SSC CGL Tier 1 2023 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence describes a habitual action or a characteristic skill possessed by Meenakshi, which necessitates the use of the simple present tense. In the main clause, the verb sweeps is in the simple present tense, indicating a regular occurrence. To maintain tense consistency in a subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction when that describes a general truth or routine, the simple present tense must be used. Since the subject she is third-person singular, the verb must take the -s suffix, resulting in gets.

Explanation

The word encouraged means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone or to stimulate the development of an action. Its direct antonym is discouraged, which means to deprive of courage or confidence, or to attempt to dissuade someone from a particular course of action. In the context of the sentence, while the mother promoted the idea of early marriage, the opposite action would be to deter or advise against it.

Explanation

Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern regarding matters that others might find moving or exciting. Indifference is its most direct synonym, as it describes a state of being unconcerned or having no particular interest or sympathy. Both words characterize a passive emotional state where an individual remains unaffected and detached from a situation or subject.

Explanation

The idiom to face the music means to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions or mistakes, especially criticism or punishment. It conveys the idea of being held accountable for a wrongdoing rather than avoiding the situation. The expression likely originates from military or theatrical traditions, such as an officer being dismissed to the sound of drums or an actor appearing before the audience to deal with the reaction to a performance. It is used when someone must finally deal with a difficult situation they have created.

Explanation

The idiom to kick the bucket is a common English euphemism meaning to die. One prevalent theory regarding its origin dates back to the sixteenth century, referring to the bucket or beam (from the Old French word buquet) used to hang animals for slaughter. As the animal struggled, it would reflexively kick against this beam. Another popular explanation involves a person standing on an overturned bucket to reach a noose, then kicking the bucket away to complete the act. In modern usage, the phrase is used informally to describe the cessation of life.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the past continuous tense, following the structure: Subject + was/were + being + past participle (V3) + by + Object. To convert this into the active voice, the structure is changed to: Subject + was/were + present participle (V1-ing) + Object. Since the doers are the construction workers (plural), the auxiliary verb were is used followed by constructing and the receiver of the action, the new building.

Explanation

The word rapid is an adjective used to describe something that moves, happens, or is characterized by great speed. In English semantics, synonyms are words that share nearly identical meanings and can often be used interchangeably in various contexts. Speedy is a direct synonym of rapid as it also denotes high velocity or quickness in action or motion. For instance, a rapid recovery and a speedy recovery both imply that the healing process occurred quickly. Therefore, speedy is the most appropriate replacement for rapid.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological and logical narrative sequence starting with sentence A, which establishes the background and general habit of the protagonist, Horace Danby. Sentence B transitions from this general routine to the specific instance at Shotover Grange, detailing his selection and preparation. Sentence C describes the immediate opportunity and the act of breaking into the house after observing the occupants leave. Finally, sentence D specifies the ultimate objective of the burglary by mentioning the value of the jewels he expected to find in the safe. This flow moves from general context to specific planning, followed by execution and the desired outcome.

Explanation

The paragraph is structured logically by moving from a general demographic observation to specific underlying causes and examples. Sentence B acts as the introductory statement, establishing the link between population growth and the decline in the death rate. Sentence D immediately follows to provide a specific statistical benchmark for this death rate, using India in 2001 as a concrete reference. Sentence C then explains the reason behind the declining death rate mentioned in the previous sentences, attributing it to significant medical breakthroughs. Finally, sentence A concludes the sequence by offering specific examples of the medical progress described in C, noting that diseases like typhoid and chickenpox are no longer the major threats they once were. This arrangement ensures a cohesive flow from the phenomenon to its data, cause, and illustrative instances.

Explanation

The term fatalist refers to a person who believes that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore inevitable. This belief system, known as fatalism, suggests that human beings are powerless to change their destiny, as every occurrence is decided by a power beyond their control. Consequently, someone who is a believer of fate is precisely described by this word.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the present continuous tense, which follows the structure: Subject + is/am/are + verb-ing + object. To transform this into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence, and the verb form changes to: is/am/are + being + past participle (V3). In this case, an experiment is a singular object, so it is followed by is being studied. The agent Dr. Joyce is then introduced using the preposition by, resulting in the construction: An experiment is being studied by Dr. Joyce in his laboratory.

Explanation

The sentence is a grammatically perfect and well-known aphorism attributed to Abraham Lincoln. It follows a balanced parallel structure using three distinct clauses. The use of the partitive phrase some of the people and the collective all the people is idiomatic and correct. The adverbial phrases all the time and some of the time are used properly to indicate frequency. From a punctuation perspective, the semicolon is used effectively to separate the first two coordinated thoughts from the final contrasting clause introduced by but, which provides clarity in a complex sentence. There are no errors in subject-verb agreement, tense, or word choice, making the sentence syntactically sound.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the introductory statement by defining the JAM trinity—comprising Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, and Mobile—and framing it as the foundation of a social revolution in India. Sentence A logically follows C by providing specific data points regarding the Aadhaar component of the trinity. Sentence B then moves to the next element of the acronym, introducing the Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and its role in financial inclusion. Sentence D concludes the paragraph by offering a specific operational detail about the accounts opened under the PMJDY mentioned in the previous sentence. This sequence ensures a cohesive transition from the broad conceptual framework to specific details and features of the individual schemes.

Explanation

The word diligent describes a person who shows steady, earnest, and energetic effort in their work or duties. It characterizes someone who is industrious, hardworking, and meticulous in completing tasks. This quality involves a high level of attentiveness and persistence to ensure that work is done correctly and thoroughly. Careful serves as an appropriate synonym because it refers to the act of giving close attention to detail and being thorough in one's actions to avoid mistakes. Both terms highlight the importance of being painstaking and precise when performing a responsibility.

Explanation

The word above is a preposition used to indicate a position at a higher level or layer than something else. In the context of spatial orientation or relative height, its direct antonym is below, which signifies a position at a lower level or under something else. Since the sentence refers to the vertical arrangement of apartments, below correctly expresses the opposite spatial relationship.

Explanation

In the context of a flag ceremony, the word hosting is used incorrectly. The appropriate term is hoisting, which is the specific verb used to describe the act of raising a flag, sail, or heavy object using a rope and pulley system. While hosting refers to organizing an event or providing a platform, hoisting denotes the physical act of lifting the flag to the top of a pole. Thus, the sentence requires the word hoisting to correctly convey the ceremonial action performed by the Collector.

Explanation

In the context of describing people who are prominent, distinguished, or important, the adjective notable is the most appropriate choice. While noticeable refers to something that is easily seen or perceived by the senses, such as a physical change or a bright color, notable specifically describes individuals who are worthy of attention due to their status, achievements, or reputation. Therefore, when referring to distinguished guests at a function, notable people is the standard idiomatic expression.

Explanation

The word sovenir is incorrectly spelt in the sentence. The correct spelling is souvenir, which includes the letter u after the first o. The term refers to a thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event and is derived from the French verb souvenir, meaning to remember.

Explanation

The idiom stir up a hornets nest refers to the act of doing or saying something that causes a lot of trouble, anger, or controversy. It draws its meaning from the literal consequence of disturbing a nest of hornets, which leads to a swift and aggressive attack from the insects. In a figurative sense, it is used when an individual makes a decision or takes an action that provokes a hostile reaction or creates a complex and unpleasant situation that was previously dormant.

Explanation

The word meticulous describes a person who shows great attention to detail and is very careful, thorough, and precise in their actions or work. It implies a high level of diligence and scrupulousness. The word careless is its direct antonym because it refers to a lack of attention, thought, or consideration, often leading to mistakes or neglect. While meticulousness involves being extremely mindful of every small point, being careless involves a disregard for accuracy or detail, representing the opposite behavioral trait.

Explanation

Sentence B serves as the introductory statement by establishing the subject of locusts and their historical context since prehistoric times. Sentence A follows B logically by describing the specific destructive impacts of these plagues, such as havoc on crops, famines, and migrations. Sentence D introduces the modern context of managing these swarms, noting how improved observation and agricultural practices have allowed for earlier control measures. Sentence C concludes the paragraph by detailing the specific methods used for control, comparing traditional pesticides with newer biological approaches. This arrangement follows a chronological and thematic progression from the history and impact of the problem to contemporary solutions.

Explanation

The word Sieze is incorrectly spelled. The correct English spelling is Seize, with the letter e appearing before the letter i. This term functions as a verb meaning to take hold of something abruptly or to take possession of property by legal power. It is one of the most common words that individuals misspell by reversing the internal vowel pair.

Explanation

In the context of education and skill development, the verb impart is the most appropriate term as it means to communicate, bestow, or pass on information, knowledge, or a specific skill to others. The passage describes the objectives of the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), which is designed to provide or deliver technical training to millions of citizens. Therefore, using the word impart correctly fits the formal requirement of describing the distribution of IT training and knowledge to the designated beneficiaries across the country.

Explanation

The preposition across is used to indicate that something is happening or exists in every part of a particular area or country. In the context of the National Digital Literacy Mission, the phrase across the country signifies the nationwide implementation of the scheme, reaching all states and union territories. This usage conveys a sense of total geographical coverage, emphasizing that the IT training and developmental benefits are being distributed throughout the entire territory of the nation.

Explanation

The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) is an initiative aimed at imparting digital skills to citizens. In the context of the sentence, the blank follows the auxiliary verb are and precedes the infinitive to become. The scheme functions by providing instruction and capacity building to individuals who lack technical knowledge. Therefore, the term trained is used to indicate that these non-literate citizens undergo a process of learning and skill acquisition provided by the mission to achieve the status of being IT literate.

Explanation

The word enable means to provide someone with the ability, means, or opportunity to perform a specific action. In the context of the National Digital Literacy Mission, providing IT training is intended to empower non-IT literate citizens. By becoming digitally literate, these individuals gain the necessary skills and agency required to engage in the democratic and developmental activities of the nation. The sentence structure follows the pattern of providing a resource so as to enable the target group to carry out a subsequent action, which aligns perfectly with the objective of capacity building mentioned in the passage.

Explanation

An adage is a traditional saying or proverb that expresses a generally accepted truth or a wise observation based on human experience. It represents a settled and correct interpretation of a principle or a situation. In contrast, a misconstruction refers to a wrong or faulty interpretation, a misunderstanding, or an incorrect deduction about the meaning of something. While an adage provides a clear and valid distillation of truth, a misconstruction involves a distortion or an error in understanding, making it the most appropriate antonym in the context of how ideas and truths are interpreted and expressed.

Explanation

The context of the National Digital Literacy Mission involves empowering citizens with skills that improve their socio-economic status. In this sentence, the term enhance is the most appropriate verb to pair with livelihood because it means to improve the quality, value, or extent of something. Digital literacy allows individuals to access better job opportunities, government services, and digital marketplaces, thereby directly improving or increasing their means of living. This aligns with the developmental objectives of the scheme to provide citizens with tools that lead to better economic outcomes and standard of living.

Explanation

The sentence uses the present simple tense verb reminds to indicate a habitual or recurring action. In the subordinate clause, the subject is the first-person singular pronoun I. The construction have to is used as a semi-modal verb to express necessity or obligation. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement for the present tense, the pronoun I requires the verb form have. The presence of the word to immediately following the blank further necessitates a verb that forms a periphrastic modal construction, and have to be is the grammatically correct phrasing for the first person in this context.

Explanation

The word callous describes an individual who is insensitive, indifferent, or heartless, showing a cruel disregard for the suffering or feelings of others. In the context of earthquake victims, a callous person lacks any emotional response or concern for their plight. The word sympathetic is the direct antonym as it describes someone who feels or expresses compassion, sorrow, and pity for the hardships of others. While callousness implies a lack of empathy, being sympathetic involves being emotionally responsive and caring toward those in distress.

Explanation

Sentence S1 introduces the two primary goals of newspapers: to inform and to entertain. Sentence P follows this by describing where the entertainment component is typically found, such as in the centre pages and feature articles. Sentence Q then shifts the focus to the other goal, informing, by discussing the role of short news reports on the front pages. Sentence R introduces the constraint of daily publication, which requires reporters to provide up-to-the-minute news. Sentence S builds on this by explaining that reporters aim to create a sense of immediacy to convey that their information is the very latest. This leads naturally to S6, which concludes the paragraph by stating that reporters also strive for authenticity and accuracy in their work.

Explanation

The word ready is synonymous with preparing as both terms refer to the process of making something fit for use, action, or a particular purpose. In the given sentence, preparing describes the act of getting dinner into a state where it is ready to be served or eaten. To ready something and to prepare something both involve the necessary steps of arrangement and assembly to reach a desired state of completion.

Explanation

To convert an interrogative sentence in the Past Continuous tense from active to passive voice, the structure follows the formula: Was/Were + Subject (the original object) + not + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + Agent (the original subject).

In the active sentence, the children is the subject and the books is the plural object. When transformed into the passive voice, the plural object the books becomes the new subject, requiring the auxiliary verb Were. Following the negative interrogative structure, the word not is placed after the subject and before the continuous marker being, followed by the past participle read. This results in the construction: Were the books not being read by the children?

Explanation

The word hostile refers to showing or feeling strong opposition, dislike, or aggression toward someone or something. It is derived from the Latin word hostis, meaning enemy, and describes a temperament that is antagonistic or adversarial. Consequently, unfriendly serves as the most appropriate synonym because it directly captures the lack of kindness, warmth, or sociability inherent in a hostile attitude. Both words signify a state of being ill-disposed or opposed to another party.

Explanation

The phrase own image is a standard theological and literary expression rooted in the concept of Imago Dei, which signifies that human beings were created with a likeness to the divine. In this context, it refers to the unique attributes such as reason, morality, and an intellectual spirit that distinguish humanity from other animals or the beasts of the field. Using own image is the idiomatic and contextually precise way to describe God creating man to reflect His own nature and spiritual qualities.

Explanation

The idiom it is raining cats and dogs is a well-known English expression used to describe heavy or torrential rainfall. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate meaning.

Explanation

The word violent describes behavior characterized by physical force, aggression, or intensity. Gentle is the correct antonym because it refers to a manner that is mild, kind, or tender.

Explanation

The word "umpteen" means indefinitely many or a lot, making it the most appropriate antonym for "less" (which, though grammatically incorrect for countable visitors, indicates a small number). Options A, B, and C are synonyms or related in meaning to "less" or "few," whereas "umpteen" provides the contrast of a large quantity.

Explanation

The sentence requires the past perfect tense to describe an action that would have occurred before the past event of being convicted. Option C provides the correct tense and subject-verb agreement, whereas Option D is grammatically incorrect because the verb am cannot be used with the subject he.

Explanation

Sentence D serves as the introductory sentence by establishing the primary subject, the prize peach tree, and the time frame of last summer. Sentence C logically follows by providing descriptive details regarding the physical location and growth environment of the tree mentioned in the opening. Sentence B then expands on the narrator's personal connection and history with the tree, explaining why it is a source of pride due to its survival and fruit production. Sentence A concludes the paragraph by shifting the focus to a specific observation made during that same summer, noting the decline in the health of the leaves.

Explanation

The segment "will be exercised" is grammatically incorrect because the sentence requires the active voice to show that the stars are performing the action. It should be changed to "will exercise" to properly connect with the direct object "a benign influence."

Explanation

An imposter is a person who practices deception under an assumed name or character. This individual deliberately adopts a false identity to mislead others, often for the purpose of fraud, social gain, or criminal activity. The core of being an imposter lies in the dishonest portrayal of oneself as a different person to achieve a specific deceptive goal.

Explanation

Ordinal numbers like sixth must be preceded by the definite article the when referring to a specific point in a sequence. Option C is the only sentence that correctly uses the sixth day.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice and simple past tense, as indicated by was and attended. To convert it to active voice, the simple past auxiliary did is required, making the correct structure Did they not attend the conference?

Explanation

The passive sentence is in the past continuous tense (was being beaten) and the interrogative negative form. To convert it to active voice, the subject she must be used with the past continuous form was not beating, resulting in Was she not beating the beggar?

Explanation

According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, when two singular subjects are connected by the correlative conjunction neither... nor, the verb must be in the singular form. In this sentence, both John and Simon are singular nouns. Furthermore, the rule of proximity dictates that the verb should agree with the subject closest to it. Since the nearest subject, Simon, is singular, the plural auxiliary verb are must be replaced by the singular verb is to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Explanation

The word millionaire is correctly spelled with a double l because it is derived from the root word million, combined with the suffix -aire which is used to denote a person characterized by a specific amount or status. The word luxurious is the adjective form of the noun luxury. According to English spelling rules, when a suffix such as -ous is added to a noun ending in y, the y is changed to an i. Consequently, the correct spelling is l-u-x-u-r-i-o-u-s. Both words follow standard orthographic patterns for suffixation in English.

Explanation

The word hapless is derived from the archaic noun hap, meaning luck, chance, or fortune, combined with the suffix -less, which indicates a lack of something. Therefore, the literal meaning of hapless is luckless or without luck. In modern English, it is used to describe a person who is persistently unlucky, ill-fated, or unhappy due to a sequence of unfortunate events. The word unfortunate serves as a direct synonym because it refers to someone who experiences bad luck or suffers from unfavorable circumstances.

Explanation

The context of the sentence refers to the manual act of composing correspondence, for which "writing" is the only logically and grammatically appropriate word. The other options refer to correcting (righting), civil disorder (rioting), or evaluation (rating), which do not fit the context of "letters by hand."

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the simple past tense, following the structure: Was/Were + object + past participle (V3) + by + subject. To convert this into the active voice, the simple past interrogative structure is used: Did + subject + base form of the verb (V1) + object.

In this transformation, the object the bag becomes the direct object, and the agent Mary becomes the subject. The auxiliary was is replaced by did, and the past participle packed changes to its base form pack. Applying this rule results in the sentence: Did Mary pack the bag?