SSC CHSL Tier 1 2016 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Ineptitude refers to the state or quality of being inept, which directly translates to a complete lack of skill, ability, or competence. It denotes an inability to perform tasks effectively or a lack of suitability and capability in one's actions, making it the exact definition of the given phrase.

Explanation

The idiom "pull the plug" means to prevent something from continuing or to put an end to an activity, project, or plan, typically by withdrawing support, funding, or resources. It originates from the physical action of unplugging an electrical device to stop it from functioning, or pulling a plug to drain water.

Explanation

The verb die takes different prepositions depending on the cause of death. The preposition from is used when death is caused by an external factor, physical injury, or indirect cause, such as a wound, overwork, or violence. The preposition of is used when death is caused directly by a disease, illness, or internal condition, such as cancer, tuberculosis, or hunger. Therefore, the sentence correctly uses from for a wound and of for cancer.

Explanation

When converting a sentence from direct speech to indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense (said), the simple past tense verb in the reported speech (snored) changes to the past perfect tense (had snored). Additionally, the conjunction "that" is introduced to connect the reporting clause with the reported clause, and the quotation marks are removed. Applying these rules converts the sentence to: "I said that my grand-father had snored throughout the night."

Explanation

Generosity denotes the quality of being kind, unselfish, and giving, characterized by benevolence and a warm-hearted willingness to help others. Malevolence represents the opposite trait, defined as the state of wishing evil, harm, or ill-will towards others. While generosity is rooted in goodwill, selflessness, and charity, malevolence is driven by malice and hostility, making it the antonym of generosity.

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the past continuous tense, which has the structure of "Subject + was/were + verb-ing + Object". When converting this to the passive voice, the object "the car" becomes the new subject, and the past continuous verb "was driving" changes to "was/were + being + past participle", resulting in "was being driven". The original subject "Sunny" becomes the agent introduced by the preposition "by". Putting these elements together with the rest of the clause gives the correct passive structure: "The car was being driven by Sunny so fast that it slipped at the turn."

Explanation

The word priestly is the correctly spelled adjective meaning associated with, befitting, or characteristic of a priest. It is formed by appending the suffix -ly to the base noun priest, preserving the original spelling of the root word.

Explanation

The word stash refers to a store or supply of money, valuables, or goods, typically one that is kept hidden or in a safe place. Similarly, a cache is a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place. Both words share the central meaning of a secret or hidden store of things, making them synonyms.

Explanation

The subject Senior officials requires a verb to form a complete predicate, which is provided by the verb phrase have signalled China's in part R. The possessive form China's must modify a noun, which is found in part Q with the word readiness. This noun is then followed by the qualifying infinitive phrase to negotiate a solution in part P. Putting these parts together in the order RQP forms the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: Senior officials have signalled China's readiness to negotiate a solution.

Explanation

The word embedded means to be fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass. In this context, the metaphor refers to amber (fossilized tree resin), which typically encloses and preserves organic matter over long periods. Therefore, goodness is described as acquiring a fixed, frozen state by being embedded in amber.

Explanation

The phrase "rather than" is used to express a contrast, and when followed by a verb to contrast an action or state, it often takes the gerund-participle form. In this context, "becoming" represents the active, continuous process of developing into or existing as a living, changing creature. This idea of life and dynamic growth directly contrasts with the static, rigid state of turning into an inanimate object like a hoarding, spectacle, or statue. Thus, the verb form "becoming" grammatically completes the contrastive structure of the sentence while reinforcing the thematic distinction between dynamic life and frozen iconography.

Explanation

In the sentence, Saintliness or heroism becomes a bundle of pictures in a calendar, a statue standing, inflexibly, the word becomes serves as the main finite verb. The phrase a statue standing, inflexibly functions as an appositive noun phrase modifying the subject. Within this phrase, the noun statue requires a non-finite modifier rather than a finite verb to describe its state. The present participle standing acts as a participle adjective modifying the noun statue, successfully maintaining parallel grammatical structure and sentence flow without introducing a grammatical fragment or run-on clause.

Explanation

The word lassoing is the correct spelling of the present participle of the verb lasso, which means to catch or encircle an animal using a long rope with a running noose. The spelling is formed directly by adding the suffix -ing to the base noun or verb lasso, without making any modifications to the root word.

Explanation

The sentence compares the intellectual capacity of rational thinkers with those who accept faith without questioning. The term superior means higher in station, rank, or quality. In this context, intellectually superior correctly describes the higher level of intellectual reasoning and critical thinking possessed by rational thinkers compared to individuals who blindly follow traditional practices without questioning them.

Explanation

The word ancient refers to something belonging to the very distant past or no longer in existence. Similarly, archaic means very old, ancient, or belonging to an earlier period, making it a direct synonym.

Explanation

An analogue is a person or thing seen as comparable to another, signifying likeness, similarity, or correspondence. The antonym of analogue is a word that denotes a lack of resemblance or a point of distinction, which is represented by difference.

Explanation

The idiom "a hot potato" refers to a highly controversial, sensitive, or difficult issue that is awkward to deal with and that people want to pass on to someone else as quickly as possible. The phrase originates from the literal experience of holding a hot potato, which must be handled quickly or dropped to prevent burning one's hands.

Explanation

The word furniture is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form. It is grammatically incorrect to add an s to make it furnitures. The correct word to use is furniture.

Explanation

A blot is defined as a spot, mark, or stain made by a discolouring substance, such as ink, on a surface like paper or fabric. It is a patch of discoloration that blemishes the material it is on, perfectly matching the description of a spot or stain caused by a discolouring substance.

Explanation

When converting direct speech into indirect speech, if the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the verb in the reported speech changes from simple past to past perfect. Here, the reporting verb is said, so the simple past verb bought changes to the past perfect had bought. Additionally, the first-person pronoun I changes to the third-person pronoun he to align with the subject of the reporting verb, and the adverb of time yesterday changes to the previous day. The conjunction that is also introduced to connect the reporting clause with the reported clause, giving the correct structure: He said that he had bought an iPhone 6 the previous day.

Explanation

Amusement refers to the state or feeling of being entertained, pleased, or finding enjoyment and humor in something. In contrast, melancholy is a state of deep, pensive, and persistent sadness, sorrow, or depression. Since amusement represents lighthearted joy and pleasure, melancholy represents the opposite emotional state of sadness and gloom, making it the appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The parts of the sentence form a grammatically correct and meaningful statement when arranged in the sequence PRQ.

The initial subject phrase "This alone" is naturally followed by the auxiliary and main verb phrase "should alert us to what" in part P. The prepositional word "what" introduces a noun clause that requires a subject and a verb. Part R, "the demand for a Uniform Civil Code", serves as the subject of this noun clause, which is then completed by the verb and preposition phrase "is actually about" in part Q. Combining these parts sequentially creates the coherent sentence: "This alone should alert us to what the demand for a Uniform Civil Code is actually about."

Explanation

The word splayed means to thrust, turn, or spread out and apart, especially when referring to limbs, fingers, or structures. It describes a position where parts are extended or widened outward, which directly aligns with the meaning of the word spread.

Explanation

The word customer is spelled correctly. It is a noun that refers to a person or organization that buys goods or services from a shop or business.

Explanation

The error lies in part A of the sentence where the word little is used incorrectly. The adjective little has a negative connotation and means hardly any or almost none. Using it here would imply that having almost no creativity and hard work would allow the project to be completed successfully, which makes no sense.

Instead, the positive determiner a little should be used. A little means some or a small amount. To convey that some amount of creativity and hard work was required to complete the project successfully, the sentence must be corrected to with a little creativity and hard work.

Explanation

The grammatical structure starting with negative or restrictive adverbs like hardly, scarcely, or barely requires the correlative conjunction when to connect the two clauses. This structure is used to show that one action happened immediately after another. In this inverted sentence structure, the auxiliary verb had precedes the subject she, and the introductory clause must be completed by using when to introduce the subsequent event. Replacing then with when makes the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The idiom "new kid on the block" refers to a person who has recently joined a group, organization, or community and is unfamiliar with its established dynamics or surroundings. It originated from the literal description of a child who has just moved into a new neighborhood block. Over time, the phrase transitioned into a broader colloquialism used in professional, social, and academic contexts to identify any newcomer who is starting out in a new environment.

Explanation

The sentence flows logically and grammatically when the parts are arranged in the order P-Q-R. The phrase the proportion of in P requires a noun phrase to follow it, which is provided by the population receiving welfare in Q. This noun phrase is then naturally completed by benefits in R, forming the compound term welfare benefits. Finally, the singular subject the proportion of the population receiving welfare benefits correctly agrees with the singular verb phrase has risen sharply in R.

Explanation

Correct Answer: A

The standard idiomatic English phrase used to denote that a property is available for hire or rent is to let. In English grammar, the active infinitive to let is conventionally used with a passive meaning when modifying a noun, signifying that the house is available for renting.

Explanation

The term candidate refers to a person who is competing for a job, position, or office, or who has been nominated for election. It originates from the Latin word candidatus, which historically referred to Roman office-seekers who wore white togas. Today, it remains the standard designation for individuals seeking employment or political office.

Explanation

The given active voice sentence is in the Simple Past Tense, indicated by the verb "filled".

To convert a Simple Past sentence from active to passive voice, the standard structure is: Subject (recipient of the action) + was/were + past participle of the verb (V3) + preposition + Object (doer of the action)

Applying this structure: "The cup" becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The verb "filled" changes to the passive past tense form "was filled". The preposition "with" is correctly used after "filled" to denote the material being put inside the cup ("dark filtered coffee"). "Mother", the original subject, is placed at the end of the sentence as the agent introduced by the preposition "by".

This yields the correct passive sentence: "The cup was filled with dark filtered coffee by mother."

Explanation

In this context, the verb exercise is used in its sense of practicing, applying, or bringing to bear a particular quality or behavior, especially self-control or moderation. It forms a standard English collocation to exercise restraint, which means to keep oneself under control and refrain from aggressive actions. When urging warring communities to maintain peace, the most appropriate term to indicate the active application of self-discipline is to exercise.

Explanation

The word narratives is the most appropriate fit for the blank because it refers to the overarching political stories, ideologies, or conceptual frameworks that political groups use to interpret events and present their viewpoints. In political and social discourse, the term grand narratives describes the comprehensive explanations and systemic stories promoted by different political factions, such as the Left and the Right, to explain societal functions and justify their policy positions. This aligns perfectly with the passage, which contrasts the differing ideological perspectives of the Left and the Right regarding welfare and economic growth.

Explanation

The preposition for is used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action, service, or object. In this sentence, the social welfare programmes are designed and expanded to benefit the poor, making for the correct preposition to establish this relationship of purpose and benefit.

Explanation

The word disparities is the most appropriate term in this context as it specifically refers to noticeable and typically unfair differences or inequalities between different groups of people. Highlighting the growing disparities between the rich and the poor is a standard collocation used to describe the widening gap in wealth, income, and opportunities between different socioeconomic classes.

Explanation

In economic and political discourse, right-wing perspectives typically critique state-funded welfare programmes by highlighting their fiscal costs and inefficiencies. The term burden fits this context perfectly, as it describes the financial strain, debt, or liability that politically driven welfare schemes impose on the state exchequer and taxpayers, contrasting with the Right's emphasis on market-led economic growth as the primary mechanism for poverty alleviation.

Explanation

The word alleviate means to make a problem, pain, or suffering less severe. In the context of socio-economic development, alleviate poverty is a standard collocated phrase that refers to reducing or mitigating the intensity of poverty. Therefore, the passage highlights the use of economic growth as a tool to lessen poverty and improve the overall lives of the poor.

Explanation

The adjective averse is always followed by the preposition to rather than with. Thus, the phrase averse with in part A must be replaced with averse to to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The word sterling is spelled correctly. It is used as an adjective to describe someone or something of excellent, valuable, or first-class quality. It is also used as a noun to refer to British currency or high-purity silver.

Explanation

The verb choke means to make someone unable to breathe properly by suffocating or obstructing the airway. Similarly, the word stifle means to suffocate, smother, or prevent the free breathing of someone, making it a direct synonym. Both terms are commonly used to describe the act of restricting or suppressing breath, airflow, or voice.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is Unelected Governors, which is a plural noun. This subject requires a plural verb, which is found at the beginning of part Q with the phrase were never envisaged. The verb envisaged is commonly paired with the preposition as to describe a role or status, which leads directly to part R starting with as wielding significant powers. Finally, part P, relating to State administration, acts as an adjectival modifier specifying the area of those significant powers. Combining these parts in the order of Q, R, and then P yields a grammatically complete and coherent sentence: Unelected Governors were never envisaged as wielding significant powers relating to State administration.

Explanation

The idiomatic phrase sink one's differences means to forget, ignore, or set aside disagreements and disputes in order to work together or reach a mutual agreement. In this context, the priest is urging the families to set aside their disagreements so that they can proceed with and agree to the wedding, making sink the most appropriate verb to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the active voice and simple past tense, following the structure: Subject + V2 + Object. To convert this simple past sentence into the passive voice, the grammatical structure must change to: Object + was/were + past participle (V3) of the verb + by + Subject.

Applying this rule, the object (gold medal) becomes the new subject of the passive sentence. Since "gold medal" is singular, it is followed by the auxiliary verb "was" and the past participle form "won". The original subject is then introduced with "by Abhinav Bindra", and the adverbial phrase "at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games" remains at the end of the sentence to maintain the correct semantic and syntactic alignment.

Explanation

The word anglican refers to things relating to or denoting the Church of England or any Church in communion with it. The spelling a-n-g-l-i-c-a-n is the correct orthographic form of this word, which is derived from the Medieval Latin word Anglicanus.

Explanation

The modal verb must in the opening phrase India must requires a base form of a verb to complete its meaning, which is supplied by part Q (convert its young population). The verb convert is followed by the prepositional phrase beginning with to in part P (to a competitive advantage, and nutrition and health). The coordinating conjunction and in part P then connects this clause to the next clause where nutrition and health serves as a plural subject that naturally pairs with the plural verb are in part R (are foundational to that outcome). This sequence forms a grammatically perfect and logical sentence.

Explanation

A cudgel is a short, thick, heavy club or stick made of wood that is used as a weapon to strike or beat someone.

Explanation

In converting direct speech to indirect speech, when the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tenses in the reported speech shift to their corresponding past forms. The modal verb "can" in "Can you dance?" changes to "could", and the conjunction "if" is used to introduce the yes/no question, resulting in "if she could dance". Similarly, the response "No" is reported in the past tense as "she said that she couldn't" to maintain tense consistency with the past-tense reporting verb.

Explanation

The comparative adjective inferior belongs to a class of Latin comparative adjectives, which also includes superior, senior, junior, prior, posterior, and anterior. These specific adjectives are always followed by the preposition to instead of than to show comparison. Thus, the phrase inferior than in part B is grammatically incorrect and must be replaced with inferior to.

Explanation

The word endangered means being seriously at risk of danger, harm, or extinction. The word threatened is a direct synonym, as it similarly describes someone or something that is vulnerable, in jeopardy, or facing a high risk of destruction or extinction.

Explanation

The idiom wag the dog originates from the expression the tail wagging the dog, which describes a situation where a small, insignificant part controls or dominates the whole or more important part. In political and media contexts, wagging the dog refers to the practice of purposely creating a diversion or fabricating a minor issue to distract public attention from a much larger, more critical, or potentially damaging problem. This tactic shifts public focus from something of greater significance to something of far lesser importance.