SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Neetu is a third-person singular noun serving as the subject of the sentence. According to the principles of subject-verb agreement in English grammar, a singular subject must be followed by a singular auxiliary verb. In the present perfect continuous tense, the auxiliary has is used for singular subjects, whereas have is reserved for plural subjects and the first and second-person pronouns I and you. Consequently, the correct construction for this sentence requires the singular form Neetu has been, making the use of have in the first segment grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

The word under is a preposition used to describe something at a lower level or layer than something else. In the context of spatial movement or position relative to an object like a fence, the direct opposite is over, which indicates a position or movement at a higher level or across the top of something. Since under implies passing beneath an obstacle, over correctly serves as its antonym by implying passing above it.

Explanation

The word glittering is derived from the base verb glitter. The correct spelling requires a double t (g-l-i-t-t-e-r-i-n-g). In English orthography, the double consonant is a fundamental part of the root word and must be retained when adding the -ing suffix to form the present participle or adjective. Common misspellings often involve omitting one of the t's, but the standard form is always spelled with two.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Future tense, using the structure: Subject + will + base form of the verb + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object (the financial results) becomes the subject, and the verb structure changes to: will + be + past participle of the verb (V3). Following this rule, the active verb phrase "will announce" is correctly transformed into "will be announced" in the passive construction. The agent (the company's board of directors) is then introduced by the preposition "by" to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence follows the rules of subject-verb agreement and proper article usage. The subject is participants, which is a plural noun, and it is correctly paired with the plural auxiliary verb are in the present continuous tense. The prepositional phrase of the competition describes the participants but does not change the plural nature of the subject. Furthermore, the possessive pronoun their accurately refers back to the plural subject, and the definite article the is used correctly to identify a specific group of people. All components of the sentence are grammatically aligned in terms of number and syntax.

Explanation

The word servile refers to a person who is excessively submissive or has an extreme willingness to serve or please others, often lacking self-respect. It characterizes a disposition that is fawning or slave-like in nature. The most appropriate antonym is arrogant, which describes a person who possesses an exaggerated sense of their own importance or superiority. While a servile individual humbles themselves to a fault, an arrogant individual acts with overbearing pride and haughtiness, representing the opposite end of the spectrum regarding self-esteem and social interaction.

Explanation

The term edible refers to any substance that is safe for human consumption and suitable to be used as food. It specifically denotes that an item is non-toxic and prepared in a way that allows it to be eaten. The word originates from the Latin term edibilis, which is derived from edere, meaning to eat. This makes it the standard vocabulary choice to describe anything that is fit for eating.

Explanation

The idiom lily-livered is used to describe someone who is cowardly or lacking in courage. This expression originates from an old physiological belief that the liver was the seat of passion and bravery. In this traditional view, a healthy and courageous person was thought to have a liver full of blood, giving it a deep red color. Conversely, a pale or white liver, compared to the color of a lily, was believed to be bloodless and thus a sign of a person who is easily frightened or not brave. This term was commonly used in early modern English, including in the plays of William Shakespeare, to denote cowardice.

Explanation

Zealous is an adjective used to describe someone who shows great energy, passion, or intense devotion to a particular cause, goal, or activity. It is derived from the noun zeal, which signifies a fervent interest or tireless diligence in pursuit of something. Enthusiastic is the most appropriate synonym because it also characterizes a person who demonstrates eager interest, strong approval, or intense excitement. Both words convey a high level of positive engagement and proactive dedication, making them interchangeable in contexts describing a spirited or motivated individual.

Explanation

The word persuade means to influence or convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. In the context of having a specific social ability, impress serves as the most appropriate substitute because it refers to the act of making a strong impact on someone's mind or feelings. Both terms describe the capacity of an individual to successfully affect the thoughts, emotions, or perceptions of others through their presence or communication.

Explanation

The verb instill means to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person's mind. In the context of education and parenting, it refers to the process of imparting values, principles, or habits so that they become an inherent part of a child's character. It is the precise term used for embedding qualities within an individual through persistent instruction or influence.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Future Simple tense in the active voice, following the structure: Subject + will/shall + not + base verb + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the object becomes the subject and the verb structure changes to: New Subject + will/shall + not + be + past participle (V3) + by + New Object.

In this sentence, any better choice is the object and he is the subject. The passive construction begins with Any better choice, followed by the negative future passive auxiliary won't be, the past participle received, and the agent by him. The comparative and adverbial phrases than this from anywhere are kept intact to preserve the original meaning.

Explanation

The word feeble originates from the Old French word feble, meaning lacking in physical strength or energy, often as a result of age or illness. It characterizes a state of being infirm, frail, or lacking force and effectiveness. Therefore, weak is its most direct synonym as it also describes a deficiency in strength, power, or vigor, whether referring to physical health, the intensity of an object, or the conviction of an action.

Explanation

The word association is correctly spelled with a double s and a single c. It originates from the Latin word associatio, which is formed by the prefix ad- (meaning to or toward) and the root socius (meaning companion). In English orthography, the prefix ad- assimilates to as- when it precedes a root starting with s, resulting in the double consonant. The term refers to a formal organization of people with a common interest or a mental connection between ideas, events, or objects.

Explanation

The idiom tie oneself in knots describes a situation where a person becomes extremely confused or tangled in their own thoughts and words while attempting to explain something. It implies that the individual has made a simple matter overly complex or has lost the thread of their own logic, leading to a state of mental or verbal frustration where they can no longer proceed clearly. In the context of the sentence, Pooja's effort to clarify the problem failed because she became so muddled that her explanation became incoherent.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence D, which introduces the specialized technical nature of Wootz steel production. Sentence C provides a transition by stating that general iron smelting remained an extremely common practice across India until the late nineteenth century. Sentence A builds on this by highlighting specific regions like Bihar and Central India where local ore was used in every district to manufacture daily tools. Sentence B concludes the sequence by describing the practical labor roles within these local smelters, detailing how men performed the smelting while women operated the bellows. This structure moves logically from the broad industry context to specific regional examples and finally to the human labor involved in the production process.

Explanation

Sentence B serves as the introductory statement by establishing the setting in the spring of 1717 and introducing the central figure, a middle-aged man visiting iron foundries. Sentence D follows by describing the specific initial procedure the man conducted, which involved weighing and heating small amounts of iron. Sentence A logically continues this sequence by noting that he repeated the experiment described in D while scaling up the quantity of iron. Finally, sentence C uses the word next to transition to the subsequent stage of his methodology involving the preparation of cauldrons, completing the chronological narrative of his systematic investigation.

Explanation

The sentence requires a comparison of similarity, known as a simile, to describe the subject's appearance. The standard grammatical construction used to express that two things are equal in a specific quality is as + adjective + as. In this context, using as beautiful as correctly completes the comparison between the woman in the saree and a peacock. The first as functions as an adverb modifying the adjective beautiful, while the second as serves as a conjunction or preposition introducing the object of comparison, creating a balanced and idiomatic English phrase.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from a general introduction to specific physical details. Sentence B serves as the opening statement by introducing the National Flag, Tiranga, and the historical context of its adoption by the Constituent Assembly. Sentence C follows by explaining the flag's symbolic significance and the material, khadi, from which it is made. Sentence D moves the description toward the flag's physical layout, mentioning the three horizontal stripes of equal width. Sentence A concludes the sequence by providing a specific detail about the first of those stripes, the saffron band, and its symbolic meaning of power and courage.

Explanation

In the context of hunting and tracking, the word scent refers to the distinctive smell or chemical trail left by an animal that can be detected and followed by others. Hunter dogs are specifically bred and trained to use their olfactory abilities to track prey. Therefore, the dogs followed the hyena by picking up and trailing its specific scent.

Explanation

The sentence requires a past participle to complete a passive voice construction. In the structure "Subject + is + V3", the verb "considered" functions as the past participle to indicate that human life is regarded or viewed as a unique blessing by people in general.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires a noun to follow the definite article the and precede the prepositional phrase of the Self. Among the choices provided, awareness is the abstract noun form that fits this grammatical requirement. In the context of the passage, the author emphasizes that human life depends on the internal realization or consciousness of one's true nature. This is further supported by the subsequent sentence, which mentions that a person who is not aware of the Self cannot find peace, establishing a direct thematic link to the necessity of having awareness.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship where the invisibility of the formless God leads to the wandering of the mind. The conjunction Since is used to introduce a reason or a circumstance that explains why something else is happening. By placing it at the beginning of the clause, it effectively denotes that because God cannot be seen with the physical eye, the mind lacks a tangible focal point and consequently drifts. This usage provides the necessary logical link to justify the subsequent observation about the mind's behavior in the spiritual context of the passage.

Explanation

The passage establishes a logical cause-and-effect relationship between the mind wandering and the subsequent inability to develop love for the Divine. The phrase As a result serves as a transitional connector that introduces the consequence of the situation described in the previous sentence. Since the mind is unable to focus on the invisible God and wanders elsewhere, the direct outcome of this lack of focus is the failure to cultivate a spiritual connection, making this the most grammatically and contextually appropriate choice for linking these two ideas.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is religion, which is a singular noun. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement in the simple present tense, a singular third-person subject requires the verb to end in s or es, making breaks the correct grammatical choice. The phrasal verb break into means to divide or separate into specific parts or components. This aligns with the metaphor in the passage where religion is compared to white light passing through a prism, resulting in its division into multi-coloured fragmentations.

Explanation

The passage describes the nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai people, who move from one location to another based on the seasons and the needs of their livestock. Since they do not have permanent dwellings and frequently relocate their camps, they carry their personal possessions and essential items with them to each new site. The term belongings specifically refers to these portable goods and movable property that an individual or group owns, making it the logically correct fit for describing what they take when they move on and burn their old settlement.

Explanation

The error lies in segment (B) due to the incorrect use of the definite article. The definite article the is used when referring to a specific or previously mentioned noun. In this sentence, there is no prior context or specific detail provided to identify which particular apartment is being discussed. When introducing a singular countable noun for the first time in a general sense, the indefinite article a should be used. Therefore, the phrase should be a small apartment to indicate that Aniket lives in one such residence among others in the suburbs.

Explanation

The word utilitarian refers to something that is designed to be practical, functional, and effective rather than merely decorative or aesthetic. In a political or social context, a utilitarian stance focuses on the principle of utility, aiming for the greatest benefit or usefulness for the greatest number of people. Therefore, useful serves as the most appropriate synonym as it captures the core meaning of being advantageous, practical, and service-oriented.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from the active voice to the passive voice in the simple past tense, the formula used is: Object + was/were + V₃ (past participle) + by + Subject. In the active sentence Mr. Akhil opened the gate, the subject is Mr. Akhil, the verb is opened (simple past), and the object is the gate. Applying the transformation, the gate becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Since the gate is singular, the auxiliary verb was is used, followed by the past participle form of the verb, which is opened. The original subject is then added after the preposition by, resulting in the correct passive construction: The gate was opened by Mr. Akhil.

Explanation

The word Aristocrater is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Aristocrat, which refers to a member of the aristocracy or the highest social class in a society, often characterized by hereditary titles or office. The word is derived from the Greek aristokratia, where aristos means best and kratos means rule. The noun form for an individual member of this class does not use the -er suffix.

Explanation

In English grammar, the preposition since is used with the present perfect tense to refer to a specific point in time in the past when an action or state began. Last year represents a definite starting point rather than a duration of time. In contrast, the preposition for is used to denote a period or length of time, such as two years or six months. Since the sentence identifies a specific time marker, the use of since is required to accurately indicate the period from that point until the present.

Explanation

The word Wierd is incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is Weird. This word is a well-known exception to the common English spelling rule i before e except after c. In this instance, the letter e must precede the i to form the correct spelling. The word is used to describe something that is suggestive of supernatural intervention or, more commonly, something strikingly odd or unusual.

Explanation

The sentence includes the adverbial phrase at the moment, which signifies that the action is occurring precisely at the time of speaking. In English grammar, temporary actions or states happening right now require the Present Continuous tense. The structure for this tense is subject + am/is/are + present participle (verb+ing). Therefore, the negative form I am not wearing, contracted as I'm not wearing, is the grammatically correct choice to describe the current state of not having sunglasses on.

Explanation

The term cartographer is derived from the French word carte, meaning map, and the Greek suffix -graphia, which refers to writing or drawing. A cartographer is a professional responsible for the study and practice of making maps, involving the use of geographical data and artistic design to create accurate representations of areas of the Earth or other celestial bodies.

Explanation

The idiom hopes were dashed is a standard English expression used to describe the sudden destruction or end of someone's dreams, expectations, or ambitions. In the context of the sentence, losing a jewelry box represents a significant setback that ruins the possibility of building a house. The verb dash specifically collocates with hopes to convey the sense of being shattered or violently struck down, making it the most linguistically appropriate choice for this specific noun.

Explanation

The word inevitable refers to something that is certain to happen and is unavoidable. In the context of the Rio+20 Conference document, climate change is described as a global challenge that is bound to occur and cannot be prevented from manifesting. The term undeniable is a suitable synonym because it describes something that is so clearly true or certain that it cannot be disputed or rejected. Both terms emphasize the certainty and inescapable nature of climate change as a reality that all nations must address, aligning with the document's message regarding the urgency and long-term implications of the phenomenon.

Explanation

Fastidious is a term used to describe an individual who is excessively particular, critical, or demanding regarding details and accuracy. It stems from the requirement for everything to be exactly right, reflecting a meticulous nature that prioritizes precision and neatness. A fastidious person often has very high standards and displays great care in ensuring that every small component of a task or object is correct and refined.

Explanation

The idiom through thick and thin originated from the phrase through thicket and thin wood, referring to a traveler making progress regardless of whether the vegetation was dense or sparse. Figuratively, it describes a person who remains loyal or a situation that persists under all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be. It signifies staying committed throughout both prosperous and challenging periods, or in good times and in bad times.

Explanation

The verb elaborate means to develop or present a theory, policy, or system in further detail. In the given sentence, the phrase explain in detail signifies the act of providing a comprehensive and thorough account of a subject, which is the exact definition of elaborating on a point.

Explanation

Sentence C provides the general theme of the paragraph, introducing the idea that court orders on the environment often impact livelihoods. Sentence B logically follows as it offers a specific example of this phenomenon using the phrase For instance, referring to the closure of industries in Delhi. Sentence D elaborates on the reason for the court action mentioned in B, detailing the pollution caused by these industries. Sentence A finishes the sequence by highlighting the negative repercussion of the court solution, the loss of jobs, thereby completing the cycle of environmental action leading to an adverse livelihood impact mentioned in the opening sentence.

Explanation

The word consequence refers to a result or effect that follows from a previous action, situation, or cause. In English vocabulary, outcome is its direct synonym as it signifies the end result or the way something turns out after a series of events. Both terms are used to describe the aftermath or the product of a particular process or decision.

Explanation

The word aisle refers to a long, narrow passage between rows of seats in a church, theater, aircraft, or hall. In the context of the sentence, it correctly describes the walkway that has rows of chairs positioned on both its left and right sides.

Explanation

The idiom a blessing in disguise refers to an event or situation that initially appears to be a misfortune, problem, or negative occurrence but ultimately results in a positive outcome or benefit. The term disguise suggests that the favorable nature of the event was hidden by its early unpleasant appearance. For example, losing a job might be seen as a misfortune initially, but if it leads to a much better career opportunity, the job loss is described as a blessing in disguise. It conveys the idea that something that seemed bad at first turned out to be good in the long run.

Explanation

The word unbiased describes a person or a judgment that is impartial, neutral, and free from prejudice or favoritism. When someone is unbiased, they do not allow personal feelings or preconceived notions to influence their decisions or interpretations. The term objective is the most appropriate synonym because it refers to a viewpoint based purely on observable facts and evidence rather than personal opinions or emotions. Both terms are used to denote a standard of fairness and neutrality in reporting, research, and decision-making processes.

Explanation

The sentence contains a grammatical error in tense consistency. The subject "The present-century threats" establishes a timeframe that is current and ongoing. Therefore, the predicate must use a present tense verb to match this context. The use of the past continuous tense "were putting" is incorrect because it suggests the action happened in the past and has concluded, which contradicts the "present-century" descriptor. The verb should be corrected to the present continuous "are putting" or the simple present "put" to maintain logical and grammatical harmony. Furthermore, the expression "a boiling temperature" is semantically weak and unconventional for describing the environmental phenomenon of global warming or rising temperatures.

Explanation

The active voice sentence follows the Simple Present Tense structure: Subject (Mr. Ram) + Verb (uses) + Object (multimedia). To convert this into the passive voice, the object becomes the subject, and the formula used is: New Subject + is/am/are + Past Participle (V3) + by + New Object. Multimedia is treated as a singular noun, so it is paired with the auxiliary verb is. The past participle of use is used. Following the formula, the agent Mr. Ram is introduced with by, and the prepositional phrase for teaching the children remains to complete the meaning. This results in the grammatically correct passive construction: Multimedia is used by Mr. Ram for teaching the children.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes Socrates in the act of flight, specifically emphasizing the movement of wings and the sensation of being high above the ground. The term soaring refers to the act of flying or gliding high in the air, often with little apparent effort, which perfectly complements the subsequent descriptions of the wings beating in a calming rhythm and the exhilarating sensation of sweeping into the sky. It serves as a more evocative and precise continuation of the initial statement that he is flying, aligning with the themes of freedom and ecstasy mentioned later in the text.

Explanation

The conjunction while is used to indicate that two actions or events are happening simultaneously. In this sentence, it connects the action of the wings beating in a calming rhythm with the action of the cool air rushing past, establishing a temporal relationship where both occurrences take place at the exact same moment. This fits the descriptive nature of the passage, which focuses on the sensory experience of Socrates flying.

Explanation

The word snapping is used here to describe the sharp, rhythmic movement or sound of the wings as they catch the air, mirroring the behavior of sails on a ship. In the context of the simile like the sails of some great sea vessel, snapping accurately depicts how wings or sails tauten and react when subjected to the force of a rushing wind. This creates a vivid image of tension and power, aligning with the passage's description of flight as an exhilarating and muscular activity where the feathery appendages interact dynamically with the environment.

Explanation

The passage describes the physical sensation and mechanics of flight, specifically focusing on the physiological actions of the character. The mention of back muscles flexing indicates physical exertion or the application of force to achieve altitude. This is confirmed by the immediate follow-up sentence, which explicitly states that he feels the effort, thereby establishing a direct lexical and contextual connection to the preceding blank.