becomes to read. Furthermore, the pronouns and tenses in the subordinate clause must be adjusted to reflect the change in perspective and time. The second-person pronoun you changes to the third-person she to refer to Deepa, and the present simple verb start shifts to the past simple started because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Therefore, the direct speech is accurately transformed into Deepa's mother told her to read the instructions before she started making the dish.

Explanation

The narrative follows a logical sequence starting with sentence D, which introduces the characters and the initial conflict: the olive tree ridiculing the fig tree for being deciduous. Sentence B introduces the inciting incident, a snow shower, which falls upon both trees. Sentence A describes the specific consequence for the olive tree; because it was evergreen and full of foliage, the snow accumulated on its branches until they broke under the weight. Sentence C provides the concluding contrast, explaining that the fig tree remained unharmed because the snow passed through its bare branches to the ground. This structure moves from the introduction of the premise to the event and finally to the comparative outcomes for each tree.

Explanation

The word Inershia is misspelled. The correct spelling is Inertia, which uses the letter t in the final syllable instead of sh. Derived from the Latin word iners, the term describes a state of inactivity or the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion or rest.

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence expressing an order or command. The standard grammatical rule to convert an imperative sentence into passive voice follows the structure: Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3). In the active voice sentence Close all the windows, close is the verb and all the windows is the object. Applying the formula, the sentence becomes Let (auxiliary) + all the windows (object) + be (auxiliary) + closed (past participle of close).

Explanation

The segment are grandest than is grammatically incorrect because it improperly mixes the superlative degree of the adjective with a comparative conjunction. The word than is used to introduce the second element in a comparison, which necessitates the use of the comparative degree grander rather than the superlative grandest. In English grammar, the comparative degree is formed by adding the suffix er to the base adjective followed by than to compare two entities or groups. If the superlative degree were to be used, it would typically be preceded by the definite article the and would not be followed by than. Thus, to maintain grammatical consistency in comparing the celebrations in Mysore with those in other parts of the state, the phrase should be are grander than.

Explanation

In an agricultural context, the noun yield refers to the total quantity of a crop or product produced and gathered from a specific area of land during a growing season. Similarly, harvest as a noun signifies the amount of crops that have been collected or the actual product resulting from the farming process. Both words represent the result of production and the quantity of produce obtained, making them synonymous when describing agricultural output.

Explanation

The word neice is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is niece, which follows the standard English orthographic rule of i before e except after c. In this case, since the preceding letter is n and not c, the i must come before the e to form the correct word for the daughter of one's brother or sister.

Explanation

The idiom want to curl up and die is used to express an overwhelming sense of embarrassment, shame, or humiliation. It conveys a desire to hide away from the world or completely disappear because of a mortifying situation or a deep feeling of regret. The phrase evokes the physical image of a person shrinking into a small, fetal-like position to escape public notice or internal distress when they feel terribly ashamed and sorry.

Explanation

The word iota refers to an infinitesimal or extremely small quantity of something. It originates from the Greek letter iota, which is the smallest letter in the alphabet, and is commonly used in English to describe a tiny speck or a minute trace. This usage is frequently seen in negative constructions to emphasize the complete absence of a quality, such as not having an iota of doubt. The word bit is an accurate synonym because it signifies a small piece, part, or amount of something, directly corresponding to the concept of a minimal portion.

Explanation

In demographics and statistics, the term rate is the standard measurement used to describe the change in population size over a specific period. A growth rate indicates the percentage increase or decrease in a population, and the phrase zero growth rate specifically refers to a condition where the population size remains constant because births and immigration are balanced by deaths and emigration. Therefore, rate is the most appropriate colocation to complete the phrase zero growth in this context.

Explanation

The word pompous refers to an individual who is self-important, arrogant, or affectedly grand in their speech and behavior. It describes someone who acts with an exaggerated sense of dignity. The word humble serves as its direct antonym because it characterizes a person who is modest, unassuming, and lacks pride or vanity regarding their own importance or achievements. While a pompous person seeks to impress others with their status, a humble person remains simple and grounded.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical narrative sequence starting with sentence B, which introduces the protagonist and the initial setting by stating that a man went away from his home. Sentence D provides the next chronological event where the man writes a letter to his family but faces the obstacle of not finding a messenger to deliver it. Sentence C logically follows as his reaction to this specific problem, where his disappointment leads him to the decision to deliver the letter himself. Finally, sentence A concludes the story by describing his arrival at his town and his house. This structure creates a coherent progression from the initial departure to the eventual return.

Explanation

The verb slammed is the most appropriate term to describe a door closing forcefully and loudly. In the context of weather, strong winds create high pressure that can cause a door to swing shut with great violence, making a sudden, sharp noise. This specific action and sound are precisely defined by the word slam.

Explanation

The term astronaut is derived from the Greek words astron, meaning star, and nautes, meaning sailor. It refers specifically to a person who has undergone professional training to travel into outer space, pilot a spacecraft, or work as a crew member aboard a space station. Such individuals are equipped to handle the physiological and technical challenges of spaceflight, including microgravity environments and the operation of complex celestial navigation systems.

Explanation

The word although is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a clause of contrast or concession. In standard English grammar, it is a redundancy error to use both although and but within the same sentence to connect the same two clauses. Since although already establishes the relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause, the coordinating conjunction but is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct structure requires either a comma alone or the word yet to separate the clauses. Option a removes the redundant but while keeping the correct tense, making the sentence grammatically accurate.

Explanation

In English grammar, the quantifier many refers to a large but indefinite number of countable items. When used in the structure many of followed by a plural countable noun such as apples, the subject is considered plural. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a plural subject requires a plural verb. Therefore, the singular auxiliary verb was must be replaced by the plural form were to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct.

Explanation

A teetotaller is a person who practices teetotalism, which is the complete personal abstinence from alcoholic beverages. The term originated in the early 19th century during the temperance movement, likely derived from the practice of emphasizing the letter T in total to signify total abstinence from alcohol. It describes an individual who chooses not to consume any form of alcohol, whether for health, moral, religious, or personal reasons.

Explanation

Widespread refers to something that is found or distributed over a large area or among many people. Its antonym, limited, means restricted in size, amount, or extent, indicating a narrow or confined scope rather than an extensive or broad one.

Explanation

The idiom be at a loss for words describes a situation where an individual is unable to find the right words to express themselves, usually because they are overwhelmed by strong emotions such as surprise, shock, anger, or happiness. It indicates a temporary state of speechlessness where the person is so moved or stunned by a situation that they do not know what to say in response.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is Man-made fibres, which is a plural noun. In English grammar, the verb must agree with the subject in number. When describing a general fact or a continuous process in the passive voice using the present tense, the plural subject fibres requires the plural auxiliary verb are. This completes the passive construction are spun and woven, where spun and woven serve as the past participles describing the actions performed on the fibres.

Explanation

The phrase a large number of is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to quantify plural countable nouns, such as products in this sentence. It functions as a determiner to indicate a great quantity of distinct items or categories. In the context of manufacturing and consumer goods, this construction effectively conveys the vast variety and volume of different applications for man-made fibres, ranging from clothing to industrial parts.

Explanation

In this sentence, the author provides specific examples of the consumer and industrial products mentioned earlier. The word including functions as a preposition used to introduce components or examples that belong to a broader category. Since garments, shirts, scarves, and hosiery are specific instances of the products made from man-made fibres, this term correctly establishes the relationship between the general group and its specific members.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression such as is used to introduce specific examples or illustrations of a general category mentioned previously. In the given sentence, home furnishings serves as the general category, while upholstery, carpets, and drapes are the specific examples provided. Since the word as follows the blank, the word such is required to complete the standard phrase used for listing items within a group.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires an adjective to modify the noun parts. The context involves a list of categories for man-made fibre products, beginning with garments and home furnishings. The third category includes items like tire cord, flame-proof linings, and drive belts, which are components used in manufacturing and heavy machinery. The word industrial serves as the appropriate adjective to describe these types of functional components, forming the compound noun industrial parts. This term correctly classifies the specific examples provided in the latter half of the sentence, aligning with the technical and manufacturing theme of the passage.

Explanation

The word noisy is an adjective and should be modified by the adverb too. The phrase too much is used before nouns, while too or much too is used before adjectives.

Explanation

An eavesdropper is a person who secretly listens to the private conversation of others without their knowledge or consent. This specific term focuses on the act of listening to conversations that are not intended for the listener, often involving a breach of privacy in a clandestine manner. The word historically refers to the practice of waiting under the eaves of a building to overhear talk occurring inside.

Explanation

In the context of an international event or conference like a World Meet, a souvenir refers to a commemorative publication or a special edition book containing articles, messages, and reports. The adjective voluminous is used to describe something that is very large in size or contains a great amount of material, specifically relating to books, documents, or writings. Therefore, it is the most appropriate term to describe a substantial commemorative volume released to mark a significant occasion.

Explanation

The expression make a fuss is a common English idiom that means to complain, grumble, or become unnecessarily excited or concerned about something, often something trivial. In this sentence, the speaker is advising against creating an unnecessary scene or complaining about the requirement to wear a mask. While other verbs might seem plausible in a general sense, the specific idiomatic structure in English requires the verb make to pair with the noun fuss to convey this meaning of causing a self-important or noisy disturbance.

Explanation

In indirect speech, the simple past tense (did you see) shifts to the past perfect tense (had seen), and the word order changes from interrogative to assertive. Additionally, 'today' changes to 'that day', and the relative pronoun 'whom' serves as the connector without the need for 'that'.

Explanation

Sentence B serves as the logical introduction to the paragraph because it identifies the main subject, Penicillin, and establishes its importance as a significant human invention. Sentence A follows B because it uses the demonstrative phrase "This invention" to refer back to the invention mentioned in B, while explaining its specific medical function of healing wounds caused by bacteria. Sentence D continues this line of thought by providing a concrete example of the drug's impact, noting that "Its use" saved the lives of many soldiers. Finally, sentence C concludes the sequence by providing historical context, using the transition "In the beginning however" to contrast the drug's eventual success with the initial lack of public awareness regarding its discovery and utility.

Explanation

The idiom to cut a long story short is used when a speaker wants to skip unnecessary details and get directly to the main point or the conclusion of a narrative. It functions as a transition to signal that the person is summarizing a complex or lengthy sequence of events to provide a brief and concise account. This expression emphasizes efficiency in communication by omitting the less important parts of a story.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological sequence of events beginning with the introduction of the setting and the situation in sentence B, where the narrator sees a blind man attempting to cross the street. Once the situation is identified, sentence D describes the narrator's first action of approaching the man. Sentence A logically follows this approach, using the transition word Then to describe the physical act of leading the man across the street. The sequence concludes with sentence C, which depicts the man's reaction of gratitude once the assistance has been successfully provided.

Explanation

A hangar is a specialized, large-scale structure designed specifically to house, protect, and maintain aircraft. These buildings feature expansive floor areas and high vertical clearances to accommodate the significant wingspans and heights of airplanes or helicopters. They serve as sheltered environments where aircraft are stored to protect them from environmental elements or to provide a controlled space for technical inspections, assembly, and repairs.

Explanation

The word transmit is derived from the Latin terms trans, meaning across, and mittere, meaning to send. It refers to the act of passing, sending, or broadcasting something, such as a signal, message, or information, from one person, place, or thing to another. Convey serves as a direct synonym because it also means to transport, carry, or communicate a message or idea to a recipient. Both terms are frequently used interchangeably in contexts involving the transfer of data, thoughts, or physical goods from a point of origin to a destination.

Explanation

The sentence expresses a regret about a past situation. When using the verb wish to express a desire for something that happened in the past to be different, the past perfect tense (had + past participle) is required. This construction follows the subjunctive mood for unfulfilled wishes or regrets. Since the speaker is wishing they had arrived earlier in the past, the auxiliary verb had is the grammatically correct choice to complete the past perfect form had come.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb stole. To convert this into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence, his traveller's cheques, becomes the subject. The passive construction for the simple past requires the auxiliary verb was or were followed by the past participle of the main verb, which is stolen. Since the new subject his traveller's cheques is plural, the plural auxiliary were is used to ensure subject-verb agreement. The indefinite subject someone is omitted in the passive form, and the subordinate clause remains unchanged.

Explanation

The use of the possessive form teacher's is grammatically incorrect in this context. The verb requested is a transitive verb that requires a direct object to identify the person or group being addressed. Instead of the possessive case, which indicates ownership, the sentence requires the objective case. The apostrophe should be removed to change the word to the plural noun teachers, acting as the direct object of the verb requested.

Explanation

The idiom full of beans is used to describe a person who is very lively, enthusiastic, and high-spirited. It signifies having a great deal of energy and being in a cheerful or vigorous mood. Historically, the phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of feeding horses beans, which are high in protein and nutrients, causing the animals to become exceptionally energetic and spirited. In modern usage, it remains a common expression for vitality and animation.

Explanation

The word invade refers to the act of entering a country or territory by force with the intent to conquer, occupy, or take control. It denotes an aggressive and offensive action. Its antonym must represent the act of yielding control or ceasing resistance. Surrender means to stop fighting and admit defeat, or to give up possession or control to another party, which is the direct opposite of an invasive action.

Explanation

The word toxic refers to substances or situations that are poisonous, harmful, or capable of causing death or serious debilitation to living organisms. An antonym must represent a quality that is beneficial, restorative, or conducive to physical well-being. Healthy describes something that promotes, indicates, or maintains good health and vitality, which is the direct functional opposite of being toxic or injurious to one's system.

Explanation

The word numerous is an adjective used to describe a large quantity or a great number of items, people, or instances. It signifies that something exists in abundance or is manifold. The term several refers to an indefinite number that is more than two or three, typically used to indicate a plural or significant quantity. In linguistic contexts where a word is needed to represent a state of being more than a few, several serves as the most appropriate synonym to convey the idea of multiplicity and plurality.

Explanation

The error in the sentence is a violation of subject-verb agreement. The pronoun It is a third-person singular subject, which necessitates the use of the singular auxiliary verb has. In the phrase It have been only, the plural auxiliary verb have is used incorrectly. To make the sentence grammatically correct, the plural form must be replaced with its singular counterpart, resulting in the correct construction It has been only.

Explanation

The word Withdrawl is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is Withdrawal, which requires the suffix -al to be added to the base verb withdraw. This suffix is commonly used to form nouns of action, such as in betrayal or refusal. In the case of withdrawal, the addition of the letter a between the w and the l is essential to maintain the correct phonetics and standard English orthography for the noun form representing the act of taking something back or removing it.

Explanation

The phrase expand your horizon is a common English idiom that refers to increasing the range of one's knowledge, understanding, or experience. In the context of the passage, studying is described as a process that broadens a person's perspective and intellectual reach. Therefore, expand is the most appropriate verb to describe the growth of a person's outlook as they gain more education and information.