SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The phrase "one of the" is grammatically followed by a superlative adjective and a plural noun to indicate that a person or thing has a quality to the greatest degree among a group. For multi-syllable adjectives like "popular", the superlative degree is formed by adding the word "most" before the adjective. Replacing "much" with "most" correctly completes the standard superlative construction "one of the most popular authors".

Explanation

The given active voice sentence is in the simple past tense, following the structure of Subject + V2 (treated) + Object (Rohan). To convert this into the passive voice, the structure becomes Object + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Subject. Since the object "Rohan" is singular, it is paired with the auxiliary verb "was" followed by the past participle "treated" and the agent "by Alfred's doctor", making the passive form "Rohan was treated by Alfred's doctor for his fever."

Explanation

Sentence A introduces the central character, Birsa, establishing the spatial and temporal setting in 1895 in Chottanagpur, Jharkhand, which makes it the natural opening sentence. Sentence D follows directly by describing the initial rumors and beliefs of the people regarding his miraculous powers to cure diseases and multiply grain. Sentence C builds on these rumors by stating what Birsa himself declared regarding his divine appointment to save his people and free them from the slavery of dikus. Sentence B logically concludes the sequence by presenting the final outcome of these beliefs and declarations, describing how thousands of people began following him. This forms the coherent logical sequence ADCB.

Explanation

The given passive voice sentence is in the present continuous tense, marked by the verb form is being sent. To convert a present continuous passive sentence into active voice, the structure must follow the active form: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing + Object.

In this transformation, the agent of the action, students, becomes the subject of the active sentence. The recipient of the action, the flyer for the international symposium, becomes the direct object. Following this grammatical structure, the sentence is correctly converted to: Students are sending the flyer for the international symposium to institutes all over the country.

Explanation

The original sentence refers to a specific event that occurred in the past, indicated by the time marker "August 1992". Therefore, the verb must be in the simple past tense. The past tense verb "described" correctly establishes this past timeline, making the sentence grammatically accurate.

Explanation

The idiom "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, elation, or bliss. The phrase historically refers to the US Weather Bureau's cloud classification system from the mid-20th century, where "cloud nine" designated the towering cumulonimbus cloud, which is the highest and most spectacular of all cloud types. Metaphorically, being on top of this highest cloud represents being at the peak of joy or feeling spectacularly happy.

Explanation

The word reinforce means to strengthen or support an object, idea, or structure by adding extra strength or force. Its direct antonym is weaken, which means to make something less strong, secure, or influential.

Explanation

The word Quear is misspelled. The correct spelling is Queer, which means strange, odd, or unconventional, or Query, which refers to a question or inquiry.

Explanation

The word wrangle means to engage in a long, noisy, and angry dispute or argument. It is commonly used both as a verb, meaning to argue or dispute heatedly, and as a noun, referring to the noisy argument itself.

Explanation

The word dispensable refers to something that is not necessary, able to be replaced, or easily done without. The exact opposite or antonym of dispensable is essential, which describes something that is absolutely necessary, indispensable, or of utmost importance.

Explanation

The sentence structure uses the correlative conjunction pair neither... nor to connect two alternative negative possibilities. In this construction, the word now is a typographical representation of the conjunction nor. Therefore, neither is the correct word to pair with nor to express that she was neither right nor wrong.

Explanation

The time phrase "since last year" indicates that the action started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. This context requires the present perfect continuous tense, which is structured as "has/have been + verb-ing". Since the subject "Sheela" is singular, the singular helper verb "has" is used, making "has been trying" the grammatically correct substitution.

Explanation

The adverb of time yesterday indicates that the action took place in the past. Therefore, the verb in the sentence must be in the simple past tense. The simple past tense form of the verb open is opened, which correctly aligns with the past time frame established by yesterday.

Explanation

The word "admire" means to regard someone or something with respect, warm approval, or high esteem. "Appreciate" is its closest synonym, as it means to recognize the full worth, value, or quality of something or someone, reflecting a similar sentiment of positive regard and high estimation.

Explanation

The term versatile refers to a person who is capable of doing many different things or possesses many different skills. In the given sentence, it describes someone who can adapt to or excel in many different activities and functions due to having a wide range of abilities.

Explanation

The word exonerate means to officially absolve someone from blame, release them from a charge, or declare them free from guilt. Conversely, convict means to officially declare someone to be guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law. Since exonerating someone clears them of guilt and convicting someone establishes their guilt, the two words represent opposite legal outcomes and are direct antonyms.

Explanation

The word massive is used to describe something that is exceptionally large, heavy, and solid. In this context, it appropriately describes a grand architectural dome constructed of stone and mortar, emphasizing the scale and solid construction of the Hall of Dharma.

Explanation

The context of the sentence contrasts the feminine representation of the dome with the masculine representation of the temple spire. The adjective delicate is used to describe the noun in blank 2, making elegance the most grammatically and contextually appropriate choice, as it aligns with the soft, refined, and aesthetic characteristics traditionally associated with femininity.

Explanation

The word circular is the most appropriate fit for blank 3 because it describes the shape of the hall, aligning with the earlier description of the hall being in a circular building. This architectural shape directly supports the subsequent sentence, which explains that the rishis sat as equals without a moderating head. In a circular seating arrangement, there is no head of the table, symbolizing equality, openness, and the absence of a hierarchy during their debates.

Explanation

The context of the sentence indicates a gathering where there is no hierarchy or moderating head, meaning every participant has the same status and authority. The plural noun equals perfectly fits the blank to show that all the rishis sat with equivalent standing, promoting open debate and freedom of expression.

Explanation

The sentence describes the nature of giving a gift. The first blank requires a verb that collocates with the noun "act" to denote carrying out or executing the action, making "perform" the most appropriate fit. The second blank requires a noun that denotes ownership, as the phrase "part with something in your..." refers to relinquishing custody or ownership of an item. The word "possession" perfectly fits this context because one can only part with something that they currently own or hold. Therefore, the combination of "perform" and "possession" completes the sentence logically and grammatically.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression is "a knight in shining armor", which is used to describe a heroic, chivalrous, or noble person who comes to the rescue of someone in distress or difficulty. The term "knight" refers to a medieval gentleman-soldier, typically depicted wearing polished metal armor, which perfectly fits both the literal origin and figurative meaning of the phrase.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence C, which introduces the main subject of myths and establishes their long-standing status as a complex and intriguing aspect of human life. Sentence D logically follows by presenting the modern scientific world's skeptical view of myths as unscientific and meaningless. Sentence A introduces a counter-argument to this modern perception, using the transition word "however" to assert that a scientific study reveals myths to be rational and valuable. Sentence B then extends this counter-argument using "moreover", clarifying that myths should not be judged by factual accuracy because they were created to fulfill a much deeper purpose.

Explanation

The idiom "like chalk and cheese" is used to describe two people or things that are completely different from each other. Although they may superficially appear somewhat similar, such as both being pale or crumbly, they have entirely distinct properties, tastes, and uses, making them absolute opposites in reality.

Explanation

The word lead means to go in front of a person or group to show them the way, or to guide and conduct them. Its direct antonym is follow, which means to go or come after someone, or to move behind them in the same direction. In the context of the sentence, follow is used to describe the action of going after the guide, representing the opposite behavior of leading.

Explanation

The sentence contains a specific past time marker, last month, which indicates that the action was completed at a definite time in the past. In English grammar, when a specific past time expression is used, the simple past tense is required rather than the past perfect tense. Therefore, the simple past verb phrase got back from is the correct substitution for the grammatically incorrect had get back from.

Explanation

The word salubrious is an adjective that means health-giving, pleasant, or conducive to good health and well-being. It is derived from the Latin word salubris, which means healthful. The word beneficial means promoting or favorable to well-being, helpful, or producing a good effect. Because both words describe something that promotes health, wellness, or positive conditions, they are closely synonymous.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes the narrator sitting in a state of unhappiness and resentment due to a personal failure. Sulking means to be silently gloomy, bad-tempered, or resentful, typically as a result of disappointment or an unfavorable outcome. This fits the scenario perfectly as the narrator is unhappy about their failure to avoid spending the summer months in a certain location.

Explanation

In the given sentence, a possessive determiner is required before the noun phrase "glistering summer months" to indicate association with the speaker. The word "my" acts as a possessive determiner that correctly modifies the noun phrase, which perfectly aligns with the first-person singular perspective established earlier in the sentence by the pronoun "I" and the possessive adjective "my" in "my failure".

Explanation

In the context of the passage, the speaker's grandmother is on the phone and trying to get the speaker's attention through hand gestures, as indicated by her snapping or waving her fingers. The verb beckoning means to gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer, follow, or pay attention. This perfectly matches the actions described, where Grandmere is gesturing from across the room to summon Amelia while continuing her phone conversation.

Explanation

The verb tapping means to strike a surface lightly and repeatedly, often making a rhythmic clicking or drumming sound. In this context, Grandmere is on the phone and uses a physical gesture to get Amelia's attention. Tapping her fingers on the phone serves as both a visual and auditory cue. The preposition on directly fits with tapping, as it denotes physical contact with the surface of the phone.

Explanation

The clue provided in the parenthetical expression "so that nobody listens" indicates that Grandmere speaks in a quiet, hushed, and secretive manner to avoid being overheard by the person on the other end of the line. To hiss, in this context, means to whisper or speak in an urgent, low, sibilant tone to get someone's attention discreetly. This aligns perfectly with the action of covering the telephone receiver to whisper a secret message.

Explanation

The word alternative fits the first blank to indicate that two optional or choice dates were offered to the person. The word apart fits the second blank as the phrase apart from each other is the standard English idiom used to describe the time interval or distance separating two events, meaning the dates are separated by only a few days.

Explanation

Sentence C serves as the introductory sentence, establishing the central theme of smartphones and their significance as a modern tool of communication. Sentence D naturally follows C by expanding on this idea, highlighting that smartphones are indispensable due to their suitability for a wide variety of tasks. Sentence A transitions from the general mention of tasks to a specific advantage, which is connecting with the global community and sharing views through social media. Sentence B then logically concludes the paragraph by using the cohesive marker "Furthermore, this" to add more benefits of using smartphones, such as conducting online transactions and finding employment, completing a coherent and logical flow of ideas.

Explanation

The word desiderate is a verb that means to feel a keen desire for, to want, or to wish for something that is lacking. The most appropriate antonym is disregard, which means to ignore, pay no attention to, or show complete indifference toward something, representing the opposite action of desiring or wanting it.

Explanation

The word is incorrectly spelt because it is missing the letter i before the suffix -ous. The correct spelling is conscientious, which means wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly, or relating to a person's conscience.

Explanation

A litigant is a person or party involved in a lawsuit or legal dispute. Similarly, a petitioner is a person who presents a formal written petition or request to a court or authority, making them an active party to a legal proceeding. Therefore, petitioner serves as the most appropriate synonym for litigant in a legal context.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice, indicated by the simple future tense passive structure "will be + past participle" (will be published). To convert a passive voice sentence in the simple future tense into the active voice, the verb structure must be changed to "will + base form of the verb" (will publish). Since the agent of the action is not specified in the passive sentence, an appropriate subject, "The panel", is introduced to perform the action. Converting "will be published" to "will publish" while maintaining the original meaning and future tense structure correctly transforms the sentence into the active voice.

Explanation

The idiom green-eyed means to be envious or jealous of someone else's achievements, possessions, or good fortune. The expression is closely related to the phrase green-eyed monster, famously popularized by William Shakespeare in his play Othello to personify jealousy. In the context of the sentence, it describes a feeling of resentment and envy towards another person's success.

Explanation

The word exertion refers to the use of physical or mental effort, or the act of putting oneself to strenuous labor. Its most appropriate antonym is inaction, which represents a state of doing nothing, a lack of movement, or the absence of activity and effort.

Explanation

The word sublime means of very high quality, supreme, or outstandingly excellent. In the context of a sportsman's performance, it describes peak or magnificent form. The word inferior means lower in quality, value, or standard, making it the direct antonym of sublime.

Explanation

The idiom "charley horse" is an informal term used to describe a sudden, painful involuntary muscle cramp or spasm, most commonly occurring in the leg, particularly in the calf or thigh. It typically occurs during strenuous exercise, physical exertion, or even while sleeping, resulting in temporary stiffness and soreness.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice in the simple past tense, structurally represented as: Object + was/were + past participle (V₃) + by + Subject. To convert it into the active voice, the sentence must be rewritten in the simple past tense active structure: Subject + past tense verb (V₂) + Object. Here, the agent "the minister" becomes the subject, the simple past verb is "hoisted", and "the national flag" becomes the object, giving "The minister hoisted the national flag."

Explanation

The noun dilemma refers to a state of uncertainty or a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives. The sentence describes a situation where Prerna is facing a choice between two conflicting possibilities, which is whether to attend the party or not. This makes dilemma the most appropriate word to fit the context of having to make a decision.

Explanation

The idiom "carry the day" means to be victorious, to win a contest, argument, or competition, or to gain success. In the context of the sentence, it indicates that the liberals have been successful or have won for the time being.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is suzerainty, which refers to sovereign authority or state. Therefore, suzeranity in the sentence is incorrectly spelt.

Explanation

To abdicate means to formally give up or renounce a high office, especially a throne, sovereign power, or duty. When a monarch, such as a Czar, steps down from power and gives up the throne, the correct and precise term used to describe this action is abdicated.

Explanation

The word is misspelled as Blizard. The correct spelling is Blizzard, which features a double z. A blizzard is a severe, violent snowstorm characterized by extremely strong winds, freezing temperatures, and very low visibility.

Explanation

The given active voice sentence contains the transitive verb "like" followed by an infinitive phrase "to play games" acting as its object. To convert this structure into the passive voice, the object of the infinitive "games" becomes the grammatical subject of the sentence. The finite verb "like" is converted into its passive form "are liked" because the subject "games" is plural. The active infinitive "to play" is converted into its passive infinitive form "to be played". Finally, the agent "children" is introduced using the preposition "by", resulting in the correct passive construction: "Games are liked to be played by children all the time."

Explanation

Boldness refers to the quality of having or showing a fearless and daring spirit, which is directly synonymous with bravery, meaning courageous behavior or character. Both words represent the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty with courage and confidence.