SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Nostalgia refers to a sentimental longing or a wistful affection for a period in the past, often characterized by an intense desire to return to previous experiences or lost conditions. Derived from the Greek words nostos (homecoming) and algos (pain), the term originally described a form of melancholy caused by a prolonged absence from one's home or a specific era of one's life. In modern usage, it signifies the emotional state of reflecting on personal memories or cultural history with a deep sense of yearning.

Explanation

Matricide refers to the act of killing one's own mother. The term is derived from the Latin words mater, meaning mother, and -cidium, a suffix denoting the act of killing or a person who kills, which comes from the verb caedere, meaning to kill or cut down. In English vocabulary, this suffix is used to form words for the killing of specific individuals based on their relationship to the perpetrator. Thus, matricide is the precise linguistic term for the murder of a mother by her child.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the Future Simple tense. The standard structure for a negative sentence in the passive voice for this tense is: Object + will + not + be + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. To convert this into the active voice, the structure is transformed into: Subject + will + not + base form of the verb (V1) + Object. Here, "you" is the logical subject and "this game" is the object. Following the active voice rule, the subject "you" is followed by "will not," the base verb "play," and the object "this game."

Explanation

The sentence structure follows a logical progression of cause and effect. The introductory phrase "We are encouraged" is naturally followed by the prepositional phrase in Q "by how women are embracing online" which identifies the source of encouragement. The term "online" at the end of Q logically modifies the gerund "learning" in S "learning to develop new skills that can" to form the compound noun "online learning". The relative clause in S ends with the modal verb "can" which requires a base verb to follow, provided by "help" in P "help accelerate their return to". Finally, the preposition "to" at the end of P connects to the noun "work" in R "work and promote economic mobility" to complete the phrase "return to work". The full sequence QSPR creates a grammatically sound and meaningful statement about women utilizing digital education to facilitate their re-entry into the professional workforce and enhance their economic standing.

Explanation

The word craftmanship is spelled incorrectly in the given sentence. The correct spelling is craftsmanship, which requires an s after the word craft. It is a noun derived from the word craftsman followed by the suffix ship, referring to the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand or the skill of a craftsperson.

Explanation

The sentence requires the simple past tense to describe a completed action performed by a singular subject. Since the statement refers to a specific diplomatic event that occurred in the past, the verb write must be changed to its past tense form wrote. This correction ensures proper subject-verb agreement and chronological accuracy for a historical action taken by a head of state.

Explanation

The sentence uses the Present Perfect Continuous tense (have been playing), which requires the preposition since to indicate the specific point in time when the action began. In English grammar, since is used with the perfect tenses to refer to a starting point (like 4 o'clock, Monday, or 1995) for an action that is still continuing or whose effects persist into the present.

Explanation

The sentence describes a situation where a conversation is making someone feel uneasy or upset. The idiomatic expression drop the subject means to stop discussing a particular topic, especially when it becomes sensitive, uncomfortable, or causes distress to the person involved. Since the speaker noticed the lady was getting disturbed by the ongoing discussion, deciding to drop the subject is the most logical and linguistically appropriate action to take to avoid further upsetting her.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes the relationship between a robot and its controlling system. A computer program or electronic circuitry provides the necessary instructions and directions for the mechanical agent to operate and perform specific movements. The term guided is the most appropriate fit here as it denotes the process of directing the motion or operation of a machine through a set of predefined parameters or logic. In robotics, the control system essentially guides the physical hardware to execute tasks, making this word the logically and technically correct choice for describing how an electromechanical machine functions under the influence of software or circuits.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on how robots perform tasks that are typically assigned to people but are considered repetitive, dangerous, or physically impossible due to human limitations. The phrase following the blank, which humans prefer not to do, explicitly identifies humans as the entity being substituted by robotic technology. This replacement of human labor is also reinforced in the final sentence, which discusses the impact of robots on the workforce and rising unemployment as they take over roles previously held by workers.

Explanation

The context of the sentence refers to locations like outer space and the bottom of the sea, which are physical settings characterized by harsh conditions. The term environments is the most appropriate word to describe these physical surroundings. In scientific and technical discourse, locations that are hostile to human life due to factors such as extreme pressure, temperature, or lack of oxygen are specifically referred to as extreme environments. Therefore, robots are utilized in these environments to perform tasks that are too dangerous or physically impossible for humans to undertake.

Explanation

The context of the sentence focuses on the application of robots within a domestic environment, specifically mentioning their use in homes. Housework refers to the routine tasks associated with maintaining a home, such as cleaning, laundry, or vacuuming. Given that the passage lists examples of tasks robots perform to assist or replace humans, the term housework logically fits the description of labor carried out in a residential setting.

Explanation

The sentence explains that robots are replacing workers in an increasing number of functions. When human labor is substituted by automated machines or mechanical agents, the direct consequence is the displacement of the workforce from their jobs. This phenomenon of job loss resulting from technological advancement or automation is a primary cause of rising unemployment, as humans are no longer required to perform the tasks now handled by robots.

Explanation

The sentence uses the time clause by the time followed by a verb in the simple present tense (call), which indicates a future deadline or reference point. In English grammar, when an action is expected to be completed before a specific point or event in the future, the Future Perfect tense is required. The structure for this tense is will have + past participle. Therefore, will have reached correctly expresses that the action of reaching the hotel will be finished prior to the moment the phone call occurs.

Explanation

The word old describes a person who has lived for a relatively long time and is no longer young. In the context of the sentence referring to a minister, the term aged is a direct synonym that denotes being of an advanced age or having lived for many years. Thus, aged accurately reflects the chronological state of the individual mentioned.

Explanation

The word consolidated means to make something stronger, more solid, or more secure, especially a position of power or a business. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the leader reinforcing and stabilizing his authority within the party. The word weakened is the direct antonym as it means to reduce the strength, power, or stability of something. Thus, while consolidating a position involves making it firmer, weakening a position involves making it less secure or more fragile.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical sequence starting with the introduction of the subject. Sentence D is the opening statement as it introduces Mickey Mouse, defines him as a fictional character, and provides his origin year and creator. Sentence A naturally follows D by using the pronoun it to refer back to the character and expanding on his status as a popular mascot. Sentence B provides specific details regarding his supporting characters, Minnie Mouse and Pluto. The sequence concludes with sentence C, which mentions the professional accolades and Academy Award nominations received by the animated movies featuring the character.

Explanation

In English grammar, certain verbs are followed by specific prepositions. The verb accuse follows this rule and must be paired with the preposition of rather than for when indicating the crime or wrongdoing. Therefore, the phrase accused for stealing is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with accused of stealing to properly connect the accusation to the act of theft.

Explanation

The idiom Latin and Greek is used to describe something that is entirely unintelligible or impossible to understand. It is derived from the older expression all Greek to me, which suggests that the subject matter is as foreign and complex as a language the listener does not know. When applied to a lecture or a piece of writing, it indicates that the information is so specialized, poorly explained, or dense that the audience cannot grasp its meaning, which is the definition of incomprehensible.

Explanation

The adjective uniformed is the most appropriate fit for the sentence because it describes the professional and formal appearance expected of a driver in a premium car service. In the context of chauffeur-driven rentals, providing a driver in a specific uniform is a standard industry practice that signifies professionalism, reliability, and high service standards. This adjective correctly completes the description of a high-quality service offering where the chauffeur's presentation matches the quality of the vehicle provided for the client's day.

Explanation

The word compell is misspelled because the correct spelling of the verb is compel, which ends with a single l. In English orthography, the letter l is doubled only when adding suffixes that begin with a vowel, such as in compelled or compelling, provided the stress remains on the final syllable of the root word. In its base form, however, the word must be written as compel.

Explanation

Consensus is defined as a general agreement or a collective opinion reached by a group of people. In the context of the provided sentence, the term agreement represents the mutual concord and settlement established between the landowner and the tenant, directly mirroring the meaning of consensus as a collective decision or understanding. It signifies the state of being in harmony or having reached a common conclusion on a specific matter.

Explanation

The verb grabbing is used to describe the action of quickly or firmly taking hold of something with one's hand. In the context of the sentence, the subject is performing a series of physical actions before entering a convenience store. Grabbing her purse is a common and idiomatic way to describe the act of picking up or seizing her bag to carry it with her as she moves inside. This choice logically completes the sequence of movements described, indicating that she secured her belongings immediately before heading into the building.

Explanation

The idiom elbow room refers to having adequate space or the freedom and scope to act, move, or function as one desires. In a professional context, it signifies the latitude or flexibility provided to an individual to exercise their initiative, creativity, and judgment. Since the original sentence describes a situation where people feel they lack the freedom to be innovative, the term elbow room precisely captures the intended meaning of having the necessary autonomy to perform tasks in an original or creative manner.

Explanation

In English grammar and usage, the verb gain is the most standard and idiomatic collocation used with the noun experience to describe the process of obtaining knowledge or skills over time. The phrase gain experience effectively conveys the cumulative and gradual nature of learning that occurs as one ages. Since the sentence expresses a general fact or universal truth about a group, the simple present tense form gain is used to maintain subject-verb agreement with the plural subject old people. This choice provides the most natural flow and follows common linguistic patterns for describing the accumulation of life experience.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Future Perfect Passive voice, following the structure: Subject (AIDS) + will have been + V3 (cured) + by Agent (scientists). To convert this into the Active voice, the agent becomes the new subject and the verb phrase is changed to the Future Perfect Active form: Subject + will have + V3 + Object. Consequently, scientists becomes the subject, AIDS becomes the object, and the verb phrase becomes will have cured, accurately reflecting an action that will be completed by the specified future time of 2070.

Explanation

The given sentence follows the passive voice structure for the Simple Present tense, which is Object + is/am/are + V₃ + by + Subject. To convert this into the active voice, the agent "everyone" becomes the subject, and the verb must be changed to its base form. The active voice structure for the Simple Present tense is Subject + V₁₍ₛ_/ₑₛ₎ + Object. Since "everyone" is a singular indefinite pronoun, it takes the singular verb form "admires". Placing the original subject "honest and polite people" as the object results in the active construction "Everyone admires honest and polite people".

Explanation

The word assidous is spelled incorrectly because it is missing the letter u after the letter d. The correct spelling is assiduous. This adjective is used to describe a person who shows great care, attention, and persistent effort in their work or duties. Etymologically, it originates from the Latin word assiduus, which is a combination of the prefix ad- meaning toward and the verb sedere meaning to sit. This implies the act of sitting down to a task with dedication. In English, the suffix -ous is used to form adjectives, but the specific phonetic and morphological structure of this word requires the double u to be maintained from its Latin root.

Explanation

Adverbs of frequency are used to indicate how often an action occurs, ranging from always to never. The word never is a negative adverb of frequency that signifies an action happens at no time or not ever. In the context of the sentence, substituting the negative construction did not admit with never admitted fulfills the requirement of using an adverb of frequency while preserving the past tense and the overall meaning that the admission did not take place.

Explanation

The direct form of a question typically begins with an auxiliary verb and follows a specific word order where the auxiliary precedes the subject. In this instance, the construction Raveena asked me, "Do you have my maid's number?" adheres to standard English grammar for direct interrogative speech. It uses the correct auxiliary verb do for the second-person subject you and maintains the base form of the principal verb have to inquire about possession. The reporting verb asked me is properly followed by a comma and the actual words spoken are enclosed in double quotation marks with a terminal question mark, fulfilling all grammatical and punctuation requirements for a direct question.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical chronological sequence starting with sentence P, which introduces the protagonist and his primary conflict, a bad temper. Sentence R follows by introducing the father's specific strategy to address this behavior through the task of hammering nails. Sentence S provides the immediate outcome of this task on the first day, establishing a baseline for the boy's anger. Finally, sentence Q describes the long-term progression of the boy's behavior over the subsequent weeks, showing the gradual improvement and the success of the father's method. This flow moves from the introduction of a problem to the implementation of a solution and its eventual results.

Explanation

The word established in this context refers to being settled, fixed, or securely placed within a social or professional structure. Conversely, displaced means to be removed from a proper or usual place, or forced out of a position. In the provided sentence, the contrast is explicitly drawn between those who are successfully established and those who have been displaced, making displaced the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

To convert an interrogative sentence from direct to indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to enquired or asked. Since the question begins with the auxiliary verb is and expects a yes or no answer, the conjunction whether or if is used to link the reporting clause to the reported speech. The tense of the reported speech must shift from the present simple is to the past simple was because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Furthermore, the second-person pronoun your is changed to the third-person his to align with the object him, and the sentence structure is transformed from interrogative to assertive word order.

Explanation

The passage is an excerpt from James Joyce's novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, where the protagonist Stephen Dedalus expresses his rebellion against the constraints of Irish society. The verb serve is the most appropriate fit as it signifies a refusal to offer loyalty, obedience, or religious devotion to institutions like the home, fatherland, or church. This specific phrasing alludes to the Latin expression non serviam, meaning I will not serve, which represents the character's commitment to individual freedom and artistic integrity over societal and religious conformity.

Explanation

The conjunction whether is used to introduce a clause that expresses a choice or a set of alternatives, often followed by or. In this passage, it indicates that the speaker's refusal to serve something they do not believe in remains unchanged regardless of the label—home, fatherland, or church—that the entity claims for itself. It establishes a condition where the specific identity of the institution is irrelevant to the speaker's decision to reject it.

Explanation

The passage is a famous declaration of independence from James Joyce's novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. The protagonist, Stephen Dedalus, is asserting his desire for personal and artistic freedom. The verb express is the grammatically and contextually appropriate choice to complete the phrase express myself in some mode of life or art. In this context, to express oneself means to manifest or communicate one's inner identity, thoughts, and feelings through a chosen medium. This fits the character's objective of using art as a vehicle for self-realization and articulating his true nature without being constrained by the expectations of his home, country, or church.

Explanation

The provided passage is a celebrated excerpt from James Joyce's novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. In this context, the protagonist Stephen Dedalus is declaring his independence from the religious and national institutions that he feels constrain his spirit. The word freely is the most appropriate fit for blank 4 because it directly complements the theme of liberation and artistic autonomy described throughout the sentence. The parallel structure as freely as I can and as wholly as I can emphasizes the speaker's desire to exist and create without external restriction or censorship. This aligns with his ultimate decision to use silence, exile, and cunning as tools to preserve his personal and creative integrity against the pressures of his home, fatherland, and church.

Explanation

The passage is an excerpt from the final chapter of James Joyces novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, where the protagonist Stephen Dedalus asserts his intellectual and artistic independence. In this context, the verb allow is used to express self-imposed constraints and personal agency. The phrase allow myself to use indicates that the speaker is consciously choosing and granting himself permission to employ specific tactics—silence, exile, and cunning—as his only means of defense against the pressures of his home, country, and religion. This choice of words emphasizes the characters autonomy and the deliberate nature of his rebellion.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Present tense, indicated by the verb washes. The rule for converting Simple Present active voice to passive voice is: Subject + is/am/are + V₃ (past participle) + by + Object. In this sentence, her clothes is the object that becomes the subject in the passive voice. Since clothes is a plural noun, it must be followed by the plural auxiliary verb are. The past participle of wash is washed. Applying this structure, the sentence becomes: The clothes are washed by Priya in the evening.

Explanation

The segment contains an idiomatic error in the phrase had it store for them. The standard English idiom is in store, which means destined to happen in the future or kept in readiness. The use of the pronoun it in this context is ungrammatical and lacks a clear antecedent. To make the sentence correct, the preposition in should replace it, resulting in the phrase what fate had in store for them.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression no choice but to is used to indicate that there is only one possible course of action or no other alternative available. In this structure, the word but functions as a preposition meaning except. When combined with a following to-infinitive, it signifies that the subject was compelled to perform the specified action because no other options existed. Therefore, the phrase no choice but to report correctly conveys that reporting the loss to the commander was the only option available to the soldiers.

Explanation

The word continued means to persist in an activity or process or to resume an action after an interruption. It implies the steady progression or maintenance of a state. The term stopped serves as its direct antonym because it signifies the cessation of an action, the act of coming to an end, or the termination of a process. In the context of the sentence, where a game is being described, stopped represents the opposite physical state of continuation.

Explanation

The idiom on the ball originates from sports where a player must keep their eye on the ball to react quickly and effectively to the game. In general usage, it describes someone who is quick to understand situations, attentive to details, and prompt in their reactions. It signifies being well-informed, competent, and maintaining a high level of awareness and efficiency in one's tasks or responsibilities.

Explanation

The word shoulder is frequently used as a verb in English to describe the act of accepting or taking on a duty, burden, or responsibility. This usage is a common lexical collocation where shoulder responsibilities means to take full accountability for a task or situation, especially one that is difficult or demanding. It metaphorically suggests the strength required to carry a heavy load, aligning with the context of describing the character and readiness of great people to lead and be accountable.

Explanation

In a medical context, the term alternative refers to a type of treatment or medicine used in place of conventional or standard medical therapies. Doctors may prescribe an alternative medicine when traditional methods are ineffective, or as part of an integrated treatment plan. The phrase alternative medicine is a standard colocation used to describe medical products and practices that are not part of standard care but are administered to patients for therapeutic purposes.

Explanation

The word immoral describes actions or character traits that violate established ethical principles or moral laws, often implying wickedness or corruption. In contrast, the word decent refers to being respectable, proper, and conforming to recognized standards of moral behavior or social propriety. Within the provided sentence, while decent is used to describe the satisfactory state of health in Hamburg, the term itself functions as the direct antonym to immoral by representing what is socially and ethically acceptable versus what is depraved or unethical.

Explanation

The word equilibrium is derived from the Latin roots aequus, meaning equal, and libra, meaning balance or scales. In English, it denotes a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced. The correct spelling is e-q-u-i-l-i-b-r-i-u-m, which correctly incorporates the prefix equi- and the noun-forming suffix -ium attached to the root for balance. It is frequently used in scientific, economic, and psychological contexts to describe a system where no net change is occurring because all factors are in a stable proportion.

Explanation

The phrase by means of is a standard idiomatic compound preposition used to indicate the method, tool, or instrument used to achieve a particular result. In this sentence, it correctly identifies the rope ladders as the specific means or agency through which the action of scaling the wall was performed. It functions as an adverbial phrase explaining how the task was accomplished, adhering to correct English grammatical structure for denoting instrumentation.

Explanation

Sentence D introduces the primary topic by identifying the population explosion as a major contemporary issue. Sentence B logically follows by explaining why it is such an important concern, noting that countries across the world face various challenges related to their population size. Sentence A provides specific examples of these challenges, using the cohesive phrase such problems to directly link back to the general problems mentioned in sentence B. Finally, sentence C concludes the sequence by narrowing the focus to identify population pressure as the most critical component of the overarching issue.

Explanation

To convert the given sentence into indirect speech, the reporting verb said is changed to enquired. For interrogative sentences starting with a wh-word, the same word acts as the conjunction, and the sentence structure changes from interrogative to assertive (subject before the verb). The simple past tense didn't forward is shifted to the past perfect tense had not forwarded because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Additionally, the first-person pronoun me is changed to the third-person pronoun her to match the speaker, Radha.