SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The arrangement PQORS forms a logically and grammatically consistent sentence. Segment P serves as the introductory clause, establishing that there are several reasons. Segment Q follows as a relative clause, specifying the subjects involved, which are the parents. Segment O provides the auxiliary and main verb phrase also benefit from knowing to describe the potential outcome for those parents. Segment R acts as the object of the verb knowing, further detailing the scope of information as more about how and why. Segment S concludes the statement by completing the indirect question, explaining that the focus of the parents' knowledge is the behavior of their children. The resulting sentence reads: There are several reasons why even parents would also benefit from knowing more about how and why children do the things that they do.

Explanation

The idiom through thick and thin signifies unwavering loyalty and support regardless of the circumstances. It describes a situation where someone remains committed and faithful to a person or a cause throughout both good times and very difficult or challenging periods. Historically, the phrase alludes to navigating through both dense undergrowth (thick) and sparse woods (thin), symbolizing the various obstacles and easy paths one encounters in life. In this context, Radhika's support for Monica remained constant despite any hardships or problems that arose.

Explanation

An agnostic is a person who believes that the existence of God, the divine, or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. The term originates from the Greek roots a- meaning without and gnosis meaning knowledge, signifying a lack of certainty or proof regarding metaphysical claims. Unlike those who hold a firm conviction in the presence or absence of a deity, an agnostic maintains that human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either belief or disbelief.

Explanation

Perseverance refers to the quality of continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or takes a long time. it denotes steadfastness, persistence, and tenacity in pursuit of a goal. Doggedness is the most appropriate synonym as it describes the quality of being very determined and refusing to give up, even in the face of obstacles. Both words highlight the attribute of persistent effort and determination that makes an individual's merit or hard work impossible to ignore.

Explanation

The term daredevil refers to a person who is recklessly bold or demonstrates extreme courage by taking significant risks, often in dangerous situations. In the context of the sentence, the reporter's willingness to enter a war zone and return safely highlights his bravery and lack of fear. Therefore, a fearless person is the most appropriate substitute as it directly captures the essence of someone who acts without being intimidated by danger or difficulty.

Explanation

The phrase had still overwhelmed is grammatically incorrect because it uses the active voice where the passive voice is required. In this context, the team is the recipient of the action performed by the opponent's tactics, not the performer of the action. The active construction had overwhelmed implies the team defeated something else, which contradicts the meaning of being affected by the opponent. To correctly indicate that the team was affected by the tactics, the passive form had still been overwhelmed must be used. The preposition by further confirms that the sentence describes a passive relationship between the subject and the action.

Explanation

To babble means to talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way, which involves a high level of verbal activity and noise. The word quiet represents the direct opposite state, as it describes a person who makes little or no noise, is reserved in speech, or remains silent. Therefore, being quiet is the most appropriate antonym for the act of babbling.

Explanation

The word buy is the direct antonym of sell as they represent opposite sides of a commercial transaction. To sell is to provide goods or services in exchange for money, while to buy is to obtain goods or services by paying money. In the context of the sentence, replacing sell with buy indicates that Akash went to purchase his uniform, which is the reverse action of selling it.

Explanation

Carnatic music is a classical musical tradition of South India where a performance typically features a lead vocalist or instrumentalist supported by melodic and rhythmic instrumentalists. The collective noun ensemble of musicians is the technically correct term for a group of performers who play music together. Since the sentence identifies the group members as a principal performer with melodic and rhythmic accompaniments, the term ensemble accurately reflects the professional arrangement of musical artists required for such a recital.

Explanation

The term reticent refers to a person who is habitually reserved or restrained in speech. Such individuals are disinclined to speak freely or share their thoughts and feelings readily, particularly in public settings or forums. It describes a personality trait where someone is naturally quiet, concise, or reluctant to engage in lengthy conversation, making it the appropriate one-word substitute for someone who speaks less.

Explanation

The sentence follows a standard subject-verb-complement structure. The verb fell combines with the adjective ill to form the idiomatic expression fell ill, meaning to become sick. The adverb seriously correctly modifies the adjective ill to describe the severity of the condition. This core predicate is then followed by a prepositional phrase beginning with with, which introduces the specific ailments. The conjunction and connects the two nouns fever and pneumonia to complete the description of the illness. Thus, the sequence P, R, Q, S creates a grammatically sound and logically coherent sentence: In November, Lakshman fell seriously ill with fever and pneumonia.

Explanation

The word exhilarated is derived from the Latin root hilarare, meaning to gladden or make cheerful, which is also the basis for the word hilarious. Consequently, the correct spelling must include an a following the letter l (ex-hilar-ated). A frequent spelling error involves substituting that a with an e, but the standard English spelling requires the a to maintain its proper etymological form.

Explanation

The sentence uses the time expression since last December, which indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present. In English grammar, when the word since marks the beginning of a period of time continuing to the present, the main verb must be in the Present Perfect or Present Perfect Continuous tense. The segment medicines increased uses the Simple Past tense, which is grammatically incorrect for describing an ongoing or cumulative process starting from a specific past point. The correct form should be have increased or have been increasing to match the temporal requirement of the prepositional phrase.

Explanation

The sentence is in the passive voice of the future indefinite tense, which uses the structure will be + past participle (gifted). To convert this to the active voice, the tense must remain consistent, requiring the future indefinite active structure will + base form of the verb (gift). The agent of the action in the passive sentence (them) becomes the subject (They) in the active sentence, and the subject (I) becomes the object (me). Option d correctly follows these grammatical rules while preserving the future temporal context.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the noun derived from the verb maintain is maintenance. In English orthography, when the verb maintain is transformed into a noun by adding the suffix ance, the ai in the second syllable changes to an e. This phonetic and spelling shift is a standard convention for several words derived from Latin stems, ensuring that the word is spelled as maintenance.

Explanation

The word illiterate is derived from the Latin term illiteratus, where the prefix il- denotes negation and literatus means lettered or learned. In modern English, it specifically identifies an individual who has not acquired the basic skills of reading and writing. This term is widely used in sociological and educational contexts to categorize people who lack functional literacy, which is essential for basic communication and information processing in a literate society.

Explanation

The word affirmative refers to a statement or response that expresses agreement, consent, or the assertion that something is true. In linguistic and logical contexts, it represents the quality of a proposition that affirms a fact or accepts a request. Its direct antonym is negative, which signifies denial, refusal, or the contradiction of a statement. While affirmative indicates a position of yes, negative indicates a position of no, making them fundamental opposites in communication and formal logic.

Explanation

The conjunction When is used to introduce a subordinate clause that specifies the time at which a particular event or action happens. In the context of this narrative passage, the arrival of the letter informing the family about Tara's breakdown serves as the temporal trigger for the subsequent actions of Nanda Kaul. By starting the sentence with this word, the text establishes a clear chronological relationship between the receipt of the news and the protagonist's immediate physical and emotional response. It effectively sets the stage for the sequence of events that follow within the complex sentence.

Explanation

The verb pursed is the only appropriate choice to describe a facial expression involving the lips in this context. To purse one's lips is a common idiomatic expression that means to contract or pucker the lips into a small, tight circle, typically to indicate disapproval, irritation, or deep thought. In the passage, Nanda Kaul reacts to the news of Tara's breakdown by pursing her lips, which effectively conveys her displeasure or frustration regarding the situation. This physical gesture is a standard way to show a negative emotional response or concern, making it the most logically and grammatically fitting choice.

Explanation

The verb provide is used with the preposition to when a direct object (the thing being given) is followed by the recipient. In this sentence, the necessities (the essential items like food and clothing) serve as the direct object being given to her family, who are the recipients.

The plural form necessities is the correct term to describe the various multiple requirements of life, whereas the singular necessity would typically refer to a single urgent need or the abstract state of being necessary. Using the preposition to correctly establishes the flow of the action from the provider to the family.

Explanation

The segment strengthen an intellectual is incorrect because it uses the indefinite article an instead of the definite article the. In English grammar, when an abstract noun like solidarity is qualified or made specific by a following prepositional phrase, such as of humankind, it requires the definite article the to indicate a specific instance or concept. The sentence refers to a specific type of solidarity defined by its relation to all of humanity, making the indefinite article grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, this sentence is a paraphrase of the UNESCO Constitution, which specifically states that peace must be founded upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.

Explanation

Numismatics is the scientific study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. It serves as a vital tool for historians and archaeologists to understand the economic systems, trade patterns, and political authority of various civilizations throughout history. By examining the metal content, inscriptions, and iconography on coins, researchers can gain insights into the chronology and cultural influences of specific eras.

Explanation

The word Efficient is misspelled in the given options. The correct spelling requires a double f after the initial vowel e. Derived from the Latin word efficientem, the term follows standard English orthographic rules for words with this prefix and root structure, resulting in the spelling E-F-F-I-C-I-E-N-T.

Explanation

A pessimist is an individual who habitually expects the worst possible outcome or focuses predominantly on the negative aspects of a situation. This disposition is characterized by a lack of hope or confidence in the future and a belief that evil or hardships outweigh the good in the world. The term is derived from the Latin word pessimus, meaning worst, which directly aligns with the inclination to see the most unfavorable side of things.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the simple future tense, the structure follows the formula: Object + will + be + past participle of the verb + by + Subject. In the active sentence, He is the subject, will give is the verb phrase, and a lecture on personality development is the direct object.

Following the conversion rule, the object a lecture on personality development becomes the new subject. The auxiliary will is paired with be and the past participle of give, which is given. Finally, the original subject He is converted into its objective form him and preceded by the preposition by. This results in the construction: A lecture on personality development will be given by him.

Explanation

Sentence C functions as the introduction by identifying the specific product, Silky thick double ice cream, and establishing its primary selling points of taste and texture. Sentence B logically follows by elaborating on the physical properties of that texture, describing it as firm and silky while highlighting a practical benefit for consumers, such as standing on top of pastries without soaking in. Sentence A serves as the concluding summary, signaled by the transition phrase That's why, which connects the preceding descriptive details to the final claim that the brand is exceptionally versatile and deliciously different.

Explanation

A bully is defined as a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable or weaker. Similarly, an oppressor is an individual or entity that exercises power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or burdensome manner to keep others in subjection. Both terms describe the act of using superior strength or influence to mistreat and control others through intimidation and coercion.

Explanation

The word thankful is an adjective used to express a feeling of gratitude or appreciation for a benefit, favor, or kindness received. Similarly, the word obliged is used to indicate that someone is indebted or grateful to another for a service or favor. In formal contexts, particularly through the expression much obliged, it functions as a direct synonym for being thankful, as both terms convey the state of recognizing a positive action and feeling appreciative as a result.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires an infinitive verb to follow the preposition to, creating a phrase that expresses purpose. The word buy is the base form of the verb meaning to acquire something in exchange for payment. In this context, it correctly identifies the action Ram intended to perform regarding the ice cream.

Explanation

The error lies in segment (c) due to the incorrect use of a phrasal verb. The phrase brought about means to cause something to happen or to result in a change, such as bringing about a reform or a shift in policy. However, when referring to the act of publishing or releasing a new book or product, the correct phrasal verb is brought out. Since the sentence discusses the release of a new book by Dr. Sinha, brought out should be used instead of brought about to maintain semantic accuracy.

Explanation

To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the simple present tense, the structure follows the rule: Object + am/is/are + past participle (v3) + by + Subject. In the sentence His behaviour vexes me sometimes, the subject is His behaviour, the verb is vexes, and the object is me.

When converting to passive voice, the object me becomes the subject I, which requires the auxiliary verb am. The past participle of vex is vexed. The adverb sometimes is typically placed between the auxiliary verb and the past participle. Following this construction, the sentence becomes I am sometimes vexed by his behaviour.

Explanation

The word accomodation is misspelled in this sentence. The correct spelling is accommodation, which must be written with a double c and a double m. This is a common orthographic error in English, but the standard spelling derived from the Latin accommodare requires both consonants to be doubled to be correct.

Explanation

Labour refers to the exertion of physical or mental effort, particularly when it involves strenuous activity or hard work. The word toil serves as a direct synonym because it specifically denotes long, arduous, and exhausting labor. Both terms are frequently used in formal and literary contexts to describe the persistent struggle and physical energy required to complete difficult tasks or manual work.

Explanation

The phrase crusader for is the standard idiomatic expression used to describe someone who campaigns vigorously for a specific cause, such as peace. Similarly, the noun critic is most appropriately followed by the preposition on when referring to a person who provides expert analysis or judgment regarding specific subject matters or fields of study. Using on correctly links the critic to the social, political, and ethical subjects being analyzed, conforming to standard English prepositional collocations for scholarly or formal commentary.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the narrator is describing a common anxiety dream where they suddenly become aware of a forgotten obligation. The verb realise is the most appropriate choice because it signifies the moment of becoming fully conscious or aware of a fact or situation that had been overlooked. In this specific scenario, the narrator suddenly understands at the end of the semester that they have missed an entire class, which aligns with the sudden mental shift typical of a nightmare discovery.

Explanation

The adverb consistently is the most appropriate choice to fill blank (3) because it aligns with the recurring nature of the dreams mentioned at the beginning of the passage. The narrator describes a pattern of behavior or a mental state that repeats itself, leading to a sense of self-dissatisfaction. Since the dream is a frequent occurrence, the narrator is questioning why they repeatedly or regularly let themselves down in this specific manner. This adverb correctly modifies the verb dissatisfy to emphasize the regularity of the action within the context of the narrator's habitual nightmares.

Explanation

The adjective remote is the most appropriate choice to describe the degree of knowledge in this context. It refers to a slight, vague, or superficial acquaintance with a subject. By using remote, the sentence suggests that even a person with a very minimal or limited understanding of the narrator's academic history would be able to see the clear connection between the narrator's nightmares and the reality of their collegiate experience. This choice effectively emphasizes how obvious the narrator's lack of preparation was, as it implies that one does not need intimate or detailed information to recognize the pattern of their "scholastic rigour." Additionally, the word remote creates a subtle thematic link with the subsequent phrase not that far removed, reinforcing the narrative's play on the distance between dream and reality.

Explanation

The phrase regardless of is a standard idiomatic prepositional expression used to indicate that something occurs or is true without being influenced or prevented by the mentioned circumstances. In the context of the sentence, it conveys that despite the specific details of the author's own academic history or level of rigour, the phenomenon of school-related stress dreams is a widespread experience shared by many people. The word regardless is uniquely compatible with the preposition of in this grammatical structure to introduce the concessive clause.

Explanation

The idiom to bring to light means to make something known or to reveal information that was previously hidden or secret. It is commonly used when facts, evidence, or truths are uncovered and made public, effectively disclosing them to others for examination or awareness.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard Subject + Verb + Complement structure in English grammar. R (my son) acts as the noun phrase subject, followed by the linking verb and negation Q (is not) to establish the state of the subject. The adjective phrase P (willing to go) serves as the subject complement, and S (camping) completes the verbal phrase "go camping" as the activity being referenced. Arranging these parts in the order RQPS forms the grammatically sound and logical sentence: My son is not willing to go camping.

Explanation

The word heal is a verb that means to make sound or whole, or to restore to health from a wound or injury. In the context of the sentence, an ointment is a medicinal cream applied to the skin to promote recovery. Therefore, heal is the correct homophone because it describes the process of a wound mending and returning to a healthy state.

Explanation

The word attack refers to the act of taking aggressive action against someone or something, whereas defence refers to the act of resisting or protecting against an attack. Therefore, defence is the most appropriate antonym among the given options.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a chronological and thematic progression regarding the evolution of advertising. Sentence C establishes the introductory context by defining what advertising was initially intended for, which was simply making people aware of products. Sentence A directly elaborates on this initial stage by describing the simple method of announcing goods or services. Sentence B then introduces a temporal shift, using the phrase over the years to explain how the industry evolved from basic information-sharing to the complex task of persuading and influencing. Sentence D serves as the concluding observation, offering a modern and critical perspective on the persuasive power mentioned in the preceding sentence.

Explanation

The word judiciously is an adverb that means acting with good judgment, prudence, and careful thought. It describes a process where actions are planned sensibly and logically. The word irrational refers to something that is not based on reason or logic and lacks sound judgment. Since judicious behavior is characterized by the application of reason and wisdom, acting in an irrational manner represents the direct conceptual opposite. Therefore, irrational is the most suitable antonym for the underlined word in the context of planning actions for war.

Explanation

The word force in this context refers to the organized military branches of a nation, which should be used in the plural form as forces. The sentence uses the plural verb are and the plural possessive pronoun their, which necessitates a plural subject to maintain proper subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement. Therefore, the subject should be Indian forces instead of Indian force.

Explanation

The idiom to pull a long face means to have an unhappy or disappointed expression. It describes the physical drooping of the mouth and facial features that occurs when a person is feeling sorrowful, disgruntled, or dissatisfied. In the sentence provided, Rina exhibits this expression because she is unhappy about not receiving the expected anniversary gift, thereby looking saddened by the situation.

Explanation

The noun repugnance signifies a strong feeling of disgust or intense aversion. It originates from the Latin verb repugnare, which means to fight back or oppose, formed by the prefix re- and the base pugnare. The correct spelling follows the standard formation using the suffix -ance to indicate a quality or state. It is used to express a visceral sense of loathing or extreme distaste toward something considered offensive or unacceptable, such as undercooked food.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the present continuous tense, which follows the structure Subject + am/is/are + V1 + ing + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the standard grammatical rule is Object + am/is/are + being + V3 (past participle) + by + Subject. In this case, a new hospital is the singular object, which requires the auxiliary verb is followed by being and the past participle form of the verb build, which is built. Consequently, the passive construction is a new hospital is being built in the city by them.

Explanation

The sentence correctly utilizes a cleft construction, a grammatical structure used to place emphasis on a specific noun phrase. In a cleft sentence, "it" serves as a dummy subject and is always followed by a singular form of the verb "to be" (in this case, "is"), regardless of whether the noun phrase being emphasized is singular or plural. Thus, "it is the largest creatures" is the correct way to highlight that specific category within the sentence. The use of the definite article "the" combined with the superlative "largest" correctly identifies the group possessing the highest degree of the trait described. This structure effectively focuses the statement on the belief that size is the determining factor in the struggle for survival.

Explanation

The term forgery refers to the illegal act of falsifying or producing a copy of a document, signature, or banknote with the intent to deceive. Since the sentence discusses the difficulty of detecting techniques used to create fraudulent documents, forgery is the most accurate and contextually appropriate substitution for the phrase counterfeiting of document. It specifically identifies the crime of altering or creating documents to misrepresent their authenticity, fitting the formal tone of the sentence.