SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The correct order is SRQP, as the sentence logically flows from naming specific examples of electrolytes (S) to defining them as minerals (R), stating where they are found (Q), and explaining their function (P). This sequence creates a grammatically complete and coherent sentence.

Explanation

A kennel is a small, purpose-built structure or house designed specifically to provide shelter and a place for a dog to sleep. In the context of the sentence, it directly serves as the one-word substitute for the phrase describing a small shelter for a canine.

Explanation

Harmony refers to a state of agreement, peaceful coexistence, or a pleasing arrangement of parts working together in unity. Hostility represents the direct opposite, characterized by intense opposition, unfriendliness, and active conflict or antagonism. While harmony implies a lack of friction and a presence of mutual understanding, hostility signifies a state of ill will and discord, making it the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The phrase kept his promise means to fulfill a previous commitment or assurance. In the context of the sentence, the brother had likely promised a reward contingent upon a specific outcome, such as a successful academic result. By giving the watch after the result was announced, he followed through on his word, making this collocation the most logically and contextually appropriate fit for the sentence.

Explanation

The passive voice sentence uses the simple past tense, indicated by the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle terrified. When converting to the active voice, the object of the preposition by, which is the unexpected noise, becomes the subject of the sentence. The verb must be changed to its simple past active form, terrified, and the original subject, the dog, becomes the direct object of the action. This maintains the original meaning and tense of the sentence while shifting the focus to the performer of the action.

Explanation

A graft refers to a piece of living tissue, such as skin, bone, or an organ, that is surgically moved from one part of the body to another, or from a donor to a recipient. In botany, the term also describes a shoot or bud that is joined to another plant so that they grow together as a single unit. The process of grafting is essential for medical reconstruction and the propagation of specific plant varieties.

Explanation

The word aboriginal refers specifically to people, plants, or animals that have inhabited a country or region from the earliest times, particularly before the arrival of colonists or settlers. It is derived from the Latin phrase ab origine, which literally translates to from the beginning. In a linguistic and historical context, this term is the precise one-word substitute for describing the first or earliest known inhabitants of a land who maintain a historical continuity with pre-colonial societies.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the Present Simple tense, identified by the structure is not + past participle (visited). To convert it to the active voice, the agent hikers becomes the subject. Since hikers is a plural noun, the Present Simple active form requires the auxiliary verb do followed by not and the base form of the verb visit. The object of the active sentence is this trail, and the adverb frequently is positioned to modify the frequency of the action. This results in a grammatically correct active sentence that preserves the tense and meaning of the original passive statement.

Explanation

The word Antartic is misspelled because it omits the letter c before the t. The correct spelling is Antarctic. This word is derived from the Greek word antarktikos, which means opposite to the north or opposite to the Arctic. Just as the word Arctic contains a c before the t, its geographical opposite must also retain that letter to be orthographically correct. The correct sequence of letters is A-n-t-a-r-c-t-i-c.

Explanation

The word baffle means to totally bewilder, perplex, or confuse someone to the point that they cannot understand or explain something. In the context of the sentence, the essayist aims to leave the readers in a state of confusion or mystery. The term puzzle is a direct synonym as it also describes the act of causing someone to feel confused or challenged because they cannot easily comprehend a particular matter or piece of writing.

Explanation

The idiom yellow bellies refers to people who are cowardly or lack courage. It is used to describe individuals who are easily frightened and unwilling to face dangerous or difficult situations. In the context of the sentence, it highlights the contrast between the aggressive rhetoric of social media activists and their actual lack of bravery when faced with the real consequences of a war.

Explanation

The first sentence of the passage establishes a worldwide context by stating that India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world. The adverb globally logically extends this context, indicating that the industry's technical standards are acknowledged and respected on an international scale. In the phrase globally recognised, the word serves to define the broad, universal scope of the industry's reputation.

Explanation

The phrase technically very well equipped is a standard idiomatic expression used to describe an industry or organization that possesses the necessary advanced machinery, tools, and infrastructure to function efficiently. In the context of the passage, it signifies that the Indian tea industry has adopted modern technology and sophisticated processing methods. The word equipped serves as a past participle functioning as an adjective to complete the description of the industry's technical state and operational readiness.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective to describe the state of the Indian tea industry. The word flourishing is a present participle used as an adjective to mean developing rapidly and successfully or thriving. Given the context established in the first sentence that India is one of the largest tea producers in the world, the industry is characterized as a prosperous and successful one. This choice correctly completes the descriptive phrase regarding the industry's traditional status.

Explanation

The sentence discusses the historical use of tea in India beyond its consumption as a beverage. In this context, medicinal is the most appropriate adjective to describe purposes because it refers to the use of a substance for its healing or therapeutic properties. Historically, tea has been integrated into traditional Indian health practices and Ayurveda for its various health benefits and curative qualities. The phrase medicinal purposes is a common idiomatic expression used to denote the application of a plant or substance in treating ailments or maintaining health.

Explanation

The passive sentence is in the Future Indefinite tense, following the structure Object + will be + V₃ + by + Agent. To convert this into the active voice, the sentence must follow the structure Subject + will + V₁ + Object. In this transformation, the agent the shop becomes the subject, the auxiliary will be is replaced by will, and the past participle delivered is changed to its base form deliver. The clothes then functions as the direct object, and the time expression on Monday is placed at the end to maintain the original meaning.

Explanation

In the context of the passage discussing the Indian tea industry, the final sentence addresses the utility of tea. Tea is traditionally used for specific medicinal or therapeutic purposes in many cultures, including India. The blank requires a word that describes the primary and most common way tea is utilized by the general public, which is as a beverage. Consumption is the standard term used in economics and food science to describe the act of using, eating, or drinking a commodity. Thus, the sentence indicates that tea serves both functional roles and is a staple item for daily intake by the population.

Explanation

The word trivial refers to something that is of little importance, significance, or value. In the context of the sentence, it describes an issue that is minor or inconsequential. The word serious is the most appropriate antonym because it denotes something that is important, significant, or having potentially grave consequences, which is the direct opposite of being trivial.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical chronological sequence of events. Sentence A introduces the primary subject and the setting by reporting a panther breaking into a house. Sentence C follows naturally as it uses the pronoun it to refer back to the panther and describes the animal entering a room where a man named Johnny is sleeping. Sentence D continues this specific interaction, detailing Johnny's immediate reaction to the panther's leap by hiding in a closet. Sentence B provides the conclusion to the narrative, explaining that the villagers arrived in response to the commotion and found that the animal had already escaped. This arrangement ensures a coherent flow from the introduction of the incident to the final resolution.

Explanation

The word Peircing is spelled incorrectly. According to the standard English spelling rule of i before e except after c, the correct spelling is Piercing. It is derived from the verb pierce, meaning to poke a hole in something or to describe a sharp, shrill sound.

Explanation

The sentence requires the verb that correctly collocates with the noun progress. In English, make progress is a standard idiomatic expression used to describe the act of advancing, improving, or moving closer to a goal. When someone performs an action consistently every day, they achieve a forward movement in their skill or task, which is accurately expressed as making progress.

Explanation

The word competent refers to having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. Capable is its most appropriate synonym among the given options as it also means having the ability or quality necessary to achieve a task.

Explanation

The idiom in weal and woe refers to experiencing both the good and bad times in life. The word weal is an archaic term derived from Old English that signifies well-being, prosperity, or happiness. Conversely, woe denotes deep suffering, grief, or misfortune. When used together, the phrase describes a state of being or a commitment that persists through all circumstances, encompassing both successful periods of prosperity and difficult times of adversity. It is often used to express loyalty or the shared experiences of a group or couple regardless of their current fortune.

Explanation

To announce means to make a public and official notification or to make something known to people generally. Advertise shares this core meaning, as it refers to the act of calling public attention to something or making it known through a public medium. Both words are used to describe the process of informing a wide audience about a specific fact, event, or piece of information.

Explanation

The sentence follows a sequence of events in the past, established by the verb pulled in the first segment. According to the rules of tense consistency, when the principal clause or a preceding subordinate clause is in the past tense, the subsequent actions in the same context should also be expressed in the past tense. Therefore, the present tense verb take is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with its past tense form took to align with the rest of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence follows the simple future tense structure: Subject + will + V1 + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, followed by the auxiliary verb construction will + be + V3 (past participle). Since the past participle of build is built, the passive form requires will be built. The original subject, the government, is then introduced by the preposition by at the end of the clause.

Explanation

The conjunction as if is used to describe an imaginary or hypothetical situation. When the main verb of the sentence is in the past tense, such as acted, the verb in the dependent clause following as if must also be in a past tense form to maintain grammatical consistency and reflect the subjunctive mood. In this context, using was correctly indicates a hypothetical state that occurred at the same time as the action of acting. This usage signifies that the condition of being the one who was hurt is perceived or portrayed rather than being a confirmed fact, adhering to the rules of tense agreement in complex sentences.

Explanation

The sentence structure begins with the introductory subordinate clause While physical movement, which requires the verb is provided in part Q to complete its meaning: While physical movement is important for children, all learning. This leads into the subject of the main clause, all learning, which is naturally followed by the noun activities in part P. The phrase physical in part P describes the nouns movement and facial expressions in part S. Finally, part S ends with the preposition on, which is completed by the object phrase the part of teachers and students in part R. The complete, logical sentence reads: While physical movement is important for children, all learning activities may not require physical movement and facial expressions on the part of teachers and students.

Explanation

The idiom a rolling stone gathers no moss refers to a person who is always moving from place to place or changing their occupation. Just as a stone that is constantly in motion does not stay in one spot long enough for moss to grow on it, an individual who lacks stability and consistency fails to build a solid foundation. This lack of permanence prevents them from accumulating lasting benefits such as wealth, a established reputation, or a respected name, as these achievements generally require long-term dedication and roots in a specific community or professional field.

Explanation

The word conspire means to make a secret plan or agreement with others to commit an unlawful, harmful, or wrongful act. In the context of the sentence, the students are secretly planning to steal test papers, which is a deceptive and prohibited action. The word plot serves as a direct synonym, referring to the act of secretly devising a scheme or strategy to achieve a specific, often clandestine or illegal, objective.

Explanation

The term Bohemian describes a person who leads an unconventional or eccentric lifestyle, often characterized by a disregard for traditional social norms and a focus on artistic, literary, or intellectual pursuits. It specifically refers to an individual who lives in an informal and socially unconventional way, typically as part of a creative community that rejects the standard materialistic values of mainstream society.

Explanation

The word intrinsic refers to qualities or motivations that are essential, inherent, or originating from within a person. In the context of learning, intrinsic motivation is the internal drive to acquire knowledge for its own sake or for personal satisfaction. Extrinsic is the most appropriate antonym because it describes things that come from the outside or are not part of the essential nature of someone or something. Extrinsic motivation involves performing an action to achieve an external reward or outcome, such as grades, prizes, or social approval, which directly contrasts with the internal origin of intrinsic motivation.

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence expressing a prohibition. To convert a negative imperative sentence into the passive voice, the standard construction used is Let + object + not + be + past participle (V3) of the main verb. In this instance, the object is the flowers and the past participle of the verb pluck is plucked. By applying the formula, the sentence becomes Let the flowers not be plucked. This transformation correctly shifts the focus from the implied subject to the object while retaining the original imperative force and negative meaning of the command.

Explanation

The sequence SPQR establishes a logical flow by moving from a general context to a specific environmental issue. Sentence S introduces the subject by defining the lake's importance and the large number of people dependent on it for their livelihood. Sentence P follows this by identifying a trend within that context, which is the rising demand for fish. Sentence Q introduces a conflict using the transition word However, pointing out that the supply in the lake cannot meet this demand. Sentence R completes the paragraph by providing the specific reason for this scarcity, explaining that the construction of a barrage has blocked the migratory routes of fish from the Chindwin-Irawaddy river system. This structure effectively links the human impact, the market demand, the resulting shortage, and the underlying ecological cause.

Explanation

To identify someone means to recognize or establish who they are by observing their specific characteristics. It involves paying attention and noticing details to distinguish one person from another. Conversely, the word overlook means to fail to notice, to ignore, or to disregard something or someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In the context of the sentence, while the dog identifies friends, it is also noted for not failing to notice (not overlooking) strangers. Thus, overlook serves as the direct antonym because it describes the act of missing or ignoring what identification aims to capture.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject One element that, which requires a defining relative clause to clarify what the element does. Part Q provides this by stating is essential to navigating deep space. After defining the element, the sentence must identify it, which is done in part P with is timing. Part P ends with the phrase ensuring that, which must be followed by a noun clause. Part R provides the subject of this clause, the time on board spacecraft is synchronised, and part S completes the thought by providing the necessary prepositional phrase with the time on the ground to complement the verb synchronised. The resulting sequence QPRS forms a grammatically coherent and logical statement.

Explanation

The collocation say hello is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe a brief and informal visit, especially when one is traveling toward another destination. In the context of passing through, which indicates a temporary presence in a location while on a journey, the phrase came to say hello perfectly conveys the intention of stopping for a short social greeting before continuing the trip.

Explanation

The word amature is the incorrect spelling of the term used to describe someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession. The correct spelling is amateur, which originates from the French word for lover of and retains the -eur suffix. While the phonetic sound of the final syllable might lead to confusion, the standard English orthography requires the -eur ending.

Explanation

The idiom a green horn refers to an inexperienced person or a novice who is new to a specific activity, trade, or situation. The term originally alluded to young animals with new, undeveloped horns that were still green or immature. In a figurative sense, it describes an individual who lacks the seasoned judgment or skills that come with long-term practice and exposure, often making them appear naive or gullible in a professional or social context.

Explanation

The word persuade means to convince or induce someone to take a specific course of action through reasoning, argument, or incentive. Its antonym must reflect the act of deterring or preventing someone from acting. Discourage means to deprive someone of the confidence or will to do something, or to actively dissuade them from a particular path. In the context of influencing a person's decision, discourage serves as the direct opposite of persuading them to move forward with an action.

Explanation

The adjective fond is traditionally paired with the fixed preposition of to indicate a liking or affection for someone or something. This is a standard idiomatic collocation in English grammar where specific adjectives require specific prepositions to connect to their objects. Consequently, the construction fond of is the only grammatically accurate way to express a preference or desire for sweets in this context.

Explanation

The idiom breathed his last is a standard English expression meaning to die or pass away. This phrase accurately describes the historical event involving the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. In 1992, while he was critically ill in a Kolkata hospital, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized his lifetime contribution to cinema with an Honorary Oscar. Audrey Hepburn announced the award during the telecast, and Ray accepted it from his bed via a recorded video. He passed away on April 23, 1992, less than a month after the ceremony, making this the only appropriate idiom to describe his death following the reception of the award.

Explanation

In formal and legal English, the verb hold is the standard collocation used with nouns like enquiry, meeting, or hearing to describe the act of conducting or organizing a formal investigation. To hold an enquiry means to carry out a systematic process of gathering facts and evidence to determine the truth of a matter. This specific phrasing is idiomatic in judicial contexts where a court mandates an official to investigate a case or incident.

Explanation

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, the reporting verb told me is maintained. The first-person pronoun we changes to the third-person pronoun they to correspond with the subject of the reporting clause. In terms of tense, the past perfect had opened remains in the past perfect form because it is already the furthest point in the past and does not shift further back. The conjunction that is added to link the reporting verb with the reported statement.

Explanation

A legacy is an amount of money or property left to someone in a will. It refers to the assets or possessions that a person bequeaths to their heirs or beneficiaries, representing a gift of personal property or a financial inheritance handed down from a predecessor.

Explanation

In the context of scientific or nutritional research, the verb consume is the most appropriate term to describe the intake of food and drink. It is a formal word used to denote the eating or drinking of substances as part of a diet. Given that the passage reports on world research regarding the dietary habits of the French people concerning cheese and butter, consume fits the objective and professional tone required for presenting such findings. It accurately describes the general process of ingestion without adding informal or specific behavioral nuances.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, directed is used as a reporting verb to signify that the research pointed toward or indicated a specific finding. When a study or research directs that a certain conclusion is true, it means the evidence and data gathered lead to that particular observation. Here, the word conveys that the research results point to the fact that animal fat is beneficial for the human body and helps in reducing heart attack risks. While other verbs like indicated or suggested are more common in scientific writing, directed serves here to show the path or conclusion that the research findings have established.

Explanation

The verb conducted is the standard linguistic collocation used when referring to the execution, performance, or carrying out of a scientific study, research project, or survey. In the context of the passage, it signifies that the research involving twenty-one low and middle-income countries was organized and implemented in the year 2018.

Explanation

The context of the passage relates to a scientific research study and its findings. In formal writing and academic reporting, the verb concluded is specifically used to describe the final judgment, opinion, or result reached after investigating a set of facts or data. The sentence structure it concluded that is a standard idiomatic expression used to introduce the summary or the final deduction derived from a study's evidence. Therefore, it perfectly fits the narrative of a research report summarizing its ultimate advice on moderate eating.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from indirect to direct speech, the modal verb might is changed back to its present form may. Additionally, the adverb of place there in indirect speech is changed back to here in direct speech to reflect the original point of reference. The reporting verb said remains the same, and the conjunction that is replaced by a comma and quotation marks. Thus, the direct form of the sentence is He said, Something may be missing in here.