SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word empty refers to a space, container, or area that contains nothing or is not occupied. Vacant is a direct synonym as it describes a place, seat, or position that is currently unoccupied, available, or devoid of contents. Both terms are used interchangeably to indicate the absence of people or objects within a specific setting.

Explanation

The word transient is derived from the Latin transire, meaning to go across or pass by. It is used to describe something that lasts for only a short period of time and is not permanent or lasting. Similarly, the word temporary refers to something that is intended to last or be used for a limited time only. Since both terms convey the concept of impermanence and a fleeting nature, they are synonyms.

Explanation

In English, the standard idiomatic collocation used to describe the process of becoming insolvent is to go bankrupt. While bankrupt functions as an adjective describing a financial state, the verb go is conventionally paired with it to indicate a change in condition or the initiation of legal bankruptcy proceedings. This fixed expression is the most natural and grammatically accepted way to signal that a company or individual has reached a point where they can no longer meet their financial obligations.

Explanation

The word manoeuvre in the sentence is correctly spelled according to standard British English conventions. Derived from the French word manoeuvre, it combines the Latin roots manus (hand) and operari (to work). While the American English spelling is maneuver, the British spelling used in the sentence is accurate and widely accepted in competitive examinations following Commonwealth English standards. The provided alternatives do not offer a more accurate spelling of the term.

Explanation

The sentence Her wooden almirah has been destroyed by the termites is in the passive voice of the Present Perfect tense. The structure for Present Perfect passive is Subject + has/have + been + past participle (V3). To convert this into the active voice, the agent following the word by (the termites) becomes the grammatical subject, and the recipient of the action (her wooden almirah) becomes the object. The active voice structure for the Present Perfect tense is Subject + has/have + past participle (V3) + Object. Since the termites is a plural subject, it requires the auxiliary verb have instead of has, resulting in the construction have destroyed.

Explanation

The idiom down the tubes is a colloquial expression used to describe a situation, project, or venture that is failing miserably, heading toward total ruin, or being completely wasted. It likely originates from the imagery of something being flushed away through a drainage or sewage pipe, implying that once it enters the system, it is lost and cannot be recovered. When something is said to be going down the tubes, it signifies a state of rapid decline and absolute failure.

Explanation

The sentence follows a standard subject-verb-object structure starting with the subject "The researchers" followed by the principal verb in part Q "analyzed the electrical activity recorded". The prepositional phrase beginning in part S "from neurons in two of the brain's" logically follows "recorded" to specify the source of the data. The possessive "brain's" at the end of part S requires a noun, which is provided by "decision centers" in part P. Finally, the adjective "orbitofrontal" at the end of part P must be followed by the noun "cortex" in part R to complete the anatomical name "orbitofrontal cortex", which is then joined with the "dorsal anterior cingulate cortex" to fulfill the reference to the "two" centers mentioned in part S.

Explanation

The word briefly is an adverb that modifies the verb considered. In the given sentence, the phrase in brief functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the manner or duration of the consideration. To replace this phrase with a single equivalent adverb, the suffix -ly is added to the adjective brief to form briefly, which correctly describes how the action was performed.

Explanation

When converting indirect speech to direct speech, the reporting verb asked changes to said to. The conjunction if indicates that the direct speech was a yes/no question. According to the rules of backshift in reported speech, a verb in the simple past tense (cried) in the indirect form is transformed from the simple present tense in the direct form. Since the subject Rohit is a third-person singular noun, the question is framed using the auxiliary verb does followed by the base form of the verb cry. This results in the direct question: Does Rohit still cry?

Explanation

The word millenium is incorrectly spelt because it is missing a second n. The correct spelling is millennium, featuring both a double l and a double n. This spelling is derived from the Latin roots mille, meaning thousand, and annus, meaning year. Since the root word annus is spelled with a double n, as seen in related words like annual or anniversary, the word millennium must also retain the double n to be correct.

Explanation

When converting from indirect to direct speech, the Past Perfect Continuous tense (had been smoking) reverts to the Past Continuous tense (were smoking). The reporting verb asked indicates a past tense inquiry, which corresponds to said to in the direct form. The pronoun I in the indirect speech refers to the object of the reporting verb (me), so it changes back to the second-person you in direct speech. Furthermore, the time expression that day is the indirect counterpart of today. Combining these rules, the direct speech must be She said to me, "Why were you smoking today?"

Explanation

The idiom a stone's throw away is used to describe a very short distance or close proximity between two locations. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that APJ Abdul Kalam's house was situated very near the Rameswaram temple, which aligns with the preceding phrase within the reach.

Explanation

The logical sequence of the paragraph begins with sentence A, which establishes the setting and the primary event of meeting the uncle on the way to school. Sentence C follows as it describes the uncle's immediate reaction and his inquiry about the narrator's parents, initiating the dialogue. Sentence D is the direct response to that specific inquiry, where the narrator mentions the father recalling the uncle frequently. Finally, sentence B provides the concluding action of the encounter, where the narrator invites the uncle to their home after the conversation. This arrangement ensures a chronological and thematic flow from the initial meeting to the conversation and the final invitation.

Explanation

The word part refers to a piece, fraction, or segment that constitutes a portion of a larger object or entity. Its antonym must denote completeness or the totality of an object. The word whole refers to the entire amount or the complete entity without any missing pieces or divisions. Therefore, whole serves as the direct linguistic opposite of part because it represents the unified total rather than a singular division.

Explanation

The segment these days is belonging contains a grammatical error because the verb belong is a stative verb. Stative verbs express a state of being, possession, or a permanent condition rather than a physical action or process. Under standard English grammar rules, stative verbs are generally not used in the continuous or progressive tense. Instead, they are used in the simple present tense. In this context, the present continuous form is belonging should be replaced by the simple present form belongs to correctly denote ownership.

Explanation

Procrastinate means to delay or postpone action or to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness. It involves intentionally and unnecessarily delaying the start or completion of a task despite knowing that there will be negative consequences for doing so. This term perfectly captures the behavior of avoiding a task until a later time due to a lack of motivation or a desire to avoid the effort required.

Explanation

In English linguistics, collocations are word pairs or groups that naturally and frequently occur together. When describing the volume or density of vehicles on a road, the adjective heavy is the standard collocating word used to indicate a large amount of traffic. This conventional pairing is used to denote high congestion or a high number of vehicles, just as light is used to denote the opposite. Adjectives like heavy specifically characterize the intensity of the flow in this context.

Explanation

The verb cause follows the grammatical pattern of cause + object + to-infinitive when indicating that someone or something makes an action happen. In this context, the subjects (deforestation, wildfires, and pollution) act upon the object (animals) to bring about the result of losing their homes. The word to serves as the required infinitive marker for the verb lose, completing the syntactical structure necessary to express causality.

Explanation

The word affected is the past participle of the verb affect, which means to produce a change in or to influence something. In the context of the passage, it correctly describes how animals are impacted or influenced by the changes occurring in their surroundings, such as deforestation and pollution. The sentence employs the passive voice construction be affected by, where the surroundings act as the agent that causes a negative impact on the animals.

Explanation

The adjective unaware means lacking knowledge or a realization of a particular fact or situation. In the context of the passage, it indicates that many people who cut down trees for wood do not realize or consciously consider the negative impact their actions have on animal habitats. Using unaware completes the sentence logically by explaining that the destruction of animals' homes is often an overlooked consequence of human resource extraction.

Explanation

The term habitat refers to the specific natural environment in which a particular species of animal lives, finds food, and reproduces. In the context of ecological destruction caused by wildfires, the physical space and resources that support animal life are destroyed, leading to what is scientifically termed as habitat loss. The passage consistently discusses the displacement of animals from their natural homes, making habitat the most precise and contextually appropriate word to describe the environment lost to fire.

Explanation

The term brilliant is the most appropriate substitute for superb and impressive when describing a student's performance or intellectual capability in a classroom setting. It denotes exceptional intelligence and talent, effectively combining the notions of being high-quality and striking into a single descriptor that fits the academic context of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence describes the impact of poaching and smuggling on animal populations. Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, and smuggling involves the illicit trade of these animals or their parts. Both activities are major drivers of population decline, leading species toward the brink of extinction. In biological and environmental terminology, species that are at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the near future are described as endangered. This term specifically addresses the vulnerability of wildlife caused by human-led exploitation and the resulting threat to their continued existence.

Explanation

The word casual refers to something that is relaxed, informal, or characterized by a lack of ceremony and strict adherence to rules. In contexts such as social behavior, dress codes, or language, it implies an easygoing and unofficial nature. The word formal is its direct antonym because it signifies strict adherence to established conventions, official protocols, and prescribed standards of etiquette or ceremony.

Explanation

The word yesterday functions as an adverb of time because it indicates the specific point in time when the action of the verb occurred. In the context of the sentence I went to Paris yesterday, this adverb answers the question when the visit took place. Adverbs of time provide essential information regarding the timing of an event, and yesterday specifically denotes a definite period in the past, making it the appropriate replacement to satisfy the grammatical requirement.

Explanation

Conceit is defined as having an excessively high opinion of one's own importance, merits, or abilities, often characterized by vanity and arrogance. Modesty is the direct antonym because it refers to the quality of being humble and maintaining a moderate or unassuming estimate of one's own talents and achievements. While conceit involves a sense of superiority and pride, modesty reflects a lack of pretension and a tendency to downplay one's successes.

Explanation

Weary is defined as feeling or showing extreme tiredness, particularly after a long period of exertion, activity, or stress. It encapsulates the sense of being drained of strength and needing rest or sleep to recover from physical or mental fatigue.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence P, which establishes the foundational premise that humans are inherently social beings. Sentence S introduces a contrast using the transition word However, explaining that constant social interaction eventually takes a toll on an individual. This creates a logical transition to sentence Q, which presents solitude as the necessary remedy for disconnecting and recharging from the social fatigue described in S. Finally, sentence R uses the demonstrative pronoun This to refer back to the concept of solitude mentioned in Q, providing a specific clarification that seeking solitude does not require extreme measures like locking oneself away. The sequence follows a thematic progression from a general human trait to a specific problem, its solution, and a final qualification of that solution.

Explanation

The sentence structure follows a logical grammatical progression beginning with the relative clause introduced by who. Segment R provides the verb was for this clause, establishing Michael Holding as a member of the Sky Sports organization. Segment Q continues this thought by identifying the specific commentary panel and initiating a prepositional phrase regarding the duration of his tenure. Segment P completes the time frame with 20 years and moves into the main predicate of the sentence, which states he has finally drawn curtains on. Segment S concludes the sentence by providing the object of the preposition on, referring to his stint behind the microphone. This sequence creates a coherent description of the legendary cricketers retirement from broadcasting.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Simple Past tense, following the active voice structure Subject + V2 + Object. To convert it into passive voice, the object (the marble) becomes the subject, followed by the auxiliary verb was (used for singular subjects in the past tense) and the past participle form of the verb (rolled). The prepositional phrase through a small plastic pipe describes how the action was performed and follows the verb, while the original subject is introduced by the preposition by at the end of the sentence.

Explanation

The idiom nook and corner signifies every part or aspect of a place, particularly highlighting even the most remote or small areas. In the context of the sentence, it describes the thorough and widespread dissemination of news throughout the entire city, indicating that no location was left untouched by the information. This expression is commonly used to emphasize that something has reached every possible point within a given area.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple present tense, indicated by the verb buys. To convert this into the passive voice, the object flowers becomes the new subject, followed by the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb be in the present tense (am, is, or are) and the past participle of the main verb (bought). Since the new subject flowers is plural, the auxiliary verb are must be used. The construction follows the standard passive formula for the simple present tense: Subject + am/is/are + V3 + by + Object. This results in the sentence: Flowers are bought by a stranger for the dead man's grave.

Explanation

To convert the indirect sentence into direct speech, the pronoun he shifts to I to represent the original speaker. The simple past tense was in the reported clause is changed back to the simple present am, following the standard rule that a past tense in indirect speech stems from a present tense in direct speech when the reporting verb said is in the past. Additionally, the demonstrative that in the indirect form is converted back to this to reflect the original proximity or reference used by the speaker. The reporting verb said remains in the past tense to match the narrative context.

Explanation

The word eager describes a state of being keenly expectant or full of energy and desire for something to happen. In the context of the sentence, the individual is so filled with anticipation that they are unable to sleep and choose to start their day early. Exhilarated is the most suitable synonym as it denotes a state of being very excited, animated, or enlivened, which captures the high-energy emotional state associated with being eager for a particular event or outcome.

Explanation

The idiom bag and baggage refers to moving or leaving a place completely, taking all of one's personal belongings or property. It originated in a military context, where an army would depart from a position with all its equipment and supplies rather than leaving them behind for the enemy. In modern English, it is used to describe a final or thorough departure where a person carries every item they own, signifying that nothing is left behind and the move is total.

Explanation

The word Caribbean is correctly spelled with a single r and a double b. The spelling provided in the option, Carribean, is incorrect because it erroneously doubles the r and uses only a single b. This geographical term is derived from the name of the Carib indigenous people. Maintaining the single r and double b sequence is essential for the standard English orthography of this specific proper noun.

Explanation

The sentence uses the verb smells as a linking verb (copular verb) followed by the adjective foul, which acts as a subject complement rather than a direct object. Passive voice construction requires a transitive verb that transfers an action to a direct object, allowing that object to become the new subject of the passive sentence. Because linking verbs describe a state of being or a quality of the subject and do not take an object, they cannot be transformed into the passive voice.

Explanation

The idiom move heaven and earth means to exert the maximum possible effort or to do everything within one's power to achieve a specific goal. In the given sentence, the activist is described as working really hard and being determined, which indicates a high level of commitment and effort. Using this phrase accurately reflects the intensity and resolution required to support a cause with such dedication.

Explanation

The word conscientious is spelled correctly in both the sentence and the options (C-O-N-S-C-I-E-N-T-I-O-U-S). While the word perseverant appears in some dictionaries, it is considered a non-standard or rare form in British English, which is the standard for these exams; the correct adjective form is persevering. In the context of this specific 2022 exam, perseverant was identified as the incorrectly used or spelt word.

Explanation

The word sanguinary is derived from the Latin root sanguis, which means blood. It is an adjective used to describe events, such as battles or conflicts, that are characterized by significant carnage, violence, and the shedding of much blood. It can also describe a person or disposition that is bloodthirsty or eager for slaughter.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the prepositional phrase In addition to, which introduces a supplementary factor. Part R provides the first noun phrase, threatened nesting habitat, followed by the adjective accidental. This adjective correctly modifies the noun capture which begins part Q. The phrase capture in fishing gear like shrimp in part Q is logically completed by the specific equipment mentioned in part S, trawls and gill nets. The verb phrase continues to be the in part S then links the subject of the sentence to the predicate found in part P, primary threat to the Kemp's ridley sea turtle. This sequence creates a grammatically sound and logical statement identifying accidental capture as the leading threat alongside habitat issues.

Explanation

The word abundant refers to something that exists in large quantities or is more than sufficient. In the context of rainfall, it indicates a plentiful supply that is conducive to the growth of crops. Ample is its direct synonym, as it also describes a quantity that is large, sufficient, or even more than necessary for a specific requirement. Both terms characterize a state of having plenty or a profusion of a particular resource.

Explanation

The word essential means absolutely necessary or extremely important, effectively combining the meanings of both necessary and important into a single adjective. In the context of technology, computers and mobile phones have transitioned from being luxuries to fundamental components of daily existence, making them indispensable. The substitution creates a more concise and precise sentence while maintaining the original meaning and adhering to proper grammatical structure using the indefinite article an before a vowel sound.

Explanation

The word concealed means to hide something from view or to prevent it from being known or noticed. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the act of keeping the truth hidden. Disguised is the most appropriate synonym because it means to change the appearance or nature of something to hide its true identity or to keep it secret. Both words convey the concept of masking or covering up reality to ensure it remains unseen or unrecognized.

Explanation

The sentence describes a habitual action or a characteristic trait of the subject. In English grammar, the simple present tense is used to express habits, regular occurrences, or general truths. By using talks about, the sentence effectively conveys that the subject has a consistent tendency to discuss only films.

Explanation

The expression keep a secret is a standard idiomatic collocation in the English language. It refers to the act of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that private information is not disclosed to others. In the context of the sentence, using this phrase appropriately describes a situation where an individual finds it challenging to refrain from sharing confidential details, making it the most natural and grammatically correct choice to complete the thought.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the word quiet instead of quite. Quiet is an adjective that describes a lack of noise or a state of silence. In this sentence, the context requires the adverb of degree quite, which is used for emphasis to mean to a considerable extent or very. The construction quite a followed by an adjective and a noun is a standard idiomatic expression used to highlight a specific quality, making quite a generous woman the correct grammatical form.

Explanation

The adjective diligent describes a person who is industrious, hard-working, and shows steady, earnest effort in their work. The adverb therefore is used as a logical connector to indicate a result, consequence, or conclusion following from the previous statement. In a cause-and-effect relationship, the natural and logical outcome of being industrious and putting in consistent effort is to achieve success. Consequently, the verb succeed best completes the sentence by providing the positive result that stems from the subject's diligence.

Explanation

The preposition on is used with specific days of the week and dates. When a day of the week is modified by a time of day, such as morning, afternoon, or evening, the preposition on remains the standard choice to indicate the specific day the event occurred. In this sentence, the action of arriving is linked to the specific day Sunday, making on Sunday morning the grammatically correct prepositional phrase.

Explanation

In English grammar, the word permission is an uncountable noun when it refers to the act of allowing someone to do something or the formal consent for an action. Uncountable nouns do not take the indefinite article a or an because they represent abstract concepts that cannot be counted as individual units. Therefore, the grammatically correct phrasing requires removing the article to use the noun in its bare form.