SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Cacophony is defined as a harsh, discordant, and unpleasant mixture of sounds. In linguistic terms, it originates from the Greek roots kakos meaning bad and phone meaning sound. Its antonym must denote a harmonious or agreeable arrangement of sound. A symphony represents an elaborate musical composition where various instruments and melodies are blended together in a structured, pleasing, and harmonious manner. This sense of organized harmony makes it the most appropriate opposite to the chaos of cacophony.

Explanation

When converting a sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to told because it is followed by an object (me). Since the reporting verb is in the past tense, the modal verb will in the reported speech must be changed to its past form, would, to maintain tense consistency. The conjunction that is used to connect the reporting clause with the reported clause, and the quotation marks are removed. Therefore, the future continuous will be breaking correctly shifts to would be breaking.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to told because it is followed by an object. The comma and inverted commas are replaced by the conjunction that. In the reported speech, the pronoun You changes to he to agree with the object her brother, and the pronoun me changes to her to agree with the subject Renu. Furthermore, the tense of the verb changes from Past Continuous (were watching) to Past Perfect Continuous (had been watching) because the reporting verb is in the past tense.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Past Perfect Passive voice, identified by the structure had + been + past participle (completed). To convert it into the Active Voice, the object of the preposition by (me) becomes the subject (I), and the verb form changes to the Past Perfect Active structure, which is had + past participle (completed). This tense is used to denote an action that was finished before another action in the past (she came). Option a correctly maintains this grammatical tense and logical sequence.

Explanation

A balanced diet refers to a nutritional plan that provides all the essential nutrients in appropriate proportions to maintain health and manage specific medical conditions. In the context of reducing blood sugar, a balanced diet is the standard clinical recommendation, as it focuses on regulating the intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to prevent glucose spikes. The phrase is a common idiomatic collocation in English used to describe a sustainable and healthy eating regimen.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb told. To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the simple past, the grammatical structure follows the formula: Subject + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Object. In this transformation, the object of the active sentence, Susan, becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Because the new subject is singular, the auxiliary verb was is used, followed by the past participle told. The agent who performed the action is introduced using the preposition by, leading to the passive construction Susan was told to give up smoking by Uma.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the prepositional phrase held upon. In the context of this sentence, the intended meaning is that the meeting was delayed or postponed because the committee members were not present. The appropriate phrasal verb to denote a delay is held up. Using held up makes the sentence logically consistent, indicating that the non-availability of members caused a one-hour delay. The word upon is typically used to mean on or immediately after and does not function with the verb held to signify a duration of delay or the cause of a postponement. Replacing upon with up corrects the grammatical and contextual mismatch.

Explanation

A gourmet is a person who possesses a refined palate and has extensive knowledge and appreciation for high-quality food and drink. This individual is not merely someone who enjoys eating, but someone with a sophisticated understanding of the culinary arts, including ingredients, preparation techniques, and the nuances of flavor that define fine dining.

Explanation

Permeate means to spread or flow through every part of a substance or an area, often used to describe how a liquid, gas, or smell pervades a space. Diffuse similarly describes the process of spreading out over a wide area or through a medium until it is evenly distributed. Both terms convey the sense of a substance moving through and filling a space, making them synonyms in the context of distribution and penetration.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical chronological and thematic progression starting with sentence B, which introduces the subject, Vineeta, and establishes her motive for choosing singing as a profession. Sentence A naturally follows by describing her professional activities and the success she achieved through performances. Sentence C provides additional information regarding her versatility as a musician by mentioning her proficiency with instruments. Finally, sentence D uses the transition word Now to describe her current status and her evolution from a performer to an educator who trains young singers in her own music school.

Explanation

Surrender refers to the act of yielding or resigning something to the possession, power, or control of another. It specifically denotes giving up a claim, right, or property, often as a result of pressure or a formal agreement to forgo one's interest in favor of another person or entity. This term is commonly used to describe the voluntary or forced relinquishment of authority or possessions.

Explanation

The word answer refers to a written or spoken response given to a question, request, or criticism. In linguistic terms, it signifies the act of responding to a communication or a situation. The term reply is its closest synonym as it specifically denotes the act of saying or writing something as a reaction to someone else's statement or inquiry. Both words represent the return communication provided in an exchange.

Explanation

The idiom fly into a passion describes the act of suddenly and unexpectedly becoming very angry. In this context, the word fly implies a quick or abrupt transition into a state of intense emotion, while passion refers to an outburst of rage or temper rather than affection.

Explanation

The idiom sitting on the fence refers to a person's inability or refusal to take a side in a dispute or make a clear decision between two or more options. It visualizes an individual perched on a barrier that separates two sides, remaining neutral or undecided rather than committing to a specific course of action or viewpoint. In practical usage, it often implies that someone is hesitating or delaying a choice because they are unsure which side is better or because they want to avoid the consequences of taking a stand.

Explanation

The sentence in option a is free of spelling errors. The word anxiety is correctly spelled with the sequence i-e-t-y. The term insidious, which refers to something proceeding in a gradual or subtle way with harmful effects, is correctly spelled with the i-d-i-o-u-s suffix. The word affecting is the correct spelling for the verb form used to indicate influence or impact, beginning with a-f-f. Furthermore, individual is correctly spelled i-n-d-i-v-i-d-u-a-l, maintaining all the necessary vowels and consonants in their proper order. Every word in this sentence adheres to standard English orthographic rules.

Explanation

Jeopardy refers to a state of being in danger or at risk of experiencing loss, harm, or failure. The term safety represents the condition of being protected from or not exposed to such danger, risk, or injury. Therefore, safety serves as the direct antonym because it describes a state that is the polar opposite of the peril or hazard implied by jeopardy.

Explanation

The sentence structure follows a logical progression starting with the subject and verb Medieval people undertook. The verb undertook requires a direct object, which is provided by part Q, pilgrimages individually, travelling to. The preposition to at the end of part Q necessitates a destination, which is found at the beginning of part S, distant shrines as a penance to. The phrase as a penance to in part S introduces the purpose of the pilgrimage, leading to the infinitive verb in part P, purify themselves of sin, to transform. Finally, the verb transform in part P connects to its object in part R, themselves through a trial of faith. This sequence QSPR creates the grammatically complete and meaningful sentence: Medieval people undertook pilgrimages individually, travelling to distant shrines as a penance to purify themselves of sin, to transform themselves through a trial of faith.

Explanation

The word deceived follows the standard English orthographic rule of i before e except after c. Since the long e sound follows the letter c in this instance, the e must precede the i. This spelling is derived from the Middle English deceyve, which traces back to the Old French deceveir and the Latin decipere. In the past tense, the suffix -ed is added to the base form deceive, resulting in the correct spelling d-e-c-e-i-v-e-d to describe the act of misleading or tricking others.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error involving the incorrect use of the verb form after the auxiliary verb has. In the English language, the auxiliary verbs has or have must be followed by the past participle form of a verb to create the present perfect tense. The word being is a present participle, which is used in continuous tenses with the verb be (is, am, are, was, were). To indicate a state that started in the past and continues to the present, the past participle been must be used. Consequently, the correct construction should be the audience has been to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Explanation

The sentence uses a simile to compare the process of writing to the biological process of a cow digesting food. In English grammar, when referring to a singular countable noun in a general or representative sense for the first time, the indefinite article a is required. Here, cow is a singular countable noun used to represent the general characteristics of the animal. Therefore, the phrase like a cow correctly introduces the comparison by treating the animal as a generic example of its species.

Explanation

The pronoun it serves as the direct object for the verbs chew and digest, referring back to the noun food mentioned earlier in the sentence. In the context of the simile comparing a writer's reflection to a cow's rumination, the cow regurgitates the previously swallowed food to process it a second time. Using the singular pronoun it ensures grammatical agreement with the singular noun food and completes the logical structure of the action described.

Explanation

The preposition at is used here to complete the idiomatic expression a chance at, which means having an opportunity to do or achieve something. In the context of the passage, the author is describing writing as a second opportunity for the act of biting into and examining ones experiences. The structure a chance at followed by a gerund such as biting is the standard grammatical construction to indicate the specific activity that the opportunity allows one to perform.

Explanation

The sentence encourages the writer to be mindful and present in their immediate environment. The preposition around indicates the surroundings or things existing in the vicinity of the person. In the context of creative writing and observation, touching what is around you signifies engaging with the tangible reality and sensory details that encompass your physical space. This alignment with the theme of examining one's experience and capturing the nuances of the moment makes around the logically and grammatically appropriate choice to describe the spatial relationship between the subject and their environment.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Present Perfect tense, which follows the structure Subject + has/have + past participle + Object. In the passive voice, this structure shifts to Object + has/have + been + past participle + by + Subject. The object in the active sentence, new copies of the album, functions as the subject in the passive form. Since the head noun copies is plural, it requires the plural auxiliary verb have to ensure correct subject-verb agreement. This auxiliary is followed by been and the past participle ordered to complete the passive construction.

Explanation

The word each is a distributive determiner used with singular countable nouns to refer to every member of a group considered individually. In the context of the passage, it emphasizes the importance of paying attention to every individual moment and every specific detail of one's experience. Since moment and detail are used as singular countable nouns here, each is the grammatically appropriate choice to express that every single instance and element should be treated with care and compassion by the writer.

Explanation

The word blessed signifies the bestowal of divine grace, favor, or spiritual prosperity. In religious and general contexts, its semantic opposite is cursed, which denotes the invocation of harm, misfortune, or divine condemnation. While a blessing represents a positive spiritual gift, a curse represents the negative infliction of ill-will or affliction. This makes cursed the most appropriate antonym as it directly reverses the sense of divine favor expressed in the original sentence.

Explanation

The term narcissist refers to an individual who possesses an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves, often characterized by extreme vanity, self-centeredness, and an inflated sense of self-importance. This word originates from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was unable to leave it. In modern usage, it describes a person whose preoccupation with their own physical appearance or personal superiority leads to a lack of empathy for others and a constant need for external validation or admiration.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the present perfect tense, which follows the structure Subject + has/have + V3 + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the standard grammatical formula is Object + has/have + been + V3 + by + Subject. In this specific case, the object the movie is singular, so it is paired with the auxiliary has been. The past participle form of the verb downloaded remains the same, and the subject he converts to the object pronoun him. Applying these rules, the correct passive construction is The movie has been downloaded by him on his phone.

Explanation

The word ominous is an adjective derived from the Latin word omen, which refers to a sign or portent. In English, it is specifically used to describe something that gives a threatening or worrying impression that something bad, unpleasant, or harmful is about to happen in the future. It conveys a sense of sinister foreboding or an inauspicious atmosphere, such as when dark clouds are described as ominous because they suggest an impending storm.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a past timeframe with the phrase opened last week, necessitating the use of a past tense verb to maintain temporal consistency. The adverb hardly functions as a semi-negative qualifier meaning scarcely or barely. When paired with the simple past tense verb had, it correctly describes the shop's state of possession regarding its inventory during that specific period. This construction follows the standard English pattern where an adverb of degree or frequency precedes the main verb to modify the extent of the action or state described.

Explanation

The word taste is used here in its figurative sense to denote a strong preference, liking, or inclination toward a specific activity. The idiomatic expression to develop a taste for something means to acquire a particular fondness or penchant for it over time. In the context of the passage, it signifies that the Roman population had cultivated a deep-seated appreciation and enthusiasm for chariot racing, which is further evidenced by the massive scale of the stadiums and the intense excitement of the spectators described in the following sentences.

Explanation

In the context of sports and spectatorship, the term supporters refers to the fans or followers who attend events and show intense enthusiasm for their preferred teams or athletes. The passage describes a high level of excitement among the audience that could escalate into chaos and riots, which is a characteristic behavior associated with large groups of passionate sport followers. Therefore, supporters accurately identifies the people whose fervor for chariot racing drove the popularity and the volatile atmosphere of the events.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the fixed subject Peer pressure. Part R uses the conjunction and to introduce the second subject, lack of guidance, followed by the linking verb are. Part S completes this predicate by identifying these subjects as some of the reasons for indecisiveness. Finally, parts P and Q provide the qualifying context for the indecisiveness, explaining that it occurs when it comes to choosing the right course and, therefore, career path. The resulting coherent sentence is: Peer pressure and lack of guidance are some of the reasons for indecisiveness when it comes to choosing the right course and, therefore, career path.

Explanation

The word strange characterizes something as unusual, extraordinary, or surprising. Its direct antonym in the given sentence is mundane, which describes things that are ordinary, routine, and lacking in excitement or interest. While strange implies a quality that is alien or remarkable, mundane represents the commonplace and everyday nature of events that are predictable and familiar.

Explanation

The sentence is correctly spelled in its entirety. Eczema is the accurate spelling for the medical condition involving skin inflammation, utilizing the specific cz combination inherited from its Greek roots. The word allergies serves as the proper plural form of allergy, adhering to the rule of changing the final y to i before adding the suffix es while maintaining the double l. Additionally, itchy follows the standard English convention of using the tch trigraph to produce the ch sound after a short vowel i. Other words such as suffering and skin are also spelled according to standard dictionary definitions, making the sentence orthographically sound.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the past perfect passive voice, identified by the structure had been + past participle (written). To convert this into active voice, the auxiliary verb been is removed while maintaining the past perfect tense (had + past participle). The agent of the action, him, becomes the subject He, and the original subjects, three novels and two story books, become the objects. This results in the active construction He had written three novels and two story books before 2020.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes a shift in the state of the event from high excitement to a situation of total disorder. The word convert is used to indicate a change from one system, use, or state to another. In this specific usage, it signifies that the intense energy of the spectators undergoes a transition or transformation into negative outcomes like chaos and riots. The construction convert into is a standard way to express this fundamental change in the character and atmosphere of the gathering.

Explanation

The word irrevocable describes something that is not capable of being changed, undone, or retracted. It is derived from the Latin roots in- meaning not and revocabilis meaning able to be called back. Therefore, it refers to a decision, act, or decree that is final and unalterable. Similarly, irreversible refers to an action or process that cannot be undone or changed back to its original state. Both words are used to denote permanence and the impossibility of reversal.

Explanation

The adverb bitterly is the most appropriate intensifier to describe weather that is extremely and unpleasantly cold. In English grammar, bitterly cold is a standard collocation used to emphasize the severity and harshness of low temperatures. It conveys a sense of piercing or biting cold that is difficult to endure, which fits the context of the sergeant being unable to stand the weather.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically accurate and follows standard English syntax. The subject "No talking" is a gerund phrase acting as a singular noun, which correctly takes the singular linking verb "is." The prepositional phrase "on the dinner table" functions as a locational adjunct, defining the area where the rule applies. The phrase "an absolute rule" is a subject complement that uses the indefinite article "an" correctly before a word starting with a vowel sound. There are no errors in subject-verb agreement, tense, or article usage.

Explanation

The idiom to take something with a grain of salt means to view a statement with skepticism or to not believe it entirely, often because the source is known to exaggerate or provide unreliable information. It suggests that the listener should exercise caution and not accept the claims as absolute truth, effectively meaning they should not take the information too seriously.

Explanation

The sentence begins with a list of anatomical components: Birds' heart, lungs, and muscles (S). This completes the subject of the sentence, which is then described as being more efficient for oxygen. The noun oxygen is logically followed by uptake (P) to form the compound phrase oxygen uptake and intensive exertion. The word compared at the end of part P requires the prepositional bridge to humans found in part Q. Finally, the verb function at the end of part Q is modified by the adverb efficiently in part R to describe the birds' performance at high altitudes. This arrangement follows a logical progression from the biological subjects to their functional capabilities and environmental adaptations.

Explanation

The term feasible refers to something that is possible to do, carry out, or bring to a successful conclusion. It is derived from the Latin word facere, meaning to do or make, and is used to describe plans, ideas, or tasks that are practical and achievable within the constraints of reality. When a project is described as feasible, it signifies that it is capable of being accomplished effectively given the available resources and conditions.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Past Continuous tense, which follows the structure: Subject + was/were + V-ing + Object. To convert a sentence in the Past Continuous tense into the passive voice, the formula used is: Object + was/were + being + V3 (Past Participle) + by + Subject. Here, the plural object Banners requires the auxiliary were being followed by the past participle prepared. The prepositional phrases regarding the designs and the sports meet are then appended to maintain the original meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The idiom to and fro describes a repetitive motion that occurs in one direction and then back again in the opposite direction. It is derived from linguistic roots indicating movement toward and away from a specific point. When used to describe a person walking or strolling, it specifically refers to pacing back and forth or moving forward and backward repeatedly. This constant shifting of direction is often characteristic of someone who is restless, nervous, or in deep thought, as indicated by the description of the anxious duke in the sentence.

Explanation

Sentence P introduces the concept of smart farming by defining it as the application of information and data technologies to optimize farming systems. Sentence R follows logically by elaborating on the core focus of these technologies, which is the access to and intelligent use of collected data. Sentence S then transitions from the focus on data to the specific technological tools used to collect and process it, such as IoT, robotics, drones, and AI. Finally, sentence Q concludes the paragraph by explaining the practical benefit of using these tools, specifically allowing farmers to monitor field conditions remotely. The phrase these tools in sentence Q serves as a direct reference to the specific technologies listed in sentence S, establishing a clear cohesive link.

Explanation

To encourage means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone, motivating them to continue or improve. Dishearten is the direct antonym because it means to cause someone to lose their determination, confidence, or spirit, effectively dampening their morale or enthusiasm.

Explanation

In Roman history, a circus was a large open-air venue used for public events, specifically chariot racing and horse racing. The term stadium refers to the physical structure or arena designed for such sporting competitions and the accommodation of a large number of spectators. Given that the passage describes the venue as the Circus Maximus and highlights its massive seating capacity for 3,85,000 people, stadium correctly identifies the type of architectural building where these races were held.

Explanation

Botany is the branch of biology that deals with the scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance. It encompasses the observation and analysis of plant life from the smallest bacteria and algae to the most complex flowering plants and trees.

Explanation

The grammatical error in the sentence is a violation of subject-verb agreement. The phrase "the number of" is used to refer to a specific singular quantity or a total, and it always functions as a singular subject. Therefore, it requires a singular verb. In the segment "are constantly decreasing," the plural verb "are" is incorrectly used. It should be replaced with the singular verb "is" to correctly agree with the subject "The number." This rule distinguishes "the number of" from "a number of," where the latter acts as a quantifier and takes a plural verb. Since the sentence identifies a specific statistical trend for the student population as a single unit, the singular verb form is mandatory.