SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the tense of the verb in the reported speech must shift to the past. Therefore, the simple present verb am changes to the simple past was. Additionally, the first-person pronoun I is changed to she to correspond with the subject of the reporting verb. Finally, the adverb of time now is shifted to then to reflect the change in perspective from the original moment of speaking.

Explanation

The sentence is in the future indefinite tense, which follows the structure: Subject + will + V1 + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence (her) becomes the subject (She), and the construction changes to: Subject + will + be + V3 (past participle) + by + Agent. The past participle of the verb tell is told. Applying this rule, the passive form is She will be told later by Manu.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the Present Perfect tense in its interrogative form. The structure for a Present Perfect passive question is Has/Have + object + been + past participle (V3) + by + agent. To convert this into the active voice, the structure is Have/Has + subject + past participle (V3) + object. The agent "them" in the passive sentence becomes the subject "they" in the active sentence. In the Present Perfect tense, the plural subject "they" requires the auxiliary verb "have". Consequently, the active construction becomes "Have they occupied the villa?"

Explanation

The word erroneous is an adjective used to describe something that is incorrect or based on a mistake. It is derived from the Latin word erroneus and follows the standard English spelling pattern where the root error is followed by the suffix eous. In the provided sentence, the word is spelled exactly as e-r-r-o-n-e-o-u-s, which is the accurate and standard orthography. Since every other word in the sentence is also spelled correctly, there is no error in the text.

Explanation

The word sinks refers to the act of descending below a surface or moving to a lower level within a medium. The word floats is the direct antonym, signifying the ability to remain on the surface or rise above it. In English vocabulary, these two terms represent polar opposite physical states regarding buoyancy and movement. The presence of floats in the sentence provides the correct linguistic contrast to the concept of sinking.

Explanation

In geometry, the sides opposite to equal angles in a triangle are equal. Therefore, if the angles are equal, the sides must consequently be equal as well.

Explanation

The idiom like a cakewalk refers to something that is very easy to accomplish or requires little effort. It originated from a 19th-century game or dance competition where the prize was a cake, and the term eventually evolved in common usage to describe a task, competition, or victory that is achieved with significant ease and no major obstacles.

Explanation

The verb plan is followed by a to-infinitive (to + base form of the verb) when expressing an intention or a future goal. In the phrase plan to pursue, the word to acts as an infinitive marker, which requires the base form of the verb pursue rather than the present participle or gerund form. This construction correctly completes the grammatical structure needed to indicate a planned course of action.

Explanation

Confusion refers to a state of being bewildered, unclear, or a situation characterized by a lack of order and chaotic activity. Commotion is a synonym that describes a state of confused and noisy disturbance, typically involving a lot of excitement or physical agitation. Both words convey a sense of disorder and turbulence where clarity and calm are absent, making them appropriate substitutes in contexts involving localized panic, social unrest, or messy situations.

Explanation

The sentence structure indicates a link between a past action and a present situation. The second clause, they are sitting in the garden, describes a current state. In English grammar, the present perfect tense is used to describe an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past but has a direct result or relevance in the present. By using have arrived, the sentence correctly establishes that the arrival is the completed event that allows the guests to be currently present and sitting in the garden.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the preposition above in the phrase cover above a table. In the context of earthquake safety, the objective is to protect oneself from falling debris by positioning the body underneath a sturdy object. The correct preposition to use is under or underneath. Using above implies being on top of the table, which would leave a person exposed to danger rather than providing shelter. Therefore, the phrase should logically and grammatically be cover under a table to convey the intended meaning of seeking protection.

Explanation

The idiom all eyes refers to a situation where people are watching someone or something with intense focus, anticipation, or great interest. It implies that the observers are giving their full and undivided attention because they are eager to see what is happening or what will occur next. When a crowd or an individual is described as being all eyes, it signifies a state of being fully alert and expectant.

Explanation

The phrasal verb looking for means to search for something that is lost or missing. In the context of the sentence, the phrase but couldn't find it indicates that the subject was trying to locate the book. While the original phrase looking into means to investigate or examine a situation, looking for is the correct expression used when attempting to find a physical object.

Explanation

The phrasal verb cut down means to reduce the size, amount, or quantity of something, making it the most appropriate synonym for reduce in the context of smoking. Options B, C, and D are unrelated in meaning and do not fit the sentence.

Explanation

Rebellion refers to the act of open resistance or defiance against an established government, ruler, or authority. It involves a breach of allegiance and signifies a movement intended to overthrow or challenge the status quo. Loyalty, on the other hand, is the quality of being faithful, constant, and steadfast in one's allegiance or support to a sovereign, government, or cause. While rebellion represents a rejection and betrayal of duty, loyalty represents the adherence to and preservation of that duty, making it the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

Hospitality refers to the friendly and generous treatment of guests or strangers, characterized by warmth and a welcoming spirit. Coldness represents a lack of warmth, friendliness, or emotional connection, signifying an aloof and indifferent attitude. Because hospitality is defined by its warmth and welcoming nature, coldness serves as its direct antonym by describing a demeanor that is emotionally distant and unwelcoming.

Explanation

An adverb of manner describes how an action is performed or the way in which something happens. It typically modifies a verb and answers the question How?. In the sentence provided, the word carefully functions as an adverb of manner because it specifies the style and caution with which the subject executes the action of doing his work. This adverb is derived from the adjective careful by adding the suffix -ly, which is a standard construction for many adverbs of manner in English grammar.

Explanation

In the context of driving a significant change or initiative, the term prime force is a common idiomatic expression referring to the primary power, influence, or agency that brings about a particular result. Here, Digital India is described as the foundational energy or catalyst required to realize the vision of minimum government and maximum governance. The word force conveys the active power and momentum needed to push through systemic transformations, making it the most linguistically and contextually appropriate choice to describe the role of a major national project in achieving governance goals.

Explanation

The term embedded is the most appropriate choice in this context as it refers to integrating something so deeply and firmly into a system that it becomes an integral part of it. The passage discusses the structural transformation of governance through technology, requiring it to be a core component of government processes. This choice is further supported by the subsequent sentence in the text, which uses the word embedding to describe the same action, ensuring linguistic consistency and logical flow within the paragraph.

Explanation

The sentence discusses the structural and functional transformation of governance through the Digital India initiative. In administrative and digital contexts, the term processes refers to the workflows, procedures, and systematic methods through which a government operates. Embedding technology into government processes is the specific action that leads to increased transparency and efficiency, as it streamlines operations and automates service delivery to improve overall governance.

Explanation

The phrase bottom of the pyramid is a well-established economic term that refers to the largest but poorest socio-economic group in a society. This concept is frequently cited in discussions regarding developmental economics and inclusive growth to describe the billions of people living on low daily incomes. The word proverbial is used here to indicate that the term has become a widely recognized and frequently mentioned metaphor within the discourse of social and digital transformation. In the context of Digital India, it signifies the government's focus on reaching the most marginalized sections of the population who occupy this well-known socio-economic layer.

Explanation

The term adaptation refers to the process of adjusting and integrating digital technologies to suit the specific socio-economic conditions and infrastructural requirements of the Indian landscape. In the context of the 2014 McKinsey Global Institute report, the large-scale adaptation of technology signifies the strategic implementation and tailoring of digital tools across various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and finance to ensure they are effective for a diverse population. This process of modifying and applying technology to local needs is what creates the opportunity to accelerate economic growth and improve governance as envisioned by the Digital India project.

Explanation

The passage describes how early human civilizations interpreted the discovery of massive fossilized bones before the scientific concept of dinosaurs was established. Historically, when people found oversized skeletal remains, they often attributed them to mythical beings of immense physical scale. The word giants is the most appropriate fit for the blank because it describes a category of legendary humanoid creatures characterized by their great size, which aligns logically with the mention of huge monsters and provides a plausible explanation for the discovery of large bones and footprints.

Explanation

The word Friwsk is an incorrect spelling as it contains an unnecessary letter w. The correct spelling of the intended word is Frisk, which means to search a person for concealed weapons or prohibited items by passing the hands over their clothing, or to skip or leap playfully. There is no standard English word spelled as Friwsk.

Explanation

The word humble describes an individual who possesses a modest or low estimate of their own importance and is characterized by an absence of pride or vanity. In contrast, arrogant refers to someone who has or reveals an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities, often manifesting as a haughty and overbearing attitude toward others. Since these two terms represent polar opposite traits regarding self-perception and social behavior, arrogant is the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The idiom bear the palm means to be victorious or to be the winner in a competition or contest. This expression originates from ancient Greek and Roman customs, where palm branches were presented as trophies to the victors of athletic games and military triumphs as symbols of excellence. Consequently, someone who bears the palm is recognized as the champion or the most successful individual in a particular endeavor.

Explanation

The sentence is orthographically correct as all words adhere to standard English spelling rules. The verb screeched is the past tense of screech, which correctly uses the double e vowel digraph to produce the long i sound and the ch consonant digraph. The adverb hysterically is formed from the root word hysteric by adding the suffix ally; adverbs derived from adjectives ending in ic almost always take the ally suffix, which results in the correct double l spelling. The noun accident is also spelled correctly, featuring the double c consonant cluster and the ent suffix. Each component of the sentence follows established morphological and phonetic conventions without any typographical inaccuracies.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adverb to modify the verb supplied by describing the manner in which the action was performed. Faultlessly is an adverb that means in a way that is perfect or without any errors. It appropriately qualifies the action of supplying the human resource, indicating that the task was completed without mistakes. Grammatically, while the other options function primarily as adjectives, faultlessly provides the necessary adverbial modification for the verb in this context.

Explanation

The segment careful while executed the contains a grammatical error because of the incorrect verb form used after the conjunction while. When while is used to denote an action happening concurrently with another, it is typically followed by the present participle form (verb + ing) or a full clause containing a subject and a verb. In this sentence, the past tense verb executed is used improperly to describe the ongoing action of carrying out orders. The verb should be changed to the present participle executing to correctly indicate the continuous nature of the task being performed. Alternatively, a full clause such as while she was executing would also be grammatically sound, but in the context of the provided segments, the gerund form executing is the required correction.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice and uses the simple past tense, indicated by the construction was + past participle (defeated). To convert this into the active voice, the agent Gandolf, the savior (positioned after by) must become the grammatical subject, and the recipient the evil king must become the object. The verb must be changed from the passive form to the simple past active form, which is defeated. This transformation follows the standard rule where Subject + was/were + V3 + by + Object becomes Object + V2 + Subject.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Simple Present Tense, following the structure: Subject + V1 + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the structure used is: Object + am/is/are + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Subject. Since the object the roads is plural, the auxiliary verb are is used followed by the past participle fixed. Therefore, the passive form is the roads are fixed by indentured labourers.

Explanation

The sentence refers to a specific, completed action that took place during a defined period in the past, which is "my Goa tour." In English grammar, the Simple Past tense is used to describe finished actions or events that occurred at a specific time in the past. Since there is no second past action being referenced to establish a sequence, the Simple Past form "visited" is the most appropriate choice to indicate the completion of the activity during the mentioned trip.

Explanation

Clamour refers to a loud and persistent outcry or a vehement expression of collective desire or dissatisfaction. It is specifically used to describe a situation where a large group of people makes a noisy, insistent demand or appeal, often in a public or political context. The term captures both the high volume and the pressing urgency of the communication, perfectly matching the definition of a loud appeal or demand.

Explanation

When a sentence in direct speech begins with Let us to express a suggestion or proposal, the reporting verb said is changed to proposed or suggested. In the indirect speech construction, the conjunction that is used, and the pronoun us is changed to they or we depending on the context. The word let is replaced by should followed by the base form of the verb. In this sentence, He said, Let us wait for the award becomes He proposed that they should wait for the award because the speaker is suggesting an action for a group that includes himself.

Explanation

To convert the sentence from indirect to direct speech, the standard rules of tense and time adverbials must be reversed. The past continuous tense "were landing" in the indirect statement corresponds to the present continuous tense "are landing" in direct speech. The time expression "the next day" is the indirect equivalent of "tomorrow." Since the pronoun "his" is in the third person, it remains unchanged in direct speech as it refers to a person other than the speaker or the listener. Applying these changes, the direct speech becomes: Leena said, "His relatives are landing tomorrow."

Explanation

Laborious refers to a task that requires a significant amount of effort, hard work, or physical exertion, often implying that the work is difficult and taxing. Facile, used within the sentence to describe the same activity, refers to something that is easily achieved or effortless. Because facile denotes ease and a lack of difficulty, it serves as the direct antonym to laborious, which emphasizes the strain and labor involved in the job. In the context of the provided text, the speaker uses both terms to contrast the actual physical demand of gardening with how simple or effortless the activity feels due to the enjoyment it provides.

Explanation

The word dispatch means to send off a message, person, or shipment to a specific destination for a particular purpose. It focuses on the act of sending away or outward transmission. Its antonym must reflect the opposite action, which is to gain or receive something. Acquire means to buy or obtain an object or asset for oneself, or to come into possession of something. Therefore, while dispatching involves the release or sending out of an item, acquiring involves the act of getting or receiving it.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological and logical sequence of events starting with sentence A, which establishes the initial situation of Shalini waiting for her friend. Sentence C naturally follows as it describes the friend's arrival and their decision to head to the market. Upon arriving at the destination, sentence D provides a descriptive detail about the state of the market place, noting it was crowded. Finally, sentence B concludes the sequence by detailing an action that took place at the market, where the friend obtained a bouquet for Shalini. This progression ensures a clear narrative flow from the beginning of the wait to the activity at the destination.

Explanation

The idiom cut a poor figure is used to describe a situation where an individual makes a negative or unfavorable impression on others. It often refers to someone appearing awkward, inadequate, or unimpressive in a particular social or professional setting. The term figure in this context relates to the image or persona one projects, and cutting that figure suggests the act of presenting oneself, which, when described as poor, indicates a failure to command respect or admiration.

Explanation

The term growth refers to the economic expansion and development of a nation. In the context of national progress, rapid growth typically implies a fast-paced increase in the production of goods and services and a rise in national income. This economic advancement is the primary driver behind an improved standard of living, as it leads to better infrastructure, higher wages, and increased access to essential services for the population.

Explanation

The word inundated means to be overwhelmed by a very large amount of something, such as messages or requests. In this context, the celebrity received such a high volume of birthday wishes that they were swamped or overwhelmed.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject A 2007-2009 study. Part P follows immediately as it provides the main verb explored and the object forward thinking techniques. Part Q then introduces an infinitive phrase to synchronise time that explains the purpose of these techniques. The word deep at the end of Q functions as an adjective that must modify the noun space probes found at the start of part R, forming the compound term deep space probes. Finally, part R ends with the preposition in, which naturally links to the word particular in part S to form the common phrase in particular. This sequence creates a logical and grammatically fluid description of the study's objectives and focus.

Explanation

The word encompasses means to include or contain a wide range of aspects or components as a part of a whole. In the context of the passage, education is described as a broad field that incorporates both the act of teaching and the process of learning. It covers various domains such as knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency, making encompasses the most semantically appropriate choice to describe the comprehensive scope of what education entails.

Explanation

The verb focuses is grammatically and contextually the most appropriate fit for the blank because it is conventionally followed by the preposition on. In this sentence, the phrase focuses on indicates that education centers its attention or concentrates its efforts toward the cultivation of skills, trades, and various forms of personal development. This usage effectively conveys that the primary objective or emphasis of education is the refinement of a person's abilities and character.

Explanation

Formal education is characterized by its structured and systematic approach to learning, which requires instructors who possess specific qualifications, expertise, and training. The term professional describes teachers who are specially trained in pedagogy and subject-specific knowledge to deliver curricula effectively within an institutional framework. This distinguishes formal instruction from informal learning by ensuring that the educators have the necessary skills and certifications to guide the mental, moral, and aesthetic development of students.

Explanation

The term fundamental is used to describe human rights that are considered essential, basic, and indispensable for the dignity and development of every individual. In international law and legal frameworks, education is categorized as a fundamental human right because it is a prerequisite for the exercise of other rights and the full development of the human personality. This is reflected in major international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26), which establishes education as a basic entitlement. In the Indian legal context, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 specifically integrated the Right to Education as a fundamental right under Article 21-A, underscoring its status as a core pillar of modern human rights.

Explanation

The passage defines formal education as a system of instruction, teaching, and training. Educational systems are institutional frameworks specifically designed to deliver these components to students. The term training refers to the practical and technical instruction required for professional competency and skill development, which the passage identifies as a primary goal of education alongside mental and moral development. Integrating training with education reflects the system's role in preparing individuals for specific trades and professions through systematic pedagogical application.

Explanation

The adjective warm is the standard English collocation used with the noun welcome to describe a reception that is friendly, cordial, and hospitable. In the context of the sentence, the mention of a pleasant smile and the presentation of a bouquet indicates a kind and enthusiastic greeting, which aligns perfectly with the definition of a warm welcome. This phrase is a common idiomatic expression used to denote sincere hospitality upon someone's arrival.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Past Continuous tense, following the structure: Subject + was/were + V-ing + Object. To convert a sentence in the Past Continuous tense into the passive voice, the standard formula used is: Object + was/were + being + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Subject.

In this sentence, Rashi is the subject, a letter is the object, and writing is the main verb. Since the object a letter is singular, it requires the singular auxiliary verb was. Applying the formula, the passive construction becomes A letter (Object) + was + being + written (V3) + by Rashi (Agent) + to her husband. This accurately maintains the tense and meaning of the original active sentence while shifting the focus to the recipient of the action.

Explanation

Philology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, and relationships of a language or languages. It involves the study of literary texts as well as oral and written records, the establishment of their authenticity and their original form, and the determination of their meaning. Derived from the Greek words philos, meaning loving, and logos, meaning word, the term literally translates to the love of words and encompasses the scientific study of language in written historical sources.