SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically accurate because the subject none is traditionally treated as singular in formal contexts, which aligns with the singular verb was. The structure willing to admit correctly employs the to-infinitive form after the adjective willing. Furthermore, the use of the singular pronoun he in the subordinate clause ensures consistent numerical agreement with the singular subject none. Since all components of the verb phrase and pronoun agreement are correct, no changes are necessary.

Explanation

The segment there was a good idea contains a grammatical error because it uses the existential pronoun there incorrectly. In English, when an infinitive phrase such as to wear snow boots acts as the delayed subject of a clause, the dummy pronoun it must be used as a preparatory subject. The word there is reserved for indicating the existence or presence of something, whereas it is required to refer to a specific action, situation, or following phrase. Replacing there with it ensures that the sentence correctly identifies the act of wearing boots as the good idea being discussed.

Explanation

The sentence A cartoon film is being watched by Praveen is in the passive voice and uses the present continuous tense, identified by the structure is + being + past participle (watched). To convert this into the active voice, the auxiliary being is removed, and the main verb is changed to its present participle form (V-ing). The agent Praveen becomes the subject, and the receiver a cartoon film becomes the object. Following the active voice structure for the present continuous tense, Subject + is/am/are + V-ing + Object, the sentence becomes Praveen is watching a cartoon film.

Explanation

The logical sequence starts with sentence D, which serves as the introductory statement by defining the road as a fundamental institution of mankind. Sentence C follows by elaborating on the road's physical impact on the organization of human society, specifically its role in determining the site and growth of cities. Sentence B then adds a broader functional dimension using the transition word also to connect the road to the framework of economic development. The paragraph concludes with sentence A, which uses the transition word finally to present the ultimate significance of the road as a channel for both commercial trade and the transmission of ideas.

Explanation

In the context of a public health crisis or a challenging global event like the COVID-19 pandemic, the verb improved is used to indicate that the circumstances have become more favorable, manageable, or less severe. When a situation improves, it allows for the relaxation of restrictions and the resumption of normal activities such as international air travel. Bangladesh restarting its flight services to India and other nations signifies that the health risks and operational constraints previously posed by the pandemic have subsided to a level where safe travel is once again possible.

Explanation

The verb partake, when used in the context of consuming food or drink, is an intransitive verb that requires the preposition of before the object. Therefore, the phrase should correctly be to partake of this light refreshment.

Explanation

The idiom in a tight corner refers to being in a predicament or a challenging position from which it is hard to escape or resolve. It signifies a difficult situation where one's options are limited, much like being physically trapped in a narrow or confined space where movement is restricted.

Explanation

To ransack means to search through a place in a violent or careless way, often causing damage or stealing goods. It implies a state of disorder, violation, and destruction. The word protect serves as the antonym because it means to keep something safe from harm, injury, or loss, thereby ensuring its integrity and security rather than violating it.

Explanation

The passage describes general facts and observations about trains in the simple present tense, as indicated by the verb is in the first sentence. Since the subject symbols and signages is plural, the correct verb to use is are.

Explanation

The passage discusses the presence of symbols and signages both inside and outside trains. Symbols and signs are visual indicators designed to communicate specific information, instructions, or warnings. The term meanings refers to the significance or intended message behind these visual representations. Since most passengers observe these markings without necessarily understanding the technical or operational information they convey, it is appropriate to state that their meanings might not be known to everyone.

Explanation

The conjunction whether is used to introduce a clause expressing an investigation or a choice between alternatives. In this context, it forms part of the correlative pair whether... or not, which indicates that the subsequent statement remains true regardless of which of the two mentioned conditions applies. The sentence structure specifically requires a word that can introduce two possibilities—being a frequent traveler or not—to show that the observation of the letter X is common to both types of passengers.

Explanation

The word noticed is the most appropriate fit for blank number 4 because it refers to the act of becoming aware of something through the senses, particularly sight. In the context of the passage, the author is discussing a visual symbol—the letter X or a cross mark—located on the rear of a train. When a person observes such a marking while traveling or standing on a platform, they are perceiving a specific detail in their environment. Noticed correctly conveys this sense of casual observation or spotting a distinct feature that might otherwise be overlooked by an inattentive observer.

Explanation

The context of the passage is specifically about trains and their operations. In railway terminology, a train is composed of multiple individual units known as coaches or carriages. The specific detail mentioned regarding the letter X or a cross mark refers to the Last Vehicle (LV) indicator used by railway authorities. This symbol is painted on the rear of the very last coach of a train to ensure that the entire rake has passed a signal or station, confirming that no coaches have accidentally decoupled or been left behind on the tracks.

Explanation

The sentence features a compound subject consisting of two distinct noun phrases: the percentage of employees and the number of employees. When two subjects are connected by the conjunction and, they require a plural verb to maintain proper subject-verb agreement. The plural verb are correctly matches this compound subject. Furthermore, the adjective reflective is idiomatically paired with the preposition of to indicate that one thing provides a representation or indication of another. This combination ensures the sentence is grammatically sound and meaningful.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct as written. The possessive pronoun their correctly refers back to the plural subject the students. The preposition on is the standard English usage when referring to specific days or dates, such as a birthday. Additionally, the possessive pronoun her appropriately identifies the teacher's gender in this context. Since all elements of the underlined segment conform to standard grammar and syntax rules, no substitution is necessary.

Explanation

The word morose describes someone who is sullen, ill-tempered, and feeling a deep sense of sadness or bitterness. In the context of the sentence, it is paired with downcast to indicate Marcella's unhappy state of mind. Gloomy is a direct synonym as it refers to a person who is feeling distressed, pessimistic, or dejected.

Explanation

The idiom steer clear of originates from nautical terminology, where a pilot or sailor must steer a ship to maintain a safe distance from hazards such as rocks, shallow water, or other vessels. In general usage, it means to deliberately avoid a person, place, or situation because it is likely to cause trouble, difficulty, or danger. It implies taking proactive steps to stay away from something potentially harmful to ensure one's safety or well-being.

Explanation

The word hierarchical is derived from hierarchy and is spelled h-i-e-r-a-r-c-h-i-c-a-l. It stems from the Greek roots hieros, meaning sacred, and arkhein, meaning to rule. In competitive exams, this word is a common subject for spelling errors, which typically involve reversing the i and e (heirarchical), omitting the second r (hierachical), or failing to include the second a. The correct spelling requires the i-e vowel sequence followed by the dual r-a and r-c-h components.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression by leaps and bounds is used to describe a process of growth or progress that occurs rapidly and in significant amounts. In the context of the sentence, it signifies that health club memberships increased at an exceptionally fast rate following the pandemic. This phrase draws on the imagery of moving forward with large jumps and energetic springs, illustrating a scenario where advancement happens in large, successful increments over a short period. As such, the phrase most accurately translates to moving or growing very quickly.

Explanation

The word muddy refers to a state of being covered in or full of mud, which implies a high degree of dirtiness or being soiled. In the context of roads during the rainy season, this describes a messy and unpleasant physical condition. The word filthy is defined as being disgustingly dirty or grimy, directly aligning with the sense of being heavily soiled or muddied. Both terms describe an unclean state, making filthy the most suitable synonym to describe the condition of the roads.

Explanation

The term hard-earned is a standard English compound adjective that functions as a collocation when paired with nouns like money, reputation, or success. It signifies that the object in question was acquired through significant effort, labor, and persistence rather than through luck or ease. In the context of the sentence, the speaker gains an appreciation for the value of money only after experiencing the toil associated with employment. This idiomatic expression is the conventional way to describe income resulting from diligent work.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error in the verb form used within the passive voice construction. The phrase he has been warn is intended to be in the present perfect passive voice, which requires the auxiliary verbs has been followed by the past participle (V3) form of the main verb. The base form warn is used incorrectly here; it must be replaced with the past participle warned. The correct grammatical structure for this tense is Subject + has/have + been + V3, indicating that the subject has received an action from another agent.

Explanation

The word utter is an adjective used to emphasize that something is complete or total, particularly when referring to negative qualities or states. In English linguistics, utter confusion is a highly common and standard collocation used to describe a situation where there is an absolute lack of clarity or a state of complete uncertainty. The term functions as an intensifier to convey the maximum degree of the noun it modifies.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice using the simple past tense, as indicated by the auxiliary was followed by the past participle taken. To convert it into the active voice, the agent identified by the prepositional phrase by the beggars must become the subject. The verb was taken shifts to its simple past active form, which is took. The original subject, the driver, then functions as the direct object. By retaining the specific prepositional phrase to the nearest dispensary, the active sentence correctly identifies the subject, verb, and object as: The beggars took the driver to the nearest dispensary.

Explanation

The preposition beside is used to indicate physical location, meaning next to or at the side of. This is the correct term to describe the seating arrangement of the subject relative to his best friend. The word besides functions as a preposition or adverb meaning in addition to or apart from, which is contextually incorrect for spatial positioning. Since the subject he is singular, the auxiliary verb was is grammatically correct, and changing the preposition to beside ensures the sentence accurately describes the physical proximity of the individuals.

Explanation

The segment was committed is grammatically incorrect because it uses the passive voice for an action performed directly by the subject. In this sentence, the man is the agent who performed the action of stealing. When a subject performs an action followed by a direct object (the theft), the active voice must be used. Therefore, the auxiliary verb was should be removed to change the construction from passive to active. The sentence should correctly read as The man who committed the theft last night was caught this evening.

Explanation

When converting indirect speech to direct speech, the reporting verb said remains unchanged as it is in the past tense. The indirect sentence uses the past perfect tense had slept. In English grammar, when a sentence in the past perfect tense is converted from direct to indirect speech, the tense remains the same because there is no further past tense to shift into. Consequently, the direct form Shravan said, "The prisoner had slept throughout the journey" is the accurate representation of the reported statement.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject Russell Wilson, followed by an appositive phrase that provides additional information about him. Part S, player for the Seattle Seahawks, wrote, logically follows an NFL to complete the description of Wilson and introduce the main verb wrote. The verb wrote is followed by the prepositional phrase about Naomi Osaka saying that her in part P, which explains the topic of his writing. The possessive pronoun her in part P necessitates a noun phrase as its object, which is found in part R, humility and dedication to others. This noun phrase then serves as the subject for the predicate has been spectacular to watch in part Q, completing the subordinate clause and the entire sentence.

Explanation

The word vivid describes something that produces powerful, clear, and detailed mental images or feelings. In the context of literature and poetry, a vivid picture is one that is lifelike and intensely graphic. The word evocative is its most appropriate synonym because it refers to the ability to call forth or bring to mind strong images, memories, or emotions. Both terms characterize language that is strikingly expressive and capable of creating a deep, lasting impression on the reader's imagination.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from a general definition to specific biological details and finally to classification. Sentence C introduces the topic by providing the primary definition of an omnivore as an organism that feeds on both plants and animals. Sentence A naturally follows this definition by explaining the physiological mechanism of how omnivores extract energy and nutrients from those plant and animal sources. Sentence D adds further detail to their dietary capabilities by stating they also consume other organisms like algae and bacteria. Sentence B concludes the sequence by transitioning from the general characteristics of the group to the observation that these diverse animals can be further divided into specific subcategories based on their habits.

Explanation

The sentence I was fascinated by the novel is in the passive voice, specifically in the simple past tense, indicated by the auxiliary was followed by the past participle fascinated. To convert a passive sentence into the active voice, the agent following the preposition by (the novel) becomes the subject of the active sentence. The verb is then conjugated in the original tense, which is the simple past form fascinated. Finally, the original subject I is changed to its objective case me and placed as the object of the verb. Thus, the active form follows the structure Subject + Verb (past tense) + Object.

Explanation

The word futile is used to describe an action or effort that is incapable of producing any useful result, pointless, or unsuccessful. In the context of the sentence, the death of the patient indicates that the medical interventions did not achieve their intended purpose. Fruitless is a direct synonym as it refers to something that fails to achieve the desired outcome or is unproductive, perfectly capturing the sense of an ineffective endeavor that yields no positive results.

Explanation

The word produced is the most appropriate term in the context of creative and publishing media. In the history of literature and comics, to produce means to bring forth, create, or publish a work or character for public consumption. Since the passage discusses the creation and development of various superhero characters like Bantul and Bhadur within the comic book industry, produced accurately describes the process of generating these fictional figures for their audience.

Explanation

In the context of literature and art, the term created is the standard verb used to describe the act of bringing a fictional character or an intellectual property into existence. The passage refers to the historical origin of the character Bantul the Great in 1965, marking the point when the artist Narayan Debnath first conceived and produced the comic. This usage aligns with the subsequent sentence in the passage which uses the phrase gave birth to a character as a synonym for the act of creation.

Explanation

In the context of corporate or organizational history, the term employed is used to describe the act of hiring or engaging a person to perform professional services. Indrajal Comics, as a publishing house, brought Aabid Surti into its workforce to create and develop content. This professional relationship allowed Surti to contribute his creative talents to the publication, leading to the development of iconic characters like Bahadur within the framework of the company's operations.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the verb entered is the most appropriate choice to describe Raj Comics joining the specific field or industry of superhero comics. The phrase entered into a sphere is a standard idiomatic expression used to denote the act of becoming a participant in a particular area of activity, profession, or market. Since the text discusses the historical progression and the arrival of different publishers in the Indian comic book scene, entered accurately conveys the beginning of Raj Comics involvement in creating characters like Nagraj, Tiranga, and Shakti.

Explanation

The term famous is the most suitable adjective to describe characters like Nagraj, Tiranga, and Shakti because they are widely recognized and highly popular figures within the Indian comic book landscape. Raj Comics achieved significant commercial success and cultural impact specifically because these characters attained household name status among readers. In the context of media and entertainment, famous accurately captures the widespread public recognition and immense popularity these iconic superheroes enjoyed during their peak years.

Explanation

An exit poll is a survey conducted with voters immediately after they have exited the polling station. The primary purpose of this survey is to collect data on how individuals actually voted, rather than how they intended to vote. Media organizations and researchers use this information to predict the likely winners of an election and to analyze voting patterns across different demographic groups before the official counting of ballots is completed.

Explanation

The word intense refers to something that is present in an extreme degree, possessing great strength, force, or depth. In contrast, moderate describes something that is kept within reasonable limits, characterized by being average or temperate rather than extreme. While intense implies a high level of concentration or power, moderate signifies a balanced or mild state, making it the most suitable antonym in terms of degree and scale.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error because the adverb usually indicates a habitual or regular action, which necessitates the use of the Simple Present tense. In English grammar, habitual actions for a third-person singular subject like Ratheesh are negated using the auxiliary verb does not or doesn't followed by the base form of the verb. The use of hasn't (has not) is incorrect because it is the auxiliary for the Present Perfect tense, which typically requires a past participle like taken and does not suit the context of a general habit. To correct the sentence, hasn't must be replaced with doesn't to properly align with the frequency adverb usually and the base verb take.

Explanation

The adjective serious is used to describe an event that is significant, grave, or dangerous in nature. When referring to an accident, serious denotes that the situation was severe and likely involved significant damage or injury. The context of the sentence confirms this intensity, as the inspector needed to raise help immediately, indicating that the incident was of a critical magnitude.

Explanation

The word distant is used to describe something that is situated far off in space or time, or not near at hand. The term faraway serves as a direct synonym because it specifically refers to objects, places, or times that are remote or located at a great distance.

Explanation

The verb discuss is a transitive verb, which means it acts directly upon its object without requiring a preposition. In English grammar, the word discuss inherently means to talk about something, making the addition of the preposition about redundant. Consequently, the correct construction is to discuss the project.

Explanation

A testimonial is a formal written statement or certificate that provides evidence of a person's character, conduct, and qualifications. It is typically issued by a previous employer, mentor, or figure of authority to endorse an individual for a job, academic program, or other professional opportunity. The word specifically describes a document that testifies to the merits of the subject, serving as a formal recommendation based on firsthand experience.

Explanation

The word exarcerbating is misspelled in the sentence because it contains an extra letter r after the first vowel a. The correct spelling is exacerbating, which is the present participle of the verb exacerbate. This word is used to describe the act of worsening a situation, problem, or negative feeling. The spelling is derived from the Latin exacerbare, which is formed by the prefix ex, meaning out of or thoroughly, and acerbus, meaning harsh or bitter. Consequently, the correct sequence of characters is e-x-a-c-e-r-b-a-t-i-n-g.

Explanation

The idiom fair and square means to conduct something in an honest, direct, and transparent manner, strictly following the rules without any deception or cheating. In the context of the sentence, the reports of manipulation of scores indicate a previous lack of integrity in the examination system. Therefore, the aspirants are demanding a selection process that is characterized by total honesty and impartiality to ensure justice. The phrase fair and square perfectly fits the requirement for a legitimate and unbiased assessment.

Explanation

The term happy hour is a common idiomatic expression in English that refers to a specific period of time during a social gathering or at a venue characterized by enjoyment, relaxation, and often social drinking. In the context of the sentence, it describes the general atmosphere of the party as pleasant and joyful for the majority of the attendees. The use of this specific adjective creates a coherent and natural-sounding phrase that fits the social setting described, effectively highlighting the contrast between the collective enjoyment of the group and the individual experience of Mukesh.

Explanation

The sentence Suman was taking a nap is in the Past Continuous tense. To convert a Past Continuous sentence from active to passive voice, the formula used is: Object + was/were + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject. Since the object a nap is singular, it is followed by the auxiliary verb was and the continuous marker being. The main verb taking is converted into its past participle form taken. Applying this structure results in the passive construction: A nap was being taken by Suman.

Explanation

The idiom hold water is used to describe an argument, theory, or explanation that is logically sound, consistent, and able to withstand criticism or scrutiny. It originates from the literal capability of a vessel, such as a bucket or a pot, to contain water without leaking. If a container has no cracks or holes, it can hold water; metaphorically, if a statement or piece of reasoning has no logical flaws or inconsistencies, it is considered solid and valid. Therefore, when a point of view or a story holds water, it appears to be reasonable and truthful under examination.

Explanation

The word assessment refers to the process of making a judgment or evaluation about something. Its correct spelling is a-s-s-e-s-s-m-e-n-t, featuring two distinct sets of double s. The spelling provided in the options, assentment, is orthographically incorrect and does not exist in standard English. It is a misspelling of the intended noun form of the verb assess. In the context of conducting a comprehensive examination of ecological issues, the correct term must follow the standard spelling to denote the act of appraisal or evaluation.