SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The sentence follows the subject-verb agreement rule where the verb must agree in number with its subject. The subject of the sentence is "Two of the world's best forwards". The head of this noun phrase is the plural numeral "Two", which necessitates a plural verb. Therefore, the singular auxiliary verb "has" is grammatically incorrect in this context and must be replaced with the plural form "have" to correctly read as "have played alongside".

Explanation

The word adequate refers to a state of being satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity for a particular purpose. It implies that something is enough to meet a specific requirement or standard. Sufficient is the direct synonym as it also describes a quantity or quality that is enough to fulfill a need or satisfy a condition. Both terms are used interchangeably to indicate that there is no deficiency in what is being provided for a given task or objective.

Explanation

The word brittle is an adjective used to describe materials that are hard but liable to break, snap, or shatter easily when subjected to even slight stress or pressure. Similarly, the word fragile refers to something that is delicate and easily broken or damaged. In the context of material properties, both terms denote a lack of flexibility and a high susceptibility to structural failure or fragmentation, making them direct synonyms.

Explanation

The word cherish means to protect and care for someone or something lovingly or to hold an idea or hope deeply in one's mind. Nurture is its synonym as it refers to the act of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of something. Both terms describe the process of providing dedicated attention, support, and protection to ensure that a person, relationship, or idea remains healthy and continues to flourish.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject and linking verb (O) attitude is, which requires a following noun phrase to complete the definition. This is provided by (S) a hypothetical postulate. The relative clause initiated by (R) which implies then connects this abstract concept to its observable manifestations. These manifestations are described by the coordinating phrases (Q) a broad-based behaviour and (P) or tendency in individuals. By following the order OSRQP, the sentence logically moves from the subject to its fundamental classification and then to its functional characteristics, resulting in the coherent statement: Attitude is a hypothetical postulate which implies a broad-based behaviour or tendency in individuals.

Explanation

The word material refers to things that have a physical presence, are tangible, and consist of matter. In contrast, abstract refers to ideas, qualities, or concepts that do not have a physical or concrete existence and cannot be touched or seen. Because material denotes the physical realm and abstract denotes the realm of thought and theory, abstract is the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

In the first blank, the sentence requires a verb following the infinitive marker to. Given the context of a rowing instructor, the appropriate choice is row (A) as a verb, which means to propel a boat using oars. The second blank requires a noun to complete the prepositional phrase in a. The word row (C) used as a noun refers to a number of people or things arranged in a straight line. Together, the instruction to row in a row indicates the physical action to be performed and the formation in which the rowers should maintain themselves.

Explanation

The idiom at a low ebb is used to describe a person, situation, or state of affairs that is currently in a state of decline, weakness, or depression. It originates from the behavior of ocean tides, where the ebb tide refers to the period when the water level falls and moves away from the shore to its lowest point. Just as the sea is at its least powerful and most receded state during this time, the expression metaphorically indicates that something is at its lowest level of energy, success, or vitality. For example, a person's morale or a company's financial health might be described as being at a low ebb when they are performing poorly or feeling particularly discouraged.

Explanation

The word Ourselves is a reflexive pronoun, which is grammatically prohibited from serving as the subject of a sentence. In English grammar, a sentence requires a pronoun in the nominative case, such as One or We, to act as the subject. Reflexive pronouns are designed to refer back to a noun or pronoun that has already been mentioned in the same clause and cannot function as the primary actor of the verb on their own. Therefore, using a reflexive pronoun in the subject position without an antecedent constitutes a fundamental structural error.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is "This book", which is a singular third-person noun. In the simple present tense, which is used to state facts about the content of a book, a singular subject requires the singular verb form "gives". Furthermore, the word "information" is an uncountable noun. In English grammar, uncountable nouns are modified by the quantifier "much", whereas "many" is used exclusively with plural countable nouns. Therefore, the combination of the singular verb "gives" and the quantifier "much" correctly completes the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Explanation

The idiom off and on is used to describe an event or activity that happens intermittently or at irregular intervals. It signifies that something is not constant or continuous but occurs occasionally with breaks in between. This sense of periodicity and irregularity is precisely captured by the expression now and then, which denotes actions happening from time to time rather than on a fixed or permanent basis.

Explanation

The logical sequence starts with sentence C, which provides the broad thematic introduction by stating that Saudi Arabia's economy is based on petroleum. Sentence B follows by providing a general statistic about the country's oil and gas infrastructure, mentioning its 100 major fields. Sentence A employs the demonstrative pronoun these to link back to the plural noun fields mentioned in B, emphasizing their role in global fuel production. The sequence concludes with sentence D, which narrows the focus from the general collection of fields to the most prominent example, the Ghawar Field, and its specific reserve capacity.

Explanation

In Sentence 4, the word embarrassed is misspelled as embarassed, as the correct spelling requires a double r (E-M-B-A-R-R-A-S-S-E-D).

Additionally, the word assignment in Sentence 3 is represented in the options as assigment, which is a misspelling due to the omission of the letter n (the correct spelling is A-S-S-I-G-N-M-E-N-T). Option d is the only choice that identifies the misspelled word embarassed. In the context of competitive examinations, this option typically corresponds to the set of words intended to be misspelled in the provided sentences, which include restaurant, believe, assignment, and embarrassed.

Explanation

The correct spelling is flexibility. This noun is formed from the root adjective flexible by adding the suffix -ity to denote a quality or state. The spelling follows standard morphological rules where the letter i is used as the linking vowel between the root and the suffix. In the given sentence, flexibility refers to the capacity of individuals in a relationship to adapt to different circumstances or compromise when necessary.

Explanation

The phrase owing primarily to a rise is the most appropriate substitution because it accurately reflects the formal and causal nature of the sentence. In this context, owing to is a standard prepositional phrase used to indicate the reason for something, serving as a synonymous and more formal alternative to because of. The adverb primarily effectively replaces chiefly to indicate that the increase in disease cases is the main or most important factor among others. Finally, the term rise is the standard and precise vocabulary used to describe an increase in the number or frequency of medical diagnoses and statistical cases.

Explanation

The sentence follows the structure of the simple past tense in active voice, which is Subject + V2 + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the construction changes to Subject + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Object. Since the original object the speech is singular, the auxiliary verb was is used along with the past participle delivered, making the correct passive form the speech was delivered by the teenager.

Explanation

The sentence is in the present perfect tense, which follows the structure: Subject + have/has + past participle (V3) + Object. To convert this into passive voice, the object becomes the subject, and the formula used is: New Subject + has/have + been + V3 + by + Agent. Since the new subject, an apartment, is singular, it requires the auxiliary verb has been followed by the past participle booked. Therefore, the passive construction correctly identifies the singular subject and maintains the present perfect tense.

Explanation

The word immense is defined as something that is extremely large or vast in size, scale, or degree. When used to describe coal piers, it emphasizes their massive proportions and capacity. Huge is a direct synonym of immense as it also refers to something of great size, extent, or amount, making it the most appropriate choice to convey the same meaning within the sentence.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the list consists of the words understanding and protecting, which are present participles ending in -ing. To maintain grammatical parallelism in a series, all items in the list must share the same grammatical form. Therefore, the blank requires the present participle form creating to match the structural pattern of the subsequent words. This ensures that the definition of culture is expressed through a consistent sequence of active processes.

Explanation

The sentence features a compound subject consisting of three distinct gerund phrases: understanding the roots and seeds, taking much care, and providing instructed nourishment. These components are joined by the conjunction and, which necessitates the use of a plural verb to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. Since the passage conveys general facts and analogies in the present tense, the plural present tense verb are is required to link this compound subject to the complement important for good gardening.

Explanation

The noun acquaintance refers to a person's knowledge or experience of something. In English grammar, the preposition with is idiomatically used after acquaintance to indicate the specific subject, person, or field one is familiar with. In the context of the passage, the sentence discusses the relationship between culture and its familiarity or connection to literature and art. Therefore, the phrase acquaintance with literature and art correctly expresses this link, maintaining the semantic and grammatical flow of the text. This usage mirrors the verb form to acquaint with, which consistently requires the same preposition to establish a connection between the subject and the object of knowledge.

Explanation

The sentence describes a general truth or a habitual action, which requires the use of the Simple Present tense. In this grammatical structure, the verb must agree with its subject in number. The subject families is a plural noun, and in the Simple Present tense, plural subjects take the base form of the verb. Therefore, transmit is the correct choice to indicate the process by which families pass culture to younger generations.

Explanation

The context of the passage emphasizes that as family systems weaken, educational institutions must assume the responsibility of promoting cultural values. This implies that the function of a university is broad and multifaceted. Using the phrase should not be restricted indicates that the role of these institutions must extend beyond the mere administrative task of granting degrees to include the vital preservation and transmission of culture.

Explanation

The word obstinate refers to a person who firmly or unduly adheres to their own purpose, opinion, or course of action, often in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion. This quality of being unyielding or headstrong is precisely defined by the synonym stubborn, which characterizes someone who is determined to have their own way and refuses to change their mind or behavior regardless of the situation. Both terms convey a sense of persistent inflexibility and resistance to influence.

Explanation

The idiom left out in the cold is used to describe a situation where someone is excluded from a group, activity, or discussion. It conveys the sense of being neglected, forgotten, or ignored by others, often resulting in a feeling of isolation or being deprived of the benefits and information shared by the rest of the group. This figurative expression suggests that while others are included in the warmth of a social circle or decision-making process, the person in question is left on the outside without support or recognition.

Explanation

The sentence follows a logical subject-verb-complement structure. Part S (online mode of education has) provides the subject and the auxiliary verb for a present perfect construction. Part Q (laid too much stress on) provides the past participle verb and the necessary preposition. Part R (teachers and students) follows as the object of that preposition. Part P (and has also created a wide gap between them) serves as a second predicate joined by the conjunction and, which shares the same subject. The pronoun them in part P correctly refers back to the teachers and students mentioned in part R, completing the coherent thought that the online mode of education has both pressured these individuals and distanced them from one another.

Explanation

The word portable is derived from the Latin verb portare, meaning to carry. In English, it refers to any object that is designed to be easily moved or carried by hand, typically because it is lightweight or compact in size compared to standard versions of the same item.

Explanation

In English grammar, certain adjectives derived from Latin that end in -ior, such as superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior, anterior, and posterior, are followed by the preposition to instead of the conjunction than. Therefore, the phrase superior than him is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with superior to him to properly express a comparison. These specific words maintain their Latin-based construction and do not follow the standard comparative rule of using than.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard structure of an interrogative sentence in English, which typically begins with an auxiliary verb followed by the subject, the main verb, and the object. In this case, part Q (do you) provides the auxiliary verb do and the subject you to initiate the question. This is followed by part O (want), which acts as the main finite verb. The verb want is followed by an infinitive phrase, provided here by part R (to watch). The infinitive then takes a direct object, which is formed by the definite article in part S (the) and the noun phrase in part P (movie tonight). Arranging the parts in the sequence Q-O-R-S-P produces the grammatically correct and meaningful question: Do you want to watch the movie tonight?

Explanation

The sentence is a variation of the well-known English proverb Fortune favours the bold. In this arrangement, Fortune (R) serves as the noun subject of the sentence. It is followed by the verb phrase always favours (P), where always is the frequency adverb modifying the transitive verb. The object of the verb is the noun phrase only the bold (Q and S), where the adjective bold is used as a substantive noun referring to courageous people. The sequence RPQS creates the grammatically logical structure: Fortune always favours only the bold.

Explanation

The sentence follows a standard Subject + Verb + Object/Complement structure. Part D, The world, acts as the subject of the sentence, which is immediately followed by the verb phrase in part B, Is full of, to establish the state of the subject. Part C, People who live, functions as the object of the preposition of and introduces a relative clause describing the type of people. Finally, part A, Only for themselves, provides the necessary adverbial qualification for the verb live, completing the thought. When arranged as DBCA, the parts form the logically and grammatically coherent statement: The world is full of people who live only for themselves.

Explanation

The sentence Mr. Amar refused him admittance is in the simple past tense. When converting a simple past active voice sentence into passive voice, the construction follows the pattern: Object + was/were + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. Here, the direct object admittance is singular, necessitating the auxiliary verb was combined with the past participle refused. The preposition to is used to link the indirect object him in this specific structural transformation.

Explanation

The idiom break the ice refers to the act of initiating a conversation or performing a social gesture to relieve tension or awkwardness in a group setting. It is most commonly used in situations where people are meeting for the first time or where a formal atmosphere prevents comfortable interaction. By breaking the ice, an individual helps others feel more at ease, allowing for more natural and fluid communication to follow. This phrase historically alludes to specialized ships designed to break through frozen sea routes to allow passage for other vessels, symbolizing the opening of a path for social engagement.

Explanation

The adverb too is used to modify adjectives or other adverbs to indicate an excessive degree or a level that is more than desirable. In the sentence, too functions as an intensifier for the adjective hot, conveying that the temperature during the summer was extremely or excessively high. This usage correctly completes the sentence by providing the necessary adverbial qualification for the weather condition described.

Explanation

The word vexed is defined as being irritated, frustrated, or worried, especially regarding persistent or trivial matters. In the context of the sentence, it describes a negative emotional state experienced by mothers. The term annoyed is a direct synonym of vexed, as both words convey a sense of being bothered or feeling a level of displeasure and irritation toward someone or something.

Explanation

The sentence uses the present perfect tense, which follows the grammatical structure of subject + have/has + past participle (V3). The verb sing has three principal forms: sing (base form), sang (past simple), and sung (past participle). In the phrase I have sing, the base form of the verb is used incorrectly after the auxiliary verb have. To be grammatically correct, the past participle sung must be used instead, resulting in the phrase I have sung.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective to modify the noun value. In the original phrase, conclude is a verb, which is grammatically incorrect in this position. The word conclusive is an adjective meaning decisive, final, or providing a definitive result. In this context, it suggests that aesthetic value provides a certain and significant positive worth derived from the world. Substituting the verb with the adjective conclusive ensures grammatical correctness and logical coherence, as it describes the nature of the value being obtained.

Explanation

The word initiates is the correctly spelt third-person singular present form of the verb initiate, which means to cause a process or action to begin. It is derived from the Latin word initium, meaning beginning. In the context of the sentence, it accurately describes the grandmother's role in starting or leading the festival preparations. The standard English spelling consists of the prefix i-n followed by the root i-t-i-a-t-e-s.

Explanation

The word form is the standard term used to categorize specific types of creative expression, such as music, painting, or sculpture, within the broader category of fine arts. This is further supported by the context provided in the subsequent sentence of the passage, which explicitly uses the phrase form of fine art to refer to these disciplines. Thus, music is described as a widely practised form of fine arts.

Explanation

The sentence structure suggests a progression of challenge, where mastering a fine art is the first significant hurdle followed by the even greater challenge of perfecting it. The phrase almost impossible to perfect implies that the preceding blank must describe a task that is arduous or requires substantial effort. Therefore, difficult is the most appropriate choice to describe the process of mastering a fine art, as it aligns with the context of music being a disciplined field that requires systematic and prolonged training.

Explanation

The phrasal verb bring out means to elicit, evoke, or cause a particular quality or feeling to manifest. In the context of the passage, music acts as a powerful stimulus that causes a person's deepest emotions to emerge or become apparent. This usage is idiomatic and accurately describes the transformative and expressive power of music on the human psyche.

Explanation

The coordinating conjunction or is used to connect alternative actions or possibilities within a sentence. In this context, it links the act of listening to music with the additional or alternative behaviors of humming and singing. The sentence describes the various ways individuals respond to the intimacy of music, and or serves to show that people may engage in any of these related activities.

Explanation

The context of the sentence emphasizes that singing is a highly refined art form that demands systematic, prolonged, and strict training to reach an acceptable standard. The word intricate means having many complexly arranged elements or being very detailed in nature. This fits the description of an art form that is difficult to master and impossible to perfect, as established earlier in the passage. Describing singing as an intricate art underscores the depth and sophistication required to perform it at a professional or refined level, aligning with the requirement for rigorous and lengthy study.

Explanation

The word insatiable is derived from the prefix in-, meaning not, and the root word satiable, which comes from the Latin satiare, meaning to fill or satisfy. Therefore, insatiable describes a desire or appetite that is impossible to satisfy or appease. The direct antonym is satisfiable, which describes a need, desire, or appetite that is capable of being fulfilled or contented.

Explanation

The word brilliantly is used to describe an action performed in an extremely bright, radiant, or vivid manner. In the context of a smile, it suggests a high degree of luminosity and intensity. The word dimly serves as the most appropriate antonym because it refers to a lack of light or a faint, subdued quality, representing the direct opposite of brightness and radiance.

Explanation

The word fictitious is the correct spelling for the adjective meaning not real or true, existing only in the imagination. It is formed from the root fiction with the suffix -ious. In the sentence provided, it describes a world that is the opposite of reality, which aligns with the definition of being imaginary or fabricated. The sequence of letters f-i-c-t-i-t-i-o-u-s follows standard English orthographic rules for this term.

Explanation

The word purify means to remove contaminants or impurities from something to make it clean or pure. Its antonym must denote the act of making something dirty or unclean. Pollute means to introduce harmful or poisonous substances into the environment or a substance, rendering it impure or contaminated, which is the direct opposite of the given word.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the present perfect passive voice, indicated by the construction has been followed by the past participle taught. When converting this to the active voice, especially with a duration like for donkey's years, the present perfect continuous tense is used to show that the action started in the past and is still continuing. The agent of the action by him becomes the subject He, and the verb changes to has been teaching to maintain the correct tense and aspect. The object of the passive sentence Trigonometry remains the object in the active sentence. The structure follows the active voice rule for the present perfect continuous: Subject + has/have been + verb-ing + object.

Explanation

The idiom off and on is used to describe an action that happens intermittently or at irregular intervals rather than in a steady or constant manner. It suggests that something occurs from time to time or occasionally. The term periodically is a synonym as it refers to events happening at intervals or from time to time, capturing the sense of an action that is not continuous.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the noun phrase the power of education (R), which serves as the subject. This is logically followed by the main verb empowers (Q), which describes the action the subject performs on the object individuals. The phrase empowers individuals to requires an infinitive verb to complete the thought, which is provided by unlock their potential (P). The coordinating conjunction and in part (O) then connects the second parallel infinitive verb shape to the first verb unlock, completing the logical flow: The power of education empowers individuals to unlock their potential and shape their future.