SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The term sustenance refers to the means of maintaining or supporting oneself, particularly through food and nourishment. In the context of the passage, it describes the primary purpose of farming for a large portion of the population who rely on their own agricultural output for survival. Sustenance farming is the standard term for subsistence agriculture where crops are grown primarily to provide for the farmer and their family, which aligns with the description of Bhutan's agrarian lifestyle and the driver's emphasis on organic, farm-produced goods.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect use of the indefinite article in the phrase an cheap dumping ground. In English grammar, the article a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. The word cheap begins with the consonant sound /tʃ/, which requires the article a. The correct construction of the phrase should be a cheap dumping ground.

Explanation

The idiom originates from Greek mythology and refers to the Twelve Labours of Hercules, which were a series of incredibly difficult tasks imposed on the hero Heracles. Because Hercules was renowned for his supernatural power, the phrase is used to describe a challenge or job that requires an extraordinary amount of physical strength, endurance, or immense effort to complete.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the opening statement by introducing the coconut as a highly useful plant, establishing the central theme. Sentence B expands on this by mentioning the wide variety of products derived from it, ranging from animal feed to clothing. Sentence D provides specific details regarding the utility of different parts of the coconut, such as the kernel for food and the husk for fibers. Finally, sentence A concludes the paragraph by using the transition "however" to emphasize that, among all the mentioned uses, the oils are the most significant due to their diverse culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications.

Explanation

When converting an exclamatory sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb said is replaced with a phrase like exclaimed with joy to reflect the mood of the speaker. The conjunction that must be used to link the reporting verb to the reported clause. The exclamatory structure starting with how or what is converted into a standard assertive sentence, typically replacing the exclamatory word with an intensifier such as very. Furthermore, the simple present tense verb is must be changed to the simple past tense was because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Applying these rules, the phrase how beautiful she is correctly transforms into that she was very beautiful.

Explanation

The adjective unpretentious is correctly spelled with a t followed by the suffix ious, meaning modest or simple. A common spelling error is to use an s (unpretensious) due to confusion with the related noun pretension, which is spelled with an s. However, in the adjective form, the t spelling is the only standard and correct version.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Past tense (bought). To convert a Simple Past active voice sentence into passive voice, the structure used is Object + was/were + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject. In this sentence, the object is the noun phrase describing the parrot and its ability. The verb bought changes to was bought, and the subject the man becomes the agent introduced by the preposition by. The relative clause modifying the parrot is maintained to preserve the original meaning of the sentence while shifting the focus to the parrot.

Explanation

The word Acquarium is misspelled. The correct spelling is Aquarium, which refers to a transparent tank or a building where fish and other aquatic animals or plants are kept. The word is derived from the Latin aqua, meaning water, combined with the suffix -arium, which denotes a place associated with a specific thing. In English spelling, the combination qu is used after the letter a without an additional c. Adding a c before the q is a common spelling mistake because of a false analogy with words like acquire or acquaintance, where the cq spelling is standard. In the case of words derived directly from the Latin aqua, the c is not present.

Explanation

The sentence is an imperative, which is used to provide instructions, commands, or suggestions. In imperative sentences, the base form of the verb is used without a preceding subject. The verb listen is contextually appropriate here as it implies an intentional act of paying attention to something, such as a news broadcast, whereas hear typically refers to the physical capacity to perceive sound. Additionally, the verb listen must be followed by the preposition to when it has an object, making Listen to the grammatically correct choice for this instruction.

Explanation

The word stalwart refers to someone who is loyal, reliable, and hardworking, often possessing great physical strength or courage. It describes a person who is resolute and brave in their convictions or actions. Conversely, cowardly refers to a person who lacks courage or is easily intimidated, representing the direct opposite of the bravery and steadfastness associated with being stalwart.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rule of subject-verb agreement for subjects joined by the correlative conjunctions either... or. When two subjects are connected by this pair, the verb must agree in number and person with the subject that is closest to it. In this sentence, the subjects are the bears (plural) and the lion (singular). Since the noun the lion is closer to the verb, the verb must be singular. The auxiliary verb has is the correct singular form to match the singular subject the lion, making the original sentence grammatically accurate.

Explanation

A numerologist is a practitioner who studies numerology, which is the belief in a divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coinciding events. This discipline involves the study of the occult meanings of numbers and their perceived influence on human life, personality, and destiny. By analyzing numerical values associated with names, birth dates, or other significant figures, a numerologist seeks to uncover hidden patterns and insights into an individual's character and future.

Explanation

The word munch refers to the act of eating something steadily and often audibly by grinding it between the teeth. Similarly, chew means to bite and work food in the mouth with the teeth to prepare it for swallowing. Both terms describe the physical process of mastication, making them synonyms in the context of consuming food.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological narrative based on the classic fable of the greedy dog. Sentence D serves as the introductory statement, establishing the subject (a dog) and the initial action (stealing meat). Sentence B continues the story by describing the dog's journey home and the specific moment he encounters the river. Sentence C provides the logical progression of the dog's thought process upon seeing his reflection, mistaking it for another dog with meat. Sentence A concludes the sequence by describing the final action and the resulting loss, rounding out the narrative arc from the theft to the consequence of greed.

Explanation

The word slur refers to a derogatory or insulting remark intended to damage someone's reputation or character. It functions as an insinuation or allegation that casts doubt on a person's integrity. Conversely, a compliment is a polite expression of praise, admiration, or approval. Because a slur represents a verbal attack or disparagement, its direct linguistic opposite is a statement of honor or commendation.

Explanation

The term infinite is derived from the Latin word infinitus, which translates to not bounded or unlimited. It is used to describe something that has no limits, boundaries, or end in terms of space, time, or size. While other terms might describe large scale or great intensity, infinite specifically denotes the absence of any measurable conclusion or physical restriction.

Explanation

The term competitiveness refers to the intense pressure and rivalry inherent in modern social and professional structures. In sociological and psychological contexts, a highly competitive environment forces individuals to constantly strive for success and superiority over others, which leads to chronic anxiety, fear of failure, and mental exhaustion. When placed alongside social isolation and overcrowding, competitiveness completes the list of systemic environmental factors that aggregate to produce high levels of stress in individuals within a society.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition along, which is contextually inappropriate. When asking for assistance regarding a specific task or a physical object, the standard preposition to use is with. The phrase help me with this heavy box correctly indicates that the assistance is directed toward managing the weight or movement of the object. In contrast, along typically describes movement in a line or a position next to something long, making it grammatically incorrect in the context of providing help with a specific item.

Explanation

Termination refers to the act of bringing something to an end or the state of being ended. It signifies the final stage, cessation, or closing of a process, period, or activity. Similarly, a conclusion is the finish, close, or last part of something, such as an event, a piece of writing, or a logical argument. Both terms are used interchangeably in various contexts to denote that a particular sequence or action has reached its terminal point.

Explanation

Alliteration is a stylistic literary device where the same consonant sounds are repeated at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. In the field of advertising, it is frequently used alongside rhyme to create mnemonic slogans and brand names that are easier for consumers to remember. This auditory technique enhances the rhythmic flow of a message, making it more "sticky" and persuasive by increasing its psychological fluency and recall value.

Explanation

The verb exists refers to the state of being or the physical presence of a substance in a particular form or condition. In scientific and descriptive writing, it is the standard term used to denote how matter occurs in different phases. Since the passage describes the various physical forms water takes—gaseous, liquid, and solid—the word exists correctly identifies its occurrence in these three states of matter.

Explanation

The sentence uses the standard grammatical construction one of the followed by a superlative adjective and a plural noun. This structure is used to identify a single entity as a member of a specific group characterized by a certain quality. In this context, water is identified as a member of the group consisting of the most plentiful and essential compounds. The pronoun one is the only word that correctly completes this idiomatic partitive expression to denote membership within that collective category.

Explanation

The preposition of is used here to create a partitive construction following the superlative adjectives plentiful and essential. In English grammar, the structure the most [adjective] of [plural noun] is used to identify a specific member or members that possess a quality to the highest degree within a particular group. In this sentence, of defines the category of compounds from which water is being singled out, signifying that water is among the most vital and abundant substances within that entire class.

Explanation

The word ability refers to the possession of the means or power to perform a specific function. In a scientific or descriptive context, it denotes the inherent capacity or potential of a substance to undergo a process or act upon other materials. In this passage, water is characterized by its physical capacity to dissolve a wide variety of solutes, a property commonly referred to as its solvent ability. This term is the standard choice when describing the natural qualities and functional capacities of inanimate substances or chemical compounds.

Explanation

The term versatility refers to the quality of being multi-talented or having the ability to adapt to many different functions or activities. In the context of the passage, the preceding sentence emphasizes water's ability to dissolve many other substances, earning it the reputation of a universal solvent. Describing this wide-ranging capability as versatility accurately captures how water serves diverse and essential roles in chemical and biological processes within living organisms.

Explanation

The verb fluctuate is specifically used to describe quantities, levels, or prices that rise and fall irregularly. In business and economics, sales figures are inherently unstable and change from one day to the next based on consumer demand, market trends, and various external factors. Since the subject sales is a plural noun, it takes the plural verb form fluctuate to indicate these frequent and unpredictable shifts in volume or value.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the introductory statement by establishing the general fact that many sharks must maintain constant motion to survive. Sentence A logically follows C because it uses the demonstrative phrase These kinds of sharks to refer back to the motion-dependent sharks described in C, while providing their technical name, obligate ram ventilators. Sentence D introduces a transition to a different category of sharks that can remain stationary. Sentence B concludes the paragraph by explaining the specific biological mechanism, buccal pumping, used by the stationary sharks mentioned in sentence D. This structure follows a logical flow from one physiological category of sharks to its contrasting counterpart.

Explanation

The word vivedly is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is vividly. It is an adverb derived from the adjective vivid, which originates from the Latin word vividus, meaning animated or full of life. In English, the spelling retains the i in both syllables of the root word before adding the suffix -ly. It is used to describe something perceived or produced in a very clear, detailed, or intense manner.

Explanation

The word sprawling is used to describe something that spreads out over a large area in an expansive or irregular way. In the context of a garden, it specifically refers to the lush, horizontal growth of grass or plants as they extend across the ground to form a dense cover. This term effectively conveys the image of a rich and wide-reaching layer of vegetation filling the garden patches.

Explanation

The word debilitate is derived from the Latin root debilis, which means weak. In English usage, it functions as a verb meaning to impair the strength of or to make someone or something feeble. When a person or an entity is debilitated, their physical vigor, energy, or functional capacity is significantly reduced. Consequently, weaken is the most appropriate synonym because it accurately reflects the core meaning of diminishing power, health, or stability.

Explanation

An aviary is a large enclosure, building, or cage specifically designed for keeping and housing birds. The term is derived from the Latin word avis, which means bird. These structures are typically spacious enough to allow birds to fly freely within a confined environment, simulating a more natural habitat than a standard small birdcage. Aviaries are commonly used in zoos, research centers, and private collections to facilitate the breeding, display, and conservation of various avian species.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the tense of the modal verb must backshift if the reporting verb is in the past tense. In the given sentence, the reporting verb is said, which requires the future simple modal will (from the contraction I'll) to change to would. Additionally, pronouns must be adjusted to reflect the change in perspective; the first-person subject I changes to she to align with the speaker, and the second-person object you changes to me. The resulting construction she said that she would see me later correctly applies these rules of reported speech.

Explanation

The idiom spick and span is used to describe something that is exceptionally neat, tidy, and spotless. It originated from the older phrase spick-and-span-new, where spick referred to a new spike or nail and span referred to a freshly cut wood chip. This imagery originally conveyed that an object was brand new, and over time the meaning evolved to denote a high standard of cleanliness and orderliness in appearance.

Explanation

The word augment means to make something greater by adding to it, effectively increasing its size, amount, or strength. Its antonym, diminish, means to make or become less in size, importance, or intensity. While augment signifies an upward or additive progression, diminish indicates a reduction or decrease, making it the direct opposite in meaning.

Explanation

Waver means to be unsettled in opinion or to move unsteadily back and forth. The term describes a state of hesitation, instability, or quivering. Steady is the opposite because it describes something that is firm, constant, and fixed in position or purpose. While wavering involves fluctuation and lack of control, being steady implies reliability and a lack of deviation or shaking.

Explanation

The word celebrate means to acknowledge a significant event or person with public praise, festivities, or high regard. In this context, to celebrate someone or something is to show deep respect and recognition for their importance or merit. Therefore, honour is the most appropriate synonym as it refers to the act of treating someone or something with great respect and distinction, aligning with the core intent of celebration.

Explanation

The verb phrase is led to is grammatically incorrect in this context because the sentence describes a cause-and-effect relationship where the construction is the active agent. To indicate that one event resulted in another, the active voice must be used. The appropriate tense is the present perfect has led to or the simple past led to. The passive construction is led to incorrectly implies that the construction itself is being guided or directed toward a population rise, rather than being the cause of it.

Explanation

The word Casheir is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is Cashier. In English orthography, this word follows the common i before e rule, where the letter i precedes the e. This specific spelling identifies a person whose job involves taking in or paying out money in a store, bank, or business. The suffix -ier is a standard ending for various occupational nouns derived from French, and in this instance, the placement of the vowels must be corrected to match standard linguistic norms.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical narrative structure beginning with sentence C, which introduces the subject, an elderly cat, and establishes the conflict of her being unable to hunt. Sentence D follows by describing the specific action the cat takes to solve her problem, which is disguising herself as a bag by hanging from a peg. Sentence B provides the motive for this specific disguise, explaining her intent to lure the mice closer by making them feel safe. The sequence concludes with sentence A, which provides the climax or resolution where a wise mouse identifies the trick, thereby completing the story's progression from the cat's plan to the mouse's observation.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct because furniture is an uncountable noun. In English, uncountable nouns are treated as singular subjects and always require a singular verb. Therefore, the singular verb is correctly agrees with the subject furniture. The phrase ready to be delivered uses a passive infinitive to indicate that the furniture will receive the action of delivery, which is the appropriate construction for this context. Since there is no error in subject-verb agreement or sentence structure, no substitution is required.

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence expressing a request, as indicated by the word please. In passive voice, imperative sentences conveying a request are typically transformed using the structure: You are requested + to-infinitive + the rest of the sentence. The word please is dropped in the passive form because the phrase You are requested already conveys the polite nature of the original statement. Thus, the verb do becomes to do, resulting in the construction You are requested to do your work properly.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the gerund phrase Preparing children for uncertainties. In English grammar, a gerund phrase acting as a subject is singular and therefore requires a singular verb, which is correctly provided as keeps. The expression in readiness is a standard idiomatic phrase meaning in a state of being prepared or ready for use or action. It correctly functions as an object complement following the verb and its object. Because the subject-verb agreement is accurate and the prepositional phrase is used idiomatically, the sentence is grammatically sound as written.

Explanation

The idiom go easy on something is a common English expression that means to use or consume something in a moderate or limited way. It is typically used as an instruction or advice to be sparing with a particular resource, such as food, money, or supplies, to ensure it is not used up too quickly or in excess. For instance, if a person is asked to go easy on the salt, it signifies that they should use only a small amount of it rather than a liberal or large quantity. The phrase emphasizes restraint and the importance of not being excessive.

Explanation

Nostalgia refers specifically to a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past, often associated with personal memories or historical eras. The term is derived from the Greek words nostos, meaning return home, and algos, meaning pain, essentially describing a yearning for a time or place where one felt happy or comfortable. It captures the psychological experience of reflecting on previous experiences with a mixture of pleasure and sadness.

Explanation

The preposition since is used to denote a specific point in time when an action started, such as since 2010 or since Monday. In this sentence, ten years refers to a duration or a period of time rather than a starting point. For indicating the length of time an action has been occurring in the present perfect tense, the preposition for should be used. Therefore, the phrase since ten years contains a grammatical error and must be replaced with for ten years.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a subordinating conjunction to introduce a concessive clause that contrasts with the main clause. Although is used to show that while one fact is true (some archaeologists study living cultures), it does not change the primary fact presented in the main clause (most archaeologists focus on the distant past). This conjunction effectively establishes the relationship between the minority practice and the general focus of the field, providing the necessary logical transition for the comparison.

Explanation

The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun to act as the object of the verb concern because the action of the verb is directed back toward the subject. The subject in this clause is most archaeologists, which is a third-person plural noun. In English grammar, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject in both person and number. Therefore, the third-person plural reflexive pronoun themselves is the correct choice to complete the phrase concern themselves with the distant past.

Explanation

The phrasal verb dig up means to break up the ground and remove something that has been buried in the earth. In the context of archaeology and historical exploration, monuments and artefacts are typically found beneath the surface of the soil. The passage refers to the long history of people excavating or unearthing these buried remains, whether for study or personal gain. Therefore, up is the correct preposition to complete the idiomatic expression indicating the physical act of unearthing objects from the ground.

Explanation

In the context of the sentence, the adverb "Often" is used to describe the frequency with which the individuals digging up monuments in the past were looters rather than scholars. It establishes that while some may have had other motives, a large or frequent number of these people were primarily interested in financial gain or personal collections. The use of "Often" at the beginning of the sentence effectively modifies the entire clause to reflect this common historical occurrence.

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb that combines with the preposition up to form a phrasal verb meaning to gradually increase or enlarge the size or quantity of something. The phrasal verb build up is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe the process of accumulating or expanding a set of items over time. In this context, it refers to looters and grave robbers adding more artefacts to their personal stashes to make their collections more extensive and valuable.