SSC CHSL Tier 1 2015 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Fatalism is the philosophical belief or attitude that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore inevitable. It involves a passive submission to whatever happens, based on the conviction that human beings are powerless to change the course of future events.

Explanation

The term gullible is used to describe a person who is easily persuaded, deceived, or tricked because they are overly trusting or credulous. Such an individual readily accepts what they are told without demanding proof or expressing skepticism, making them an easy target for deception.

Explanation

The word ephemeral describes something that lasts for a very short time, is fleeting, or is transient in nature. It is derived from the Greek word ephemeros, which means lasting only a day.

Explanation

Etiquette refers to the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. It encompasses the unwritten rules, expectations, and conventions that govern socially acceptable, respectful, and proper interactions. By adhering to these standard guidelines of conduct, individuals facilitate smoother social interactions and show respect for one another within a community.

Explanation

When converting a direct speech question starting with an auxiliary verb like "Do" into indirect speech, the reporting verb "said to" is changed to "asked", and the conjunction "if" or "whether" is used as a connector. The simple present tense "do you definitely need" is converted to the simple past tense "he definitely needed" because the reporting verb is in the past tense. The second-person pronoun "you" changes to "he" to agree with the object of the reporting verb "him". Finally, the time expression "next week" is shifted to "the following week" to reflect the change in perspective.

Explanation

When converting indirect speech into direct speech, a negative infinitive like "not to forget" is transformed back into a negative imperative command in direct quotes, which is "Don't forget". The reporting verb "reminded her" accurately reflects the communicative intent of the original indirect statement "told her not to forget". Thus, the direct speech version is represented by Meera's mother reminding her with the direct command, "Don't forget to buy the milk".

Explanation

The verb observe means to watch or monitor something attentively, especially for scientific or exploratory purposes. In this context, it describes the action of viewing and studying celestial bodies in our solar system using an optical instrument like a telescope. It functions as a transitive verb that directly takes the noun phrase "the bodies" as its object, completing the meaning of the clause accurately and grammatically.

Explanation

The correct word to fill in the blank is heavenly. In English, the term heavenly bodies is a standard astronomical collocation (or fixed phrase) used to refer to celestial objects such as planets, stars, moons, asteroids, and comets that exist in outer space. In this context, heavenly functions as an adjective modifying the noun bodies to describe the physical entities present in our solar system.

Explanation

The preposition through is used when referring to viewing, observing, or looking by means of an optical instrument that has lenses, such as a telescope, microscope, or binoculars. Since a telescope functions as a medium through which light passes to make distant objects visible to the eye, the phrase through a telescope is grammatically correct.

Explanation

The blank is followed by the relative pronoun who, which indicates that the missing word must refer to a group of people. In the context of the passage, these individuals are studying celestial bodies, outer space, galaxies, stars, and black holes. Astronomers are scientists who scientifically study the universe, stars, planets, and other celestial objects, making this the grammatically and contextually appropriate fit for the sentence.

Explanation

The blank (V) follows the modal auxiliary verb can. In English grammar, modal auxiliary verbs are always followed by the bare infinitive, which is the base form of the main verb. The word view is the base form of the verb, making it grammatically correct to complete the verb phrase can view.

Explanation

The blank (VI) requires an adjective to modify the plural noun galaxies. The present participle stunning functions as an adjective meaning extremely impressive or beautiful, which appropriately describes the appearance of distant galaxies observed in deep space.

Explanation

The noun "birth" is used in the idiomatic expression "taking birth", which means coming into existence or being formed. In the context of astronomy, the phrase "stars taking birth" refers to the process of stellar nucleosynthesis and star formation, where new stars are created from molecular clouds. Therefore, "birth" is the contextually and grammatically correct word to complete the phrase.

Explanation

The passage describes the continuous lifecycle of celestial entities observed in outer space. The phrase describes a sequence of cosmic phenomena: stunning galaxies, stars taking birth, and stars dying. The present participle form dying is grammatically parallel to taking birth, accurately describing the active process of stellar evolution where massive stars collapse at the end of their lifespans to become black holes.

Explanation

The preposition into is used to indicate movement or direction toward the inside of something, which perfectly matches the context of peering deep within a three-dimensional space. In the phrase look into the universe, it establishes a sense of depth and penetration, aligning with the comparative adverb deeper to describe looking deep within the vastness of outer space.

Explanation

The verb originated refers to the process, manner, or mechanism of coming into existence. Using how to fill the blank completes the clause to describe the way or process by which the universe began, which fits the context of astronomical research and understanding the creation of the cosmos.

Explanation

The idiom "a sacred cow" refers to an idea, custom, institution, or individual that is considered immune from criticism, questioning, or change due to deep-seated respect, tradition, or reverence. The expression derives from the Hindu belief in the sacredness of cows, which are treated with extreme respect and are not to be harmed or interfered with. Consequently, in general English usage, it represents a person or subject that is regarded as beyond any form of criticism or opposition.

Explanation

The verb shun means to persistently avoid, reject, or keep clear of someone or something. In the idiom to shun evil company, it means to avoid associating with bad or wicked companions. The phrasal verb to give up means to stop or abandon an association, habit, or practice. Thus, giving up evil company represents the act of avoiding or abandoning bad associates.

Explanation

The idiom "a dog's breakfast" is an informal British slang expression used to describe a project, task, or situation that has been completely ruined, botched, or poorly managed. It refers to a state of complete confusion, muddle, or disorder, representing a total mess.

Explanation

The idiom "the seamy side of life" refers to the most unpleasant, sordid, or rough aspects of existence, often associated with poverty, crime, or degradation. The origin of the phrase comes from garment-making, where the inner side of a piece of clothing exposes the rough, untidy seams rather than the neat, finished exterior. Therefore, visiting slum tenements exposes a person to these harsh and unpleasant realities of life.

Explanation

The phrasal verb consist of is used to describe the components or parts that make up something. In this sentence, the subject "This house" is singular, which requires the singular form of the verb "consists" in the simple present tense. The preposition "of" correctly follows the verb to indicate that the ten rooms are the parts that constitute the house.

Explanation

The sentence is written in the present perfect tense, which is structured using the auxiliary verb have followed by the past participle of the main verb. The past participle of the verb hear is heard, which correctly completes the grammatical structure of the question.

Explanation

The verb remarked means to make a casual observation or comment about something. Commenting on the pleasantness of the weather is a typical everyday observation, making this verb the most natural and grammatically appropriate fit for the context of the sentence.

Explanation

An adjective is required to modify the noun temper. The word irritable functions as an adjective meaning easily angered or annoyed, perfectly describing the scientist's volatile disposition in this context.

Explanation

The word illicit refers to something that is forbidden by law, rules, or custom. The precise antonym, or word opposite in meaning, is legal, which describes something that is permitted by, conforming to, or established by law.

Explanation

In both general language and economic contexts, demand and supply represent opposing concepts. Demand denotes a strong, authoritative request or the desire of consumers for a commodity. In contrast, supply refers to the act of providing, furnishing, or making a resource available to satisfy a need. This makes supply the direct antonym of demand.

Explanation

The word descent is defined as an action of moving downward, falling, or sloping downward. Its direct antonym is ascent, which represents the act of rising, climbing, or moving upward.

Explanation

The word "notorious" refers to being widely known or famous, specifically for a negative quality, bad deed, or unfavorable reason. In contrast, "reputed" means having a good reputation, being highly respected, well-regarded, or honorable. Therefore, "reputed" acts as the direct opposite in meaning to "notorious".

Explanation

The correct spelling is predilection, which refers to a preference or special liking for something, or a bias in favor of something. It is derived from the Latin prefix prae- meaning before and diligere meaning to love or choose. Following this etymological origin, the word is written with an i in the second syllable (di) and an e in the third syllable (lec).

Explanation

The word accumulate is correctly spelled with a double c, a single m, and a single l. Derived from the Latin word accumulare, which means to heap up or amass, it refers to the process of gathering or acquiring an increasing quantity or number of something over a period of time.

Explanation

The word restaurant refers to a place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises. It is derived from the French word restaurer, which means to restore. The standard English spelling of the word is restaurant, containing the sequence of letters r-e-s-t-a-u-r-a-n-t.

Explanation

The word manoeuvre is spelt with the combination of letters m-a-n-o-e-u-v-r-e. Derived from the French word manœuvre, meaning to work with hands, this is the standard British English spelling. It consists of the root words manus meaning hand and opera meaning work. In this spelling, the letters o and e appear before u, and it concludes with the letters r and e.

Explanation

The adverbial phrase of time last year indicates a specific completed action in the past. When a sentence contains a definite point of time in the past, the simple past tense must be used instead of the present perfect tense. Therefore, the present perfect verb has completed is replaced with the simple past verb completed.

Explanation

When two subjects are joined by the connective as well as, the verb agrees in number and person with the first subject. In this sentence, the first subject is The terrorist, which is singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular. The singular passive verb phrase was killed correctly agrees with the singular subject, meaning the original sentence requires no improvement.

Explanation

The subjunctive mood is used after the conjunction "as if" to express a hypothetical, imaginary, or contrary-to-fact situation in the present. In subjunctive clauses of this type, the verb "were" is used for all subjects, both singular and plural. Since the Councillor is not actually the Chief Minister, the clause describes an unreal situation, requiring "were" to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The phrase in respect of means with regard to or concerning. Using in respect of age, he is my senior is grammatically correct and logically coherent, as it properly indicates that the person is senior specifically when considering or comparing their respective ages.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence starts with "Everyone" (1), which is naturally qualified by the relative clause "who knows you" (R). The verb for this singular subject is "acknowledges" (Q). The adverbial clause "when he considers" (S) is followed by its direct object and adverb "the case calmly" (P). This entire adverbial clause inserts a condition for the main action. Finally, the noun clause "that you have been wronged" (6) acts as the direct object of the main verb "acknowledges". Combining these parts in the sequence RQSP creates the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: "Everyone who knows you acknowledges when he considers the case calmly that you have been wronged."

Explanation

The sentence begins with "It is those good works" (1). The relative pronoun "which" in part Q ("which we do with passion") directly modifies "those good works" to introduce a relative clause. Part S ("and which come to reflect") uses the coordinating conjunction "and" to join a second relative clause, maintaining a parallel structure with Q. The transitive verb "reflect" in part S requires a direct object, which is provided by part R ("our understanding of our purpose"). Finally, part P ("that lead to peak performance") acts as the logical continuation that connects the completed thought to the ending phrase "In this life" (6). This logical flow establishes QSRP as the correct sequence.

Explanation

Sentence 1 introduces the author as a self-confessed technophobe. Part Q immediately follows this by explaining the author's hatred of technology and how it dominates life. Part S then transitions from general technology to a specific example, identifying the computer as one of the worst offenders. Part R uses the pronoun "it" to refer back to the computer introduced in S, describing its importance both at home and at the workplace. Part P presents the author's personal view on the computer's negative impact on the art of conversation. Sentence 6 concludes the paragraph logically by referencing "this ubiquitous machine" (the computer) and explaining why the author keeps it out of the home. This creates a smooth and coherent flow from a general dread of technology to a specific disdain for the computer.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the main subject, "Moisturisers for the face" (part 1). This subject requires a predicate, which is provided by part S, "should be chosen carefully".

The reasoning for this careful choice is introduced in part P, "as only unus may block" (which is a typographical variation of "as oily ones may block").

The verb "block" in part P requires a direct object, which is logically provided by part R, "the oil glands found".

Part Q, "in greater concentration on the face", directly modifies "the oil glands found" in part R, specifying where these glands are located.

Finally, part 6, "And cause pimple aone to break out" (representing "and cause pimples/acne to break out"), successfully connects back to the verb "block" to detail the consequence of clogged pores, completing the sentence.

Explanation

In this part of the sentence, there is an error in subject-verb agreement and noun form. The singular countable noun "Scientist" is paired with the plural verb "hope". Since the statement refers to the general scientific community, the subject must be plural to match the plural verb "hope". Therefore, "Scientist" should be changed to the plural form "Scientists" to make the sentence grammatically correct, reading "Scientists now hope that cloning".

Explanation

In formal English grammar, when the indefinite pronoun "one" is used as the subject of a sentence, pronoun consistency must be maintained. Any subsequent reference to "one" in the same sentence must also use "one" or "one's" instead of "they" or "he". Therefore, the pronoun "they" in this part is incorrect and must be replaced with "one" to make the sentence grammatically accurate as "one must be prepared".

Explanation

The sentence is a grammatically correct exclamatory sentence that follows the standard structure of "What + adjective + uncountable noun + subject + verb!". In this construction, "what" is used as an exclamatory determiner, "delicious" is the adjective modifying the uncountable noun "flavor", "these mangoes" is the plural subject, and "have" is the corresponding plural verb. The sentence is completely free of any grammatical, structural, or punctuation errors.

Explanation

The phrasal verb put off means to postpone or delay an event to a later time. In this sentence, the preposition of is incorrect, and it should be replaced with off to correctly form the phrasal verb put off the garden party.

Explanation

The word vocation refers to a person's employment, trade, or main calling in life, especially one that is regarded as worthy or requiring dedication. It signifies a career or profession that someone is suited for or trained in, which makes occupation its closest synonym.

Explanation

The word limpid is defined as completely clear, transparent, or free of anything that darkens or obscures. It is commonly used to describe liquids, eyes, or even writing and air that is pristine, bright, and easy to see through or understand.

Explanation

The word merge means to combine, unite, or coalesce separate elements, entities, or substances to form a single, unified whole. Similarly, the word blend means to mix or combine different components so closely that they merge into a harmonious or indistinguishable union. Therefore, blend serves as the closest synonym and best expresses the meaning of merge.

Explanation

The word gourmet refers to a connoisseur of good food, particularly someone who has a refined and discriminating taste for fine food and drink. Similarly, a gastronome is defined as a person who is highly knowledgeable about and loves excellent food, making it the exact synonym. Both words share the same meaning of a culinary expert or epicure.

Explanation

An imperative sentence expressing a request, order, or command is converted from active to passive voice using the standard structure: Let + Object + be + V3 (Past Participle of the verb) + by + Subject. Applying this formula to the imperative sentence Please close the door, the object the door is placed after Let, followed by be and the past participle closed, with the implied subject you added at the end, resulting in the grammatically correct passive form: Let the door be closed by you.

Explanation

When converting a sentence containing a modal verb like "must" from active to passive voice, the modal verb must be retained in the structure "modal + be + past participle (V3)".

Active structure: Subject + must + base verb + Object Passive structure: Object + must be + past participle + by + Subject

In the active sentence "We must take care of our parents", the modal verb is "must". In the passive voice, this converts to "must be" followed by the past participle. The phrase "take care of" is synonymous with "care for", which takes the past participle form "cared for". Applying this rule yields the correct passive sentence: "Our parents must be cared for by us."