SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The adjective luxurious is the most appropriate substitute for well-resourced in this context because it precisely describes a living environment characterized by comfort, elegance, and wealth. While well-resourced implies having ample means or materials, luxurious specifically pertains to the high quality and expensive nature of one's surroundings. Grammatically, an adjective is required to modify the noun surroundings, and luxurious functions as the correct descriptor to indicate a high standard of living. This substitution enhances the idiomatic quality of the sentence, as luxurious is the standard term used to characterize opulent living conditions.

Explanation

The sentence follows a standard subject-verb-object structure. The subject "The Google doodle" requires a verb to describe its action, which is provided by part S with the word "features". The preposition "of" at the end of part S must be followed by the object it describes, which is "Tsujimura working in her laboratory" in part Q. This description is then further detailed by part P, using the preposition "with" to list the objects in the scene: "a cup of green tea, beaker and". Finally, the conjunction "and" at the end of part P necessitates a final item to complete the list, which is "some green tea leaves by the side" in part R. The sequence SQPR thus forms a coherent and grammatically sound sentence.

Explanation

The passage employs the horizon as a metaphor for the scope of possibilities available in life. By defining the horizon as a circle and describing it as broad, the text establishes a context of immense scale and limitlessness. The word vast signifies an immense or extensive space, which aligns with the physical reality of a horizon that encompasses the observer in every direction. This choice maintains the logical consistency of the sentence, reinforcing the idea that one's potential choices are expansive and wide-reaching.

Explanation

The passage uses the horizon as a metaphor for the vastness of one's options in life. By characterizing the horizon as technically a circle, the author emphasizes its lack of boundaries or end points. The adverb infinitely is the most appropriate choice to modify broad in this context, as it signifies a state of being limitless or boundless. This reinforces the idea that the range of possibilities available to an individual is exhaustive and continuous, mirroring the geometric properties of a circle which has no beginning or conclusion.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes the significant impact of the choices we make, comparing them to footprints that define our life story. The term utmost functions as an adjective meaning greatest or highest degree. When used to modify caution, it conveys the necessity of exercising the maximum possible care. This fits the tone of the passage, which advises the reader to be highly deliberate and careful in their actions because every step taken has long-term importance.

Explanation

The sentence uses the metaphor of a journey to describe the progress of one's life. In this context, footprints are the physical or metaphorical marks created as a person moves forward. The adverb behind correctly completes the common idiomatic expression leave behind, which refers to the trail, legacy, or past actions remaining in the place or time a person has already passed through. It logically connects the steps taken in the past with the story or journey being described.

Explanation

The passage utilizes a sustained metaphor of a journey to describe life and personal choices. The inclusion of terms such as steps, footprints, and journey establishes a semantic field related to travel and physical movement. In this context, the word path is the most linguistically appropriate fit for something that an individual follows. It represents the route or direction one takes in the future, providing a direct parallel to the footprints left behind from past actions. This alignment maintains the internal consistency of the imagery, framing the entirety of one's life as a single, continuous progression along a specific track.

Explanation

The sentence follows a structure where the verb remembers is followed by a gerund phrase his son taking him to the temple. To convert an active gerund phrase into the passive voice, the active form Verb-ing is replaced with the passive form being + Past Participle. In this specific case, the object of the gerund phrase, him, refers back to the main subject, the patient. Consequently, in the passive transformation, this redundant pronoun is dropped, and the agent of the action, his son, is moved after the preposition by. This results in the construction remembers being taken to the temple by his son.

Explanation

Absolution is the formal act of pronouncing a person free from guilt, sin, or duty. In a religious context, it specifically refers to the formal remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance. The term is derived from the Latin word absolutio, which means a setting free or acquittal, signifying a complete release from the consequences or burden of spiritual or legal transgressions.

Explanation

The word undesirable refers to something that is not wanted, unpleasant, or not recommended because it is considered unwise or disadvantageous. Its most appropriate antonym is advisable, which describes an action that is prudent, sensible, or recommended because it is likely to lead to a positive or beneficial outcome. In the context of financial planning mentioned in the sentence, while undesirable implies that investing is a poor choice, advisable indicates that it is a wise and recommended practice.

Explanation

The preposition at is used to denote a specific point, location, or place. In English grammar, a bus stop is considered a precise functional point within a city or along a route. Consequently, at is the standard preposition used to indicate that someone is present at that specific site or waiting for transportation there.

Explanation

The idiom let the cat out of the bag means to disclose a secret or reveal information that was intended to be kept private, often done accidentally or prematurely. In the provided sentence, the Managing Director shared confidential information about the recipient of a promotion before it was officially announced, thereby making the secret known. This expression is commonly used when a piece of information that should have remained hidden is shared with others, whether by mistake or lack of discretion.

Explanation

In the given sentence, consent refers to the official permission, agreement, or approval granted for a project to move forward. The word interdiction refers to the act of forbidding or prohibiting something by an authoritative decree or official order. While consent facilitates the progress of an action by providing authorization, interdiction halts or prevents it by imposing a formal ban. Therefore, interdiction is the most suitable antonym as it directly opposes the concept of allowing or approving an activity.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) grammatical structure. In this arrangement, the 20ᵗʰ century serves as the subject that performs the action of the verb marked. The phrase a great transition acts as the direct object, representing what the century signifies or characterizes. Finally, the prepositional phrase for mankind provides the necessary context, indicating who was affected by this change. This sequence creates a logical and coherent statement where a specific time period is identified as the host of a significant historical shift.

Explanation

The word convalescence refers to the period of gradual recovery of health and strength after an illness, injury, or medical treatment. It is derived from the Latin verb convalescere, which combines the prefix con- (meaning thoroughly), the root valere (meaning to be strong), and the inceptive suffix -escence (denoting a process or state of becoming). The correct spelling follows the linguistic pattern of words like adolescence and fluorescence, necessitating the s-c letter combination in the suffix. In the given context, it describes the time-taking process of healing required after a back injury.

Explanation

The word wooden serves as a descriptive adjective that forms a common and natural collocation with baton to indicate the material of the object. In narrative writing, specifying the composition of a handheld tool or weapon, such as a wooden baton, is a standard way to provide sensory detail and clarify the physical nature of the item being held.

Explanation

To take something at face value means to accept or believe something exactly as it appears or as it is stated, without looking for hidden meanings, questioning its sincerity, or considering that the reality might be different from the outward impression. The phrase originates from the financial world, where the face value is the value printed on the front of a coin or document, which a person accepts as its true worth without further investigation into its actual market value or intrinsic quality. In a general context, it implies a lack of skepticism and the decision to treat information or appearances as honest and complete representations of the truth.

Explanation

The reporting verb assures in the indirect sentence is in the present tense. According to the rules of narration, if the reporting verb is in the present or future tense, the tense of the verb in the reported speech remains unchanged when converting to direct speech. The third-person pronouns he/she and them in the indirect form refer to the speaker (the secretary) and the listeners (the audience) respectively; therefore, they change to the first-person I and second-person you in direct speech. Consequently, the present continuous structure is going to help is preserved as am going to help to match the new subject I, and the reporting verb is maintained in the present tense as says to.

Explanation

The sentence My cafe has been revisited by many tourists is in the passive voice of the present perfect tense. The structure for this tense in passive voice is Subject + has/have + been + V3 (past participle) + by + Agent. To convert it into the active voice, the agent (many tourists) becomes the subject, and the subject (my cafe) becomes the direct object. The active voice formula for the present perfect tense is Subject + has/have + V3 + Object. Since many tourists is a plural subject, it requires the plural auxiliary verb have. Applying this rule, the sentence becomes Many tourists have revisited my cafe.

Explanation

The word nonchalant refers to a state of being casually calm and relaxed, often manifesting as an indifferent or unconcerned attitude that lacks enthusiasm or seriousness. In the context of professional work, a nonchalant attitude implies a lack of care or attention to detail. The term considerate serves as an appropriate antonym because it describes an approach that is thoughtful and shows careful regard or attention. While nonchalance is characterized by a detached lack of interest, being considerate involves an active application of thought and mindfulness toward one's responsibilities.

Explanation

Pacify means to soothe, calm, or bring peace to a situation or a person who is angry or upset. In contrast, aggravate means to make a problem, injury, or situation worse or more intense. Therefore, aggravate serves as the direct antonym because it describes the act of increasing tension or severity rather than reducing it.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical geographical and descriptive progression starting from the general habitat to specific locations. The stem Kemp's ridleys are is naturally followed by the predicate in P usually found in nearshore and, which sets up a parallel description of water types. Part Q provides the second half of this description with inshore waters of the northern, which flows directly into the specific geographic region in R Gulf of Mexico, especially in Louisiana waters. The sequence concludes with S which are their primary feeding grounds, where the relative pronoun which correctly references the previously mentioned Louisiana waters to explain their ecological significance.

Explanation

In English descriptive prose, the verb hang is the standard idiomatic choice to describe atmospheric phenomena such as mist, fog, or clouds that remain suspended or lingering in the air over a specific area. The past tense form hung effectively conveys the stationary or slowly drifting nature of the mist as it rests above the valley floor.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, several specific transformations are required. The reporting verb said to changes to told when followed by an object. The conjunction that is used to connect the reporting clause with the reported speech. The second-person pronoun You changes to I to correspond with the object me. In terms of tense, the modal verb will shifts to its past form would because the reporting verb said is in the past tense. Finally, the adverb of time tomorrow is replaced with the next day to reflect the shift in the point of view. Combining these rules results in the sentence: She told me that I would speak at the conference the next day.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical sequence that tracks the progression from a casual behavior to its detrimental effects. Sentence B initiates the sequence by describing how people start drinking and gradually form a habit. Sentence D provides the next logical step, explaining how that habit quickly transitions into a formal addiction. Sentence C moves from the specific example of drinking to the broader consequences of addiction on a person's entire life. Sentence A concludes the thought by detailing specific negative outcomes, such as social isolation and decreased productivity, where the pronoun It refers back to the addiction described in the preceding sentence. This structure ensures a smooth transition from the origin of a problem to its ultimate impact.

Explanation

The sentence context identifies that the subject is in debt, which implies a habit of overspending or a lack of financial restraint. The word extravagant refers to spending much more than is necessary or wise, or being wasteful with money. This makes it the logically appropriate term to describe tastes and habits that would result in a person being in debt.

Explanation

The context of the passage relates to the transition of power and financial circumstances from a father to a son within a royal lineage. To inherit means to receive money, property, or a specific situation from a predecessor, typically a parent, upon their death or retirement. Since Charles I succeeded his father, James I, the use of the verb inherited is the most linguistically and historically accurate way to describe how he came to possess the difficult financial state mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The verb raise is the standard lexical colocation used in financial contexts to mean collecting, gathering, or accumulating capital or funds for a specific purpose. In historical and economic narratives, to raise money refers to the act of generating revenue or sourcing the necessary financial means to manage government expenditures, debts, or state projects. Given that Charles I was facing a difficult financial situation and high inflation, his objective was to generate the liquid assets required to run his administration, which he attempted to achieve through various fiscal strategies such as the sale of titles.

Explanation

The word started is the most appropriate fit as it denotes the beginning of a specific action taken by Charles I to generate revenue. The passage follows a logical progression: the king inherits a difficult financial situation, encounters high inflation, and seeks to raise money. Consequently, he initiates the process of creating and selling the title of Baronet to wealthy individuals as his chosen solution. Grammatically, the verb started correctly precedes the gerund creating to indicate the commencement of this financial strategy as a response to the economic pressures of his reign.

Explanation

The passage describes a situation where King Charles I sought to alleviate financial difficulties by creating and selling the title of Baronet. In this context, the candidates for such a title would need to possess a large amount of money or assets to afford the purchase. The word wealthy specifically refers to having a great deal of money, resources, or high net worth, making it the most appropriate term for individuals capable of buying social status and titles from the monarchy to help solve a royal financial crisis.

Explanation

The context of the passage relates to the historical conflict between King Charles I and the British Parliament over fiscal autonomy and royal prerogatives. When a legislative body like a parliament refuses to validate, accept, or approve a proposal, decree, or decision made by a monarch, the most appropriate term to describe this action is rejected. In this specific historical setting, Parliament frequently used its power to reject the King's financial schemes and methods of raising revenue without their consent, which is the exact action being described in the final sentence.

Explanation

The idiom turn over a new leaf signifies making a fresh start or beginning a new chapter in one's life by improving one's behavior or circumstances. Historically, the word leaf referred to a page in a book, and turning over a new leaf metaphorically meant starting on a blank page to write a better story or record better conduct. It implies a conscious decision to leave behind past mistakes or old habits and adopt a renewed, more positive approach to life.

Explanation

The sequence follows a logical thematic progression of a formal address. Sentence C serves as the introduction, establishing the context by mentioning the principal delivering a speech and praising the students. Sentence D builds on this by providing specific details about the speech, focusing on the assistance provided by teaching assistants. Sentence B maintains the narrative flow by using the transition word also to include the principal's appreciation for educators, adding to the groups recognized during the event. Sentence A provides a natural conclusion to the paragraph, as a wish for students' future endeavours is a standard closing sentiment in a formal speech.

Explanation

The idiom fair-weather friend refers to a person who is loyal and helpful only when things are going well but deserts their friends during difficult or challenging times. Such an individual acts out of self-interest, enjoying the benefits of a relationship during prosperous periods while lacking the commitment to provide support during an exigency or crisis. This makes them inherently selfish, as their presence is contingent upon favorable circumstances rather than genuine loyalty.

Explanation

The intensifier very is used with adjectives in the positive degree to express a high degree of a quality. However, when using comparative adjectives like richer to compare two entities, the correct intensifiers are much, far, or significantly. Since richer is a comparative form followed by the conjunction than, the use of very is grammatically incorrect. One must say much richer than Jim to properly modify the comparative adjective.

Explanation

The idiom burning question refers to an issue or topic that is of great interest, importance, or urgency and is being widely discussed or debated. In the context of unemployment, it signifies a pressing social or economic problem that requires immediate attention. While other words like fiery or flaming relate to heat or fire, they do not form the standard idiomatic expression used in English to describe a highly topical or urgent matter. Use of the phrase burning question correctly conveys that the subject is a matter of intense public concern.

Explanation

The word penniless describes a state of being destitute or having no money at all. Its direct antonym is rich, which refers to having a great deal of money, wealth, or valuable possessions. In the provided sentence, the word rich is used to describe individuals with significant financial means, making it the most appropriate opposite to the condition of being penniless.

Explanation

The word concise signifies expressing much in few words while being clear and comprehensive. Similarly, terse describes a style of speaking or writing that is sparing in the use of words and avoids unnecessary detail. Both terms emphasize brevity and efficiency in communication, making them synonyms in the context of providing an explanation.

Explanation

The error in this sentence is related to subject-verb agreement in the final clause. The noun indifference is an uncountable abstract noun, which is always treated as singular in English grammar. For a sentence to be grammatically correct, a singular subject must be accompanied by a singular verb. In this segment, the plural auxiliary verb were has been incorrectly used with the singular subject indifference. To rectify the grammatical mismatch, the singular auxiliary verb was should be used instead, making the correct phrasing her indifference was well noticed.

Explanation

The sentence uses the correlative conjunction pair hardly... when, which is a standard idiomatic structure in English used to describe two events that happen in very quick succession. When a sentence contains words like hardly, scarcely, or barely to indicate that one action was only just completed before another began, the two clauses must be connected by the conjunction when. In this context, using when correctly establishes the temporal relationship that Estella began to weep immediately upon hearing the news.

Explanation

The word accept means to consent to receive something offered, to give an affirmative answer, or to recognize something as true and valid. Its most appropriate antonym is deny, which means to refuse to admit the truth or existence of something, or to reject a request or proposal. In linguistic terms, accept involves an act of inclusion or agreement, whereas deny involves an act of rejection or contradiction.

Explanation

In English collocations, the verb take is the standard idiomatic choice used when a student or candidate participates in an assessment. The expression taking an exam specifically refers to the act of sitting for a test or writing an examination to be evaluated on a subject. This phrasing correctly identifies the role of the person undergoing the evaluation, as opposed to the examiner who prepares or administers it.

Explanation

The phrase talked about is the most direct and idiomatic replacement for spoke about when referring to a discussion on a particular subject. The other options like stated, expressed, or said do not grammatically pair with the preposition about in this context.

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb that forms a standard idiomatic collocation with the noun compliments. In English usage, the phrase to pay a compliment is the established expression used to describe the act of praising someone or expressing admiration. Collocations are conventional word pairings that native speakers use naturally, and the verb pay is specifically associated with compliments to indicate the delivery of a kind or flattering remark to another person.

Explanation

The word publication is correctly spelled as p-u-b-l-i-c-a-t-i-o-n. It is a noun derived from the verb publish and refers to the act of making information available to the general public or a specific work, such as a journal or website, that does so. The spelling follows the standard linguistic pattern of using the suffix -tion to denote the result of an action or process. In the given sentence, it correctly identifies the online entity that shared the research results.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice, utilizing the construction You are asked to followed by an infinitive. This specific passive structure is commonly used to express an imperative or a request indirectly. To convert such a sentence into its active form, the introductory passive phrase You are asked to is removed, and the sentence begins directly with the base form of the principal verb. In this case, the main action is to tell, so the active imperative form starts with Tell and retains the rest of the predicate, resulting in Tell the plumber to mend all the pipes.

Explanation

Tenacious is derived from the Latin verb tenere, meaning to hold. It describes a person or quality characterized by keeping a firm grip on something, whether physical or metaphorical, such as a belief, goal, or opinion. It implies a high degree of persistence and determination, reflecting the refusal to let go or give up easily despite obstacles. This term is specifically used to define the act of adhering closely to a position or purpose with great resolve.

Explanation

The adverb very is used to modify adjectives in their positive degree, such as very good or very happy. However, when modifying a past participle like admired, especially in a passive construction, the intensifier much or very much should be used instead. Past participles that function as verbs or denote an action performed upon a subject require much to indicate the degree of that action. Therefore, the phrase should correctly be are much admired or are very much admired.

Explanation

The word vivid describes something that is bright, intense, clear, and produces a distinct mental image. Its antonym, murky, refers to something that is dark, gloomy, obscure, or lacking in clarity. While vivid suggests a high degree of sharpness and detail in perception or memory, murky indicates a state that is hazy and difficult to see or remember clearly. Therefore, in the context of the given sentence, murky directly opposes the meaning of vivid by describing a memory that is faint and unclear rather than sharp and distinct.

Explanation

The verb clattered is used to describe the sharp, rattling sound produced when a hard object strikes a hard surface. In the context of the passage, a button-eye falls off and hits a concrete floor. Since a button is a solid item and concrete is a rigid, unyielding material, the impact would naturally create the distinct, repetitive clicking or rattling noise denoted by this specific verb.