SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word is misspelled according to the standard English orthographic rule: i before e, except after c, when the sound is a long e. Since the letter c precedes the vowel combination in this word, the correct sequence must be ei rather than ie. Therefore, the accurate spelling is receive.

Explanation

The sentence is in the Future Simple tense (interrogative form). The conversion to passive voice follows the structure: Will + subject + be + past participle + by + agent. Here, the indirect object me becomes the subject I, the auxiliary verb will remains at the beginning to maintain the interrogative mood, and the main verb give is converted into the passive form be given. The direct object an independent project follows the verb, and the agent you is added after the preposition by. Thus, the passive construction becomes Will I be given an independent project by you?

Explanation

The sentence compares two specific items: the chair bought recently and the chair bought last year. The presence of the conjunction than indicates that a comparative degree of the adjective is required. For the adjective costly, the comparative form is costlier, which is formed by changing the final y to i and adding the suffix er. Therefore, is costlier is the grammatically correct substitution to complete the comparison.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires tense consistency between the two coordinate clauses joined by the conjunction and. The second part of the sentence uses the verb received, which is in the simple past tense, indicating that the entire event occurred in the past. To maintain grammatical parallelism and logical sequence, the first verb must also be in the simple past tense. The word studied is the simple past form of the verb study and correctly describes the completed action of preparing for the exam that led to the past result of receiving a high score.

Explanation

The word dilettante refers to a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, science, or literature, in a superficial or amateurish manner. It characterizes someone who engages in these fields for personal amusement rather than with professional depth or serious commitment, effectively acting as a dabbler. The term is derived from the Italian word dilettare, meaning to delight, reflecting the nature of someone who pursues various intellectual or artistic activities primarily for pleasure without seeking to attain expert proficiency or mastery in them.

Explanation

The word honest describes a person who is truthful, upright, and free from deceit or fraud. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the genuine and transparent nature of the individual's character. Sincere is an appropriate synonym because it characterizes someone who acts without hypocrisy or pretense, reflecting true feelings and intentions. Both words emphasize a character trait rooted in integrity and authenticity, making them interchangeable when describing a person who is straightforward and trustworthy.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the word access refers to the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, or make use of specific information. It implies that the information is available and reachable. The word denial serves as its antonym because it represents the refusal to grant something requested or the act of withholding permission or entry. While access suggests openness and the granting of a right, denial signifies the rejection or prohibition of that same right, effectively blocking the path to the information.

Explanation

The error lies in the misuse of the word affect in the final clause of the sentence. In standard English usage, affect is primarily a verb meaning to influence or produce a change in something, whereas effect is primarily a noun meaning the result or consequence of an action. Since the word follows the adjective no, it must function as a noun to denote the lack of a result. Therefore, the word effect should be used instead of affect to correctly indicate that the teacher's instruction had no impact on the student's behavior.

Explanation

The word profuse is used to describe something that is produced or given in large amounts, signifying great abundance, plenty, or an overflowing supply. Its direct antonym must represent a lack or deficiency in quantity. The word scarce refers to something that is insufficient to meet demand or available only in very small, limited amounts. In the context of volume and availability, these two words represent opposite ends of the spectrum.

Explanation

The word frugal describes a person who is sparing or economical with regard to money or food, emphasizing the avoidance of waste and unnecessary spending. In the context of the sentence, it refers to an individual who chooses to live a simple and restrained life despite possessing significant wealth. Thrifty is a direct synonym as it specifically means using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully, perfectly matching the intended meaning of being prudent and economical in one's lifestyle.

Explanation

The noun discussions is conventionally followed by the preposition of to indicate the subject matter or topic being addressed. In this context, the literary works are said to have changed the nature and scope of the conversations regarding the topic of race relations. While in might occasionally be used to describe discussions within a specific field or location, of is the grammatically appropriate choice to link the act of discussion directly to its primary theme or content.

Explanation

The word perseverance is often the target of spelling error questions in competitive exams. Its correct spelling is p-e-r-s-e-v-e-r-a-n-c-e, featuring the suffix -ance. A frequent error is to use the suffix -ence (perseverence) or to add an extra 'r' (perserverance). In the context of this specific exam shift, this option was identified as containing a spelling error because the intended text used the incorrect spelling perseverence. Additionally, the term socio- political contains an unconventional space between the hyphen and the word political, whereas the correct spelling for the compound adjective is either socio-political or sociopolitical.

Explanation

The phrase uses the past participle done to create a reduced relative clause modifying the noun harm. In English, the standard idiomatic expression is to do harm to someone or something. When expressing the result of an action that has already taken place or is ongoing from the past, the passive construction the harm done to children is grammatically correct as it indicates that the harm was inflicted upon the children by the pandemic.

Explanation

In public health and medical terminology, routine vaccinations refer to the standard, scheduled immunizations provided to infants and children to protect against diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria. The pandemic caused significant setbacks to these established immunization programs as healthcare resources were redirected toward the crisis and lockdowns hindered access to regular medical services. The term routine correctly describes the systematic and ongoing nature of these vaccinations that faced progress reversals during the global health emergency.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the singular noun phrase That harm. Therefore, the verb must also be in the singular form to ensure subject-verb agreement. The passage discusses the ongoing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic as it enters its third year, focusing on the visible and continuing impacts on children. The present perfect tense has emerged is the most appropriate choice here because it describes an action or development that began in the past and has direct relevance or results in the present context. This tense correctly reflects the cumulative nature of the harm that has developed throughout the duration of the global crisis.

Explanation

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the term lopsided access to vaccines refers to the significant disparity in vaccine distribution and availability between wealthy and developing nations. The passage highlights the dis-equalizing nature of the crisis, where the ability to obtain medical resources was not uniform across different socioeconomic groups or regions. The phrase access to is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe the opportunity or right to use or benefit from a resource, fitting the sentence's focus on the structural inequalities that paralleled learning and job losses.

Explanation

The word most serves as an adverb of degree that modifies the phrasal verb hinge on. In this context, it signifies that the pandemic and its management are the primary and most significant factors determining the future prospects for children. Using most indicates that this dependency is of the greatest magnitude compared to any other possible influences, establishing the pandemic as the central determinant of the situation. This usage effectively conveys that the outcomes for children are predominantly dictated by how the global health crisis is handled.

Explanation

The idiom bite the bullet means to accept something difficult or unpleasant that one has been avoiding. It originates from the historical practice of giving a soldier a lead bullet to clench between their teeth to help them endure pain during a surgical procedure performed without anesthesia. In the context of the sentence, it encourages the person to face the uncomfortable situation and tell the truth.

Explanation

The noun flour designates the powdery substance created by grinding raw grains, roots, beans, nuts, or seeds. It is the fundamental ingredient in bread-making, providing the necessary structure and texture. When specified as corn flour, it identifies the particular type of grain processed to create the bread mentioned in the statement. This usage aligns with standard English vocabulary regarding culinary ingredients and food production.

Explanation

The term audible is an adjective used to describe a sound that is capable of being heard or is within the range of human perception. It is derived from the Latin root audire, which means to hear, combined with the suffix -ible, indicating capability. When a noise, voice, or signal possesses sufficient volume and clarity to be detected by the ear, it is defined as being audible.

Explanation

The word insert means to put, fit, or thrust something into another thing or a specific place. Its direct antonym is remove, which means to take something away from a position or to eliminate it from a particular location. In the context of placement and displacement, these two words represent opposite physical actions: one involves adding or placing an item inside, while the other involves taking it out or away.

Explanation

Verity is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being true, real, or factual. It is derived from the Latin word veritas, meaning truth. In the context of the sentence, it represents the fundamental principle of truthfulness as a moral excellence or virtue. Therefore, Truth is the most appropriate substitute as it directly matches the semantic meaning of the original word.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard English syntax of Subject + Verb + Complement. Greenbalt (referring to the literary critic Stephen Greenblatt) acts as the subject of the sentence. The passive verb phrase is considered identifies his status, while the noun phrase the founding father of New Historicism serves as the complement that defines his historical and academic role. This sequence ensures a logical flow where the individual is linked to their specific professional achievement in a clear, declarative manner.

Explanation

The sentence follows the Present Perfect tense in passive voice, structured as: Object + has/have + been + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. To convert this into active voice, the formula is: Subject + has/have + past participle (V3) + Object. Here, the agent of the action is the customer care team, which becomes the active subject, and the issue becomes the direct object. The adverb successfully is placed appropriately after the auxiliary verb has, resulting in the correct active construction: The customer care team has successfully resolved the issue.

Explanation

The sentence describes two distinct actions that occurred in the past: the team winning the championship and the star player getting injured. In English grammar, when two past events are sequenced using a conjunction like before, the action that was completed first must be expressed in the Past Perfect tense, which consists of the auxiliary verb had followed by the past participle of the main verb. Since the victory took place prior to the injury, the Past Perfect form had won is used to indicate the earlier event, while the Simple Past form got injured is used for the subsequent event.

Explanation

A fund refers to a sum of money that is collected, saved, or made available for a specific purpose or cause. It typically involves the pooling of financial resources from various individuals or organizations to support a particular objective, such as disaster relief, medical research, or community projects. This term specifically denotes an accumulated amount of money designated to serve a predetermined goal or public interest.

Explanation

The term acknowledge is the correct spelling for the verb that means to recognize the importance or existence of something. Etymologically, it is formed by combining the prefix ac- with the word knowledge. The orthography of acknowledge requires the silent k after the c and the inclusion of the letter d before g in the suffix -edge, which is a common English spelling pattern used to represent the soft g sound at the end of a syllable. This specific arrangement of letters adheres to standard modern English conventions for this lexical item.

Explanation

The narrative sequence begins with C, which establishes the primary actor and the setting by describing Mr. Satterthwaite going to meet the woman. Sentence B follows by providing the necessary background information regarding the thirteen-year gap since their last meeting, which justifies the character's need to rely on memory. Sentence A then describes that specific memory, characterizing her as an eager and glowing girl from the past. The sequence concludes with D, where the phrase And now marks the transition to the present moment, creating a poignant contrast between the vibrant memory in A and the cold reality of her current state as a Frozen Lady. This progression moves logically from the introduction of the encounter to the psychological reflection and the final observational reveal.

Explanation

Munificent is an adjective derived from the Latin word munificus, which means generous or bountiful. It is typically used to describe a person who is extremely liberal in giving or a gift that is very large or splendid. Magnanimous shares a similar semantic space, originating from the Latin magnus meaning great and animus meaning soul. It describes a person who is noble, generous in spirit, and big-hearted, particularly in being open-handed or forgiving. Both terms characterize a high degree of benevolence and generosity, making them synonyms in the context of describing a charitable or giving nature.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical Subject + Verb + Object structure. The noun phrase a wise man (Q) serves as the subject of the sentence, which is immediately followed by the verb phrase once said (P) to establish the action. The next part, that action speaks (R), introduces the subordinate clause with the conjunction that and the clause subject and verb. The phrase concludes with the comparative description louder than words (S), completing the well-known idiom. When arranged as Q-P-R-S, the components form the grammatically sound and meaningful statement: A wise man once said that action speaks louder than words.

Explanation

The idiom keep one's cards close to one's chest originates from card games like poker, where players hold their cards near their body to prevent opponents from seeing them and guessing their strategy. Metaphorically, it describes a person who is being secretive or cautious, choosing not to reveal their plans, intentions, or thoughts to others. By maintaining this privacy, the individual ensures that their next moves remain unknown to those around them.

Explanation

The sentence involves a comparison between two subjects, the colleague and the speaker, as indicated by the word than. In English grammar, the comparative degree of an adjective or adverb is required when comparing two entities. The word latest is the superlative form of late, which is typically used for comparing three or more things. To make the sentence grammatically correct, the comparative form later should be used instead to properly establish the relationship between the two people being compared.

Explanation

The sentence Gill scored 3 centuries in Tata IPL 2023 is in the simple past tense, which follows the structure Subject + V₂ + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object 3 centuries becomes the new subject, followed by the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb be in the past tense (was or were) and the past participle (V₃) of the main verb. Since the new subject 3 centuries is plural, the auxiliary verb were is used along with the past participle scored. The original subject Gill is then added as the agent using the preposition by, resulting in the construction: 3 centuries were scored by Gill in Tata IPL 2023.

Explanation

The word carcass refers to the dead body of an animal, particularly one that has been slaughtered or is decaying. In a more general or literary sense, it can also refer to the remains of a human body. The word corpse is a direct synonym because it specifically denotes a dead body, usually belonging to a human being. Both terms describe the physical, inanimate remains of a once-living organism, establishing a clear synonymous relationship.

Explanation

The word active describes someone who is energetic, participating, and full of life or movement. The conjunction but indicates a contrast, requiring an antonym to fill the blank. Inert means lacking the ability or strength to move, or being chemically or physically inactive. In the context of the sentence, it serves as the direct opposite of active, describing a person who shows no energy or participation in the classroom compared to their behavior at a party.

Explanation

The word taboo refers to something that is prohibited, forbidden, or restricted by social custom or religious practice. In the given context, it implies that certain behaviors are viewed as socially or culturally inappropriate or unacceptable. The opposite of a prohibited action is one that is permitted, welcomed, or meets the required standards of a social setting. Therefore, acceptable is the correct antonym as it describes behavior that is considered normal, allowed, or satisfactory within the specified environment.

Explanation

In the context of corporate public relations and mission statements, social media platforms often emphasize their role in fostering democratic values and individual empowerment to build brand legitimacy. The adverb frequently appropriately describes the recurring nature of these claims, which are regularly made by technology executives and through official marketing channels to highlight the positive societal impact of digital connectivity. This choice aligns with the subsequent sentences in the passage, which provide historical examples of digital mobilization that support and provide a basis for these common assertions.

Explanation

The context of the passage highlights the positive role social media has played in mobilizing citizens against totalitarian regimes and supporting social justice movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter. Because the author provides these successful examples as evidence of empowerment and democratic promotion, the second sentence must indicate that the claim made by social media companies has some basis in reality. The phrase may not be provides the necessary logical link by suggesting that the assertion is not completely without merit, setting up the supporting evidence that follows in the subsequent sentences.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on the empowerment of ordinary individuals through social media platforms. The term common citizens is used to refer to the general public or everyday people who do not necessarily hold positions of power but can collectively influence political and social change. In the sentence, common citizens fits logically as it describes the mobilization of the masses against totalitarian regimes, mirroring the earlier reference to the empowerment of ordinary individuals. This highlights how digital networks provide a platform for regular people to organize and voice their grievances on a global scale.

Explanation

The present perfect tense have been is the most appropriate choice because the sentence refers to a series of events—from the MeToo movement to Black Lives Matter—that began in the past and have established a continuing trend or state of being. This tense effectively connects those past instances of mobilization to the ongoing importance and status of digital networks as essential tools for social and political activism. It indicates that the indispensability of these networks is a condition that started with these movements and remains relevant in the current context.

Explanation

The passage discusses the role of digital networks in mobilizing citizens and facilitating movements like MeToo and Black Lives Matter. These specific movements are globally recognized for challenging systemic inequality, discrimination, and unfair treatment. In the context of activism against totalitarian regimes and for the empowerment of ordinary individuals, critical voices are organized to oppose social and political injustice. The term signifies the violation of rights and the lack of fairness, which is the primary target of the social and political critiques mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The word astute describes someone who is shrewd, clever, and possesses a sharp ability to accurately assess situations or people to their advantage. It implies mental sharpness and quick-wittedness. In contrast, the word stupid refers to a lack of intelligence, common sense, or the inability to understand things quickly. Because astute signifies a high degree of practical intelligence and discernment, stupid serves as its direct antonym by representing the absence of these intellectual qualities.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence (b), which introduces the foundational context regarding India's urban and rural population trends as reported by the United Nations. Sentence (d) logically follows by using the information about India's growth to draw a comparison with the United States, noting that India's urban proportion remains much smaller. Sentence (c) provides the specific numerical data to support the comparison made in the previous sentence, stating that 82% of Americans and 30% of Indians live in urban settings. Finally, sentence (a) uses the demonstrative phrase "This figure" to refer back to the 82% statistic mentioned in sentence (c), concluding with a prediction of further growth in the American urban population.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical narrative structure beginning with the subject and his desire in part D, he wanted to go on. This phrase requires an object, which is provided in part B, a world tour. The second half of part B introduces a contrasting condition using the conjunction but he was. This description continues in part C, a nervous flyer and tended, where the verb tended necessitates an infinitive phrase to complete its meaning. This completion is found in part A, to become severely seasick. Arranged as DBCA, the parts form the grammatically sound and meaningful sentence: He wanted to go on a world tour, but he was a nervous flyer and tended to become severely seasick.

Explanation

Aviation is the science and practice of flight through the air, specifically involving the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft. It is the comprehensive term used to describe the technical study and practical application of flying airplanes and other heavier-than-air craft within the atmosphere.

Explanation

The sentence A famous company conducted the workshop for its customers is in the simple past tense, following the structure Subject + V₂ + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object becomes the new subject, and the formula used is Object + was/were + past participle (V₃) + by + Subject. Since the workshop is a singular noun, it takes the auxiliary verb was followed by the past participle conducted. The agent a famous company is introduced by the preposition by, while the phrase for its customers remains intact to preserve the context of the action.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the present perfect tense, identified by the structure have been + past participle (ordered). To convert this into the active voice, the tense must remain consistent as the present perfect, which uses the structure has/have + past participle. The object of the passive sentence, the minister, becomes the subject of the active sentence. Since the minister is a singular noun, it requires the singular auxiliary verb has. The subject of the passive sentence, they, becomes the object of the active sentence in its objective form, them. Therefore, the active construction follows the pattern: Wh-word + has + singular subject + V3 + object.

Explanation

The idiom ups and downs refers to the mixture of successes and failures or the alternating periods of prosperity and misfortune that occur in a person's life or career. In the context of the sentence, it describes the fluctuating nature of the playwright's professional journey over thirty years, indicating that he experienced both favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Therefore, the phrase many good and bad times serves as the most appropriate literal substitution, as it accurately captures the meaning of experiencing both positive and negative phases over a period of time.

Explanation

The sentence requires the passive voice because the subject, he (referring to the chief guest), is the recipient of the action performed by the organisers. The presence of the agent phrase by the organisers indicates that the organisers did the requesting. Additionally, because the main verb concluded is in the simple past tense, the subordinate clause must also use the past tense to maintain chronological consistency. The past passive construction was requested correctly satisfies both the grammatical requirement for the passive voice and the need for past tense alignment.

Explanation

The segment bad injured contains a grammatical error involving the use of an adjective where an adverb is required. In this sentence, injured functions as an adjective describing the condition of the subject. Standard English grammar dictates that an adjective must be modified by an adverb rather than another adjective. The word bad is an adjective, while badly is its corresponding adverbial form. To correctly modify the degree or manner of the injury, the adverb badly should be used, making the correct phrase badly injured.