SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression starting from Ram Mohan Roy's patriotism in S1. Sentence Q immediately follows S1 as it identifies the specific way he expressed this love through a conversation with David Hare about uplifting the minds of Indians. Sentence S then provides context for David Hare's involvement by mentioning his own strong bond with India. Sentence R builds on David's connection, stating that he found the subject of Indian upliftment very interesting. Sentence P presents the specific proposal David made as a result of this interest, which was to establish an English school and college. This sequence concludes with S6, where the phrase this idea refers directly back to the proposal for a school and college mentioned in sentence P.

Explanation

In reporting imperative sentences in indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to an appropriate verb such as told, requested, or ordered. For a negative imperative sentence beginning with do not, the structure is replaced by not followed by the to-infinitive form of the verb. Therefore, do not try becomes not to try. Additionally, pronouns must shift based on the speaker; the first-person pronoun me refers to Manoj, so it changes to the third-person masculine singular pronoun him. Combining these rules, the sentence correctly transforms into Manoj told Mira not to try to make a fool of him.

Explanation

The verb concede requires the preposition to when indicating the person or entity to whom something is yielded or admitted. In the context of a competition or debate, one concedes a point, a lead, or a victory to an opponent. The use of the preposition at is grammatically incorrect in this structure because at typically denotes a specific location or a target of an action like aiming or shouting. To establish the correct relationship between the action of yielding and the recipient of that action, the phrase must be point to rather than point at.

Explanation

The word Gingar is misspelled. The correct spelling is Ginger, which refers to the pungent, aromatic rhizome of a tropical plant used extensively as a spice and in herbal medicine. The spelling error occurs in the second syllable, where the letter a is used instead of the correct vowel e.

Explanation

The word astound means to shock or greatly surprise someone, often leaving them in a state of wonder or mental bewilderment. Its antonym must denote the act of making something certain, understandable, or free from confusion. Clarify means to make a situation or statement clear and easy to understand, thereby removing the element of uncertainty or dazed surprise that characterizes being astounded.

Explanation

Tense consistency is a fundamental rule in English grammar requiring that verbs within a sentence align with the established time frame. This sentence uses the past tense verb was in the initial clause, setting the entire context in the past. The verb bring is in the base or present tense form, which creates a chronological conflict. To maintain grammatical accuracy, the verb must be in the simple past tense, which is brought. Using the present tense for a completed past action results in a grammatical error.

Explanation

Sagacious is an adjective used to describe someone who possesses or shows keen mental discernment, wisdom, and sound judgment. It implies a deep understanding of people and situations that allows one to make wise decisions. Judicious is its synonym because it also describes the quality of having or showing good judgment or sense in practical matters. Both words center on the ability to act with discretion and intelligence, making them interchangeable in contexts involving wise decision-making and sharpness of mind.

Explanation

The verb fancy belongs to a specific group of English verbs that are followed by a gerund (the -ing form) rather than an infinitive (to + verb) when expressing an activity or desire. In this context, fancy means to feel like doing something or to want something, and grammatical convention dictates the use of the gerund going as the direct object of the verb. This usage is consistent with other verbs of preference or dislike, such as enjoy or mind, which also require the gerund form to maintain idiomatic correctness.

Explanation

The sentence "I was taught by Shyam how to drive" is in the passive voice using the simple past tense (was + past participle). To convert it into the active voice, the agent "Shyam" becomes the subject and the pronoun "I" becomes the object "me". The auxiliary verb "was" is removed, and the main verb "taught" remains in its simple past form. This results in the active construction where the subject performs the action directly.

Explanation

The sentence follows a grammatically sound Subject-Verb-Adverbial structure. The subject The team is followed by the simple past tense verb won, which is correctly modified by the adverbial phrase of manner very easily. The intensifying adverb very appropriately modifies the adverb easily. The prepositional phrase at the recent sports event correctly provides the situational context, using the appropriate preposition at for an event and the adjective recent to modify the noun phrase sports event. There are no errors in syntax, tense, or word usage.

Explanation

The term attitude in this context refers to an individual's mental disposition or creative outlook toward their craft. Developing an artistic attitude involves cultivating the specific mindset, vision, and sensitivity required to interpret concepts through an artistic lens. This mental preparation is presented as the foundational step that precedes and supports the practical skill of sketching and creating artwork, ensuring that the artist possesses both the creative drive and the technical proficiency necessary for the complex task of tattooing.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb fed. To convert it into the passive voice, the object him becomes the subject He. The passive structure for the simple past tense follows the pattern was/were + past participle. Since the original subject is the negative pronoun Nobody, the passive construction requires the negative auxiliary was not fed. The agent anybody is used to complete the sense of the negation. The subordinate clause when he was starving remains unchanged as it provides the necessary context for the action.

Explanation

Industrious describes a person who is consistently hard-working, diligent, and energetic in their tasks or duties. In contrast, indolent refers to someone who is habitually lazy, avoids activity or exertion, and lacks the desire to work. Therefore, indolent serves as a direct antonym by representing the complete absence of the effort and productivity implied by being industrious.

Explanation

Audacity refers to the willingness to take bold risks or the quality of being fearless and intrepid. It characterizes a person who acts with a high degree of confidence, often in the face of danger or social conventions. Daring is a direct synonym as it describes adventurous courage and the readiness to undertake difficult or risky tasks without showing fear. Both terms highlight a spirited boldness and a lack of hesitation when confronting challenges.

Explanation

The idiom originates from 19th-century theatrical lighting, where an intense white light was produced by heating a cylinder of lime in an oxyhydrogen flame. This lime-light was used as a spotlight to illuminate the lead performers on stage, making them the primary focus of the audience. Over time, the phrase transitioned into common usage to describe anyone receiving a significant amount of public attention or being the focal point of interest in a particular situation.

Explanation

The spelling Secratariat is incorrect because the vowel e must follow the letter r instead of the letter a. The correct spelling is Secretariat, which refers to the administrative office or department of a governmental, legislative, or international organization. The word is derived from secretary, which also utilizes the e after the r in its construction.

Explanation

In the context of the narrative, Birbal is providing a specific numerical solution to a query previously posed by Emperor Akbar regarding the population of crows in the city. Since Birbal provides a definitive figure (twenty-one thousand, five hundred and twenty-three) to resolve the King's curiosity or challenge, he is announcing the answer. This is further supported by the subsequent sentence in the passage, which explicitly uses the word answer to refer back to Birbal's statement.

Explanation

The preposition in is used to indicate that something is located within the physical boundaries or spatial limits of an area. In this sentence, the crows are being counted within the defined geographical territory of the city. When describing the presence of objects, people, or animals contained inside a specific location like a town, city, or country, in is the grammatically correct choice to denote this containment.

Explanation

The narrative is set in the past tense, as indicated by the verbs smiled, went, announced, and replied throughout the passage. In the specific clause When asked how he knew the answer, the verb refers to a state of knowledge held by Birbal at that specific moment in the past. To maintain consistency with the surrounding past tense verbs like asked and replied, the simple past form knew is the grammatically correct choice for the blank.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, Birbal provides a specific numerical figure for the population of crows in the city. To verify such a specific quantity, the necessary action is enumeration or tallying. The word count is the most appropriate verb here as it refers to the process of determining the exact total number of units in a group by going through them one by one. Since Akbars men are being asked to verify the physical presence of the birds against Birbals claim, the act of counting is the logical method for verification.

Explanation

The passage compares the technical execution of tattooing with the act of sketching on paper. While sketching is the foundation, applying ink to human skin involves managing a living, elastic surface, maintaining precise needle depth, and dealing with the permanence of the medium. These factors make the process significantly more intricate and difficult to master. Complicated is the most appropriate term to describe this increased level of technical difficulty and complexity inherent in the physical act of tattooing compared to traditional drawing.

Explanation

In this sentence, nearby functions as an adjective modifying the noun cities. It is used to describe things that are located a short distance away or in the surrounding area. In English grammar, when an adjective is required to indicate proximity to a location while directly preceding a noun, nearby is the most appropriate and idiomatic choice to describe neighboring locations.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the introductory clause There are followed by the noun phrase reports that toy shops and other (P). The adjective other necessitates a following noun, which is provided by non-food retailers (R). This completes the subject of the subordinate clause. The verb phrase are struggling to (R) must be followed by a base form verb to complete the infinitive construction, which is found in get enough stock into their warehouses (S). Finally, the prepositional phrase to prepare for the Christmas rush (Q) provides the purpose or context for the retailers' struggle, completing the logical flow of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence uses the present perfect continuous tense to describe an action that began in the past and continues into the present. In English grammar, the preposition since is specifically used to indicate the starting point of an action or event when referring to a specific point in time, such as morning, 2 o'clock, or last Monday. It establishes a temporal link between that specific past moment and the current moment of speaking, making it the grammatically correct choice for expressing the continuous nature of the rain from its inception until now.

Explanation

The sentence All his friends laughed at him is in the simple past tense, following the structure Subject + V₂ + Object. To convert it into passive voice, the object him is moved to the subject position as He, and the auxiliary verb was is used because the subject is singular. The main verb laughed is used in its past participle form V₃, and since it is a prepositional verb, the preposition at must remain immediately after the verb. The original subject All his friends is then added at the end, introduced by the preposition by. This results in the passive structure: He + was + laughed at + by + all his friends.

Explanation

The word vain describes a person who possesses an inflated sense of self-importance or an excessive preoccupation with their own beauty, talents, or accomplishments. It signifies a state of conceit where an individual is overly proud of their attributes, often seeking admiration or validation from others to sustain this high self-opinion. This characteristic typically involves a lack of humility and a focus on superficial qualities.

Explanation

The preposition on is used to indicate a specific level or floor within a building. In English grammar, when referring to the stories of a structure, we describe a location as being on a floor because the floor is treated as a surface or a distinct level. While a room is in a building, it is situated on a particular floor. Therefore, the phrase on the 2ⁿᵈ floor is the grammatically correct substitution to indicate the position of the office.

Explanation

The word is incorrectly spelled. The standard English spelling is beneath, which contains the vowel combination ea between the n and the th. It functions as a preposition or adverb meaning in a lower position than or directly underneath something.

Explanation

The idiom beat around the bush refers to the act of avoiding the main topic or not speaking directly about an issue. It describes a situation where someone talks at length about peripheral matters instead of addressing the most important or difficult point, often because they are hesitant or uncomfortable. The expression originates from hunting, where beaters would hit the bushes to flush out birds without approaching them directly.

Explanation

In indirect speech, when the reporting verb is in the past tense such as said, the modal verb must expressing an obligation is converted into had to to maintain tense consistency. The third-person pronoun she remains unchanged in the reported clause. The conjunction that is used to link the reporting verb with the transformed statement, resulting in the construction she said that she had to leave all the bad habits.

Explanation

The sentence "Was the message given by him?" is in the passive voice of the simple past tense. To convert this interrogative sentence into the active voice, the auxiliary verb "did" is used followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb. The structure follows the rule: Did + subject + V1 (base form) + object. In this case, the passive agent "by him" becomes the active subject "he", and the past participle "given" reverts to its base form "give". Consequently, the active construction is "Did he give the message?".

Explanation

The segment at five on the morning contains a prepositional error. In English grammar, the standard idiomatic expression used to refer to periods of the day is in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening. The preposition on is reserved for specific days or dates, such as on Monday or on the morning of June 5th. Since this sentence refers to a general time of day, the correct preposition is in.

Explanation

The expression draw a line is a standard English idiom that means to establish a clear boundary, limit, or distinction between two separate things. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the importance of maintaining a healthy separation between one's personal affairs and their work responsibilities so that the two areas of life do not interfere with each other.

Explanation

The word deliberate refers to an action that is done consciously, intentionally, or after careful consideration. It implies that the person performing the action has thought about it beforehand and made a specific choice to proceed in a certain way. Consequently, planned is the most suitable synonym as it also describes something that has been arranged or thought out in advance according to a specific intention or design.

Explanation

Diversity refers to the state of being varied or having a range of different elements, qualities, or forms. In the given sentence, it describes the various types and characteristics that different flowers possess. Uniformity is the most appropriate antonym because it denotes a state of being the same, consistent, or lacking in variation. While diversity implies a multitude of differences and distinct traits, uniformity implies a standard, unchanging nature where everything is identical or consistent in form and character. Therefore, uniformity represents the direct opposite condition to diversity.

Explanation

The word versatile is derived from the Latin versatilis, which means turning or changing. It specifically describes a person who has the ability to transition easily between many different tasks, roles, or subjects. This term identifies an individual with a broad range of skills and aptitudes, allowing them to be competent in various diverse activities.

Explanation

The word contentment refers to a state of happiness and satisfaction. In the context of the sentence, it directly mirrors the meaning of satisfaction as a feeling of fulfillment and being at peace with ones experience. Both terms describe the emotional state of being gratified and having ones desires or needs met, making contentment the most accurate synonym.

Explanation

The word rectify is derived from the Latin roots rectus, meaning right, and facere, meaning to make. It functions as a verb that specifically denotes the action of putting something right, correcting a mistake, or amending an unsatisfactory situation. In linguistic and formal contexts, it is the precise term used when an error, inaccuracy, or undesirable condition must be adjusted or remedied to align with a correct or intended standard.

Explanation

The adjective scorching means extremely hot or burning. In the context of the sentence, it describes the intense heat characteristic of summers, which creates a high demand for cooling and refreshing items like lemonade. The phrase scorching summer is a common collocation used to emphasize the severity of the temperature, making it the most appropriate word to fit the description of a season where lemon drinks are the need of the hour.

Explanation

To magnify means to make something appear larger than it is, typically by using a lens or by increasing its physical dimensions, volume, or importance. The word expand serves as an appropriate synonym because it refers to the process of making something larger, more extensive, or greater in size and scope. Both terms describe the act of enlargement or increasing the scale of an object or concept.

Explanation

An equinox occurs twice a year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, resulting in the Sun being positioned directly above the Equator. Derived from the Latin words aequus meaning equal and nox meaning night, this astronomical event marks the time when the center of the visible Sun is directly over the equator, making the duration of day and night approximately equal in length across the entire planet. These events typically take place around March 21 and September 23 each year.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a past participle to follow the auxiliary verb is to form a passive construction. The passage conveys a general perception about memory loss in relation to aging. In this context, the word functions to indicate how the condition is viewed or categorized by people. The term considered is the appropriate choice as it means to be thought of or regarded in a specific way, completing the thought that memory loss is typically seen as a natural and normal part of growing older.

Explanation

The sentence describes the relationship between memory loss and the advancement of age. In a biological and physiological context, aging is defined as a series of progressive, natural changes that occur over time. Therefore, memory loss associated with getting older is characterized as a natural and normal process. This term accurately reflects a sequence of events or changes that happen instinctively within the body as one matures, fitting the flow of the passage which discusses the progression and symptoms of this condition.

Explanation

The passage describes the symptoms of memory loss, focusing on the inability to carry out routine actions. In English, tasks such as driving or baking are activities that a person executes or completes. The word performing is the most appropriate gerund to describe the act of carrying out these specific familiar tasks. The sentence structure establishes a range of symptoms, moving from forgetting simple daily activities to the inability to execute more complex yet routine operations, making performing the logically consistent choice in this context.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes the symptoms of memory loss, specifically regarding the inability to carry out routine actions. The blank is followed by the phrase familiar tasks such as driving or baking, which requires a word that denotes the execution of these activities. Performing is the most suitable term as it means to carry out, do, or fulfill a task or function. It logically connects the cognitive process of remembering with the physical or mental act of completing established daily routines.

Explanation

The adjective responsible is the most suitable fit for blank 4 because it establishes a causal link between the several other factors and the condition of memory loss referred to by the pronoun it. In this context, to be responsible for something means to be the primary cause or source of it. The prepositional phrase responsible for is a standard idiomatic expression used to identify the underlying reasons or contributors to a particular outcome or state. Since the passage discusses various elements that lead to or trigger memory loss depending on the individual, the word responsible accurately conveys that these factors are the drivers behind the symptoms described.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires an adjective to complement the subject memory loss and to provide a logical contrast to the adjective total. In the phrase can be partial or total, the blank must be filled by a word that functions as a predicative adjective. Partial is an adjective meaning existing only in part, and it serves as the standard linguistic and clinical counterpart to total when describing the extent of a condition. Using partial maintains parallel grammatical construction with the word total, correctly indicating that the severity of the memory loss can range from being limited in scope to being complete.

Explanation

The word consummate is incorrectly spelled because it requires a double m. It is derived from the Latin verb consummare, where con means together and summa means sum or peak. In English, it is used as an adjective to describe someone who is highly skilled or perfect in their field, or as a verb meaning to complete or finalize a marriage or a transaction. The correct spelling is consummate.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the word left functions as a participial adjective meaning remaining or still available after a portion has been used or consumed. The most appropriate antonym is finished, which signifies that something has been completely exhausted, consumed, or brought to an end, leaving nothing remaining. While left indicates the persistence of a quantity, finished denotes the total absence or completion of that quantity, making it the direct contextual opposite.

Explanation

The adjective angry follows specific prepositional rules based on the target of the emotion. When anger is directed toward a person or oneself, the preposition with is the standard idiomatic choice. In the given sentence, the object of the anger is himself, which represents a person. Therefore, the phrase angry with himself is grammatically appropriate to describe his internal frustration. This distinction is a common feature of English collocations where with identifies the individual being addressed or considered in relation to an emotional state.