SSC CHSL Tier 1 2019 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

An alien is a person who belongs to a foreign country and is not a naturalized citizen of the country in which they are currently living or visiting. In both legal and general contexts, this term is standardly used to describe a foreign national.

Explanation

The word expose means to make something visible by uncovering it, or to make known something that was hidden or secret. Similarly, reveal means to make previously unknown or secret information known to others, or to allow something to be seen that was previously concealed. Both words convey the action of bringing something into view or to light, making them direct synonyms.

Explanation

The word minuscule means extremely small or tiny in size, amount, or importance. Its most appropriate antonym is gigantic, which means extremely large, huge, or colossal in size, scale, or power.

Explanation

The standard comparative construction used to indicate that an amount or value has reached a high level is as... as. In this context, the idiom as high as is used to emphasize that the rent can reach a surprisingly large amount, specifically up to Rs. 40,000. Replacing the incorrect preposition to with as completes this correlative structure, making the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The noun people is a collective noun that functions as the plural of person when referring to human individuals. The term peoples is only used when referring to multiple distinct ethnic groups or nations, which is not the case here. To express a large quantity of individuals, the correct idiomatic phrase is a lot of. Therefore, combining these elements yields the grammatically correct phrase a lot of people.

Explanation

The word adversary refers to an opponent, competitor, or enemy in a contest, conflict, or dispute. A rival is defined as a person or group competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field, making it the direct synonym of adversary.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence B, which introduces the main subject and the initial desire of the prisoners to showcase their artwork inside the prison. Sentence C logically follows sentence B by explaining the immediate step they took to realize this goal, which was seeking assistance from volunteers of the School of Art. Sentence A continues the chronological sequence, using the transition word "Later" to describe the subsequent establishment of their own art school and gallery. Sentence D concludes the paragraph by using the pronoun "there" to refer back to the art school mentioned in sentence A, specifying who could study at the newly created facility. This sequence creates a clear and logical narrative flow of BCAD.

Explanation

The segment "have been propose" contains a grammatical error because the present perfect tense in the passive voice requires the past participle (V3) form of the verb. The standard structure is "has/have + been + past participle". Therefore, the base verb "propose" must be changed to its past participle form "proposed" to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The idiom dance to someone's tune means to act entirely according to the wishes, dictates, or commands of another person, often in a submissive manner. It draws from the imagery of a dancer whose movements are completely controlled by the rhythm and pace set by the musician playing the tune. Therefore, it translates to doing exactly what others want you to do.

Explanation

The idiom "leave no stone unturned" means to make every possible effort, explore every available avenue, and use all resources at one's disposal to achieve a goal or find a solution. The phrase has its roots in an ancient Greek legend where a person searching for a buried treasure was advised by an oracle to move every single stone. In modern usage, it signifies conducting a thorough and exhaustive search or attempt, ensuring that no potential option is ignored.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is "eagle", which refers to a large bird of prey. The spelling "eagel" is incorrect as the letter "l" must precede the final "e".

Explanation

The preposition through is incorrectly used in the phrase through the river. The preposition through implies movement within an enclosed three-dimensional space or medium, such as walking through a forest or driving through a tunnel. To describe moving from one side of a flat water body or a linear boundary like a river to the other side, the correct preposition to use is across. Therefore, the grammatically correct phrasing is across the river.

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the present perfect tense, structured as Subject (The prisoners) + auxiliary verb (have) + past participle (made) + Object (these paintings). To convert a present perfect active sentence into the passive voice, the structure changes to: New Subject + have/has been + past participle + by + New Object. Since the new plural subject is "These paintings", the auxiliary verb "have been" is used, followed by the past participle "made" and the agent "by the prisoners".

Explanation

The blank requires a transitive verb that can directly take the noun phrase "a former Nazi compound" as its direct object. The verb "visit" means to go to see a place for interest or pleasure, which perfectly matches the context of tourists participating in organized tours to explore a historical site.

Explanation

The past participle called is used as a participle adjective to modify the noun compound, meaning named or known as. In this context, it describes the former Nazi compound that is known as the Forbidden City.

Explanation

The blank requires a determiner to modify the singular countable noun year to indicate the regular, recurring frequency of the visits. The word every is used before a singular noun to refer to all instances of a regular occurrence. Combining every with year forms the standard adverbial phrase every year, which means annually and correctly shows that twenty thousand people visit the location on a yearly basis.

Explanation

The plural noun "The Nazis" serves as the subject of the sentence. Because the passage refers to historical events that occurred during World War II, the sentence requires a past tense verb. The plural past tense form of the verb "to be" is "were", which correctly establishes subject-verb agreement with the plural subject "The Nazis".

Explanation

The word concealed means kept secret or hidden from sight. In the context of the passage, the military compound was located deep within a forest and secured behind a fence to prevent it from being seen or discovered by others. This idea of keeping the location hidden is reinforced by the subsequent sentence, which mentions that they hid underground bunkers. Therefore, concealed is the most contextually appropriate word to describe how the compound was kept.

Explanation

When converting an interrogative sentence starting with a wh-question word into indirect speech, several grammatical rules are followed. The reporting verb said to changes to asked because a question is being asked. The question word why acts as the linker, so no conjunction like that is used. The sentence structure of the reported speech changes from interrogative (verb before subject) to assertive (subject before verb). The pronoun you changes to I to match the object of the reporting verb, me. The present continuous tense are taking converts to the past continuous tense was taking to align with the past tense reporting verb. Finally, the demonstrative word this changes to that to denote distance in indirect speech.

Explanation

The sentence describes a contrasting situation where a seemingly negative event—suffering a stroke at an early age—ultimately led to a positive outcome. Having a stroke so young would naturally be perceived as deeply unfair, making injustice the most appropriate word to describe how the speaker viewed the situation at that time. An injustice refers to an unfair situation or occurrence, which perfectly aligns with the initial feeling of bitterness or unfairness of being afflicted with a serious medical condition early in life.

Explanation

The word inevitable refers to an event or situation that is certain to happen and cannot be prevented, escaped, or avoided. It originates from the Latin prefix in- meaning not, and evitabilis meaning avoidable, which combined describe something that is completely unavoidable.

Explanation

The sentence establishes a contrast using the conjunction but, comparing the limited options available during childhood with the multitude of options available in adulthood. The word abounds is a verb meaning to exist in large numbers or great quantity. In this context, it correctly indicates that as people grow older, the choices available to them become highly abundant and plentiful.

Explanation

The sequence begins with sentence C, which introduces the main incident of Akbar asking a strange question. Sentence D logically follows C because it describes the immediate reaction of the courtiers to that specific question. Sentence B comes next as Akbar glances at them in search of an answer to his question. Finally, sentence A concludes the paragraph by describing the behavior of the courtiers as Akbar looked at them.

Explanation

The verb undergo means to experience, endure, or be subjected to a process, treatment, or change. When a physical structure like the Elizabeth Tower and its bell are being restored or repaired, they are said to be undergoing renovation. This fits grammatically and contextually to describe the passive experience of the structure being worked on.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the structure, which is singular. The sentence is framed in the simple present tense, as established by the verb is in the first clause. To maintain grammatical agreement with a singular third-person subject in the present tense, the verb needs must be used to express a general, ongoing fact about the monument.

Explanation

The sentence employs the past perfect continuous tense in the clause had been painting, which denotes an action that was ongoing over a period of time in the past. The preposition for is standardly used to indicate a duration or length of time, perfectly fitting before the noun phrase many years to show how long the practice of painting the hands and numbers black persisted.

Explanation

The preposition of is used to denote possession, association, or connection between a part and a whole. In this context, the hands and numbers are integral components belonging to the clock. Therefore, of is the grammatically correct preposition to connect the hands and numbers with the clock.

Explanation

The sentence describes how workers uncovered the original Prussian Blue paint of the clock hands and numbers after removing the layers of black paint that had been applied over many years. The verb discovered is the most appropriate choice here because it means to find or reveal something that was previously hidden, unknown, or lost to time. During the restoration process, scraping away the newer paint layers allowed the workers to find and bring to light the clock's authentic, original coloration.

Explanation

The modal structure "needn't have" followed by a past participle verb is used to express that an action was performed in the past, but it was unnecessary. In this context, the speaker has already received the necklace, meaning the act of buying has already taken place. Using "needn't have bought" correctly conveys that the listener spent money on an expensive gift when there was no obligation or need to do so.

Explanation

The word exotic refers to something that is unusual, striking, exciting, or originating from a distant, foreign country. The direct opposite of this concept is something that is common, normal, and lacks any unusual or distinctive features. The word ordinary precisely describes something that is commonplace, standard, and normal, making it the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The preposition "to" in the phrase "to whom" is grammatically incorrect. One makes or has an appointment "with" a person, not "to" them. Therefore, the preposition "with" should be used instead of "to", making the correct phrase "with whom I had made an appointment".

Explanation

The construction such ... as is used to denote a person or thing of the same kind or category as the one being mentioned. In this sentence, the determiner such correctly modifies the noun experience, and is followed by the conjunction as to introduce the comparison with the specific event in Puri. This creates a grammatically correct and idiomatic comparative structure.

Explanation

The verb overcome means to successfully deal with, defeat, or prevail over a problem, obstacle, or difficulty. In the context of the sentence, a person's will and determination are inner strengths that enable them to successfully conquer and rise above the various challenges of life.

Explanation

The word indefatigable is derived from the prefix in- meaning not and the Latin word fatigare meaning to tire or fatigue. Therefore, it refers to someone who has untiring stamina and does not yield to fatigue, persisting in their efforts without tiring easily.

Explanation

The auxiliary verb "has" is used to form the present perfect tense and must always be followed by the past participle form of the main verb. In the given sentence, the base form of the verb "propose" is used after "has", which is grammatically incorrect. To rectify this error, "propose" must be replaced with its past participle form, "proposed", making the correct phrasing "The Public Works Department has proposed".

Explanation

An organized group of singers, especially one that performs in a church or takes part in religious services, is called a choir. This term historically refers to the singers who perform together during liturgy or worship, as well as the specific area of the church building where they are seated.

Explanation

The word berrel is misspelled. The correct spelling is barrel, which refers to a cylindrical container bulging out in the middle, traditionally made of wooden staves and bound with metal hoops, used for storing liquids.

Explanation

Sentence B acts as the introductory sentence by presenting the main subject, which is prisoners and their nature. Sentence A logically follows Sentence B because the pronoun "them" in Sentence A directly refers to the "prisoners" mentioned in Sentence B, explaining that circumstances are the reason they are in jail. Sentence C flows naturally from Sentence A, using the conjunction "So" to establish that since their crimes are due to circumstances, they deserve a chance at rehabilitation. Sentence D serves as the final conclusion, using "Therefore" to offer a practical method, learning a trade, to achieve the rehabilitation and reintegration mentioned in Sentence C. This establishes BACD as the logical and coherent sequence.

Explanation

The idiom "to air dirty linen in public" (sometimes phrased as "wash dirty linen in public") is used to describe the act of discussing private, personal, or confidential matters, particularly disputes or scandalous family issues, in front of others or in a public forum where they should not be exposed. The phrase metaphorically compares one's private troubles or secrets to soiled laundry, suggesting that such matters are meant to be dealt with privately rather than being displayed for everyone to see.

Explanation

The idiom throw in the towel originates from the sport of boxing. When a boxer is suffering a severe beating and their trainers or seconds decide they can no longer continue, they literally throw a towel into the ring to stop the fight and concede the match. Over time, this expression entered general language to mean surrendering, giving up, or admitting defeat in any difficult situation or endeavor.

Explanation

Sentence B introduces the main subject, Emperor Akbar, and establishes his habit of posing riddles and puzzles to his courtiers. Sentence A naturally follows because the pronoun "He" refers back to Akbar, describing the nature of the questions he asked as strange and witty. Sentence D follows sentence A because "these questions" directly refers to the strange and witty questions mentioned in sentence A, explaining that they required much wisdom to answer. Finally, sentence C concludes the sequence by transitioning from Akbar's general, habitual behavior to a specific, illustrative event introduced by the word "Once".

Explanation

The phrase "in spite of" indicates a contrast between the challenging circumstances of the subject's birth and his subsequent success as a statesman. The expression "fight all odds" implies that he had to overcome severe hardships and obstacles from an early age. The word "impoverished" means extremely poor, which perfectly fits this context because growing up in poverty presents significant financial and social odds that a person would need to struggle against to achieve such distinction.

Explanation

The word "hind" refers to the back or posterior part of something, especially when referring to an animal's body or a physical structure. The word "rear" also means the back or hindmost part of something, making it a direct synonym. For example, "hind legs" and "rear legs" both describe the legs located at the back of an animal.

Explanation

The word innuendo refers to an indirect, subtle, or oblique remark, hint, or insinuation, often of a derogatory or suggestive nature. An implication is something that is suggested, inferred, or understood without being directly or explicitly stated. Because both words deal with indirect, non-explicit ways of conveying a message or meaning, implication is the most appropriate synonym for innuendo.

Explanation

The reporting verb "said to" is changed to "asked" because the direct speech is an interrogative sentence. In indirect speech for "wh-" questions, the question word "why" itself acts as the conjunction, and no coordinating conjunction is used. The sentence structure within the reported speech changes from interrogative to assertive, meaning the subject "those boys" (changed from "these boys") precedes the verb. Additionally, the present continuous tense "are standing" is converted into the past continuous tense "were standing" because the reporting verb is in the past tense. This results in the construction: "Mrs. Gupta asked me why those boys were standing in the sun."

Explanation

The word in option B is wrongly spelt because it should be spelled with a double 's' (as "assurable", derived from "assure") rather than with a single 's' as it appeared in the original exam paper ("asurable"). Therefore, option B is the wrongly spelt word.

Explanation

The word succinct means expressing something clearly and briefly in a few words. The antonym of succinct is lengthy, which describes something that is very long, detailed, or extended in time or space, directly opposing the idea of brevity.

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the present perfect tense, which follows the structure: subject + has/have + past participle + object. To convert this sentence into passive voice, the rule requires the structure: new subject (original object) + has/have + been + past participle + by + agent (original subject). Applying this formula, the object "the lawn" becomes the subject, the verb becomes "has been mowed", and "the gardener" becomes the agent introduced by "by".

Explanation

The word morose refers to a person who is sullen, gloomy, bad-tempered, and unsociable. Its most appropriate antonym is cheerful, which describes someone who is noticeably happy, optimistic, and in high spirits.

Explanation

The word corroborate means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding. The antonym of corroborate must represent an action that opposes or denies a claim. The word contradict means to deny the truth of a statement or to assert the opposite, directly opposing the act of confirmation.