SSC CHSL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

A demon is traditionally defined as an evil spirit, devil, or a source of wickedness and malice. Conversely, an angel is a celestial, benevolent being commonly associated with goodness, purity, and divine grace, making it the direct antonym.

Explanation

The word indoctrinate specifically refers to the process of teaching a person or a group of people to accept a set of beliefs, dogmas, or doctrines uncritically, without questioning or evaluating them systematically. It is typically associated with ideological, political, or religious instruction where analytical thinking is discouraged in favor of absolute conformity.

Explanation

The verb "have" represents a state of possession or ownership in this context. Stative verbs, which describe states rather than dynamic actions, are not used in continuous tenses to indicate possession. Since "Mr. Shah" is a singular subject, the simple present tense form "has" is correct to express this ownership.

Explanation

The word swine refers to any of various omnivorous, even-toed ungulates of the family Suidae, which includes domestic pigs, hogs, and wild boars. Similarly, the word hog is a common term used to describe a domestic pig, especially one that is grown for market. Both words are used to denote a pig, making them direct synonyms.

Explanation

The subject pronoun "it" in the introductory clause "By doing so, it" requires a verb to follow. The segment R provides this verb phrase with "has redefined politics and". The coordinating conjunction "and" at the end of R connects this first verb phrase to the second verb phrase "brought it closer" in P, maintaining parallel structure. The prepositional phrase "to cultural and social life" in Q then completes the transitional meaning of "brought it closer" in P. Combining these parts in the order RPQ creates a grammatically correct and coherent sentence.

Explanation

The adverb almost is grammatically paired with the determiner every when followed by a singular countable noun, such as language in this context. The combination almost every means nearly all and is the standard idiomatic construction to express that a statement applies to practically all individual languages.

Explanation

The adjective spurious means not being what it purports to be, false, or fake. In this context, it describes insincere or false reconciliations that cannot lead to genuine recovery. Using spurious to modify reconciliations creates a parallel rhetorical structure with spurious healing in the same clause, matching Desmond Tutu's original observation that spurious reconciliations can only lead to spurious healing.

Explanation

The preposition "for" is used to introduce the person whose opinion, perspective, or belief is being expressed. In this context, "For him" means "in his opinion" or "from his point of view", referring to Desmond Tutu's belief that forgiveness is an ethical wager on the future of a relationship.

Explanation

The indefinite article "a" is the grammatically correct choice to fill the blank before the singular countable noun "relationship". In this context, "relationship" is used in a general, non-specific sense rather than referring to a particular, pre-identified relationship. Using "a" properly establishes the generic concept of any human connection or bond being restored or sustained through forgiveness.

Explanation

The collocation critical scrutiny is standard in English to describe a thorough, rigorous, and analytical examination of something to determine its validity, truth, or quality. In the context of the passage, apologies that are genuine and sincere rather than superficial or spurious must be able to withstand rigorous, objective, and analytical evaluation to be deemed authentic and worthy of being treasured.

Explanation

The noun struggles is idiomatically paired with the preposition against when it refers to a fight, resistance, or campaign directed at overcoming an adversarial force, negative condition, or social evil. In the context of the passage, the struggle is directed towards combating injustice, making struggles against injustice the grammatically correct and contextually appropriate phrase to describe the historical efforts of societies to resist unfair treatment.

Explanation

When two actions occurred in the past, the action that happened first is expressed in the past perfect tense, using had followed by the past participle of the verb. The subsequent action, which happened later, is expressed in the simple past tense. In this sentence, the bus departing happened before the speaker reached the stop. Since the subsequent action of reaching the stop is in the simple past tense, the earlier action of the bus departing is correctly expressed in the past perfect tense as had left.

Explanation

The introductory phrase "There is never" requires a singular noun or noun phrase to complete its meaning. Part Q, "a single factor", naturally follows as the subject of this clause.

Part P, beginning with "behind the persistence of such problems", provides the necessary prepositional phrase to describe where this single factor is never found. It then concludes with a new clause "it always has", which ends in an auxiliary verb that requires an infinitive construction to be grammatically complete.

Part R, "to be a nexus of forces", provides this required infinitive phrase ("to be..."), completing the second clause and finalizing the sentence structure. Combining these parts in the order Q-P-R creates the grammatically coherent sentence: "There is never a single factor behind the persistence of such problems; it always has to be a nexus of forces."

Explanation

The phrase If society considers this is grammatically followed by the infinitive phrase to be normal or treats it with in part Q. The preposition with in part Q naturally connects to the noun indifference in part R to complete the prepositional phrase treats it with indifference. Finally, the clause ending with the auxiliary verb one has in part R links to the infinitive phrase to wonder if society itself is normal in part P, completing the conditional sentence. Combining these parts in the order Q-R-P creates a coherent, grammatically correct sentence.

Explanation

The idiom there is no such thing as a free lunch means that it is impossible to get something for nothing. Every benefit or service obtained has a cost associated with it, even if that cost is hidden, indirect, or paid by someone else. The phrase originates from the historical practice in 19th-century American saloons where customers were offered a free lunch on the condition that they purchased drinks, which were priced high enough to cover the cost of the food.

Explanation

The word pheasant is spelled correctly. A pheasant is a large, long-tailed game bird native to Asia, known for its brightly colored plumage in males, and is widely hunted as game. The spelling p-h-e-a-s-a-n-t perfectly conforms to standard English dictionary standards.

Explanation

The error lies in part A, where the preposition in is incorrectly used after admission. The correct preposition to use after admission when referring to entering an institution is to or into, making the correct phrase admission to the engineering college.

Explanation

The present perfect tense is used instead of the present perfect continuous tense when we refer to the completed result, quantity, or outcome of an action up to the present moment. Since a specific quantity of work is mentioned, the verb must denote a completed action within the time frame, which is correctly expressed by the present perfect tense.

Explanation

The adverb unbelievably means to an extreme degree that is difficult to believe. It functions as an intensifying adverb to modify adjectives, highlighting an extraordinary level or quantity. In this context, it appropriately modifies the adjective hot to emphasize that the temperature during that summer was exceptionally high and beyond normal expectations.

Explanation

The word gruelling means extremely tiring, demanding, and punishing. In a legal context, a cross-examination is often highly intense and exhausting. Using the word gruelling accurately describes this high-pressure situation, making it logical that the accused had to remain stoic, which means enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaining.

Explanation

The term knot refers to a tangled mass in flexible substances such as hair or wool. In addition to representing a fastening made by looping and tightening a cord, string, or rope, it is commonly used to describe these messy, intertwined clusters that can form in strands of hair, fleece, or threads.

Explanation

The verb extrapolate means to infer, estimate, or project an unknown value or conclusion by extending or projecting known information. Similarly, the verb deduce means to arrive at a fact or a conclusion by reasoning and drawing logical inferences from known data or principles. Both words share the core meaning of reaching a conclusion based on existing evidence or information, making them synonyms.

Explanation

The idiom by the skin of one's teeth means to accomplish or escape something by a very narrow margin, barely succeeding. It originates from the biblical Book of Job, where Job describes escaping his trials with only the skin of his teeth, which symbolically represents an incredibly thin or nonexistent margin.

Explanation

A presumption is an idea, belief, or supposition taken for granted as true without absolute proof or certain knowledge. Conversely, a fact is a piece of information that has been objectively verified and proven to be true. Since a presumption deals with unproven assumption or speculation, and a fact represents concrete reality and established truth, fact is the direct antonym of presumption.

Explanation

When changing a sentence from direct to indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the present tense, such as says, the tense of the verb in the reported speech remains unchanged. The first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person pronoun she to agree with the subject Smita. Because of this pronoun change, the verb form changes from like to likes to maintain subject-verb agreement with the singular pronoun she. The conjunction that is introduced to connect the reporting clause with the reported speech, resulting in the correct indirect form.

Explanation

The word infernal is derived from the Latin infernus, which means of the lower regions or underworld. In English, it is used to describe something that is directly relating to, resembling, or characteristic of hell or the underworld, such as infernal depths or infernal fire.

Explanation

The verb to incriminate means to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, or to formally charge them with a crime. The word to exonerate is its direct antonym, as it means to officially absolve someone from blame, find them not guilty, or free them from an accusation.

Explanation

The active voice sentence "My father promised me a gift" is in the simple past tense and features a subject (My father), a verb in its past form (promised), an indirect object (me), and a direct object (a gift). In English, when a sentence containing both a direct and an indirect object is converted into the passive voice, either object can become the subject of the passive clause. When the indirect object "me" is used as the subject, it changes to its subjective pronoun form "I". For the simple past tense, the passive verb structure is formed using "was/were + past participle" (was promised). Retaining the direct object and introducing the agent with the preposition "by" yields the passive sentence: "I was promised a gift by my father."

Explanation

Inheritance refers to the property, money, or assets received from an ancestor or predecessor, typically through a will or legal succession after their death. A bequest is the act of giving or leaving something by will, or the property itself that is left to someone. Because both terms describe assets passed down to a beneficiary upon someone's death, they are synonymous.

Explanation

The verb avoid is grammatically required to be followed by a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb, rather than an infinitive. Therefore, the phrase avoids to speak is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with avoids speaking to make the sentence correct.

Explanation

The word pattered is the past tense and past participle form of the verb patter, which means to make a rapid succession of quick, light tapping sounds, or to run with quick, light steps. Its spelling is correct.

Explanation

The idiom stomach churns is a standard English expression used to describe a strong visceral sensation of disgust, nausea, or profound distress. In this context, the expression describes the intense physical and mental revulsion felt when encountering disturbing media reports. The verb churns collocates with stomach to convey this feeling of deep discomfort, completing the parallel structure of physical and intellectual revulsion alongside the phrase the mind revolts.

Explanation

The conjunction when is used as a subordinating conjunction of time to connect the reaction of revulsion (the stomach churning and the mind revolting) with the specific occasion or trigger that causes it (the media reporting such events). It establishes a clear temporal relationship, indicating that the mental and physical revolt occurs at the moment or as a consequence of the media's reporting.

Explanation

The term "follow-up" is a standard compound noun in English used to describe a continuation or subsequent action taken to review, monitor, or build upon a previous event or report. In the context of media coverage of sensitive or shocking stories, "little follow-up" means that there is a lack of subsequent reporting, investigation, or ongoing interest once the initial shock of the news has subsided.

Explanation

The context of the passage deals with how society processes, retains, and integrates distressing news or events. The metaphor of the assembly line of memory and the mention of consuming these events point to the cognitive and mental processing of information. To assimilate means to absorb, integrate, and fully process new information or experiences so that they become a part of one's mind or collective consciousness. Thus, it is the most appropriate word to describe society's inability to deeply process and absorb these traumatic occurrences, leaving them merely piled up in memory.

Explanation

The passage describes society's passive and numb reaction to shocking events reported in the media. Although there is an initial emotional revulsion, the lack of follow-up and the constant accumulation of such events lead to a state where people become desensitized and unconcerned. This state of emotional detachment and lack of active concern is perfectly captured by the word indifference, describing how society selectively ignores or remains unbothered by these ongoing occurrences.

Explanation

The word rickshaw is spelled correctly. It refers to a light, two-wheeled passenger vehicle pulled by one person, commonly used for transport in many Asian countries. It is also used to describe similar human-powered, bicycle-powered, or motorized three-wheeled vehicles.

Explanation

When an active sentence uses the indefinite pronoun "one" as the subject and "one's" as a possessive adjective, both are typically omitted in the passive voice because they refer to people in general. The object "promises" becomes the new subject, the modal verb phrase "must keep" is converted to "must be kept", and the agent "by one" is dropped as it is redundant. This results in the standard, grammatically concise passive construction: "Promises must be kept."

Explanation

The sentence is structured grammatically with the demonstrative pronoun this followed by the verb phrase gives a total global (P). The adjective global correctly modifies the noun phrase stockpile of almost 1,900 tons of (Q). Finally, the preposition of is naturally followed by the noun phrase nuclear weapons-usable material (R) which acts as its object. Therefore, the coherent and correct order of the segments is PQR.

Explanation

The idiom "crocodile tears" refers to a false, hypocritical, or insincere display of grief, sorrow, or regret. The expression originates from the ancient, widespread myth that crocodiles weep while consuming their prey. When someone sheds crocodile tears, they are pretending to be sad or sympathetic while actually remaining unaffected or even harboring malicious intent.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, if the reported clause expresses a universal truth or a scientific fact, the tense of the verb in the reported speech remains unchanged regardless of the tense of the reporting verb. Since "Ice floats on water" is a scientific fact, its verb remains in the simple present tense. The conjunction "that" is used to connect the reporting clause and the reported clause, making the correct indirect form "The professor told the class that ice floats on water."

Explanation

The word depict means to represent, portray, or describe something using words or visual art. When you depict a character, scene, or idea, you provide a detailed description or representation of it, which directly matches the definition of portraying in words or describing.

Explanation

The preposition in is the grammatically correct and standard idiomatic choice to use with the verb killed when referring to deaths resulting from natural disasters, accidents, wars, or other catastrophic events. Hence, the phrase killed in the earthquake is correct.

Explanation

Glaucoma is spelled correctly as g-l-a-u-c-o-m-a. It refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in the eye.

Explanation

The word austere means having an extremely plain, simple, and unadorned appearance, completely lacking in comforts or luxuries. In the given sentence, the residence of the wealthy man is described as plain and devoid of any luxuries, which makes austere the most accurate and contextually appropriate fit.

Explanation

The word motley refers to something that is highly varied, diverse, or composed of many different, incongruous elements or colors. The antonym of motley is homogenous, which describes a substance or group that is uniform in structure, composition, or character throughout, consisting of elements that are all of the same kind.

Explanation

The word violation refers to the act of breaking, defying, or failing to comply with a law, rule, agreement, or command. Conversely, obedience is the act of complying with, following, or submitting to laws, rules, or authority. Because violation represents the breach or defiance of rules, and obedience represents conformity and compliance with them, obedience is the direct antonym.

Explanation

When a sentence begins with a restrictive or negative adverb such as seldom, rarely, hardly, scarcely, or never, it must follow the rule of grammatical inversion. In inversion, the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject. Therefore, the word order in part A must be changed from the subject-verb structure "we have been" to the inverted structure "have we been" to form the grammatically correct phrase "Seldom have we been".

Explanation

The sentence refers to a past event, indicated by the past tense verb was in the subordinate clause he was innocent. To maintain tense consistency throughout the sentence, the main verb must also be in the past tense, which is insisted. The verb insist can take a that-clause directly to express the statement being asserted, making insisted that the grammatically correct choice.

Explanation

The verb pursue means to follow, chase, or try to achieve a goal, plan, or dream over a period of time. In the context of the sentence, the action of moving to Silicon Valley is undertaken with the active intention of working towards making the dream of launching a start-up a reality, making pursue the most appropriate and idiomatic fit for the blank.