SSC CGL Tier 1 2022 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence uses the Simple Past tense, indicated by the verb met. In English grammar, a question tag must match the tense and auxiliary verb of the main clause. For the Simple Past tense in an affirmative statement, the auxiliary verb used in the question tag is did. Since the main clause is positive, the tag must be negative, resulting in didn't they? to maintain grammatical consistency.

Explanation

The word ponder is a verb that means to think about something deeply and carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. In the context of the sentence, the father is taking time to reflect and think seriously before signing important legal documents. The word contemplate is a direct synonym, as it also refers to the act of thinking profoundly or meditatively at length. Both terms describe a mental process involving thorough consideration and deliberate reflection.

Explanation

The idiom "come in handy" means to be useful or convenient for a particular purpose or in a given situation. In the context of the sentence, extra copies would be helpful or beneficial during exams.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Present Perfect Tense, which follows the structure: Subject + has/have + past participle (V3) + Object. When converting a Present Perfect sentence into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, and the verb form changes to: New Subject + has/have + been + past participle (V3) + by + Agent. In this case, the object many lessons is plural, requiring the auxiliary verb have instead of has. Consequently, the passive construction becomes many lessons have been learned followed by the agent by her and the remaining part of the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard grammatical structure for negative introductory expressions. When a sentence begins with No sooner, it requires inversion, where the auxiliary verb precedes the subject. In this case, the auxiliary verb did is correctly placed before the subject this idea, which is then followed by the base form of the verb enter. The sentence also correctly uses the correlative conjunction than to link the two clauses. Additionally, the past tense auxiliary did in the first clause is logically consistent with the past tense verb carried in the second clause, ensuring proper tense agreement across the sentence. As all grammatical rules regarding inversion, pairing, and tense are satisfied, the original sentence is correct.

Explanation

The preposition across is used to describe something happening in all parts of a particular area or throughout a territory. In the context of a national festival like Holi, the phrase celebrated across the country correctly indicates that the festivities take place in every region and corner of the nation. It functions as an adverbial phrase of place denoting widespread occurrence, making it the grammatically and idiomatically appropriate choice for describing nationwide events.

Explanation

The error in this sentence is a lack of tense consistency. The sentence establishes a past time frame through the verb wrote and the specific temporal reference last week's Sunday Supplement. Because the action of the article (criticizing the abuse) occurred within that specific past publication, the verb must also be in the past tense to match the surrounding context. The present tense criticises is grammatically inconsistent with the rest of the sentence and should be replaced with the past tense criticised to ensure the entire statement follows a uniform chronological sequence.

Explanation

The verb witnessed is used here in a metaphorical sense to describe a location or venue that has been the site of significant historical occurrences. In the context of diplomacy and journalism, a venue like the East Room is often said to have witnessed events, meaning that these events took place within its walls. This choice correctly conveys that the East Room has served as the setting for numerous important milestones in the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.

Explanation

The word repetitive is an adjective derived from the verb repeat. According to the rules of English orthography, the correct spelling is R-E-P-E-T-I-T-I-V-E, which uses an i in the third syllable. A common spelling error is to use an a in that position, resulting in the incorrect form repetative. This word is the one that contains the spelling mistake in the context of the sentence provided.

Explanation

The idiom play it by ear originated in the field of music, where it described a musician's ability to play a piece after hearing it rather than reading from a written score. In a general context, it means to handle a situation spontaneously or to act according to the circumstances as they arise, rather than following a predetermined plan or having made special preparations. It suggests a flexible approach where one improvises and reacts to events as they occur.

Explanation

The phrase it was quite all right contains a grammatical error of redundancy, also known as a pleonasm. In English grammar, the term all right already functions as an adjective phrase meaning completely right or satisfactory, where all acts as an intensifier signifying totality. The word quite is also an adverb of degree that means completely or entirely. Using both quite and all together creates a repetitive construction where both words attempt to convey the same sense of completeness. For a sentence to be grammatically concise and correct, one should use either quite right or all right, as the combination of both intensifiers is considered superfluous in formal writing.

Explanation

In this context, the word advanced describes a field of study that has reached a high level of development, complexity, or sophistication. It implies that the subject is modern and far along in its progress. The word rudimentary is the most appropriate antonym because it refers to things that are in an elementary, basic, or undeveloped stage. While advanced denotes maturity and refinement in a discipline, rudimentary signifies the primitive or simplest form of something, representing the opposite end of the developmental spectrum.

Explanation

In the context of financial and legal obligations such as income tax, the term evade is the most precise and standard verb used to describe the act of illegally avoiding or failing to pay a required amount. Tax evasion specifically refers to the non-payment of taxes through illegal means. Grammatically, the verb evade is naturally followed by a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb acting as a noun. Using evaded paying correctly indicates that the companies intentionally avoided their tax liabilities during the last year, providing both the correct technical meaning and grammatical structure for the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase bear in mind is a standard English idiom meaning to remember, keep in consideration, or be mindful of a specific fact or piece of information. In the context of the sentence, it implies that an individual must actively consider and remain aware of the various risks and consequences that result from global warming when making decisions or evaluating the situation.

Explanation

Sentence R establishes the primary setting of the narrative by introducing the narrator's location at the Chele La mountain pass in Bhutan. Sentence S follows by describing the immediate environmental conditions at that location, specifically the ominous weather and rain. Sentence P connects to these conditions through the phrase despite that, which indicates that the guide's decision to continue hiking occurred in spite of the poor weather mentioned in S. Finally, sentence Q provides the narrator's reaction to the guide's persistent demand for hiking mentioned in P, completing the logical progression from setting to situation to action and reaction.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of a modal verb in the perfect tense: Subject + Modal (might) + have + Past Participle (delayed) + Object (Mira). To convert this into the passive voice, the object becomes the subject and the verb phrase is transformed using the formula: Modal + have + been + Past Participle. Consequently, might have delayed becomes might have been delayed. The original subject, the snow-storm, is then placed at the end of the sentence preceded by the preposition by. This maintains the specific modal auxiliary and the perfect aspect of the original active voice sentence.

Explanation

Anxiety is defined as a state of apprehension, worry, or nervousness regarding an uncertain outcome or a stressful situation. It involves a feeling of unease and mental tension. Relief refers to the feeling of reassurance and relaxation that follows the removal of anxiety, pain, or distress. Because relief signifies the cessation of the very tension and worry that characterize anxiety, it serves as the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The word Evolutoin is misspelled because the vowels i and o are transposed at the end of the word. The correct spelling is Evolution, which refers to the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth, or any process of gradual development. In English, the suffix -ion is standard for creating nouns from verbs, such as forming evolution from the verb evolve.

Explanation

The passage describes culture as a collective force that influences identity and society. In the context of the sentence, the author is expanding the scope of culture's impact from the individual to a larger scale. Since the concluding sentence of the passage refers to the nation as a "melting pot," the word "country" provides a logical progression from the individual level to the national level, illustrating how culture shapes the broader society in which people live.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on cultural heritage and the roots of an individual's identity. The verb originated means to have a specified beginning or to arise from a particular source or place. In the phrase where my family originated from, it refers to the geographical or ancestral roots of the speaker's family, indicating their place of beginning or descent. This aligns with the speaker's desire to understand their culture and sense of self by knowing their historical background.

Explanation

The word original is the most suitable fit for the blank because it aligns with the speaker’s description of feeling different from other people. In the context of the passage, the author is discussing how culture shapes their personal identity and provides a sense of uniqueness. The use of the coordinating conjunction and connects the blank with the phrase different from other people, indicating that the missing word must share a similar meaning of being distinct or authentic. Feeling original suggests that the author perceives their cultural heritage as something that makes them a unique individual, contributing to their sense of self-worth and individuality within a diverse society.

Explanation

The concluding sentence of the passage reflects a sense of national appreciation and positive identity. The author describes the country as a beautiful melting pot, which signifies a harmonious blend of diverse cultures and people. In English usage, the phrase proud to call is a common idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of honor, satisfaction, or deep pleasure in associating oneself with a specific identity or place. The word proud perfectly captures this sentiment of valuing and celebrating the unique characteristics that define the country.

Explanation

The given sentence is an interrogative sentence in the Simple Past Tense. To convert an active interrogative sentence in the Simple Past Tense into the passive voice, the auxiliary verb did is replaced by was or were depending on the object. The grammatical structure follows the formula: Was/Were + Object + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject? In this instance, the object his mission is singular, so was is used. The base form of the verb do is converted into its past participle form done, and the subject pronoun he is changed to the object pronoun him. This results in the correct passive construction Was his mission done by him?

Explanation

The conversion of an interrogative sentence from active to passive voice follows the general formula: Is/Am/Are + Subject + V3 (Past Participle) + Preposition + Agent. In the sentence "Does she know me?", the active subject is "she", the verb is "know", and the object is "me". When transforming to the passive voice, the object "me" becomes the subject "I", which necessitates the use of the auxiliary verb "am". A specific rule in English grammar dictates that the verb "know" is followed by the preposition "to" rather than "by" when used in the passive voice. Substituting these elements into the formula yields the structure: Am (Auxiliary) + I (Subject) + known (V3) + to (Preposition) + her (Agent). This construction accurately reflects the passive form of the original present simple interrogative sentence.

Explanation

The word hazard refers to a source of potential harm, risk, or exposure to danger. In contrast, protection denotes the act of keeping something safe from harm, injury, or loss, thereby serving as its direct opposite by providing security against risks. While a hazard represents a threat, protection represents the measure or state of being shielded from such threats.

Explanation

To retaliate means to return an attack or injury in kind, specifically by responding with a similar action to pay back a blow received. In the context of a wrestling match, the word describes the act of striking back after being struck. Reciprocated serves as the most appropriate synonym because it refers to the act of responding to an action or gesture by making a corresponding or equivalent one, effectively capturing the essence of returning like for like.

Explanation

The word Condencing is misspelled. The correct spelling is Condensing, which is the present participle form of the verb condense. The word is derived from the Latin condensare, meaning to press close together or make dense. In English orthography, the verb ends with the letter s, and this spelling is preserved when adding the suffix -ing. Replacing the s with a c is a spelling error, as the soft c sound is already correctly represented by the s in the root word.

Explanation

The idiom on cloud nine signifies a state of extreme happiness, elation, or euphoria. It is used to describe someone who is feeling exceptionally joyful or on top of the world, typically following a significant success or a very positive experience. The phrase is thought to be derived from early meteorological systems, specifically the International Cloud Atlas, where the ninth cloud type listed was the cumulonimbus. Since the cumulonimbus is the highest and most massive cloud type, being on cloud nine metaphorically places a person at the highest possible point of bliss and contentment.

Explanation

The word erroneous is derived from the root error and describes something that is incorrect, wrong, or based on a mistake. In the context of a journal description, it implies that the details provided do not align with the actual facts. Inaccurate is the most appropriate synonym because it specifically refers to information that is not accurate or contains errors, directly mirroring the meaning of erroneous.

Explanation

Hyperbole is a figure of speech and literary device that creates heightened effect through deliberate exaggeration. It involves claims or statements that are significantly over-the-top and unrealistic, used primarily to emphasize a point, evoke strong feelings, or create a lasting impression. Because the scale of the claim is so disproportionate to reality, the audience understands that the statement is figurative rather than a literal representation of facts.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological and thematic progression starting with sentence D, which introduces the historical entry of the English language into the Indian subcontinent in the early 1600s via the East India Company. Sentence B builds on this by explaining that because of this early start, India has had a longer exposure to English than other countries, allowing it to permeate the nation's habits and culture. Sentence C links these points by observing that this historical background remains inseparable from the everyday usage of the language. Sentence A concludes the sequence by providing the wider linguistic context of the region, noting that many regional languages are spoken in India and share common grammatical and vocabulary traits.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject "The ministry officials," which requires a predicate to describe their action. Part S provides the verb phrase "have been working overtime to," establishing the timeframe and intent. The infinitive "to" at the end of part S necessitates a base form verb, which is provided by "sieve" in part R. Part R describes the first step of the process and ends with the conjunction "and," which serves to connect a second action. Part P provides this second action, "recommend the shortlisted names to," maintaining parallel structure with the previous verb. Finally, part Q completes the thought by identifying the recipient of the recommendation, "the awards selection committee," acting as the object of the preposition "to" found at the end of part P.

Explanation

The preposition beyond is used to indicate that something exceeds the limits, scope, or expectations of a specific measure or estimate. In the context of financial planning or mathematical estimates, the phrase beyond all our calculations signifies that the actual figure or result surpassed what was originally anticipated or planned for. In this sentence, it appropriately conveys that the rate of interest reached a level that was not accounted for in the initial projections.

Explanation

The word instilled means to gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or quality in someone's mind, typically through persistent instruction or influence. In the context of a teacher shaping students' perspectives, it refers to the process of planting values or a sense of worth within them. The word inculcate is its most accurate synonym as it specifically describes the act of teaching or impressing an idea through frequent repetitions or persistent urging. Both terms are frequently used in educational contexts to describe the transmission of moral values, habits, or principles from a mentor to a learner.

Explanation

The idiom someone's heart is in the right place describes a person who is fundamentally kind and possesses good intentions, even if their outward actions, words, or methods are sometimes clumsy, mistaken, or inappropriate. It emphasizes that the individual's core character is benevolent and sincere, suggesting that they genuinely mean well despite any errors in judgment or execution. Essentially, it highlights that their underlying motivations are compassionate and virtuous.

Explanation

The preposition by is used to denote a deadline or a specific point in time, such as by tomorrow or by 5 PM. When expressing a duration or a period of time, especially in the context of the present perfect tense (has not written), the preposition for is required. In this sentence, three years represents a duration of time, making the use of by grammatically incorrect. To fix the error, by should be replaced with for to correctly indicate that the state of not writing a novel has lasted for a period of three years.

Explanation

Abrogate is a formal verb that means to repeal or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement by an authoritative act. It is the precise term used in legal and constitutional contexts to denote the official cancellation or nullification of a statute or a treaty so that it is no longer in effect.

Explanation

The sentence requires the use of subject-verb inversion because it contains the negative conjunction nor. In English grammar, when a clause begins with negative words such as nor, neither, or never, the auxiliary verb must be placed before the subject. For a sentence in the simple present tense with a third-person singular subject like she, the auxiliary verb does is used, followed by the base form of the main verb smile. Therefore, the correct grammatical structure is nor does she smile.

Explanation

In the context of national security and threat assessment, the adjective deadly is the most appropriate word to describe weapons that cause significant harm. It signifies that the instruments are lethal and capable of causing death or extreme destruction. The sentence emphasizes that because these lethal items are easily accessible in the market, they pose a serious danger to the safety and stability of countries. The term deadly logically connects the nature of the weapons to the resulting threat mentioned in the latter part of the sentence.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, the reporting verb said to changes to told because it is followed by an object. The present perfect continuous tense has been crying must be shifted to the past perfect continuous tense had been crying because the reporting verb is in the past tense. Additionally, the second-person possessive adjective Your changes to the third-person her to correctly refer to the mother. The conjunction that is used to link the reporting clause with the reported statement.

Explanation

The sentence uses the conjunction despite to indicate a contrast between the rising prices of oranges and another market factor. In economics, the most logical factor to contrast with price movement in this context is supply or output. Global production refers to the total amount of oranges grown and harvested worldwide. Usually, an increase in production leads to a higher supply, which typically causes prices to fall. Therefore, the sentence highlights a significant market anomaly where orange prices are expected to rise even though the global supply or production is also increasing.

Explanation

The sentence requires the present perfect tense to describe a state that began in the past and continues into the present. The subject of the sentence is the saving, which is a singular gerund phrase requiring the singular auxiliary verb has to pair with the past participle been. Additionally, the preposition for is used to indicate a duration of time, making has for the grammatically correct choice to connect the subject to the period of many years.

Explanation

The word acute is used to describe a problem or situation that is severe, intense, or critical. In the context of the passage, the author is describing how the issue of animal extinction has escalated over time. By stating that the problem has become so acute, the text emphasizes that the situation has reached a high level of severity and urgency, which explains why it has received significant publicity and captured the attention of the general public. This usage aligns with the thematic shift from the problem being a niche concern for specialists to becoming a pressing global crisis.

Explanation

The context of the passage indicates that due to increased publicity and the severity of the issue regarding animal extinction, the general public has developed a sense of worry or interest in the matter. In English grammar, the adjective concerned is frequently paired with the preposition about to indicate that someone is worried or anxious about a particular situation. This construction perfectly completes the phrase most people are now concerned about it, reflecting the growing public awareness and anxiety regarding the survival of wild species.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the implementation of strict protective legislation and the reduction in big-game hunting. The term consequent functions as an adjective meaning following as a result or effect. In this context, the decline in hunting for sport is presented as the direct logical outcome of the newly passed laws. By using this word, the passage indicates that the change in hunting patterns did not occur in isolation but was a specific result triggered by the legal protections mentioned earlier in the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase threatened with extinction is a standard idiomatic expression in conservation biology used to describe species at risk of dying out. Grammatically, the sentence requires a past participle to complete the passive construction are still threatened with, which indicates that these animals are being put in jeopardy by external factors. This usage correctly conveys the ongoing danger to the survival of rare wildlife despite legal protections.

Explanation

The term fertile describes soil or land that is highly productive and capable of supporting the growth of plants, crops, or offspring. Its antonym, barren, specifically refers to land that is sterile, unproductive, and completely lacking the nutrients or conditions necessary to sustain vegetation. This contrast in meaning establishes barren as the most appropriate opposite for fertile in the context of soil quality and agricultural potential.

Explanation

The active voice sentence follows the structure of Subject (One) + Modal (should) + Verb (keep) + Object (one's promise). To transform a sentence with a modal verb into the passive voice, the object becomes the subject, followed by the modal verb + be + past participle of the main verb (V3). When the subject in the active voice is an indefinite pronoun like one, it is standard grammatical practice to omit the agent in the passive voice because the statement is a general truth or moral obligation applicable to everyone. Thus, the possessive one's is dropped or generalized, and the agent by one is eliminated, leading to the concise passive form: Promises should be kept.

Explanation

The word horrible begins with a consonant sound /h/, which requires the indefinite article a rather than an. In English, an is reserved for words beginning with a vowel sound. Additionally, the singular subject It is correctly paired with the singular past tense verb was to maintain proper subject-verb agreement. Therefore, the phrase was a horrible day at the office provides the grammatically accurate construction for the sentence.

Explanation

The word contracts means to decrease in size, volume, or extent, or to draw together. Its most appropriate antonym is expands, which means to increase in size, volume, or scope, particularly as a result of internal pressure or growth. In the context of physical objects like a balloon, expansion is the direct opposite process of contraction.