SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The idiom greenhorn refers to a person who is new to a job, trade, or activity and lacks the necessary experience or skill. The term is believed to have originated from the description of young animals whose horns are still fresh or green, symbolizing their youth and lack of maturity. In a professional setting, a greenhorn is a novice or a beginner who is often unfamiliar with the nuances of their environment, which can make them vulnerable to the influence or manipulation of more seasoned superiors.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adverb to modify the verb assemble, describing the manner in which Nitha performs the action. Quickly is an adverb of manner that indicates the speed or efficiency with which the students are gathered. In English grammar, adverbs are typically used to provide more information about verbs, and quickly functions as the appropriate modifier to describe the process of assembling the class.

Explanation

The adverb perfectly is a standard intensifier that collocates with the adjective sensible to describe something that is entirely reasonable, logical, and appropriate. In this sentence, the speaker initiates the statement with the phrase Of course, which establishes a tone of full agreement and certainty. Using the collocation perfectly sensible reinforces this sentiment by expressing that the measure in question is completely sound and leaves no room for doubt or objection. This specific adverb-adjective pairing is a common idiomatic expression in English used to validate the rationality of a proposal or action.

Explanation

The word encountered means to come across, undergo, or meet with something, particularly a situation or an experience. In the provided sentence, experiencing is used to describe people undergoing or facing the effects of a heat wave. Both terms denote the act of living through or being confronted by a specific condition or event, making them synonyms in this context.

Explanation

The verb look functions as a linking verb in this sentence, as it describes the state or appearance of the subject rather than an action. Linking verbs, including appear, seem, feel, and look, must be followed by an adjective to serve as a subject complement. In this context, the adverb decently is grammatically incorrect because adverbs modify actions, while adjectives describe nouns. The correct form should be the adjective decent to properly describe the wedding gown.

Explanation

The word irresolute describes a person who is hesitant, uncertain, or unable to make a firm decision. It stems from a lack of resolve or determination. The term decisive serves as its direct antonym because it refers to the ability to make clear, firm decisions quickly and with confidence. While an irresolute person wavers and lacks purpose, a decisive person acts with certainty and finality, making it the most appropriate opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The word anger signifies a strong feeling of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism. Fury is an exact synonym as it represents an intense or violent state of anger or rage. Both terms describe an emotional response to a perceived provocation or wrong, with fury specifically denoting the higher end of the intensity spectrum for that emotion.

Explanation

The idiom hue and cry refers to a loud public outcry, alarm, or protest made by an individual or a group. It is most commonly used in the expression to raise a hue and cry, which signifies making a vigorous and noisy complaint or sounding a public alarm about a specific incident, such as a theft or a loss. In the given sentence, the discovery of missing luggage is a distressing event that would naturally lead a person to create a scene or demand immediate attention through loud shouting or protest, making this the most appropriate idiomatic fit for the context.

Explanation

The conversion from indirect to direct speech requires reversing the backshift of tenses and the change in word order. In the given indirect sentence, the reporting verb asked indicates a past tense reporting context, which caused the original simple present verb is to change into the simple past was. To restore the direct form, was must be changed back to is. Additionally, the assertive word order of the indirect clause (subject + verb) must be reverted to the interrogative word order (verb + subject) required for a direct question. The reporting verb asked is correctly replaced by said to when introducing the direct speech. These rules are accurately applied in the construction: The old man said to the boy, "Where is the postman?"

Explanation

The active sentence follows the structure of Subject (Sanjay) + Verb (V₂ - rolled) + Object (the marble) + Prepositional Phrase (through a small plastic pipe). To convert a simple past tense sentence into passive voice, the formula used is: New Subject + was/were + V₃ (past participle) + by + Agent. Here, the marble becomes the subject, the verb becomes was rolled, and the prepositional phrase through a small plastic pipe remains attached to the action it describes to maintain the original meaning. The original subject Sanjay becomes the agent preceded by the preposition by. This results in the construction: The marble was rolled through a small plastic pipe by Sanjay.

Explanation

The term infanticide is derived from the Latin words infans, meaning child, and caedere, meaning to kill. It specifically refers to the intentional act of killing an infant or a child within the first year of life. In English grammar and vocabulary, the suffix -cide is used to denote the act of killing a specific person or thing, making infanticide the precise one-word substitute for the murder of an infant.

Explanation

The sequence follows a logical progression from a general definition to specific characteristics, benefits, and finally a potential drawback. Sentence B introduces the topic by providing a formal definition of competition as the act of participating in a contest. Sentence D elaborates on this definition by explaining the internal and external essence of competition, which involves measuring oneself against others and oneself. Sentence C follows by describing the positive functional outcome of this process, noting how it enables individuals to grow and realize their skills. Finally, sentence A concludes the paragraph with a conditional warning about the negative consequences that arise if the competitive drive is not managed, completing a cohesive narrative arc from definition to application and risk.

Explanation

The sentence requires a past participle to form a participle phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of cause. The word Blinded acts as a passive participle modifying the subject they, indicating that the subjects were affected by the external action of the dust storm. This construction concisely expresses the idea that because the individuals were made unable to see by the storm, they fell into a state of disorder. The past participle form is necessary here to show that the action was performed upon the subject, aligning with the use of the preposition by to denote the agent of the action.

Explanation

The sentence describes the gradual process by which sports fans build a sense of loyalty or commitment toward a specific team. The phrase over a period of time indicates a progression or growth that occurs as fans engage with the sport. To develop a quality, habit, or feeling means to start to have it and allow it to become stronger or more advanced as time passes, which accurately characterizes the way long-term emotional allegiance is formed.

Explanation

The word varied is used to describe the diverse and wide-ranging nature of the feelings that sports fans experience. Because sports performance is unpredictable and involves constant shifts in momentum, the emotional response of a dedicated fan is not static but rather changes in intensity and type. This term effectively captures the spectrum of emotions—such as excitement, anxiety, joy, or sorrow—that a fan might display throughout the duration of a match and in the period following the event. It aligns with the context of deep attachment and the passionate, fluctuating nature of sports fandom described in the passage.

Explanation

The word though functions as a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a statement that adds a contrast or concession to the main part of the sentence. In this context, it is used in a reduced adverbial phrase (though it is common) to acknowledge that while the phenomenon of sports allegiance is a universal occurrence across the entire globe, its intensity or visibility is notably higher in specific countries such as Brazil, India, the US, and the UK. This structure allows the writer to validate the global nature of the trend before emphasizing the specific regions where the craze and hysteria are most prominent.

Explanation

The sentence requires the present perfect tense, which is formed using the auxiliary verb has followed by the past participle (V3) of the main verb. The phrase to come a long way is a standard idiomatic expression in English meaning to make significant progress or to develop significantly over time. In the conjugation of the verb to come, the base form is come, the simple past is came, and the past participle is come. Therefore, the word come correctly completes the grammatical structure and the idiom to describe the historical progress of sport.

Explanation

The word pastime refers to an activity that is done regularly for enjoyment rather than work. In the context of the passage, which describes the intense craze, hysteria, and emotional attachment fans have toward sports teams, the most fitting descriptor for such an activity is entertaining. Sports provide amusement and engagement for millions across the globe, making them one of the most widely recognized forms of leisure and entertainment in history.

Explanation

The idiom face the music means to accept the unpleasant consequences or criticism resulting from one's own previous actions or mistakes. In the context of the sentence, the candidate engaged in academic dishonesty for several years and eventually had to deal with the inevitable penalty, which was losing the opportunity to complete his PhD. The expression conveys the idea of finally being held accountable and enduring the negative results of one's behavior rather than continuing to avoid them.

Explanation

The verb afford means to have enough money to pay for something or to be able to spare the cost of a particular expense. In this sentence, the context clearly indicates a financial constraint, as Sunil has already spent a large sum of money on the completion of his house. Since he lacks the necessary financial resources to pay for a trip to the US after his recent heavy expenditure, afford is the logically and grammatically correct choice to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The verb adapt means to adjust or modify one's behavior to suit new conditions or a different environment. In the context of a student moving to a hostel, the sentence describes the process of acclimating to a new living situation. The reflexive construction adapt himself is correctly followed by the preposition to, which identifies the specific environment or circumstances being adjusted to. This usage aligns with standard English grammar for describing situational adjustment.

Explanation

The sentence structure follows a logical progression defining NFTs and their recent significance. Part P introduces the core definition of NFTs as digital collectables and ends with the preposition on, which requires a following noun phrase to indicate where they exist. Part S provides this object, specifying online ledgers known as blockchains. Part Q then uses the conjunction and to transition to a secondary clause, ending with the adverb recently. This adverb naturally modifies the action taking place in part R, which describes the impact of NFTs on the art world. The sequence PSQR thus maintains grammatical continuity and semantic clarity.

Explanation

The word Impracticle is misspelled. The correct spelling is Impractical. This adjective is formed by adding the prefix im- (meaning not) to the word practical. In English, the suffix -ical is used to form adjectives from nouns or other stems, whereas the suffix -icle is typically reserved for nouns denoting smallness or specific physical entities, such as particle or cuticle. Since the intended word describes something that is not sensible or realistic to do, it must end with the adjectival suffix -ical.

Explanation

The term anonymous is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is not identified by name or is of unknown authorship. Its spelling is derived from the Greek roots an- meaning without and onyma meaning name. The correct English construction is a-n-o-n-y-m-o-u-s, which incorporates the standard adjectival suffix -ous. This spelling requires a single n after the initial a and correctly uses the letter y in the middle of the word to reflect its etymological origin. In the context of the sentence, it describes a phone call where the caller's identity remains unknown.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires an infinitive clause to follow the reporting verb told and its object Rahu. When the verb tell is used to convey an instruction or a command, it follows the grammatical pattern of tell + person + to-infinitive. The use of the preposition on before the base verb wait is ungrammatical in this context. To make the sentence correct, on must be replaced with the infinitive marker to, resulting in the construction to wait. This correctly links the action to the instruction given by the speaker.

Explanation

The word apex refers to the highest point or the top of a structure, especially one that forms a peak. In the context of an organization or a committee, it signifies the uppermost level or the most superior position in the hierarchy. Similarly, pinnacle denotes the most successful point, the culmination, or the highest physical part of something. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the summit or the zenith of a system or career.

Explanation

In converting the given interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, several grammatical transformations are required. Since the reporting verb "Asked" is in the past tense, the modal "will" must be changed to its past form "would". For yes/no questions, the conjunction "if" or "whether" is introduced to connect the reporting clause with the reported speech. Additionally, pronouns must shift based on the context of the speaker: the second person "you" (referring to Meena) becomes "she", the first person "me" (referring to the mother) becomes "her", and the possessive "our" changes to "their". Finally, the word order changes from interrogative to assertive, placing the subject before the verb. All these conditions are accurately met in the statement where Meena's mother asked her whether she would assist her to pack their belongings.

Explanation

The error lies in the incorrect use of the preposition off in the phrase off Germany. In English grammar, the word off is typically used to indicate disconnection, separation, or a position at a distance from a place. To denote that something belongs to, is situated within, or is a component of a larger whole, the preposition of must be used. Since the sentence describes a specific region located inside the country, the correct preposition is of to indicate the relationship between the part and the whole, resulting in the phrase the southern part of Germany.

Explanation

The word everlasting refers to something that is eternal, enduring, or existing for an infinite amount of time without an end. Its direct antonym is transient, which describes something that is fleeting, ephemeral, or lasting only for a very short period. While everlasting implies permanence and continuity, transient emphasizes impermanence and a brief duration, making it the most suitable opposite in terms of time and existence.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the Simple Present tense, indicated by the structure is + past participle (V₃). The standard formula for converting Simple Present from passive to active voice is:

Passive: Subject + is/am/are + V₃ + by + Agent Active: Agent (new Subject) + V₁/(V₁ + s/es) + Object

In this sentence, the passive verb is shipped corresponds to the active verb ship or ships. Since the active subject in the correct option is the plural pronoun We, the base form of the verb ship is used to maintain subject-verb agreement in the Simple Present tense. Thus, the active construction accurately reflects the habitual or general action described in the original passive statement.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the present perfect tense, which follows the active voice structure: Subject + have/has + V3 (past participle) + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object (that man) becomes the subject, and the verb structure changes to: Subject + has/have + been + V3 + (by + agent). Since "That man" is a singular subject, the auxiliary verb "has" is used along with "been" and the past participle "chosen," resulting in the construction "has been chosen."

Explanation

The correlative conjunction neither must always be paired with nor to maintain grammatical structure. When a sentence uses the neither... nor construction to join two subjects, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it, a principle known as the rule of proximity. In this sentence, the subjects are the teachers (plural) and the principal (singular). Since the principal is the subject nearest to the verb, the singular verb form likes is required. Therefore, the segment nor the principal likes the new budget correctly completes the sentence.

Explanation

Acquisition refers to the act of gaining, obtaining, or acquiring possession of something, which results in an addition or an increase. In contrast, loss refers to the state of being deprived of or no longer having something, representing a decrease or a deficit. In the context of the sentence provided, loss signifies the defeat or the failure to maintain possession of a victory, making it the direct semantic opposite of acquisition. Therefore, while acquisition implies a gain, loss implies its absence or removal.

Explanation

The word hoodwinked means to deceive or trick someone, typically by using false appearances or misleading statements to hide one's true intentions. In the context of the sentence, it describes the fraudulent methods used by the perpetrators to mislead the victims into a false sense of security, which allowed them to steal their valuables. To deceive someone is to intentionally lead them into error or to cause them to believe what is false, making it the most appropriate synonym for the action taken by the fraudsters.

Explanation

The term philanthropist is derived from the Greek roots philein, meaning to love, and anthropos, meaning mankind. It refers to a person who possesses a sincere love for humanity and actively seeks to promote the welfare of others. Such individuals often demonstrate their belief in universal brotherhood through benevolent actions, charitable contributions, or efforts intended to alleviate human suffering and improve the quality of life for people regardless of their background.

Explanation

Sentence S introduces the primary context by describing where Annie slept during her first few months, which was in a crib by the parents' bed. Sentence P follows logically by establishing the narrator's own sleeping arrangement in the adjacent bedroom, creating a spatial relationship between the two siblings. Sentence Q then presents a specific routine where Annie would wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Sentence R concludes the sequence by describing the narrator's habitual response to Annie's cries, which involves moving from the location established in P to the location established in S.

Explanation

The word diligent describes a person who shows steady, earnest, and energetic effort in their work or duties. In the context of the sentence, the act of carefully writing down instructions and making the effort to remember them demonstrates a high level of thoroughness and conscientiousness. This behavior aligns with the quality of being hardworking and attentive, which complements the trait of being efficient in a professional or personal setting.

Explanation

The idiom lose your marbles is a common English expression used to describe someone who has become mentally unstable or has lost their sanity. Historically, the term marbles was used in 19th-century slang to refer to one's wits, intelligence, or mental faculties. Consequently, the act of losing these metaphorical marbles signifies that a person is going insane or is unable to think and behave in a rational manner.

Explanation

The word alleged is used to describe a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically when that claim has not yet been proven or verified. In the context of mob lynching, the group acts against an individual based on a suspected or reported crime without waiting for a formal investigation or a court verdict. Since the legal guilt of the person has not been established through due process, the infraction is referred to as alleged to indicate it is a mere accusation or a supposed offense rather than a proven fact.

Explanation

The term hate crimes refers to illegal acts motivated by bias or prejudice against a person or group based on specific characteristics such as identity, race, or religion. Since mob lynching involves the organized murder of individuals by a group without legal authorization, it is classified as a violent criminal act. In the context of the passage, describing mob lynching as one of the hate crimes accurately reflects its status as a punishable offense that violates both national laws and international human rights standards.

Explanation

In the context of mob lynching, the act is often triggered by unverified rumors or doubts rather than proven facts. The adjective mere is typically used to emphasize that something is small or insignificant, which in this sentence points to the lack of solid proof or justification for the violence. A mere suspicion refers to a slight belief or feeling that someone has done something wrong without having any actual proof, aligning with the description of mobs targeting strangers or minorities based on unfounded conjectures rather than legal evidence.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, mob lynching involves a group of people taking extrajudicial action against an individual suspected of a crime or wrongdoing. The word accused refers to a person who is charged with or suspected of an offense but has not yet been proven guilty in a court of law. Since the mob acts without due process, they target someone based on allegations or suspicions. The preceding word supposed emphasizes that the individual's guilt is merely an assumption made by the mob, making accused the most logically and contextually appropriate term to describe the target of such violence.

Explanation

The term flagrant is an adjective used to describe something considered wrong or immoral that is conspicuously or obviously offensive. In legal and human rights contexts, a flagrant violation refers to a blatant, shameless, or glaring breach of laws or standards. Since mob lynching involves a public and extreme disregard for the due process of law and the right to life, it is accurately described as a flagrant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and constitutional principles.

Explanation

The idiom be hard up is used to describe a person or situation facing a significant shortage of financial resources. It implies that someone is in a state of poverty or is struggling to afford basic necessities. This expression often suggests a temporary or urgent need for cash. For instance, if a person says they are hard up for cash, it signifies that they have very little money available at that moment to meet their requirements. The phrase effectively highlights a condition of being broke or financially strapped.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is Tuition. It requires an i between the u and the t, making it t-u-i-t-i-o-n. The word originates from the Middle English word tuicioun, which relates to the act of guarding, protecting, or teaching. The spelling in the option incorrectly omits the second vowel in the sequence.

Explanation

The sentence She handles all tasks efficiently is in the active voice and the simple present tense. To convert a simple present tense sentence into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, followed by the appropriate form of the verb be (is/am/are) and the past participle (V3) of the main verb. In this case, all tasks is the plural object, which necessitates the use of the auxiliary verb are. The past participle form of the verb handle is handled. By following the standard passive construction [Subject + is/am/are + V3 + by + Object], the sentence is transformed into All tasks are handled efficiently by her.

Explanation

The grammatical error is located in the segment want to because of the rule of subject-verb agreement. When a sentence begins with the distributive determiner every followed by a singular countable noun like child, the entire subject is treated as singular. A singular subject requires a singular verb in the present simple tense. Therefore, the plural verb want must be replaced with the singular verb wants to correctly match the subject Every curious child.

Explanation

The word avert means to prevent or ward off an undesirable occurrence or to turn away one's eyes or thoughts. It is commonly used in contexts where someone takes action to stop a negative event from happening, such as averting a disaster or a crash. The word prevent is its most direct synonym as it also means to keep something from happening or arising through proactive measures. Both terms describe the act of ensuring a potential situation does not occur.

Explanation

The word amble refers to walking or moving at a slow, relaxed, and leisurely pace. It conveys the sense of strolling without any particular hurry or a specific destination in mind, which aligns directly with the meaning of walking aimlessly.

Explanation

The sentence requires an active voice construction because the subject, the authorities, is performing the action of giving an assurance to the people. In the present perfect tense, the active voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb have followed by the past participle of the main verb. Since the subject authorities is plural, it must be paired with the plural auxiliary have. Using have assured correctly establishes that the authorities have completed the act of assuring the people regarding the matter.