SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Simple Past tense, which follows the structure: Subject + V₂ + Object. When converting a Simple Past sentence from active to passive voice, the construction changes to: New Subject (the original object) + was/were + V₃ (Past Participle) + by + New Object (the original subject). In this sentence, the object is a kite (singular) and the second form of the verb fly is flew. Using the passive voice rule, the singular auxiliary verb was is paired with the past participle flown. This results in the construction: A kite was flown by them in the evening.

Explanation

An iconoclast is a person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, traditional customs, or established institutions. The term stems from the Greek words for image-breaker, initially applied to those who opposed the veneration of religious images, but it is now broadly used for anyone who challenges prevailing dogmas or social conventions they perceive as outdated or incorrect.

Explanation

The word guile refers to the quality of being crafty, cunning, or using sly intelligence to trick or mislead others. In the given sentence, being without guile indicates a lack of artfulness or dishonesty. Deceit specifically means the practice of misrepresenting the truth or concealing facts to gain an advantage, making it the most appropriate synonym for guile. Both terms describe behavior intended to cheat or mislead someone through cleverness or dishonesty.

Explanation

The verb entails means to involve or require something as an essential or necessary part. In the context of the opening sentence, the author is defining the concept of being constant by identifying its core components. By using entails, the sentence accurately conveys that the state of being constant fundamentally includes the repetition of tasks or the continuous performance of an activity. This verb establishes the logical necessity between the subject and the defining actions that follow.

Explanation

The sentence describes the types of behavior that prevent the attainment of consistency. The word sporadic refers to something occurring at irregular intervals or only in isolated instances. In the phrase "sporadic or (2) ___ manner," the conjunction "or" links sporadic with a word that shares a similar meaning or thematic focus. Intermittent means occurring at irregular intervals or not being continuous. Since the passage defines consistency as performing an activity without a stop or interval, an intermittent manner directly represents the lack of regularity that makes consistency impossible to achieve.

Explanation

The passage discusses the benefits of consistency and repeated action in building expertise. In the third sentence, the blank refers to something gained alongside expertise when performing a task regularly. The immediate following sentence provides a direct contextual clue by referring to this gain as this enhanced comprehension. In cohesive writing, the term comprehension is used in blank 3 to establish the subject that the subsequent sentence elaborates upon. Therefore, gaining a better comprehension of a subject through regular practice logically completes the thought and maintains the flow of the text.

Explanation

The sentence describes a cause-and-effect relationship where the application of significant effort over a long duration leads to a specific outcome. The word feasible means capable of being done or achieved. In this context, it indicates that gaining enhanced comprehension becomes a realistic and attainable goal when one maintains consistency and puts in the necessary work. It aligns with the passage's central theme that regular practice makes mastery possible.

Explanation

In the context of the sentence, the word instrument refers to a means, agency, or tool used to achieve a specific result. The passage describes consistency as the fundamental mechanism that facilitates the process of putting in regular effort. By defining consistency as an instrument, the text emphasizes that it serves as the essential vehicle or facilitating factor that enables an individual to maintain steady performance and achieve long-term objectives.

Explanation

The phrase is quite too contains a grammatical error involving the redundant and improper use of two adverbs of degree. In standard English grammar, quite and too are used to modify adjectives in different ways and are generally considered incompatible when used together. Quite is used to emphasize a degree (meaning very or completely), whereas too indicates an excessive degree beyond what is desirable or necessary. Combining them into quite too is a pleonasm that lacks grammatical clarity. The sentence should correctly use either quite simple or too simple depending on the intended meaning.

Explanation

The sentence "Preeti invited Ritu for a party" is in the Simple Past tense. To convert a Simple Past active voice sentence into passive voice, the structure used is: Subject + was/were + past participle (V3) + by + Object. In this sentence, the active subject is "Preeti," the verb is "invited," and the active object is "Ritu." When transformed, "Ritu" becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Since "Ritu" is singular, the auxiliary verb "was" is paired with the past participle "invited." Thus, the correct passive construction is "Ritu was invited for a party by Preeti."

Explanation

The preposition besides means in addition to or as well as. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the old lady requires love and care in addition to the financial support she receives. It is used to add supplementary information or requirements to a primary subject, making it the grammatically correct choice to express that her needs extend to emotional support alongside monetary ones.

Explanation

Sentence D serves as the introductory statement by identifying the subject, Bharat Darshan Park, and its location in New Delhi. Sentence A follows by qualifying the park as being unique or different from others previously seen. Sentences B and C then provide specific details that support the claim made in sentence A. Sentence B introduces the first specific difference regarding the construction material, and sentence C adds a second point using the transitional phrase Another difference to describe the energy source, completing the logical progression from general introduction to specific characteristics.

Explanation

The idiom a stone's throw refers to a very short distance. It is derived from the physical distance an average person can throw a stone by hand, which is naturally a limited range. When a place or object is described as being a stone's throw away, it signifies that it is very close or within easy walking distance. This expression has been used in English since at least the 16th century to denote proximity.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from indirect speech to direct speech, several grammatical shifts must be reversed. The third-person pronoun he refers to the speaker Manan, so it changes to the first-person I in direct speech. The verb had is in the simple past tense, which indicates that the original statement was in the simple present tense have, as the reporting verb said is in the past. Finally, the adverbial phrase that day in indirect speech is the standard conversion of the word today used in direct speech. Combining these elements results in the structure: Manan said, "I have no work to do today."

Explanation

Solemn is an adjective used to describe something that is formal, serious, and sincere in manner. It often pertains to occasions, moods, or individuals that display a sense of gravity and importance. Dignified is the most appropriate synonym because it describes a composed and serious style that is worthy of respect, capturing the essential essence of being solemn. Both terms imply a level of formality and earnestness that commands attention and respect.

Explanation

The verb resounded means to fill a place with sound or to echo. In the context of empty rooms, sound waves reflect off hard surfaces like bare walls and floors because there is no furniture or carpeting to absorb the vibrations. This physical phenomenon causes a voice to fill the vacant space and ring out clearly, which is the precise definition and usage of resounded.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rules of question tags, which require a negative tag for a positive statement. The main clause Your eldest sister lives in a big city is an affirmative statement in the simple present tense. Therefore, the tag must be negative and use the appropriate auxiliary verb. Since the subject is singular (sister) and the verb is lives, the correct question tag should be doesn't she? rather than the positive does she? provided in the segment.

Explanation

The sentence requires a question tag that corresponds with the auxiliary verb and subject of the main clause. In the statement you have learnt, the auxiliary verb is have and the subject is you. A fundamental rule of question tags is that a positive statement must be followed by a negative tag. Therefore, the auxiliary verb have is converted into its negative contracted form haven't, and the subject pronoun you is retained to form the correct tag haven't you?

Explanation

The word Attick is misspelled because it contains an unnecessary k at the end. The correct spelling is Attic, which refers to the space or room immediately below the roof of a building. In modern English orthography, the suffix -ic is standard for such words, and the addition of a k is an archaic form that is no longer used.

Explanation

Graffiti refers to writing or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or painted, typically illicitly, on a wall or other surface in a public place. The term is derived from the Italian word graffio, which means a scratch, and historically refers to decorations or inscriptions produced by scratching a surface. In contemporary usage, it is most commonly associated with urban art or markings created using spray paint, markers, or other media on public property.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the Present Perfect tense, as indicated by the structure have put up. To convert this into passive voice, the object of the active sentence, A huge Christmas tree, becomes the new subject. The verb form for the Present Perfect passive is has/have + been + past participle. Since A huge Christmas tree is a singular subject, it is followed by has been. The past participle form of the verb put remains put. The original subject, The Smiths, is then placed at the end of the sentence preceded by the preposition by.

Explanation

The word ascent refers to the act of rising or climbing upward, or an upward slope. Its direct antonym is descent, which signifies the act of moving downward, falling, or a downward slope. These terms are commonly used to describe directional movement or the physical incline of terrain in opposite directions.

Explanation

The phrase much more is used as an intensifying expression to indicate that something possesses qualities or importance far beyond what has been previously mentioned. In the context of the passage, it emphasizes that yoga is not limited to physical bending and twisting but represents a significantly broader and deeper practice. Grammatically, much acts as an adverb of degree to modify the comparative term more, creating a standard English idiom used for emphasis.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of giving something to a recipient. In English grammar, the verb give is often used with the preposition to when indicating the person or thing that receives the action or the object. Here, the noun care is the object being given, and the body, mind, and breath are the recipients of that care. Therefore, giving care to is the idiomatically correct expression to describe the direction of the action.

Explanation

The verb derived is idiomatic when paired with the preposition from to indicate the origin, source, or root of something. In the context of linguistics and etymology, this construction is the standard way to specify that a particular term has its beginnings in a specific language or base form. Therefore, the phrase derived from the Sanskrit word correctly identifies the linguistic source of the term yoga.

Explanation

The verb harmonise refers to the act of bringing different elements into a state of agreement, balance, or pleasing coordination. In English grammar, when this verb is used to describe the relationship between multiple entities, it is standard to use the preposition with. In the context of the passage, the goal of yoga is to create a unified relationship between the physical body and the internal states of the mind and breath, making with the grammatically correct choice to link these components.

Explanation

The segment have respond is grammatically incorrect because the auxiliary verb have must be followed by the past participle form of the main verb. In this sentence, the modal construction should have expresses a past obligation or an action that did not happen. To form this correctly, the base verb respond must be replaced with its past participle form, responded. Therefore, the grammatically accurate structure for the segment is have responded.

Explanation

The segment confirm me whether you contains a grammatical error because the verb confirm is a transitive verb that should be followed by the object or the information being verified. In this context, the object is the noun clause starting with whether. The use of the personal pronoun me as an indirect object directly after confirm is incorrect. To make the sentence grammatically sound, the pronoun me should be removed so that the verb directly introduces the whether clause, or it should be preceded by the preposition to. Standard usage requires saying confirm whether you or confirm to me whether you to correctly express the request for verification.

Explanation

The sentence provided is in the passive voice in the simple past tense, following the structure: Subject (Rohan) + was/were + past participle (pushed) + by + Agent (Karan). To convert this into the active voice, the agent of the action becomes the subject and the receiver of the action becomes the object. The verb phrase was pushed is replaced by the simple past active form pushed. Consequently, the active structure becomes: Subject (Karan) + past tense verb (pushed) + Object (Rohan) + into the pool.

Explanation

The idiom leave no stone unturned means to do everything possible to find something or to achieve a specific result. It implies an exhaustive and thorough effort where every available resource is used and every potential lead is investigated. The expression suggests that the person is being extremely diligent and persistent, leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of a goal. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the friends were successful because they were relentless and tried every possible method to find the answer.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Present Continuous tense, which follows the active voice structure: Subject + is/am/are + V1 + ing + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object (a beautiful beaded curtain) becomes the new subject, and the formula used is: New Subject + is/am/are + being + V3 (past participle) + by + New Object. Since the new subject is singular, the auxiliary verb is remains, followed by being to maintain the continuous aspect, and the past participle of make, which is made.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, the reporting verb should reflect the tone of the original statement. In this sentence, the use of the modal must indicates a piece of advice or a strong recommendation. Therefore, the reporting verb said is appropriately changed to advised. The imperative-style suggestion is then connected using the infinitive to work hard. Additionally, the second-person possessive adjective your is changed to the third-person their to agree with the implied plural object students. This transformation maintains the original meaning while following the grammatical rules for reporting advice.

Explanation

The idiom hold the key means to have complete control over a situation or to possess the essential information or power needed to achieve a specific result. Just as a physical key grants access and control over a locked space, this figurative expression signifies being in a decisive position where one's actions or knowledge determine the outcome of a process or event. In various contexts, it refers to having the primary influence or authority required to solve a problem or manage a particular affair.

Explanation

The word negligent describes a person or action characterized by a failure to exercise proper care, attention, or diligence. It implies a disregard for responsibilities or a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions. In contrast, the word careful signifies being cautious, thorough, and attentive to detail. A careful person ensures that tasks are performed with the necessary precision and vigilance to avoid errors or harm. Therefore, since careful represents the presence of the very attention and oversight that negligent lacks, it is the direct antonym.

Explanation

The error lies in the phrase five month old. In English grammar, when a number greater than one is used as a quantifier for a noun, the noun must be in its plural form. Since the number mentioned is five, the noun month must be changed to the plural months. The correct expression for stating age in this context is five months old. The singular form five-month-old is only used when it acts as a hyphenated compound adjective modifying a noun that follows it, which is not the case here.

Explanation

The expression all the while is a common English idiom that means during the whole time that something else is happening or throughout a specific period. In this passage, it indicates that the greedy man was touching objects and watching them turn into gold continuously and simultaneously as he was rushing home. This phrase functions as a temporal adverbial, providing a seamless transition between his primary action of traveling and his secondary actions of testing his new power.

Explanation

In the sentence, the pronoun in blank (2) refers back to the plural noun objects mentioned earlier. The greedy man is touching various objects and watching those specific things change. Therefore, the third-person plural object pronoun them is required to function as the direct object of the verb watching, indicating what was undergoing the conversion into gold.

Explanation

The passage is narrated in the simple past tense, as indicated by verbs such as rushed, got, bent, turned, and started. To maintain grammatical consistency throughout the story, the action performed by the daughter must also be in the simple past tense. The word rushed correctly fits this narrative structure, describing a completed action that occurred immediately after the man arrived home.

Explanation

The phrasal verb bend down means to incline the body forward and downward from the waist. In the context of the story, the man must lower his physical position to reach his daughter before he can scoop her up in his arms. This directional movement is uniquely captured by the preposition down, completing the idiomatic expression required for the action described.

Explanation

The word devastated is used to describe a state of being overwhelmed by severe emotional shock, grief, or distress. In the context of the story, the man witnesses his daughter turning into a golden statue due to his own wish, which is a catastrophic personal loss. His subsequent actions of crying and desperately trying to bring her back to life characterize the profound emotional ruin and heartbreak signified by being devastated.

Explanation

The word centre refers to the middle point of an area or the focal point of an object. In spatial and geometric terms, it represents the innermost part that is equidistant from the boundaries. Conversely, periphery refers to the outer limits, edge, or boundary of an area or object. Since the periphery represents the part furthest from the middle, it is the direct antonym of the centre.

Explanation

An aquarium is a transparent tank, bowl, or other water-filled enclosure in which live fish, other aquatic animals, and water plants are kept for study, hobby, or display. The term is derived from the Latin root aqua, meaning water, combined with the suffix -arium, which denotes a place for a specific thing. It provides a controlled environment that mimics a natural aquatic habitat, often including filtration and aeration systems to sustain life.

Explanation

The word trendy refers to something that is very fashionable or follows the latest style at a given time. Such items, behaviors, or ideas are widely liked, admired, or supported by a large number of people, making them popular. In the context of social trends and fashion, being trendy is intrinsically linked to being in demand and favored by the public. Therefore, popular serves as the most appropriate synonym as it directly captures the essence of widespread appeal and current favor that defines the word trendy.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple present tense, indicated by the verb catch. To convert a sentence from the active voice to the passive voice in the simple present tense, the structure is/am/are + past participle (V3) is used. Since the object whale sharks is plural, the auxiliary verb are is paired with caught, which is the past participle form of catch. The phrase commercially in some places around the world remains as the adjunct in the sentence. Therefore, the passive construction is Whale sharks are caught commercially in some places around the world.

Explanation

The word idol denotes a physical representation, such as a statue or an image, of a deity or a divine being that is used as an object of religious devotion and worship. In many cultures and religious practices, an idol is considered more than just a piece of art; it is treated as a sacred medium through which followers connect with the god it represents. This term specifically fits the description of an image of a God designated for worship.

Explanation

The word eventually is an adverb that indicates something will happen at an unspecified time in the future, especially after a series of events, delays, or problems. Ultimately serves as its most appropriate synonym because it also refers to the final result at the end of a process or a long period of time. Both words convey the concept of a final outcome or a conclusion that is reached after some duration.

Explanation

The error lies in the use of the indefinite article a before the superlative phrase most luminous. In English grammar, when an adjective is in the superlative degree and is used to compare one entity against all others in a specific group—indicated here by the phrase of all city-states—the definite article the must be used. Therefore, the segment should correctly read the most luminous to denote that Athens held the highest degree of that quality among all the city-states of ancient Greece.

Explanation

The error in the sentence lies in the subject-verb agreement within the relative clause. The relative pronoun which refers back to its antecedent, a Pizza, which is a singular noun. In English grammar, the verb in a relative clause must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Since the antecedent is singular, the verb should also be singular. Consequently, the plural verb are is grammatically incorrect in this context and must be replaced with the singular verb is to correctly align with the singular subject.

Explanation

The sentence requires the verb to be in the simple past tense to maintain grammatical consistency with the subsequent clause someone peeped through the window, where peeped indicates a completed action in the past. Therefore, the base form knock must be changed to the past tense form knocked. The preposition at is idiomatic when referring to the act of striking a door to get someone's attention, and the definite article the is necessary to specify the particular door involved in the context of the scene.

Explanation

The idiom nip in the bud originates from the practice of gardening, where a bud is pinched or cut off to prevent it from flowering or growing further. Figuratively, it refers to the act of stopping or suppressing a problem, an unhealthy habit, or an undesirable situation at its very beginning or onset. By taking action during the earliest possible stage, one ensures that the issue does not develop into something more serious, complex, or difficult to manage in the future. This expression emphasizes the importance of early intervention to prevent negative consequences.