SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The preposition on to is used to describe movement that results in a position on a specific surface. In this context, the button-eye is moving from its original place on the thing's face and landing upon the concrete floor. The phrase indicates both the direction of the movement and the final location where the object comes to rest. Since the floor is a horizontal surface that the falling object makes contact with, on to correctly establishes the relationship between the falling action and the surface of the concrete.

Explanation

The passage describes a creature or doll losing one of its button eyes, causing it to lose its immediate focus on the subject. The adverb vacantly means to do something in a way that shows a lack of thought, expression, or concentration. In this context, looking around vacantly accurately depicts the creature's momentary confusion or blank stare as it struggles to orient itself and relocate the girl using its remaining eye. The phrase as if it had lost her further reinforces this sense of an empty, aimless search that occurs immediately after the eye falls off.

Explanation

The conjunction until is used to indicate that an action or state continues up to a specific point in time or until a particular event happens. In the given sentence, the creature is performing the continuous action of twisting its body, and this physical movement persists up to the exact moment that its remaining eye reaches the position where it is aligned with and facing the girl again. It establishes a clear temporal boundary for the completion of the motion.

Explanation

The word lunged is the most appropriate fit as it describes a sudden, forceful, or aggressive forward movement. In the context of this passage, which depicts a tense and unsettling encounter, the creature has just reoriented itself to face the character. The action of moving across the cellar towards her implies a purposeful and rapid physical thrust, which is exactly what the verb lunged conveys in a narrative setting. This choice aligns with the predatory and eerie behavior of the thing as it pursues the character in the dark environment.

Explanation

The word mythical is derived from the noun myth, which originates from the Greek word mythos. In English, the suffix ical is added to the base word myth to form an adjective meaning something based on or described in a myth. The spelling follows the standard pattern where the y from the root word is retained, followed by the suffix.

Explanation

The sentence is in the passive voice of the future indefinite tense, which follows the structure: Wh-word + will/shall + object + be + past participle (V3) + by + agent. To convert this into the active voice, the structure is: Wh-word + will/shall + subject + base form of the verb (V1) + object. Applying this rule, the agent you becomes the subject, the auxiliary verb will is retained, the verb be fixed is changed to its active form fix, and the subject his problems becomes the object, resulting in the construction: How will you fix his problems?

Explanation

The expression is a standard English proverb and collocation where the verb keep is conventionally paired with promise to denote the fulfillment of a commitment. To keep a promise means to do what one has pledged to do, and this specific phrasing is used to contrast the ease of verbalizing a commitment with the difficulty of actually executing it. In linguistic terms, keep a promise is the fixed idiomatic structure used to describe honoring a vow.

Explanation

The error in the segment "the crowd skillful" is the incorrect use of an adjective where an adverb is required. In English grammar, adjectives are used to modify nouns or pronouns, while adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this sentence, the word is intended to describe the manner in which the subject "handles" the crowd. Since "handle" is a verb representing the action being performed, it must be qualified by the adverb "skillfully" rather than the adjective "skillful."

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Future Simple tense, which uses the structure Subject + will + base verb + Object. When converting a sentence in the Future Simple tense from active to passive voice, the structure changes to Object + will + be + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. In this case, the object "the paper" becomes the subject, the auxiliary "will" is followed by "be," and "present" is changed to its past participle form "presented." The original subject "she" becomes the agent "by her," resulting in the passive construction: The paper will be presented next week by her.

Explanation

The term meticulous describes a person who shows great attention to detail and is very careful and precise in their actions. A perfectionist is defined as someone who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection, which necessitates a meticulous approach to ensure every element of a task is performed with extreme care and accuracy. This quality of being fastidious and paying rigorous attention to minute details is the essential trait of a perfectionist.

Explanation

Sentence A introduces the central theme by highlighting the positive impact of having a specific aim on a person's life, asserting that it provides purpose and meaning. Sentence D provides an immediate contrast by describing the failure that accompanies an aimless existence, specifically the inability to achieve success. Building on these two perspectives, sentence C offers a logical synthesis, concluding that having a workable objective or goal is critical in life. Finally, sentence B elaborates on the negative consequence for those who lack direction, explaining how an aimless person's goals can become shattered and unfulfilled. This arrangement creates a coherent flow that moves from a general premise to a contrasting example, followed by a prescriptive conclusion and a supporting detail.

Explanation

In English grammar, the adjective different is standardly followed by the preposition from to indicate a distinction between two entities. This usage follows the logic that one thing differs from another. While informal speech sometimes employs other conjunctions or prepositions, formal writing and competitive examinations adhere to the rule that different from is the grammatically correct idiomatic expression to show contrast or lack of similarity between objects. In this sentence, the comparison between the two dresses requires from to correctly link the adjective to the object of comparison.

Explanation

The word immune refers to a state of being protected from or resistant to a particular disease, infection, or influence. In a biological context, it describes the body's ability to identify and neutralize harmful pathogens. The term susceptible is its direct antonym because it indicates a lack of resistance, meaning an individual is vulnerable, prone, or likely to be affected or harmed by a specific condition or pathogen. Therefore, while immune signifies protection, susceptible signifies exposure and vulnerability.

Explanation

The sentence as written is grammatically correct. The relative pronoun who correctly refers to the plural antecedent people, and the verb believe is in the simple present tense, which is appropriate for stating a current general fact or condition. The plural verb form matches the plural subject, and the clause who believe that the earth is flat correctly modifies the noun people without any need for changes in tense or word form.

Explanation

The idiom Out of sight, out of mind is a common English proverb meaning that it is easy to forget about someone or something if they are no longer present or visible. It suggests that physical absence often leads to a lack of mental focus or remembrance. In the context of the sentence, because Mr. Alfred’s friend is abroad and no longer in his immediate vicinity or view, Mr. Alfred has stopped thinking about him. Option c directly provides the literal meaning of this idiomatic expression by stating that if you do not see someone, you forget about them.

Explanation

To convert the indirect sentence into direct speech, the reporting verb asked is reverted to said to. The subordinate clause who had called them is an interrogative sentence in the Past Perfect tense. According to the rules of narration, the Past Perfect tense in indirect speech is often a result of changing the Present Perfect tense from the direct speech. Consequently, had called changes back to has called. Furthermore, the pronoun them refers to the listeners, which corresponds to the second-person pronoun you in direct speech. Thus, the direct form becomes We said to them, Who has called you?

Explanation

The word obscene refers to something that is offensive to moral principles or disgusting by standard decency, particularly in a lewd, indecent, or foul manner. In the context of the sentence, the word dirty describes remarks that are morally offensive or lewd. Both terms share the common meaning of being indecent or improper, establishing them as synonyms in this specific usage.

Explanation

The sentence in option c contains no spelling errors as all words conform to standard English orthography. The verb squawked is the correct past tense form of squawk, which refers to making a loud, harsh noise or complaining loudly. The word follows the proper sequence of letters starting with the qu consonant cluster followed by the awk vowel-consonant combination. Additionally, the word losing is correctly spelled with a single o, distinguishing it from loosing, and the words owing and injury are also spelled correctly in this context.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression room for improvement refers to the possibility or scope for something to be made better. In this context, the word room does not refer to physical space but to the potential or chance for progress. Therefore, an opportunity for improvement is the most accurate substitute as it captures the intended meaning of having a favorable set of circumstances for advancement or refinement.

Explanation

The idiom steer clear means to stay away from or avoid someone or something that is problematic or dangerous. In the context of the sentence, health personnel are providing advice on maintaining cardiovascular health, which necessitates avoiding harmful behaviors. Using this phrase completes the instruction to avoid unhealthy food habits, as it conveys the idea of keeping a safe distance from actions that would negatively impact one's physical well-being.

Explanation

The passage describes the degradation of the environment due to various human activities. Industrial pollution involves the release of toxic chemicals and effluents into water bodies, which contaminates the natural habitat. The word poisonous relates to the introduction of these toxins that harm living organisms and disrupt ecological balance. Given the context of the Ganga and Yamuna being affected by industrial waste, the term signifies the harmful or toxic transformation of the ecosystem caused by these pollutants. This fits the overall theme of environmental destruction established by the mention of nuclear wastes and greenhouse gases.

Explanation

The passage discusses the systematic destruction of the ecosystem through various forms of human-induced pollution. Blank (2) requires an adjective to describe gases like carbon dioxide that are being released into the atmosphere and mixed with the ozonosphere. Given the negative context of environmental degradation and industrial waste established in the text, the term poisonous is the most suitable choice to characterize the harmful and damaging nature of these gaseous emissions as they disrupt the natural balance of the planet.

Explanation

The preposition under is idiomatically used with the noun pressure to indicate that a specific force, burden, or influence is causing a particular result. In the context of the sentence, the disappearance of tropical rainforests and green pastures is the direct effect of the strain or demand caused by a proliferating population. The phrase under the pressure of correctly establishes this cause-and-effect relationship, signifying that the ecosystem is yielding or being destroyed beneath the weight of human expansion and resource consumption.

Explanation

The verb built is the most contextually appropriate term to describe the construction of physical infrastructure like dams. In the sentence dams are being built over the rivers, the word built correctly conveys the process of erecting a barrier or structure across a body of water to regulate flow or generate power. This choice aligns with the passage's overarching theme of human intervention and industrial projects altering natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Explanation

In the context of environmental science and wildlife conservation, the term endangered is the standard classification for species that are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. The passage describes several anthropogenic threats, including industrial pollution, habitat loss due to population pressure, and the construction of dams, all of which disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems. When the population of a specific animal group like elephants, tigers, or rhinos declines significantly due to these factors, they are formally categorized as endangered species to signify their precarious survival status and the need for urgent protection.

Explanation

The word questionnaire must be spelled with a double n (q-u-e-s-t-i-o-n-n-a-i-r-e). It is a noun derived from the root word question and the suffix -naire (as seen in words like legionnaire or billionaire). A frequent orthographic error is to omit the second n, but the correct form requires both to be present for standard English spelling.

Explanation

The sentence A terrible disaster was witnessed by our country is in the passive voice and uses the simple past tense, indicated by the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle witnessed. To convert a simple past passive sentence into the active voice, the structure changes from Object + was/were + V3 + by + Subject to Subject + V2 + Object. In this case, our country becomes the active subject, the verb witnessed is used in its past tense form, and a terrible disaster becomes the direct object.

Explanation

The word overlook means to fail to notice something, often because one is not looking for it or is preoccupied. It also carries the meaning of intentionally ignoring or disregarding a mistake, fault, or offense, thereby condoning the behavior or choosing not to take action against it. This dual meaning covers both the accidental failure to see something and the deliberate act of forgiving or bypassing an error.

Explanation

The sentence contains a grammatical error in the use of correlative conjunctions. According to standard English rules, the word other must be followed by the conjunction than rather than but. Since the sentence specifically uses the phrase no other option, the coordinating structure requires than to maintain grammatical correctness. The word but is generally used as a correlative after terms like nothing else or when other is absent, as in no option but. Therefore, the segment but to work hard is incorrect and should be replaced with than to work hard to properly complement the word other.

Explanation

The idiom cudgel one's brain means to exert great mental effort or to think with extreme intensity to solve a problem, remember a specific detail, or find a solution. The term cudgel refers to a short, heavy club used as a weapon, and the phrase metaphorically implies that an individual is beating or straining their own mind to force it into action. It conveys the sense of deep concentration and the struggle involved in difficult mental tasks.

Explanation

The underlined segment to provide for is grammatically correct as it uses the infinitive to followed by the base form of the verb provide to express purpose. This construction explains the reason why the speaker was working two jobs. Additionally, the phrasal verb provide for is the standard idiomatic expression meaning to supply someone with the necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and money. Since the sentence follows standard English syntax for expressing intention and uses the correct prepositional phrase, no substitution is necessary.

Explanation

Only sentence D contains no spelling errors, as all its terms follow standard English orthography. The word hippopotamus is correctly spelled with a double p after 'hi' and ends in -potamus (from the Greek hippos, horse, and potamos, river, hence 'river horse'); the other options misspell it as hippoputamus (A), hipopotamus (B) and hippopotmaus (C). The preposition throughout is correctly written as a single compound word without spaces or hyphens. Additionally, Saharan and Africa are proper adjectives and nouns respectively; they are correctly capitalized and use the standard an and ca endings.

Explanation

The word bulk refers to a large mass, size, or volume, or the greater part of something, signifying a significant or massive quantity. In contrast, a handful denotes a very small quantity or a few items that can be held in one hand, representing a minimal amount. Therefore, handful serves as the most appropriate antonym because it describes a small, limited portion compared to the large scale or majority implied by bulk.

Explanation

The verb afford is used with the modal verbs can or could to indicate that someone has enough money or time to be able to do something. It is typically followed by a to-infinitive, such as to purchase, when referring to the financial capability of buying an item. In the context of the sentence, she is confessing a lack of financial means at that specific time, which makes afford the most appropriate word to complete the idiomatic expression couldn't afford to.

Explanation

To convert the direct speech into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to is changed to asked because the sentence is an interrogative. Since the question begins with the modal verb Can, the conjunction if is used to introduce the reported clause. The second-person pronoun you changes to I to correspond with the object of the reporting verb me, and the first-person pronoun me changes to him to refer back to the subject the blind man. Additionally, the modal can is changed to its past tense form could to maintain backshift consistency with the past tense reporting verb. The resulting structure is an assertive sentence where help remains in its base form following the modal.

Explanation

The idiom by fits and starts means to do something in an irregular, sporadic, or inconsistent manner rather than in a continuous or steady way. The sentence emphasizes that persistence is necessary for success; therefore, studying irregularly or without consistency would make achieving a dream job impossible. This idiom perfectly captures the lack of steady effort that leads to unattainable goals.

Explanation

The sentence is in the passive voice using the simple past tense, identified by the auxiliary verb were and the past participle narrated. To convert this to the active voice, the agent of the action (the teacher) becomes the subject, and the recipient of the action (the important points) becomes the direct object. The passive verb form were narrated is replaced by its simple past active equivalent, narrated. Following this structure, the sentence becomes the teacher narrated the important points in the class.

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes a person experiencing frustration due to persistent health issues. In English, the idiomatic expression "lose hope" is used to describe the point at which someone stops believing that a positive outcome, such as recovery from an illness, is possible. The preposition "of" following the blank specifically links the loss of expectation to the prospect of "her recovery," making this the most logically and grammatically sound choice to complete the sentiment of despair.

Explanation

The correct idiomatic expression is spending beyond one's means, meaning to spend more money than one earns. Therefore, the use of the preposition against in the segment spending against is grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

Defamation is the oral or written communication of a false statement about another that unjustly harms their reputation and usually constitutes a tort or a crime. In legal and linguistic terms, it involves the publication of information that tends to lower a person in the estimation of right-thinking members of society generally or causes them to be shunned or avoided. It encompasses both libel, which is defamatory statement in a permanent form such as writing or images, and slander, which refers to fleeting or spoken defamatory statements.

Explanation

The sentence follows a chronological and cause-and-effect sequence starting with the time reference. Part Q provides the subject of the sentence, an eruption of the volcano Anak Krakatau, which naturally follows the opening phrase. Part P then provides the verb phrase caused a landslide, while the relative pronoun that at the end of P necessitates a functional follow-up. Part R fulfills this by describing the result of the landslide, triggered a tsunami in the Sunda Strait (Indonesia). Finally, part S uses the conjunction and to add the final consequence of the entire disaster sequence, killed more than 400 people, ensuring the sentence is grammatically complete and logically sound.

Explanation

The word loyal describes someone who is firm and constant in their support or allegiance. The word fickle is the most appropriate antonym as it refers to someone who changes their loyalties, interests, or affections frequently and unpredictably, representing a lack of steadfastness or reliability.

Explanation

The word ravaged means to cause severe and extensive damage, devastation, or destruction to something. In the context of the sentence, it describes the dacoits looting or ruining the bungalow. The word restored is its most appropriate antonym because it means to repair, renovate, or return something to its original or former good condition. While ravaging involves breaking down and ruining a property, restoring involves rebuilding and bringing it back to its previous state.

Explanation

In the context of economic activity and professional environments, the term sectors refers to the broad divisions of an economy, such as the public, private, or industrial sectors. The passage discusses how remote work allowed various industries to function despite physical shutdowns. The phrase across sectors is a standard collocation used to describe trends or phenomena that affect multiple parts of the business world. This choice aligns with the subsequent sentence, which references almost every industry, indicating that the blank requires a word that encompasses these diverse economic categories.

Explanation

The context of the passage discusses how the implementation of the work from home model served as a mitigation strategy during the pandemic lockdowns. Since physical shutdowns threatened employment, the remote working model aimed to lessen or minimize the negative impact of these restrictions on jobs. To reduce means to make something smaller or less in degree or intensity. Therefore, the word fits logically as the sentence describes the effort to diminish the harsh consequences that the lockdowns would have otherwise had on the employment sector.

Explanation

The word considering is the most appropriate fit here as it denotes the act of thinking about or weighing a particular course of action before making a final decision. In the context of the passage, businesses are evaluating the long-term viability and benefits of the hybrid model based on their experiences during the pandemic lockdowns. The sentence structure are considering continuing uses the present continuous form to indicate that these organizations are currently in the process of deliberating or intending to maintain this work arrangement for the future.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a singular countable noun to follow the indefinite article a and the adjective major. The word criterion is the singular form of the noun used to describe a principle or standard by which something is judged or decided. In the context of the passage, geography serves as the specific standard or factor that was previously essential for the hiring process. Because the sentence refers to a single factor being replaced, the singular form criterion is grammatically correct to complete the phrase a major hiring criterion.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the shift in recruitment patterns brought about by remote work, specifically mentioning that geography is no longer a major factor in hiring. In the context of organizations looking for staff across different cities or states, the term employ is the most appropriate verb as it specifically refers to the act of hiring individuals and giving them work. The sentence describes the likelihood of businesses recruiting talent from wider geographical areas, making the act of employment the central theme of the statistic provided by the recruiting managers.

Explanation

The word vigilant describes someone who is keenly watchful, alert, and attentive to potential dangers or tasks. It implies a high level of carefulness and presence of mind. In contrast, negligent refers to a failure to take proper care or show necessary attention, signifying a state of being careless or indifferent. Because vigilance involves active awareness while negligence involves a lack of it, the two words function as direct antonyms.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, the reporting verb said is in the past tense, which requires the tense of the reported clause to shift from the simple present want to the simple past wanted. The first-person pronoun I refers to the professor and changes to he. Since the professor is addressing the listener, the second-person pronouns you and your shift to the first-person forms me and my respectively. The conjunction that is used to link the reporting verb with the transformed statement.