SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The term luggage is an uncountable noun in English grammar. Uncountable nouns represent substances, concepts, or collective masses that cannot be divided into discrete units and therefore do not have a plural form. Consequently, adding the suffix -s to create luggages is grammatically incorrect. Even when referring to multiple bags or suitcases, the word remains luggage. If a speaker needs to specify a quantity, a count noun phrase such as pieces of luggage must be used instead. Other common examples of uncountable nouns that follow this same rule and never take a plural -s include furniture, information, equipment, and advice.

Explanation

A hangar is a large, specialized building or enclosed structure designed to house, store, and maintain aircraft. These facilities provide a controlled environment to protect aeroplanes from weather conditions, sunlight, and external damage, while also offering the necessary space and equipment for engineers to perform technical inspections and repairs.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Past tense, following the structure Subject + V₂ + Object. When converting a sentence from active to passive voice in the Simple Past tense, the grammatical rule requires the structure: Object + was/were + V₃ (past participle) + by + Subject. In this sentence, the cake is a singular object, so the auxiliary verb was is used. The past participle of bake is baked. Applying this formula leads to the correct passive construction: The cake was baked by the baker.

Explanation

The word jibe means to be in agreement or to be in accord with something. Its most appropriate antonym is contradict, which means to assert the opposite or to be in conflict with a statement or idea. While the term can also refer to a mocking remark or taunt, it is frequently evaluated in linguistic and logical contexts based on its primary definition regarding harmony and consistency. In such cases, jibing indicates that pieces of information or remarks are consistent with each other, whereas contradicting indicates that they are mutually exclusive or opposing.

Explanation

An oligarchy is a system of government where power is held by a small, elite group of individuals or families. The term is derived from the Greek words oligos, meaning few, and arkhein, meaning to rule. In the context of ancient Athens, several periods of history involved the suspension of democratic processes in favor of rule by limited committees or councils that governed in their own interests. Because the underlined segment describes a powerful small group exercising control without regard for the general population, the word oligarchy is the precise political term that encapsulates this specific form of minority rule.

Explanation

The word accurately is the correct adverbial form required to modify the verb remember in this sentence. It is formed by adding the suffix ly to the adjective accurate, which means precise or exact. The spelling follows the standard pattern of retaining the silent e from the root word before adding the suffix. In this context, it describes the precise manner in which someone fails to recall a name, signifying a lack of exactness or correctness in memory.

Explanation

The word accommodate is correctly spelled with a double c and a double m. This spelling is derived from the Latin accommodare, which combines the prefix ad- meaning to and commodare meaning to make fit. In English orthography, maintaining both sets of double consonants is the standard requirement for this verb, which signifies providing lodging or adjusting to someone's needs. Common spelling errors often involve the omission of one of these double letters, but the form provided in the correct option adheres to the accepted rules of the language.

Explanation

Dissipate means to scatter, disperse, or to squander and fritter away money, energy, or resources. In a financial context, it refers to the act of wasting wealth or resources through extravagant or foolish consumption. Therefore, spend is the most appropriate synonym as it captures the sense of using up or exhausting a supply of money or assets.

Explanation

The sentence is in the passive voice because the subject, the consignment, is the recipient of the action rather than the doer. It follows the grammatical structure of Subject + form of the verb to be + past participle. Specifically, was delivered uses the past tense of to be followed by the past participle of the main verb deliver. In this construction, the emphasis is placed on the action and the object affected by it, while the agent who performed the delivery is not explicitly mentioned.

Explanation

The idiom a jaundiced eye means to look at something with prejudice, cynicism, or a negative bias, typically resulting from past bad experiences or bitterness. It originates from the outdated belief that people suffering from jaundice, which yellows the eyes, saw the world through a distorted or yellowed lens. In the context of the sentence, the budget is met with resentment, implying a hostile or ill-disposed perspective that predisposes the observer to find fault and view the proposal with deep-seated skepticism.

Explanation

To dodge means to evade or escape from someone or something through a sudden movement or a clever tactic, often to stay clear of a physical object or a difficult situation. This aligns directly with the meaning of avoid, which involves staying away from a person, place, or situation or taking steps to prevent something from happening. Both terms are used to describe the act of shunning or bypassing an encounter or responsibility.

Explanation

The word ostentatious refers to behavior or actions characterized by a pretentious, showy, or flamboyant display designed to impress others or attract notice. In contrast, the word restrained describes behavior that is characterized by reserve, moderation, or self-control, often involving the avoidance of excess or public display. Since ostentatious implies an outward and excessive demonstration, restrained serves as its most appropriate antonym by representing a state of being held back or subtle.

Explanation

The word relevant refers to something that is closely connected, pertinent, or appropriate to the matter at hand. In the context of a discussion, relevant remarks are those that are applicable and suitable for the topic being addressed. The word inappropriate serves as the most fitting antonym because it describes something that is not suitable, proper, or pertinent to the specific circumstances or context, directly opposing the quality of being relevant.

Explanation

The sentence requires the Future Perfect Tense because it describes an action that will be finished or completed by a specific point in the future, indicated by the phrase by next December. The grammatical structure for the Future Perfect Tense is Subject + will have + past participle (V3). In this case, the subject I is followed by the auxiliary verbs will have and the past participle completed to show that the six-year duration will be over at the specified future date.

Explanation

The adjective addicted is part of a fixed prepositional collocation where it must be followed by the preposition to. This construction is used to express a physical or psychological dependency on a substance, habit, or activity. In English grammar, when an adjective or verb is linked to a specific preposition by convention, substituting it with other prepositions results in an ungrammatical phrase. Therefore, the phrase addicted to social media is the only idiomatically correct way to describe the subject's dependency.

Explanation

The word lethargic describes a state of being sluggish, drowsy, or lacking in energy and vitality. It is often used to characterize a person or system that is slow to move or react. In direct contrast, the word active refers to a state of being characterized by physical energy, movement, and industriousness. Since lethargic implies a lack of motion or spirit, active serves as the most appropriate antonym by representing the presence of vigorous activity and engagement.

Explanation

Dusk refers to the period of partial darkness between day and night that occurs immediately after the sun sets. It represents the final stage of twilight when the sky begins to darken significantly before reaching total night. This transition phase is specifically characterized by the diminishing light that remains in the sky after the sun has dipped below the horizon, perfectly matching the description of the time when it is almost dark following sunset.

Explanation

The term credulous describes a person who shows a great readiness to believe things without proper evidence or critical evaluation. In the given sentence, the investors are described as believing every word the analysts said, which demonstrates a naive or overly trusting nature. Credulous specifically identifies an individual who is easily deceived or too willing to trust, making it the logically consistent choice for the context provided.

Explanation

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a statistical tool used to evaluate and rank countries based on their social and economic development. In this context, the term assessment refers to a summary evaluation or appraisal of accomplishments across various dimensions. Because the index measures and quantifies performance in health, education, and income to provide a final score, it serves as a systematic method of measuring the quality and progress of human life.

Explanation

The sentence identifies specific components that constitute the assessment of human development mentioned in the preceding text. The word including is used as a preposition to introduce the list of elements—living a long and healthy life, being informed, and having a good quality of living—that are part of the Human Development Index (HDI). It correctly establishes that these dimensions are contained within or form part of the broader summary assessment described.

Explanation

The passage discusses the Human Development Index (HDI), which is a statistical tool used to measure a country's overall achievement in its social and economic dimensions. In statistics and economics, an index is a numerical scale used to compare variables. The HDI is calculated as the geometric mean of the normalized indices for each of its three dimensions: life expectancy (health), education, and GNI per capita (standard of living). Since the blank refers to the multiple normalized measures being averaged, the plural term indices is the most appropriate choice.

Explanation

The passage describes the methodology used to calculate the Human Development Index (HDI). In the sentence containing blank 4, a parallel structure is established: "The health component is (4) ______ by life expectancy at birth, while the education dimension is measured by the average number of years of schooling...". The use of "measured" in the second part of the sentence to describe the quantification of the education dimension dictates that the same verb should be used for the health component. Therefore, "measured" is the only logically and grammatically consistent choice to indicate that life expectancy is the specific metric used to evaluate the health dimension.

Explanation

The word timid characterizes an individual who lacks courage or confidence and is easily intimidated or frightened. In contrast, daring describes someone who is adventurous, audaciously bold, and willing to take risks. Because daring represents the presence of bravery and the willingness to face challenges that a timid person would avoid, it serves as the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The idiom on the ball originates from sports where a player must remain alert and focused on the movement of the ball to respond effectively. In general usage, it describes someone who is alert, well-informed, and competent. It signifies that a person is fully aware of current developments or changes in a situation and possesses the readiness to react to them promptly and efficiently.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the present perfect continuous tense "have been living" is used to describe an action that began in the past and is still continuing. When the word "since" is used as a conjunction to mark the specific starting point of such an action, the clause following "since" must be in the simple past tense. Since birth is a completed event that occurred at a specific point in the past, the correct grammatical construction is "since I was born."

Explanation

A florist is a professional who specializes in the retail sale, commercial trade, and artistic arrangement of flowers. This role involves sourcing fresh blossoms, maintaining their quality, and using design techniques to create bouquets, wreaths, and other floral displays for specific events or customers. Unlike those who focus on the scientific study or large-scale cultivation of plants, a florist is primarily concerned with the aesthetic and commercial aspects of cut flowers.

Explanation

The sentence describes a sequence of completed actions in the past, established by the initial clause after the concert was over and the subsequent verbs had and talked. To maintain grammatical parallelism and tense consistency throughout the narrative, every verb in the sequence must be in the past tense. The use of the present tense verb go is a tense shift error; it should be replaced with the simple past tense form went to match the temporal frame of the other events described in the sentence.

Explanation

Avariciousness denotes an extreme greed for wealth or material gain, focusing on the selfish accumulation of resources. Generosity is the direct antonym, as it represents the quality of being kind, unselfish, and willing to give or share one's possessions and wealth with others.

Explanation

The active voice sentence follows the Present Perfect tense structure: Subject + has/have + past participle (V₃) + Object. In this case, "He" is the subject, "has written" is the verb, and "a best-selling novel" is the object. When converting a Present Perfect sentence into passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the new subject, and the verb structure changes to has/have + been + past participle (V₃). Because "A best-selling novel" is a singular noun, it is followed by "has been written". The original subject "He" is changed to its objective form "him" and introduced by the preposition "by", resulting in the passive construction: A best-selling novel has been written by him.

Explanation

The term clique refers to a small, exclusive group of people who associate frequently and share similar interests, but are notably characterized by their tendency to be exclusionary and unwelcoming toward those outside their circle. This social dynamic is defined by the group maintaining a distinct boundary that prevents others from joining or being accepted into their private set.

Explanation

The sentence follows the standard English syntax of Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Negative + Main Verb + Object + Time Expression. Part Q (I have) provides the subject and the auxiliary verb required for the present perfect tense. Part S (not seen) contains the negation and the past participle of the main verb. Part P (her face) serves as the direct object receiving the action of the verb. Finally, part R (for a year) acts as a prepositional phrase indicating duration, which typically completes the predicate. Combining these in the order Q-S-P-R results in the grammatically correct and meaningful sentence: I have not seen her face for a year.

Explanation

The word barren refers to something that is empty, unproductive, or devoid of content or life. Its antonym in the provided sentence is congested, which describes a state of being overcrowded, blocked, or excessively full, particularly in the context of traffic on a road. While barren implies a lack of presence or activity, congested implies an overwhelming abundance or density that hinders movement.

Explanation

A pride of lions is a social unit that consists of several generations of related females, their cubs, and a small coalition of adult males. This specific terminology and social organization align with the description in the sentence, as the term cubs is used specifically to denote the young of certain carnivorous mammals like lions, and the pride structure is unique among large felids for including a group of related adult females living together with a few resident males.

Explanation

The idiom a rainy day refers to a future period of financial hardship or an unexpected emergency when money will be needed. It is commonly used in the context of saving resources or funds to ensure security during unforeseen circumstances or times of trouble.

Explanation

The term atheist is derived from the Greek word atheos, which is composed of the prefix a- meaning without and the root word theos meaning god. It is the standard one-word substitution for an individual who does not believe in the existence of God or any supreme deity. This designation is applied to those who either reject theistic claims or lack a belief in gods due to philosophical, scientific, or personal reasons.

Explanation

The word cavity refers to a hollow space or an empty area within a solid object. In the context of a mountain, a cavity describes a natural opening or a hollowed-out section, such as a cave. The word hole is the most appropriate substitute as it specifically denotes an opening, a hollow place, or a void in a solid surface or body, accurately reflecting the intended meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The narrative follows a logical chronological sequence of actions starting from the arrival at a destination. Sentence B sets the scene by describing the arrival of the taxi. Sentence C immediately follows B, showing the character exiting the vehicle and rushing up the stairs to reach the specific floor. Sentence A describes the state of the door the character finds upon reaching the flat. Finally, sentence D completes the action, as the pronoun it in sentence D refers back to the door mentioned in sentence A, describing the character entering the flat and being greeted.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb wrote. To convert a sentence from active voice to passive voice in the simple past tense, the structure follows the formula: Object + was/were + past participle (V3) + by + Subject. Applying this rule, the object an inspiring speech becomes the subject, followed by the auxiliary verb was because the subject is singular, the past participle written, and the agent by him. The phrase for the event remains in its relative position to maintain the context of the sentence.

Explanation

In English grammar, the adverb else is idiomatically followed by the conjunction but when used to indicate an exception or to mean other than. Therefore, the phrase nothing else requires but to connect it to the following noun phrase your pride. Furthermore, the relative clause modifies the noun pride, which is a singular uncountable noun. According to the rules of subject-verb agreement, a singular antecedent must be followed by a singular verb in the relative clause. Consequently, the singular form makes is required to agree with pride. The resulting structure nothing else but your pride which makes fulfills both the idiomatic requirement and the grammatical rule for verb agreement.

Explanation

The word descendant refers to an individual who is descended from a particular ancestor or lineage. Etymologically, it is derived from the Latin verb descendere, where de- means down and scandere means to climb. In English spelling, the noun form of this term consistently uses the suffix -ant, signifying a person who exists in a specific state or follows a certain line. Therefore, descendant is the orthographically correct version required to complete the sentence accurately.

Explanation

In the given sentence, conflict refers to a state of disagreement or opposition between ideas, interests, or people. The word clash specifically denotes a mismatch or a violent confrontation between opposing elements, often used to describe the interaction of competing personalities or opinions. In the context of egos, a conflict signifies a situation where individuals are in direct opposition due to their pride or self-importance, which is perfectly captured by the term clash.

Explanation

The phrasal verb called around means to telephone several different people or places, usually to get information or find something. In the context of searching for a specific scooter part, Mr. Adhil would need to contact multiple suppliers or shops to see if they had the item in stock. This usage accurately reflects the action of checking various sources to locate a required part.

Explanation

The idiom call a spade a spade means to speak plainly and directly about a subject, even if it is unpleasant or embarrassing. It involves describing something as it really is, without using euphemisms or evasive language to sugarcoat the truth. In the context of the sentence, it implies being honest and straightforward with the audience to avoid any confusion or deception.

Explanation

The word Neccessary is spelled incorrectly because it contains an unnecessary second letter c. The correct spelling is Necessary, which consists of a single c and a double s. This common spelling error often arises from confusion regarding which consonants are doubled; however, the word follows the Latin root necessarius, which maintains the single c and double s structure. A useful mnemonic to remember this spelling is that a shirt needs one Collar (c) and two Sleeves (ss).

Explanation

The phrasal verb come up with means to suggest or think of an idea, plan, or solution. In the context of the sentence, it refers to the necessary action of producing a viable way to resolve a problem. This expression is commonly used in professional and casual English when brainstorming or seeking answers to specific challenges.

Explanation

The word colossal is an adjective derived from the Greek kolossos, which was used to describe statues of gigantic proportions. In English, it signifies something that is extremely large, immense, or enormous in size. The context of the sentence, which states that the building is capable of housing an entire village's population, emphasizes its vast scale and capacity, thereby identifying very huge as the correct definition.

Explanation

A maverick is an independent-minded person who refuses to conform to accepted standards or traditional rules of behavior. Similarly, the term bohemian refers to an individual who leads an unconventional lifestyle, often disregarding social norms and expectations in favor of personal expression and originality. Both words characterize someone who possesses a non-conformist spirit and operates outside the boundaries of established conventions.

Explanation

The sentence uses the conjunction than to compare the movement speed of camels with that of other domestic animals. In English grammar, when the word than is used to facilitate a comparison, the preceding adverb or adjective must be in the comparative degree. The comparative form of the adverb slowly is more slowly. Therefore, the phrase move slowly is grammatically incorrect in this context and requires the addition of more to correctly form the comparative structure.

Explanation

The passage establishes a contrast between the subject's academic performance and his innate talent using the conjunction but. Since the subsequent sentence mentions that he was failing most of his classes in Bogotá, the missing adjective must characterize a student who is not performing well or lacks engagement. The word indifferent describes a student who is unconcerned or lacks interest in their studies. This explains the discrepancy between his high natural aptitude in mathematics and his poor grades in other subjects before he was encouraged to apply to MIT.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes a pivotal moment in Federico Ardila-Mantilla's life where his mathematical talent was recognized despite his poor academic performance in other subjects. The word suggested is the most appropriate fit because it denotes the act of proposing a course of action or offering a recommendation. In this scenario, an individual put forward the idea for him to apply to MIT, an institution he was unfamiliar with at the time. This suggestion acted as a catalyst for his eventual admission and successful career in mathematics. The other options provide meanings that would either discourage the action or are contextually irrelevant to the process of applying to a university.