SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word persistently means to do something repeatedly or firmly over a period of time, often despite obstacles or delays. In the context of making a request, continuously serves as the most appropriate synonym because it indicates that the action of requesting occurred without stopping or in a constant, repeated manner. Both terms convey the idea of a sustained and ongoing effort to achieve a result.

Explanation

The word coy describes someone who is shy, modest, or hesitant to reveal information, often in a playful or provocative manner. In contrast, extroverted refers to a person who is outgoing, socially confident, and expressive. While a coy individual tends to be retiring and reserved, an extroverted person is uninhibited and seeks social interaction, making it the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The word grisly denotes something that is gruesome, ghastly, or causing a sense of horror and intense unpleasantness. To find the most appropriate set of antonyms, one must identify words that convey a sense of being agreeable, delightful, or soothing. Pleasantly acts as a direct antonym because it describes a manner of behavior that is charming and enjoyable rather than repulsive or shocking. Similarly, comforting is an antonym because it suggests a state of mental or physical ease and reassurance, which is the functional opposite of the distress, fear, or disgust typically triggered by something grisly. Using these terms transforms the sentence into a description of a positive and reassuring interaction that is entirely contrary to the original word's meaning.

Explanation

The word customary refers to something that is commonly practiced, traditional, or established by long-standing habit. It describes actions or events that are regular and expected within a particular society or routine. Unusual is the direct antonym because it describes something that is not common, deviates from the norm, or happens rarely. While customary implies a standard or routine occurrence, unusual signifies a departure from what is typically expected or practiced.

Explanation

The word scent refers to a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one. In the context of flowers blooming, it describes the fragrance or aroma that they release into the air. The term is specifically used to denote the natural perfume of plants and blossoms.

Explanation

The segment nevertheless my brother does not do is grammatically incorrect because it fails to properly connect two independent clauses. The word nevertheless is a conjunctive adverb. When a conjunctive adverb is used to link two independent clauses, it must be preceded by a semicolon or a full stop and is typically followed by a comma. In the absence of such punctuation, the sentence results in a run-on error. To rectify the grammar, the sentence should either use a semicolon before nevertheless or replace it with a coordinating conjunction such as but, which would only require a comma. Since the segment includes the transition word without the necessary structural punctuation to separate the distinct thoughts, it contains the grammatical error.

Explanation

The idiom high and dry originates from nautical terminology, referring to a ship that is stranded on the shore or a reef, completely out of the water and unable to move. In a figurative sense, it describes a person who has been left in a difficult, vulnerable, or isolated situation without any support, resources, or assistance. In the context of the sentence, Lucy's conceited conduct has alienated her colleagues, leaving her abandoned and helpless in her professional environment.

Explanation

The word supersede is correctly spelled with an s in the final syllable because it originates from the Latin verb supersedere, which is a combination of super meaning above and sedere meaning to sit. Etymologically, it carries the sense of sitting above or presiding over, which evolved into the modern meaning of replacing or setting something aside as inferior or obsolete. Unlike many English words that end in a similar sound but are derived from the Latin cedere meaning to go, supersede is unique in its retention of the s from its specific Latin root, making it the only standard spelling for the word meaning to replace or supplant.

Explanation

The phrasal verb put off means to postpone or delay an event to a later time or date. In the context of the sentence, because the Director is unwell, the meeting cannot take place as scheduled and must be rescheduled for the future. The other options do not convey the meaning of postponement required by the situation.

Explanation

The sentence is constructed by first identifying the subject and its context, followed by the predicate. Part (a) introduces the main subject, one of the primary obstacles encountered. This is immediately followed by the specific circumstances in parts (c) and (e), which list the forensic elements being analyzed, namely controlled dangerous substances, bloodstain patterns, and DNA evidence. Together, parts (a), (c), and (e) form a compound subject phrase. Part (b) provides the linking verb is and defines the obstacle as the risk of sample contamination. The sentence is completed by part (d), which serves as a prepositional phrase explaining that the contamination originates from improper handling and collecting methodologies. This arrangement follows a standard logical flow from the identification of a problem to its context, definition, and cause.

Explanation

The word Convinient is misspelled. The correct spelling is Convenient, which uses the letter e after the n rather than an i. Derived from the Latin verb convenire, meaning to suit or come together, the word follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ient.

Explanation

Global warming triggers significant changes in climatic patterns across the globe. In the context of the Arctic and biological ecosystems, alterations in rainfall patterns and the resulting shifts in plant distribution create a mismatch in the natural environment. These changes or modifications disrupt the established ecological cycles that bird species rely on for survival. Since the passage discusses how these environmental shifts impact migration, feeding, and breeding, the term alterations accurately describes the varying and unpredictable changes caused by rising global temperatures.

Explanation

The sentence identifies ocean currents as the primary driver of the ecological changes mentioned. Since ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the Earth's oceans, they directly determine the physical and biological characteristics of saltwater environments. The term marine specifically relates to the sea and its inhabitants, making it the most appropriate descriptor for an ecological system governed by oceanic processes and water circulation patterns.

Explanation

The term vicious loop refers to a self-reinforcing cycle where an initial problem triggers a series of events that intensify the original problem, leading to increasingly worsening results. In the context of the Arctic and global warming, this describes a positive feedback mechanism. For instance, as greenhouse gases trap heat and cause Arctic ice to melt, the Earth's albedo decreases, causing the planet to absorb more solar radiation instead of reflecting it. Additionally, melting permafrost releases trapped methane and carbon dioxide, which further increases the greenhouse effect and accelerates temperature rise. This continuous, destructive chain of events is precisely what characterizes a vicious loop in environmental systems.

Explanation

The passage describes a positive feedback mechanism where greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures. In the context of global warming, additional emissions increase the concentration of these heat-trapping gases, which serves to increase the rate and intensity of the warming effect. To accelerate means to cause a process to happen more quickly or to increase in speed. Therefore, the introduction of more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere functions to speed up the global warming process, leading to more rapid environmental changes.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on the catastrophic and far-reaching consequences of global warming, such as the disruption of ecosystems, melting of the Arctic, and the creation of dangerous feedback loops. By describing the potential collapse of ocean currents and plant distribution, the text establishes a grave tone regarding the survival of species and the stability of the planet. Therefore, the term extinction aligns with the existential threat described, suggesting that without a shift toward environmental sensitivity, future generations face the possibility of total biological or societal disappearance due to an uninhabitable environment.

Explanation

The word utterly is an adverb that signifies a state of being complete, total, or absolute in nature. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the sporting achievements are being ignored entirely. The most suitable antonym is minimally, which refers to something occurring to a very small or slight degree. While utterly represents the maximum extent of an action, minimally represents the least possible extent, providing a direct contrast in terms of scale and intensity.

Explanation

The word stationary is an adjective that describes something fixed in one place, not moving, or not intended to be moved. It is derived from the Latin word stationarius, meaning belonging to a station or fixed. In general usage, it refers to an object or state that lacks motion or remains constant in its position. The word still is the most appropriate synonym because it specifically denotes a state of being motionless or at rest, capturing the essence of being without movement or displacement.

Explanation

The phrase species of frogs correctly uses the preposition of to link the general category to the specific organism. In the second part of the underlined segment, the word identified is a past participle acting as the main verb in a passive voice construction. To modify a verb, an adverb is required. While quicker is a comparative adjective, quickly is the adverbial form needed to describe the manner of identification. The intensifier very is used with positive degree adjectives and adverbs, making very quickly the grammatically appropriate choice to modify the action performed by the subject.

Explanation

The word bloom refers to the state of a flower opening or a plant thriving with vigor and health. In the context of the sentence, the conjunction but establishes a contrast between the life cycle of flowers in spring versus summer. The word wither is the direct antonym of bloom as it means to shrivel, fade, or decay, typically due to heat or lack of moisture. While blooming signifies growth and peak vitality, withering signifies the loss of freshness and the process of drying up.

Explanation

In standard English syntax, a declarative sentence typically follows the Subject + Verb + Object pattern. In this arrangement, the pronoun R (she) serves as the subject, followed immediately by the past tense verb P (baked). The object of the action is the noun phrase composed of the article Q (a), the descriptive adjective O (delicious), and the compound noun S (chocolate cake). When these components are placed in the sequence RPQOS, they form the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: She baked a delicious chocolate cake.

Explanation

The idiom to cook someone's goose refers to the act of spoiling someone's plans, ruining their chances of success, or causing their downfall. It implies a deliberate or consequential action that ensures someone will fail or be unable to proceed with their intended course of action. In the given sentence, the phrase indicates that the person described as a friend has performed an action that has effectively sabotaged or ruined the subject's situation or prospects.

Explanation

Utopia refers to an idealized society or an imaginary place where everything is perfect, particularly regarding its laws, government, and social conditions. The term was coined by Sir Thomas More in 1516 for his book of the same name, which described a fictional island society with near-perfect political and social systems. It represents a visionary or idealistic goal for a society that possesses highly desirable or perfect qualities, though it is often considered unattainable in the real world.

Explanation

The word risible originates from the Latin verb ridere, which means to laugh. It is used to describe something that is laughable, ludicrous, or intended to provoke laughter. In contrast, serious describes a person, situation, or tone that is solemn, grave, or earnest. Since risible characterizes things that are funny or absurd, serious is its direct antonym as it denotes a complete lack of humor or levity.

Explanation

The phrase in the matter of is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to mean regarding or with respect to a particular subject. When describing a person's behavior or qualities in relation to a specific topic or task, this prepositional phrase correctly introduces the context. Using the preposition in identifies the specific area or situation where the irresponsibility occurs, making it the grammatically appropriate choice for this sentence structure.

Explanation

The word repercussions refers to the indirect effects or unintended consequences of an event or action, typically those that are unwelcome. Etymologically, it comes from the Latin repercussio, meaning to strike back or rebound. The correct spelling is formed by the prefix re- followed by the word percussion, necessitating the use of an e after the p and the inclusion of a double s.

Explanation

The word privilege is derived from the Latin term privilegium, which combines privus meaning private and lex or legis meaning law. In modern English orthography, the correct spelling is privilege. A helpful way to remember the spelling is to note that it contains two i letters followed by two e letters in the sequence p-r-i-v-i-l-e-g-e. Despite the soft g sound at the end, the word does not contain the letter d, distinguishing its structure from words like knowledge or ledge. It strictly follows its etymological roots where the g alone produces the necessary phonetic sound.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Future Simple tense, following the structure: Subject (The shareholders) + will + V1 (elect) + Object (him) + Complement (a director). To convert this into passive voice, the object him is moved to the subject position as He, and the verb form will elect is changed to will be + V3 (will be elected).

The noun a director is an object complement. Certain verbs, known as factitive verbs (such as elect, make, appoint, or choose), are followed directly by a noun complement without the use of the preposition as. Therefore, the passive construction correctly retains the direct link between the verb and its complement. The resulting structure is He will be elected a director. While the agent (by the shareholders) can be included, its omission does not invalidate the passive transformation, whereas the addition of extra prepositions changes the original grammatical construction.

Explanation

The idiom bite the bullet means to accept something difficult or unpleasant that is unavoidable. It describes the act of showing courage and fortitude while facing a painful situation or performing a task that one has been procrastinating on. Historically, the phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of giving a soldier a lead bullet to clench between their teeth to help them endure the pain of a surgical procedure or amputation performed without anesthesia on the battlefield. This forced endurance of physical pain evolved into a metaphor for mental or emotional resilience in the face of adversity.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical and chronological sequence where the subordinate clause after Pakistan framed its first constitution (S, O) establishes the temporal setting. This is followed by the main clause where the subject, General Ayub Khan, performs the action took over the administration of the country (R, Q). The final segment and soon got himself elected (P) acts as a coordinating clause that describes the subsequent result of the subject's actions. This structure creates a coherent narrative regarding the political transition in Pakistan.

Explanation

Pugnacious is an adjective used to describe a person who is eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. It originates from the Latin word pugnare, which means to fight. Belligerent is the most appropriate synonym because it describes a person or entity that is hostile, aggressive, or engaged in a state of conflict. Both words characterize a temperament inclined toward confrontation and physical or verbal combat.

Explanation

Sentence C introduces the core subject of the paragraph by providing a clear definition of a small family. Sentence A logically follows C because it uses the pronoun it to refer back to the small family defined in the previous sentence, adding the supplementary information that it is also known as a nuclear family. Sentence D then shifts the focus from definition to the benefits of such a structure by stating that the advantages are numerous. Finally, sentence B provides a specific example of these advantages by mentioning the better management of resources, thereby concluding the paragraph with a supporting detail for the general claim made in sentence D.

Explanation

The sentence utilizes the correlative conjunction structure so... as to establish a comparison. In English grammar, when using the as... as or so... as construction to compare two things, the adjective or adverb placed between them must be in its positive degree. The word better is the comparative degree of the adjective good. To maintain grammatical correctness in this positive degree comparison, the base form good should be used instead of better. This structure is typically employed in negative comparisons (No other place...) to indicate that nothing else possesses the quality to the same extent as the subject being mentioned.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of the simple future tense in the passive voice, which is Subject + will + be + V3 (past participle) + by + Agent. To convert this into the active voice, the formula used is Subject (the original agent) + will + V1 (base form of the verb) + Object. In this case, the postman becomes the subject, will be delivered is converted to the active form will deliver, and the letter becomes the direct object. The temporal adverb tomorrow remains unchanged at the end of the sentence.

Explanation

The error lies in the choice of the modal verb should in the third segment. The sentence establishes a definite future plan using the present continuous form is planning. In such contexts, the relative clause should express intention or a scheduled action rather than a suggestion or obligation. The modal should is used to indicate duty, advice, or expectation, which conflicts with the declarative nature of a planned vacation. To maintain grammatical consistency and logical flow, a modal like will or a construction like plan to should be used to denote the intended activities of the trip. Substituting should with will correctly aligns the subsequent actions with the established future plan.

Explanation

The term barren describes land that is poor, unproductive, or incapable of producing vegetation and crops. The conjunction but indicates a shift to a contrasting condition achieved through the farmers' work. Fertile is the appropriate antonym because it denotes soil that is rich in nutrients and highly productive for agriculture, directly opposing the state of being barren.

Explanation

The passage discusses the various measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb its spread, such as masking and isolation. The second paragraph explicitly uses the term pandemic restrictions to describe these policies across different states and school districts. Therefore, the blank refers to these regulatory constraints that have sparked intense debate among parents regarding their long-term impact on the development and therapy of young children.

Explanation

The term measures is used in this context to refer to the official actions or steps taken by a government or authority to achieve a specific goal, such as controlling the spread of a virus. In public health terminology, activities like masking, social distancing, and isolation are standardly categorized as preventative measures. The sentence describes these actions as causing temporary discomfort or inconvenience, which aligns with the definition of administrative or health-related protocols implemented during a pandemic.

Explanation

The context of the passage focuses on the long-term impact of pandemic-related restrictions, such as masking and isolation, on the development of young children. The sentence compares the immediate, temporary inconvenience felt by adults with the potential effects these measures have on a child's growth. The word consequences appropriately describes these results or outcomes, particularly in terms of being mysterious, significant, and lasting, which aligns with the investigative tone of the text regarding developmental trade-offs.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the author discusses the "murky trade-offs" and "mysterious" impacts of pandemic restrictions on developing children. To illustrate these complex and uncertain effects, the author uses the specific case of children with speech or language disorders. Because these children require visual cues and the ability to observe mouth movements for effective therapy, the negative impact of masking and isolation is most visible and easily understood in their case. Therefore, they serve as the most evident or clearest example of the broader challenges and trade-offs described.

Explanation

The passage discusses the negative impacts and challenges that pandemic-related restrictions have imposed on children, particularly those with speech and language disorders. The sentence explains how therapy was affected by the loss of in-person sessions and the implementation of masking requirements. The word disrupted is the most appropriate fit as it describes how the normal progress, continuity, or effectiveness of the speech therapy was interrupted or hindered by these external factors. The context of murky trade-offs and significant, lasting effects further supports the idea that the therapy process was disturbed rather than simply controlled or standardized.

Explanation

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder defined as the irrational fear of being in confined or small spaces. The term is derived from the Latin word claustrum, meaning a bolt or a place shut in, and the Greek word phobos, meaning fear. Individuals experiencing this condition often feel a sense of panic, suffocation, or being trapped when in areas such as elevators, small windowless rooms, or crowded environments.

Explanation

The main clause of the sentence, Historians tell us, is in the simple present tense. According to the rules of passive voice transformation, a sentence in the simple present tense (Subject + V1 + Object) is converted using the formula: Object + am/is/are + V3 + by + Subject. In this case, the object us becomes the subject We, which requires the auxiliary verb are and the past participle told. The original subject Historians is then added using the preposition by. The subordinate noun clause, how this country was divided into three, remains unchanged because it serves as the complement to the verb and its internal tense must be preserved to maintain the original meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The word components refers to the individual parts or elements that constitute a larger whole or system. In electronics, transistors are fundamental building blocks integrated into microcircuits to control the flow of electricity. The term is derived from the Latin componere, which means to put together. This standard English spelling follows the morphological structure of the prefix com- meaning together and the root ponent meaning placing or setting.

Explanation

The sentence follows a standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern to establish a clear logical flow. Part P provides the subject and initial verb (technology has revolutionised), which requires a direct object to complete the thought. Part O serves as this object (every aspect of our lives). Part Q begins with a coordinating conjunction (and) to introduce a secondary, parallel clause (it has transformed the way) that refers back to the original subject. Finally, part R completes the adverbial phrase describing the specific nature of that transformation (we communicate and connect). The sequence POQR results in a grammatically sound and meaningful statement about the impact of technology.

Explanation

The word exit refers to a passage or way out of a building or place. Its direct antonym is entry, which denotes the way in or the act of coming into a location. In the context of the sentence, entry appropriately describes the path into the venue that was decorated with beautiful lights.

Explanation

The idiom care a hang is an informal expression used to indicate that one does not care in the slightest about a particular matter. It is most frequently used in negative constructions, such as not care a hang, to emphasize a state of complete indifference or a total lack of concern. In this context, the word hang refers to something of negligible value, so the phrase conveys that a person attaches no importance to a situation and is showing no interest in it.

Explanation

The original sentence contains two clauses in different tenses. The first clause, the company will launch the new product next month, uses the Future Simple tense. In the passive voice, the Future Simple structure will + verb changes to will + be + past participle, resulting in the new product will be launched. The second clause, they are already promoting it, uses the Present Continuous tense. In the passive voice, the Present Continuous structure is/am/are + verb-ing changes to is/am/are + being + past participle, resulting in it is already being promoted. This construction correctly shifts the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action in both parts of the sentence while maintaining the original temporal context.

Explanation

Mechanical describes a process, action, or device that is operated by machinery or functions automatically without the need for constant human intervention. It implies a system driven by physical forces or pre-programmed routines. Manual serves as the most appropriate antonym because it specifically refers to tasks, operations, or controls performed by hand or requiring direct human physical effort. In technical and everyday contexts, these two terms represent opposite methods of execution, where mechanical signifies machine-driven automation and manual signifies human-driven labor.

Explanation

The word taintless is formed by combining the root word taint, which refers to a spot, stain, or a trace of something bad or offensive, with the suffix -less, which means without. In the context of a person's reputation, being taintless implies that their character or professional standing is pure, spotless, and free from any moral or professional blemishes. Consequently, the word faultless is the most appropriate synonym as it describes something that is free from defects or errors and is considered perfect or exemplary.