SSC CHSL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

When converting a direct speech sentence containing a negative imperative request, such as "Please don't hit me", into indirect speech, the pleading tone indicated by "Please" is expressed using an appropriate reporting verb like "begged". The negative imperative "don't" is converted into the reporting structure "not to" followed by the base form of the verb. Furthermore, the first-person pronoun "me" changes to the third-person pronoun "her" to align with the subject Rita. This correctly yields the structure: Rita begged the attacker not to hit her.

Explanation

Dignity refers to the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect, which is often characterized by proper behavior, self-respect, and moral integrity. Decency similarly denotes behavior that conforms to accepted standards of respectability, propriety, and moral correctness. Both words share the central theme of maintaining respect and proper conduct, making them synonyms.

Explanation

The error lies in part A. The definite article "the" must be placed before "Indian Defence forces" because it refers to a specific, unique national institution. Therefore, the correct phrase is "The Indian Defence forces".

Explanation

The word defecate means to discharge or eliminate waste matter from the body. Similarly, secrete means to produce and discharge a substance from a cell, gland, or organism. Both terms share the primary biological meaning of releasing or discharging organic substances from a body or system, making them closely related synonyms.

Explanation

Panacea is a noun defined as a solution, remedy, or cure for all difficulties, problems, or diseases. It originates from the Greek word panakeia, meaning all-healing, derived from pan meaning all and akos meaning cure. The word is spelled correctly as P-A-N-A-C-E-A.

Explanation

The blank in the sentence requires a subjective pronoun because it functions as part of the compound subject performing the action of the verb went. In standard English grammar, the first-person singular pronoun used in the subject position of a sentence is I.

Explanation

The demonstrative adjective "these" at the end of the introductory phrase requires a plural noun or qualifying adjectives followed by a plural noun. The adjectives "dysfunctional, downscale" in R qualify the plural noun "communities" in P, forming the complete subject phrase "these dysfunctional, downscale communities". The verb phrase "is that" in P then connects this subject to the noun clause in Q, "they deserve to die", which serves as the complement. This makes RPQ the only grammatically and logically correct sequence.

Explanation

The phrasal verb knocked out means to make someone unconscious or disable them, typically as a result of a heavy blow or impact. In the context of a collision with a vehicle, being hit by a rash driver can cause a person to lose consciousness. Replacing away by with out by correctly forms the passive phrasal verb was knocked out by, which accurately describes the physical impact suffered by the old man.

Explanation

The word spectre refers to a ghost or spirit, but in a figurative sense, it represents something widely feared as a looming, unpleasant, or dangerous occurrence. It is frequently used in contexts like "the spectre of famine" or "the spectre of war" to describe a threatening possibility that causes widespread worry and dread.

Explanation

The phrase "which of" is used to select or identify one or more individuals from a specific group, which requires the use of a plural noun. Therefore, the singular noun "servant" must be replaced with the plural noun "servants" to make the construction grammatically correct.

Explanation

The phrase "get used to" means to become accustomed to or familiar with something through habit or practice. Preparing one's own breakfast is a routine personal activity rather than a specialized skill requiring professional instruction. Therefore, "used" is the most appropriate term to describe developing this regular habit over time.

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the simple present tense (teaches), which must be converted to the simple present passive voice (is/are + past participle). Option D correctly uses "is taught" to match the tense, whereas the other options change the tense to present perfect or present continuous.

Explanation

The term deep-seated refers to something that is firmly established, deep-rooted, and long-lasting. The word temporary serves as its antonym because it describes something that is transient, fleeting, and exists for only a limited period of time.

Explanation

Zero tolerance is a policy or approach that strictly forbids certain actions or behaviors, with no exceptions, excuses, or leniency. It involves the rigorous and automatic enforcement of rules or laws against any infraction, particularly targeting actions that are harmful, illegal, or disruptive to society. Thus, the phrase represents the complete non-acceptance of antisocial, criminal, or undesirable behaviour.

Explanation

The sentence is a well-known quote from Philippians 4:6. The introductory phrase "Do not be anxious about" logically requires an object, which is provided by "anything" at the start of part R. The phrase "by prayer" at the end of part R connects seamlessly with the conjunction "and petition, with" in part Q. Finally, the preposition "with" at the end of part Q is followed by the noun "thanksgiving" in part P, completing the clause with "present your requests to God" to form a grammatically correct and coherent sentence.

Explanation

The proverb variety is the spice of life is used to convey that having different experiences, trying new things, and introducing changes in one's routine make life much more interesting, enjoyable, and vibrant. It draws a comparison to spices, which enhance the flavor and character of food, suggesting that diverse situations and activities similarly enhance the quality of human existence by preventing monotony.

Explanation

The adverb haphazardly means in a manner lacking any obvious principle of organization, planning, or order. In this context, it describes speed breakers that are constructed carelessly and without proper regulatory standards, planning, or uniform design on city streets, which directly leads to them being of all shapes and sizes.

Explanation

The term health hazard is a standard English collocation used to describe any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects on an individual. In this context, potholes and speed breakers pose direct physical dangers to the health of two-wheeler riders, leading to injuries and medical complications. Therefore, the noun hazard fits perfectly with health to complete this idiomatic expression.

Explanation

The word chronic is a medical term used to describe illnesses, pain, or complications that persist for a long duration or recur frequently over time. In the context of the passage, it correctly qualifies back and neck-related complications to indicate the long-term, lasting health issues suffered by two-wheeler riders due to constant exposure to poorly maintained roads.

Explanation

The indefinite article "an" preceding the blank grammatically requires the succeeding word or phrase to begin with a vowel sound. The phrase "imminent threat" fits this grammatical requirement perfectly as it begins with the vowel sound "i". Contextually, the passage describes the various physical dangers, injuries, and serious back or neck complications faced by riders, making "imminent threat" the most appropriate description for the immediate hazard that potholes pose to commuters on the road.