SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The passage describes the physical experience of flight, focusing on the movement of wings, the rush of cool air, and the flexing of muscles. The word sensation refers to a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. In this context, it perfectly captures the various physical inputs Socrates is experiencing—the wind, the rhythm, and the movement—which are described as pleasurable and exhilarating. The subsequent mention of ecstasy and emotional freedom further reinforces that the blank refers to the sensory and perceptual experience of being in the air.

Explanation

The idiom fall foul of means to come into conflict with someone or to get into trouble by breaking a rule or a law. It implies clashing with others or being at odds with them in a way that leads to a dispute or disagreement. In the context of the sentence, it describes a person who is constantly getting into arguments or disputes with everyone around him, which aligns with the meaning of quarrelling with.

Explanation

Degradation refers to the process of being reduced in quality, value, or strength, specifically concerning the deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil. Degeneration serves as a direct synonym because it describes the state or process of declining from a higher to a lower level of condition, function, or excellence. Both terms convey the core idea of gradual decay and the loss of original integrity or health over time.

Explanation

The error lies in the segment that Ben will done because it violates the standard rule for modal verbs. In English grammar, modal auxiliaries such as will, shall, can, may, and must are always followed by the base form of the verb. Done is the past participle form of the verb do, and its use directly after will is grammatically incorrect. The phrase should instead use the base form do to create the future tense. Additionally, since the sentence uses the reporting verb said in the past tense, proper backshifting in indirect speech would typically require the use of would do to maintain tense consistency throughout the sentence.

Explanation

In English grammar, the standard idiomatic expression used to describe the act of traveling by walking is on foot. While the preposition by is typically used to indicate the mode of transportation when referring to vehicles, such as by car, by bus, or by train, it is not used with walk in this context. The phrase every single day is an adverbial phrase used for emphasis to indicate frequency, and pairing it with the correct prepositional phrase on foot ensures the sentence is grammatically sound and idiomatic.

Explanation

The term indispensable refers to something that is absolutely essential, vital, or necessary for a particular purpose or to maintain a certain state of affairs. It describes an element that is so fundamental that it cannot be cast aside, replaced, or done without. The word is formed from the prefix in-, meaning not, and the verb dispense, meaning to get rid of or manage without; thus, it signifies something that cannot be dispensed with. It is used to characterize things that are crucial to the success or continued existence of a system.

Explanation

The error lies in the subject-verb agreement within this part of the sentence. The subject is Mr. Ram Kumar, which is a singular proper noun. The phrase the cashier is an appositive, which provides additional information about the subject but does not affect the grammatical number of the verb. Under the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject requires a singular verb. Therefore, the plural auxiliary verb are is incorrect and must be replaced by the singular auxiliary verb is to match the subject.

Explanation

The sentence requires the correct spelling of the constituent words to be orthographically accurate. Agreement is correctly spelled with a double e followed by the suffix ment. Terminated is the past participle of terminate, requiring the T-E-R-M-I-N-A-T-E-D construction. Mutual follows the spelling M-U-T-U-A-L, and consent is correctly spelled as C-O-N-S-E-N-T. The chosen option provides the correct spelling for every word in the sentence, ensuring it adheres to standard English conventions.

Explanation

The term amphibian describes organisms that are biologically adapted to exist in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Originating from the Greek roots amphi, meaning both or of both kinds, and bios, meaning life, the word signifies a double life. These animals generally undergo a metamorphosis process, starting their life cycle in water with gills and later developing lungs and specialized skin to breathe and survive on land as adults. This dual-habitat capability is the defining characteristic of the biological class Amphibia.

Explanation

The word Avarise is misspelled. The correct spelling is Avarice, which is a noun referring to an extreme greed for wealth or material gain. It originates from the Latin word avaritia and the Old French word avarice, and in English, it follows the suffix pattern ending in -ice rather than -ise.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the company, which is a singular collective noun acting as a single entity. In formal English grammar, singular subjects must be accompanied by singular possessive adjectives to maintain pronoun-antecedent agreement. The word their is a plural possessive adjective and is incorrect when referring back to a singular noun like company. Therefore, both instances of their must be replaced by the singular possessive adjective its to correctly reflect that the stake and the subsidiary belong to the singular corporate entity.

Explanation

The sentence context involves seeking spiritual guidance from an oracle during difficult times, which requires the verb pray. In the simple present tense, the subject-verb agreement rule dictates that a third-person singular subject such as she must be followed by a verb ending in s. Consequently, prays is the grammatically and contextually appropriate substitution. The original term preys is a homophone that means to hunt or victimize, which is semantically incorrect in this context.

Explanation

In the active voice sentence Rahul knows Shahbaz since childhood, the verb knows is in the simple present tense. When converting this to the passive voice, the object Shahbaz becomes the subject, and the simple present verb is replaced by the auxiliary is followed by the past participle known. Additionally, the verb know is a stative verb that requires the preposition to instead of by when used in the passive voice. Consequently, the passive construction is Shahbaz is known to Rahul since childhood.

Explanation

The word blooming describes a state of healthy growth, development, or flourishing, often compared to a flower opening and reaching its peak. In the context of the sentence, it signifies that the love between them is becoming stronger and more vibrant. The word fading serves as the most appropriate antonym because it indicates a process of losing strength, vitality, or intensity, suggesting that the love is weakening or gradually disappearing.

Explanation

The word heavy is used to describe an object that has great weight or is difficult to lift and move. In the context of physical weight, the word light serves as the direct antonym, signifying that an object has little weight or is easy to carry. Therefore, light is the most appropriate opposite for the underlined word in the sentence.

Explanation

The idiom to be in two minds refers to a state of indecision where an individual is unable to choose between two options or opinions. It signifies that a person is experiencing internal conflict or hesitation, which results in a lack of clarity or a feeling of being unsure about how to proceed with a particular decision.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological narrative flow starting with sentence D, which introduces the protagonist entering the antique shop in Curzon Street, establishing the setting and the character's relationship with the shopkeeper. Sentence B naturally follows as the first action inside the shop, where the man on the counter presents a specific item, an exquisite enamel box described as having a glaze as if baked in cream. Sentence A continues this specific focus, using the descriptor creamy to link back to the previous sentence while explaining the shopkeeper's motivation for wanting to complete the sale. Finally, sentence C provides the resolution of the interaction, where the protagonist reacts to the high price of twenty-eight guineas by asking the shopkeeper to hold the item for her. This sequence maintains a logical progression from the initial entrance to the final transaction request.

Explanation

The word plight refers to a difficult, distressing, or unfortunate situation that is often hard to escape. It characterizes a state of hardship or an unfavorable condition. In contrast, the word advantage signifies a favorable or superior position, a benefit, or a circumstance that provides a state of profit or success. Therefore, advantage serves as the most appropriate antonym because it represents a positive and beneficial state of affairs, which is the direct opposite of the negative and problematic nature of a plight.

Explanation

The word certain refers to something that is known for sure, established beyond doubt, or reliable. Similarly, definite describes something that is clearly stated, fixed, or certain to happen. Both terms convey a sense of absolute assurance and the absence of ambiguity or hesitation in a given context.

Explanation

The original sentence contains two finite verbs, was planned and was, which creates a grammatical error known as a double verb construction for a single subject. To correct this, the underlined segment must be transformed into a non-finite clause that modifies the noun phrase The Karaoke programme. The past participle planned acts as a reduced relative clause, effectively replacing which was planned. By using planned by the club, the phrase functions as an adjective describing the programme, allowing the second was to serve as the main finite verb of the sentence. This structure clarifies that the programme was a grand success and provides additional information about who organized it without creating a structural conflict.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the simple future tense, the structure changes from Subject + will + not + V1 + Object to Object + will + not + be + V3 + by + Agent. In the given sentence, the object the plants becomes the new subject. The auxiliary verb will not is followed by be and the past participle form of the verb water, which is watered. Finally, the active subject they is converted into its objective case them after the preposition by.

Explanation

The word eulogised means to praise someone or something highly, typically in a formal speech or piece of writing. In the context of the sentence, it serves as a synonym or complementary term to glorified, indicating that society often speaks of war in a way that makes it seem noble, heroic, and worthy of high acclaim. This choice aligns with the theme of the passage, which contrasts the idealistic myths and public praise of warfare with the actual horrific trauma and psychological suffering experienced by those involved.

Explanation

The passage establishes a contrast between the glorification of war and its brutal reality. The second sentence uses the comparative structure as horrific and as one can imagine to characterize the nature of combat. The word devastating fits this context perfectly as it means causing severe shock, distress, or grief, or being highly destructive. This choice aligns with the subsequent mentions of soldiers suffering from psychological disorders and the lasting trauma experienced by those left behind. In a descriptive sequence joined by the conjunction and, the adjectives must share a similar emotional weight and negative tone, making devastating the most logical complement to horrific.

Explanation

The passage describes the severe psychological impact of witnessing death-like experiences during warfare. In the context of psychological disorders, the term numbed refers to the state of emotional desensitization or the inability to feel or express emotions normally. This is a common long-term symptom of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where individuals become emotionally paralyzed or detached from reality for the remainder of their lives as a defense mechanism against horrific memories.

Explanation

The passage describes how war poetry serves to debunk romanticized or sentimental myths by revealing the truth about combat. The word exposing means to reveal or uncover something that is hidden, often something unpleasant or shocking. In this context, poets use their work to bring the grim and brutal truths of war to light, directly countering the glorification mentioned earlier in the text. By showing these harsh realities, the poetry provides a stark contrast to societal myths, making exposing the most logically and contextually fitting choice to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The context of the sentence focuses on the emotional aftermath for families when soldiers die in battle. To mourn is the specific verb used to describe the act of feeling or expressing deep sorrow and grief following the death of a loved one. In the phrase left to mourn for their loved ones after they are gone, the term fits the thematic emphasis on the trauma and lasting pain caused by the loss of life in warfare.

Explanation

The sentence correctly applies the rules of English grammar regarding articles and syntax. The definite article the is used before rider and accident to specify a particular individual and a specific event known to the speaker or context. The indefinite article a is used before helmet because the word begins with a consonant sound and refers to a general piece of equipment. Additionally, the phrase the police said correctly uses the definite article to refer to the law enforcement agency as a specific collective body. The sentence structure is properly formed with a relative clause identifying the subject and a comma separating the main statement from the reporting tag.

Explanation

The idiom gift of the gab refers to the natural ability to speak eloquently, fluently, and persuasively. It describes a person who possesses a talent for articulate and effective communication, often enabling them to influence or entertain an audience with ease. The term gab is derived from middle English and Scottish roots meaning to chatter or talk, so having this gift signifies a remarkable proficiency in verbal expression.

Explanation

The word cite is a verb that means to quote, mention, or refer to something as an example or as proof to support an argument. In the context of the sentence, it correctly describes the action of providing specific figures or data points for the purpose of comparison.

Explanation

The Present Simple tense is used to describe fixed schedules, timetables, and recurring future events such as classes, flights, or meetings. Since the physics class is part of a regular academic schedule, the verb should be in the Present Simple form, starts, rather than the future tense, will start. This ensures grammatical consistency with the subsequent segment of the sentence, which correctly uses the Present Simple form doesn't finish to describe the end of the same scheduled session.

Explanation

The word tedious is an adjective used to describe something that is excessively long, slow, or dull, leading to a feeling of boredom or monotony. Tiresome is its most fitting synonym because it refers to tasks or situations that cause one to feel weary, bored, or annoyed due to their repetitive or uninteresting nature. Both terms emphasize the lack of excitement or variety in an activity that makes it feel like a burden to continue.

Explanation

The phrasal verb calm down means to become quiet, peaceful, or relaxed after being angry, nervous, or excited. To agitate means to disturb, excite, or trouble someone, making them feel anxious or restless. Since agitate describes the act of stirring up emotions or creating a state of disturbance, it serves as the direct antonym to the process of becoming tranquil or calm.

Explanation

The word benevolent is derived from the Latin roots bene meaning well and velle meaning to wish, literally translating to wishing well towards others. It describes a person or an action characterized by kindness, goodwill, and a charitable nature. In the context of a rich merchant making a gesture that is appreciated by the community, the term implies an act of kindness or charity. Generous serves as the most appropriate synonym because it describes a person who is ready to give more of something, such as money, time, or kindness, than is necessary or expected, which directly aligns with the meaning of being benevolent.

Explanation

The word eager refers to having or showing a strong desire, enthusiasm, or impatient longing to do something. In the context of the sentence, keen is the most appropriate synonym as it describes being highly interested, sharp, and enthusiastic about an activity or goal. Both terms signify a positive and proactive attitude toward a future endeavor, making them interchangeable in expressing a person's motivation to join the Air Force.

Explanation

The sentence provided is in the Present Continuous tense, which follows the active voice structure of Subject + is/am/are + V-ing + Object. To convert this into the passive voice, the grammatical structure required is Object + is/am/are + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject. In this case, the object a new product becomes the grammatical subject of the passive sentence. The auxiliary verb is is followed by the continuous marker being and the past participle of the verb launch, which is launched. The time expression next month remains in its position to indicate the future schedule, maintaining the tense and meaning of the original sentence.

Explanation

The idiom get into a scrape refers to finding oneself in an embarrassing, awkward, or difficult situation that is often unpleasant and hard to escape. Historically, the word scrape alluded to a narrow or tight passage where one might get stuck or scratched, metaphorically representing a predicament or a minor crisis. When a person is said to have gotten into a scrape, they have become entangled or involved in a problem, frequently as a result of their own actions or poor judgment.

Explanation

A traitor is a person who behaves in a disloyal or treacherous manner towards their own country, cause, or a person who trusts them. In a legal and national sense, it specifically refers to someone who commits treason by attempting to overthrow their government or by assisting an enemy state during times of conflict or peace. The term originates from the Latin word tradere, which means to hand over or deliver, reflecting the act of delivering one's country or secrets into the hands of an adversary.

Explanation

The word Devide is misspelled. The standard English spelling is Divide, which is derived from the Latin verb dividere, meaning to separate or force apart. The word follows the linguistic pattern where the prefix di- is used to indicate separation or into two, rather than the prefix de-. In modern English, divide is used to describe the process of splitting a whole into parts or the mathematical operation of determining how many times one number is contained within another.

Explanation

Sentence D serves as the opening statement by introducing a general observation regarding the relationship between a reader's knowledge of genre rules and their subsequent enjoyment of a literary work. Sentence A follows by providing a balanced perspective using the transition phrase But at the same time, explaining that reading multiple works within a genre naturally leads to an understanding of its underlying structure. Sentence C synthesizes these points through the phrase This leads to, suggesting that this awareness results in a specialized analytical approach to literature and specifically to detective fiction. Sentence B concludes the paragraph by providing a concrete example of this approach within detective fiction, identifying the primary mechanism of suspense as the intellectual challenge of identifying the criminal.

Explanation

The preposition via is commonly used to indicate the medium, channel, or route through which information is transmitted. In the context of media, the examples provided—television, newspapers, films, and social media—represent different types or categories of communication. The phrase various forms is the most linguistically precise way to categorize these distinct types of media, making it the most appropriate substitution for describing the diverse ways information reaches the public.

Explanation

The word "Bonafide" is incorrectly spelt because the standard English and Latin form is "Bona fide," written as two separate words. All other options—Cultural, Solution, and Trustworthy—are spelled correctly.

Explanation

The active voice sentence Someone has picked Suman's pocket is in the Present Perfect Tense. The standard formula for converting a sentence from active to passive voice in the Present Perfect Tense is: Object + has/have + been + past participle (V3) + (by + subject).

In this transformation, the object Suman's pocket becomes the new subject. Since Suman's pocket is singular, it takes the auxiliary has followed by been and the past participle picked. In passive constructions where the original subject is indefinite or unknown, such as someone, it is typically omitted for brevity and clarity. Applying these rules results in the construction Suman's pocket has been picked.

Explanation

Habitual refers to an action or behavior that occurs regularly, repeatedly, or as part of a fixed routine. Continual is a suitable replacement because it describes something that recurs frequently or happens again and again over a period of time. Both terms convey the idea of persistence and repetition, making them synonymous in the context of actions that are performed as a matter of habit or constant recurrence.

Explanation

The word incessant means continuing without pause or interruption. In the context of a sports match, rain that is continuous and does not stop for a long period is the most logical reason for a schedule to be disturbed or postponed. The adjective incessant is frequently collocated with weather conditions like rain or noise to describe their persistent and disruptive nature.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence D, which introduces N' Pongo and establishes his character and popularity as the darling of the zoo. Sentence C naturally follows by providing a specific detail about his daily routine and interaction with the public that reinforces his status. Sentence B introduces a transition in time, noting his physical growth over a year and the emerging safety concerns for the people around him. Finally, sentence A concludes the paragraph by elaborating on the risk of injuries mentioned in B and identifying the resulting necessity of finding him a mate. This order maintains a logical progression from introduction and general habits to a specific problem and its eventual solution.

Explanation

Anthropology is the scientific study of human beings, their biological and evolutionary history, and their cultural and social development. The term is derived from the Greek words anthropos meaning human and logos meaning study. It specifically investigates the origins and physical changes of mankind over time, as well as the diverse ways in which human populations have adapted to their environments throughout history. This field combines the study of physical development with the evolution of human behavior and societies.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is This book, which is a third-person singular noun. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular subject requires a singular verb form. In the simple present tense, which is used here to describe a general fact or the purpose of the book, the verb provide must take the suffix -s to become provides. This ensures the verb correctly matches the singular subject in number and person.

Explanation

The English alphabet is a set of twenty-six individual characters used for writing. When pre-schoolers learn to write, they practice forming these multiple distinct characters. The plural form letters is the grammatically appropriate choice to represent the various components that make up the entire alphabet system. This usage is also supported by the subsequent context of the passage, which refers to both letters and numbers in the plural form when describing the activities designed for children.

Explanation

The sentence requires a past participle to function as an adjective modifying the noun phrase Directional arrows. The word given acts as a passive participle meaning provided or supplied in association with the letters and numbers. In this grammatical structure, the participle phrase given with the letters and numbers describes the arrows that are printed alongside the characters to assist children in the writing process.

Explanation

The sentence requires a gerund to serve as part of the compound subject and to maintain grammatical parallelism with the word copying. In the context of preschool educational materials, tracing and copying are standard paired activities used to develop fine motor skills and letter recognition. By using the gerund form Tracing, the phrase functions as a noun that describes the specific activity of following directional arrows or dotted lines. This structure ensures that both elements of the subject are balanced and consistent in their grammatical form before the main verb encourage.