SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The word intense describes something that is characterized by extreme force, degree, or strength. When used to modify a wish or desire, it signifies a deeply felt and strong motivation. The term powerful is the most appropriate substitute in this context as it likewise denotes a great strength or effectiveness of the feeling, capturing the essence of a driving force that keeps one's faculties engaged and active.

Explanation

The idiom at one's wits' end is used to describe a situation where a person is so overwhelmed, frustrated, or worried by a problem that they have exhausted all their ideas and no longer know how to proceed. It signifies reaching the limit of one's mental resources or patience. In the context of the sentence, Fatima is experiencing such extreme difficulty or confusion in choosing a holiday destination that she feels completely stuck and uncertain about her next step.

Explanation

The idiom Penelope's web refers to a task that is perpetually in progress and never completed. This expression originates from Greek mythology, specifically the character Penelope in Homer's Odyssey. During her husband Odysseus's twenty-year absence, Penelope was pressured by suitors to remarry. She sought to delay them by claiming she would choose a suitor once she finished weaving a burial shroud for her father-in-law. She worked on the loom during the day but secretly unraveled the weaving at night. Since she systematically undid her work, the shroud was never finished. In modern usage, the phrase characterizes an endless task that involves continuous effort without ever reaching a final conclusion.

Explanation

Satire is a literary and artistic genre that employs humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human weaknesses, follies, or vices. It is specifically designed to highlight shortcomings in individuals or society, often with the intent of shaming them into improvement or simply highlighting the absurdity of certain behaviors. Unlike a simple joke, satire carries a critical edge and a specific target, making it the most appropriate substitute for humor that describes the weaknesses of another person.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice of the simple present tense, indicated by the auxiliary verb are and the past participle called. To convert a simple present interrogative sentence from passive to active voice, the structure changes from Wh-word + am/is/are + object + V3 + by + subject to Wh-word + do/does + subject + V1 + object. In this case, the passive agent by her becomes the active subject she, which requires the singular auxiliary does. The past participle called reverts to its base form call, and the passive subject you becomes the active object. The adverb repeatedly remains in its position to modify the action, resulting in the construction Why does she call you repeatedly?

Explanation

Autonomy is derived from the Greek words autos meaning self and nomos meaning law, referring to the condition of being self-governing or possessing the freedom to act independently without external control. Dependence is the direct antonym as it signifies a state of being influenced, controlled, or supported by something or someone else, representing the absence of self-rule and the necessity of external reliance.

Explanation

The sentence requires a verb in the simple present tense that agrees with the singular subject the creature. In English grammar, third-person singular subjects require the verb to end in -s or -es. The word leaps is the only option that follows this grammatical rule. Contextually, it accurately describes the sudden, forceful jump or spring into the air that the flying squirrel performs to begin its movement between trees.

Explanation

The term glide refers to the smooth, continuous movement of an organism or object through the air without the use of active propulsion or flapping wings. In flying squirrels, the patagium is a specialized membrane that stretches between the limbs to catch air and create lift. This allows the squirrel to perform a controlled descent from a higher point to a lower point. Unlike powered flight, this motion relies on gravity and air resistance, making glide the most technically and contextually appropriate term for a squirrel moving swiftly downwards using its interlinked membrane.

Explanation

The word impression refers to an idea, feeling, or opinion about something, often based on outward appearance rather than reality. In the context of the passage, the squirrel is not actually flying but rather gliding through the air using its membrane. Because its movement mimics the appearance of true flight, it creates a deceptive visual effect for the observer. The fixed phrase gives the impression of is used to describe something that looks like or suggests a particular state or action, which perfectly matches the contrast provided in the following sentence where the author clarifies that the creature is not truly flying.

Explanation

The sentence describes the physical movement of the flying squirrel as it travels from a higher point to a lower point. In this context, the term motion refers to the action or process of moving through space. Since the passage clarifies that the squirrel is not actually flying but rather moving through the air using its membrane, the word motion correctly identifies the squirrel's physical displacement and state of travel during its descent.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the word adopt is used to mean taking on or assuming a specific course of movement. The sentence explains that once the flying squirrel has launched into the air, its trajectory is largely determined by its initial leap and the physical properties of its membrane. Unlike birds or insects with powered flight, the squirrel lacks the ability to adopt a new direction or significantly alter its path mid-glide. The term fits the grammatical requirement for a base-form verb following the modal cannot and conveys the intended meaning of choosing or taking up a different line of travel while in flying mode.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical subject-verb-complement structure. Part R introduces the main subject, the advantage of travelling different places, and uses the conjunction and to link to part P, which adds another gerund phrase, having the opportunity of observing people's. The possessive noun people's in part P directly modifies the nouns culture, custom and lifestyle found in part S. Part S then provides the linking verb is followed by the conjunction that, which introduces the subordinate clause in part Q, we respect and appreciate their point of views, to complete the meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The word mischievous is commonly misspelled by adding an extra i after the letter v. The correct spelling is m-i-s-c-h-i-e-v-o-u-s. This error often stems from a non-standard pronunciation that adds an extra syllable, turning the three-syllable word mis-chie-vous into a four-syllable word. In standard English, the suffix used is -ous, not -ious, making the spelling with an i after the v incorrect.

Explanation

The word taut describes something that is stretched or pulled to its full extent, leaving no room for looseness or sagging. It is commonly used to refer to ropes, cables, or fabrics under tension, as well as firm muscles or a strained facial expression. Tight is a direct synonym because it also characterizes objects or surfaces that are drawn firm and are not loose or limp, capturing the same essence of tension and firmness.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice of the Future Simple tense, which follows the structure: Subject + will + be + past participle (V3) + by + Agent. To convert this to the active voice, the agent (the people) becomes the subject of the sentence. The verb form transitions from "will be made" to "will make" (will + base form), and the pronoun "he" shifts to its objective form "him". Consequently, the active voice construction follows the pattern: Subject + will + base form (V1) + Object, resulting in "The people will make him President."

Explanation

The idiom five-finger discount is a slang expression used to describe the act of shoplifting or stealing merchandise from a retail establishment. The phrase uses the imagery of the five fingers on a person's hand being used to take an item, while the word discount sarcastically suggests that the thief is receiving a reduction in price to the point of paying nothing. It is a common informal term for petty theft where an individual pockets or hides goods and leaves the shop without payment.

Explanation

The error lies in the subject-verb agreement within the phrase I are dancing. In English grammar, the first-person singular pronoun I must be followed by the auxiliary verb am when forming the present continuous tense. The auxiliary verb are is reserved for second-person singular and plural subjects such as you, we, and they. Therefore, the correct grammatical construction for the sentence is I am dancing with my husband at my sister's wedding.

Explanation

The sentence compares two specific entities: the tea at one café and the tea at the Costa Café. In English grammar, when a comparison is made between two things, the comparative degree of an adjective must be used in conjunction with the word than. The word best is the superlative degree of the adjective good and is reserved for comparing three or more items. For a comparison involving exactly two items, the comparative form better is required. Consequently, the phrase is best than is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with is better than.

Explanation

Miserable refers to a state of being wretchedly unhappy, uncomfortable, or in a condition of great distress and gloom. It describes an intense feeling of sadness or poor quality that causes dissatisfaction. The word cheerful is its direct antonym as it describes a person or environment that is noticeably happy, optimistic, and full of joy. While miserable denotes a lack of spirit and a sense of misery, cheerful represents a bright and positive disposition, effectively serving as the emotional opposite.

Explanation

The conjunction lest is used to express fear of a negative outcome and means for fear that or to avoid the risk of. In English grammar, lest is always followed by the auxiliary verb should or the base form of the verb in the subjunctive mood. Furthermore, because lest is inherently negative in its meaning, it must never be followed by the word not. Using not after lest would result in a double negative or reverse the intended meaning of the sentence. Therefore, the phrase lest he should be weak correctly conveys that Rohan exercised and ate to prevent the possibility of being weak.

Explanation

The word annoyance denotes a feeling of irritation, impatience, or slight anger. In contrast, serenity describes a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. While annoyance implies a disturbance of the mind or emotions, serenity represents a complete absence of such mental agitation, making it the most appropriate antonym in the context of emotional disposition.

Explanation

The word perennial is used to describe something that exists or continues for a long time, or specifically in geography, a river that flows continuously throughout the year. Since the Ganga is fed by both melting glaciers in the summer and monsoon rains, it maintains a constant flow of water regardless of the season, making it a perennial river. This term directly corresponds to the phrase round the year used in the sentence to describe the river's water levels.

Explanation

The idiom on cloud nine describes a state of extreme happiness, elation, or euphoria. It is used to convey that someone is feeling exceptionally joyful or blissful, often as a result of a great success or a very positive experience. The phrase likely originates from meteorology, where cumulonimbus clouds, which are the highest and grandest of all clouds, were classified as cloud number nine in early 20th-century systems, symbolizing being at the highest possible point of delight.

Explanation

The word parallelism is correctly spelled with a double l in the middle and a single l before the suffix. It is derived from the root word parallel, which comes from the Greek words para, meaning alongside, and allelon, meaning one another. In English orthography, parallel maintains the double l following the second a and ends with a single l. Adding the suffix -ism, used to form nouns describing a state, quality, or doctrine, results in the spelling p-a-r-a-l-l-e-l-i-s-m. This term is used to describe the state of being parallel or a correspondence in character or development between different ideas or events.

Explanation

Confiscate means to take or seize someone's property with authority, usually as a penalty or for legal purposes. To seize means to take possession of something by warrant or legal right. Both terms describe the act of an authority taking control of property, making them synonyms in legal and general contexts.

Explanation

The sentence structure follows a logical sequence starting with part B, which introduces the subject's possession of a driving license. Part D provides a necessary contrast using the conjunction but to mention the lack of actual experience. Part A introduces the consequence of this lack of experience with the connector so, expressing a lack of confidence. Part C completes the prepositional phrase started in part A, as the adjective sure is followed by the preposition of to specify what the subject is unsure about. The completed meaningful sentence is: I have a driving license but no real driving experience so I am not very sure of myself reaching home safely.

Explanation

The word commercial is the correct spelling, derived from the noun commerce. It functions as an adjective describing something concerned with or engaged in commerce, particularly the large-scale production of goods or services for sale. In this context, Calder Hall, which opened in 1956 in Cumbria, England, is historically significant as the world's first nuclear power station to deliver electricity in significant quantities to a national grid for public and industrial consumption. The spelling follows standard English phonetic rules where the root commer- is paired with the suffix -cial, a common ending for adjectives indicating a relationship to a particular subject.

Explanation

The sentence is an interrogative sentence beginning with the modal auxiliary verb Can. To convert a modal interrogative from active to passive voice, the structure follows the pattern: Modal + Subject (the original object) + be + Past Participle (V3) + by + Agent (the original subject). In this case, the object an inspiring poem moves to the subject position, the verb compose changes to be composed, and the subject you becomes the agent following the preposition by. This maintains the question format while shifting the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action.

Explanation

Pugnacious is derived from the Latin word pugnare, meaning to fight, and describes an individual who is eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. It characterizes a combative or aggressive nature. The term waspish refers to someone who is readily irritated, sharp-tongued, or snappish, which aligns with the irritable and confrontational temperament associated with being pugnacious. Both words convey a disposition prone to hostility or quick-tempered outbursts.

Explanation

The word condone means to accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong or offensive to continue, effectively disregarding or overlooking the transgression. To pardon means to forgive a person or excuse a mistake or offense. Both terms involve the act of treating a violation as if it had not been committed or choosing not to impose a punishment for it. In legal and social contexts, condoning an action is synonymous with granting a pardon or showing leniency toward a specific behavior.

Explanation

The word tendency refers to an inclination, leaning, or natural predisposition toward a particular characteristic, behavior, or condition. Proneness is its most appropriate synonym because it describes the state of being likely or liable to experience or do something, indicating a similar natural inclination or susceptibility. Both terms are used to denote a predisposition that makes a specific outcome or action more probable for an individual or within a system.

Explanation

The sentence is in the past continuous tense (was not teaching). To convert a sentence from active to passive voice in the past continuous tense, the structure follows the formula: [Subject] + [was/were] + [not] + [being] + [past participle (V3) of the main verb] + [by] + [Agent]. In this case, the object of the active sentence "the student" becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The auxiliary verb "was" is retained for the singular subject, followed by "being" to indicate the continuous nature and the past participle "taught" of the verb "teach." Thus, "The tutor was not teaching the student" becomes "The student was not being taught by the tutor."

Explanation

The idiom a bitter pill, often extended to a bitter pill to swallow, refers to a fact or situation that is unpleasant, humiliating, or difficult to accept but must be endured. It metaphorically compares a distressing reality to medicinal pills that have a repulsive taste yet are necessary to consume. The expression highlights the emotional or psychological difficulty of facing an unavoidable and painful circumstance.

Explanation

The word bankrupt describes an individual or entity that is legally declared unable to pay their debts. In the given sentence, the word incapable signifies a lack of ability or capacity to fulfill these financial obligations. The most appropriate substitute is incompetent, which refers to a lack of the necessary power, skill, or capacity to perform a specific function or manage one's affairs. In formal and legal contexts, incompetent can be used to describe someone who is unfit or lacks the legal capacity to satisfy a particular requirement, such as the repayment of a debt. Thus, it serves as a suitable synonym for the state of being unable or incapable in this context.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical grammatical progression beginning with part P, which contains the subject and verb: dreams provide an escape. This is immediately followed by part R, a prepositional phrase that clarifies where the escape leads: into a world. Part O then acts as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun world to specify its nature: of endless possibilities. Finally, part Q is a relative clause that provides additional descriptive context about that specific environment: where reality is suspended. The complete sequence PROQ creates a coherent statement where each modifying phrase is placed directly after the element it describes.

Explanation

The word edible refers to something that is fit or safe to be eaten. In the context of the provided choices, nutritive is the most appropriate meaning because it describes substances that provide nourishment and are suitable for consumption. While edible specifically denotes the physical possibility or safety of ingestion, nutritive highlights the quality of providing sustenance, which is the primary purpose of consuming edible items.

Explanation

The error lies in the usage of the word principals. In the context of the sentence, which refers to moral rules, fundamental truths, or beliefs that a person follows and preaches, the correct word is principles. While principal refers to the head of an organization or a primary sum of money, principle denotes a rule of conduct or a basic doctrine. Therefore, the segment he lived by the same principals should correctly use the plural noun principles to reflect the intended meaning of moral standards.

Explanation

The word dogmatic refers to the quality of being inclined to lay down principles or beliefs as undeniably true, often in an arrogant or inflexible manner. A dogmatic person is typically narrow-minded and unwilling to consider alternative perspectives or evidence that contradicts their views. Conversely, the word liberal describes a mindset that is open-minded, tolerant, and willing to respect or accept different opinions and behaviors. This quality of being receptive to diverse ideas and flexible in one's thinking serves as the direct antonym to the rigid and uncompromising nature of dogmatism.

Explanation

Kilter refers to a state of proper functioning, alignment, or balance. It is most commonly used in the idiomatic expression out of kilter to describe something that is malfunctioning or misaligned, or in kilter to describe something in good working condition. The word itself signifies a state of being well-adjusted or in a systematic arrangement, making it synonymous with a state where everything is in its correct place and performing as expected.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a past tense context with the verb were in the opening segment. According to the rules of tense consistency, subsequent actions in the same sequence of events should remain in the past tense. The use of will is grammatically incorrect here because it is a future tense modal and it lacks a required base form verb such as be. To align with the established timeframe and complete the predicate, the segment should use the past tense verb was, resulting in there was a heavy downpour.

Explanation

The verb seek is an irregular verb that forms its past tense and past participle as sought. In the sentence provided, the bracketed word needs to be replaced with a finite verb form to function as the predicate for the singular subject He. The simple past tense sought correctly indicates a completed action in the past, where the subject looked for or searched for the wallet in his pocket.

Explanation

The sentence refers to the singular subject the evil shadow of Covid-19, which requires a singular verb. The context of the passage describes the previous three years and the conditions during the pandemic lockdowns, indicating a past state of affairs. Consequently, the past continuous tense is required to describe an action that was ongoing in that specific past period. The auxiliary verb was correctly agrees with the singular noun shadow and maintains the chronological flow of the narrative.

Explanation

The sentence describes the morbid atmosphere created by the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically referencing the negative occurrences that led to a zone of gloom. In the context of a global health crisis, death and disease are naturally paired as the primary causes of public distress and sorrow. The term disease directly relates to the pathological nature of the coronavirus, completing the description of the twin burdens of mortality and illness that characterized the period of lockdowns and medical emergency.

Explanation

In this context, the verb shed is used to mean casting off or getting rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed. The passage describes how the current Diwali season helps people move past the grief and gloom of the pandemic years. By lighting the candle of hope, the festival enables people to cast away or shed their collective sorrows. The use of the present perfect tense has shed is appropriate here as it refers to an action that has happened in the recent past or continues to have an effect in the present festive season.

Explanation

The passage focuses on the transition from the gloom of the Covid-19 pandemic to the hope and celebration of Diwali. In the concluding sentence, the author calls for a gesture of respect and appreciation toward those who played a vital role in saving lives and spreading positive thoughts during the crisis. The term salute is the most suitable choice as it means to express great admiration or honor for someone's actions or achievements. This fits the positive and grateful tone of the text, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the selfless service and contributions made by individuals to society during a challenging period.

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the sentence refers to the positive actions taken by individuals to counter the gloom and sorrow caused by the pandemic. The word spreading means to distribute or disseminate something over a wide area or among many people. When paired with good thoughts, it describes the act of sharing positivity, hope, and encouragement, which aligns with the overall theme of lighting the candle of hope and celebrating the end of a difficult period.

Explanation

In the context of urban planning and land use, an area specifically containing a high concentration of factories and manufacturing plants is referred to as an industrial area. The term industrial is the precise adjective used to describe things related to industry or the large-scale production of goods in factories. Substituting industrial for operative provides the most accurate and standard colocation for describing a zone dedicated to manufacturing activities within a city.

Explanation

Recapitulated means to summarize and state again the main points of something. In the context of preparing a presentation for a meeting, a lengthy or elaborate syllabus must be condensed into its essential elements to provide a brief overview, which is the primary function of both summarizing and recapitulating information.

Explanation

The spelling of the word received follows the fundamental English orthographic rule: i before e except after c, specifically when the vowels produce a long e sound. In the word receive, the letter c is immediately followed by the vowel pair, requiring the e to come before the i. Consequently, the correct spelling is r-e-c-e-i-v-e-d.

Explanation

The term inaccessible is used to describe something that is impossible to reach, enter, or approach. In the context of the sentence, the phrase that they can't be reached refers to the status of the question papers stored within the school lockers, making inaccessible the precise one-word substitute. It is derived from the prefix in- meaning not and accessible, which refers to the ability to be reached or obtained.