SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The structure as... as possible is a standard comparative construction used to indicate the maximum degree or intensity of an action or quality. When modifying a verb like care, the adverb much is required to express the extent of the caring. Substituting the underlined portion with as much for family members completes the correlative comparison as much... as possible, creating a grammatically correct sentence that conveys the meaning of caring to the greatest extent possible.

Explanation

An emigrant is a person who leaves their native country or region to settle permanently in another. The term is derived from the prefix e- meaning "out of" or "away" and migrare meaning "to move", which precisely describes someone leaving their own country to reside elsewhere permanently.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes a person preparing to go outside in the cold at night. After putting on warm clothes and new shoes, the logical physical action he would perform to cross a bridge is to walk. The subsequent sentences describe his movement along the road and sound, confirming that he is traveling on foot. Thus, walked is the most grammatically and contextually appropriate verb to fill the blank.

Explanation

The phrasal verb turn off means to leave a road, path, or route in order to travel along another one. In this context, the character departs from the main road to continue walking along the sound below the church, making off the grammatically and contextually correct preposition to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes a cold night where ice has formed on the sound and inside the old harbor. The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast to this ice cover, indicating that further out, the water is not frozen. In hydrological and winter contexts, a body of water or a portion of it that remains unfrozen amidst ice is referred to as "open water." Therefore, "open" is the grammatically and contextually correct word to describe the ice-free, darker belt of water.

Explanation

The word facade refers to the principal front of a building, particularly one that faces an open space or street. In architectural and structural contexts, the outer front of a historic building like a church is commonly equipped with decorative exterior lighting. Consequently, using facade in the blank correctly describes the exterior lights of the church building going out.

Explanation

The adjective icy means extremely cold, covered in ice, or resembling ice. In English, icy cold is a standard collocation used to describe extremely or bitterly cold weather. Given the passage's previous mention of ice forming on the sound and the old harbor, the term icy fits contextually to emphasize the freezing winter environment, making the sentence grammatically and semantically complete.

Explanation

The sentence specifies a definite time period in the past, "In 1920's". When an action is completed at a specific, definite time in the past, the simple past tense is grammatically required instead of the present perfect tense. Therefore, the simple past verb "allowed" correctly replaces "has allowed" to indicate a finished historical event.

Explanation

The phrasal verb get away means to escape from a person or a place, or to leave a location, especially to go on a vacation or take a break from one's daily routine. For example, in the sentence We decided to get away for the weekend, get away means to leave one's home or workplace to relax elsewhere. Therefore, to leave directly captures this meaning of departing or escaping.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice, expressing a negative advice or moral command using the structure of subject followed by should not be and the past participle of the verb. To convert this type of passive suggestion into the active voice, it is framed as a negative imperative sentence. This structure begins with the helper do not, followed by the base form of the verb and the object, with an implied subject of you. Therefore, the verb oppress and the object the disabled are combined to form the direct active sentence Do not oppress the disabled.

Explanation

The word attract means to pull or draw something towards itself by exerting a physical force, or to arouse interest and appeal. The word repel means to push back, drive away, or exert a force that resists the approach of something. Because these two words represent directly opposite actions and physical forces, repel is the direct antonym of attract.

Explanation

The idiom "Between Scylla and Charybdis" originates from Greek mythology, where Scylla was a multi-headed monster living on one side of a narrow channel of water, and Charybdis was a deadly whirlpool on the opposite side. Sailors attempting to pass through the strait had to navigate between these two threats, meaning that any maneuver to avoid one danger would inevitably bring them closer to the other. In modern English, the phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is caught between two equally perilous dangers or difficulties, where escaping one leads directly into the other.

Explanation

The preposition over is used to denote a position directly above or higher than something else, often suggesting movement or extension across a surface. In this context, the tree branches extend horizontally in the space above the water, meaning that anyone swinging from them is positioned above the surface of the pond.

Explanation

The verb remember is a stative verb, which represents a mental state or cognitive process rather than a dynamic action. Stative verbs are generally not used in continuous tenses. Therefore, the present continuous form is he remembering is grammatically incorrect in this context. To express this state in the present tense, the simple present interrogative form must be used, which is constructed using the auxiliary verb does followed by the singular subject he and the base form of the verb remember. This yields the grammatically correct sentence: Does he remember our help?

Explanation

The word Gaumet is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Gourmet, which refers to a connoisseur of good food and drink, or Gamut, which refers to the complete range or scope of something.

Explanation

The idiom "be at a loose end" (or "at loose ends") means to have nothing specific to do, to be unoccupied, or to have no particular plans. It originates from the nautical practice of needing to bind or neatened the loose ends of ropes on a ship. When a person is described as being at a loose end, it indicates they have free time but lack a clear purpose or activity to fill it.

Explanation

The word ephemeral is derived from the Greek word ephemeros, which means lasting only a day. In the English language, it is used to describe something that is very short-lived, transient, or lasting for a very brief period of time.

Explanation

The sentence in this option is completely free of any orthographic errors. Every single word, including the core noun vocabulary, the verb raises, and the words standard, English, and language, is spelled perfectly according to standard English spelling rules.

Explanation

The past perfect tense is constructed using the auxiliary verb had followed by the past participle form of the main verb (had + V3). The verb eat has the simple past tense form ate and the past participle form eaten. Since the auxiliary verb had is used in the preceding segment, it must be followed by the past participle eaten rather than the simple past tense ate. This makes the segment ate that lobster grammatically incorrect.

Explanation

The word absurd is a direct synonym of illogical, meaning wildly unreasonable, inappropriate, or contrary to reason. In the context of the sentence, it accurately conveys that accepting the demands of the protesters would lack logical sense or justification.

Explanation

The sentence "I was not hired by her" is in the passive voice and simple past tense. In passive voice, the structure for a negative simple past sentence is: Subject + was/were + not + past participle (V₃) + by + Agent. To convert this into active voice, the structure is: Subject + did not + base form of the verb (V₁) + Object.

The agent "her" becomes the subject "She", the simple past passive verb "was not hired" becomes "did not hire", and the subject pronoun "I" becomes the object pronoun "me". This results in the active voice sentence: "She did not hire me."

Explanation

The context of the sentence describes a strategy of extending or delaying negotiations in order to wear down the opponent until they are exhausted. The word protract, which is misspelled as protect in the sentence, means to prolong, extend, or drag out the duration of an event or process over time. Therefore, prolong is the most appropriate meaning that fits the context perfectly.

Explanation

The prepositional phrase "by 2023" denotes a deadline or a specific point in the future by which an action is expected to be completed. In English grammar, when an action is projected to be finished before a particular time in the future, the future perfect tense must be used. The future perfect tense is structured as "shall/will + have + past participle". Applying this rule to the sentence, "shall have completed" is the grammatically correct form to indicate the completion of her graduation prior to or at the limit of the year 2023.

Explanation

The word Commissariate is spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling is Commissariat, which refers to a department or organization, particularly in a military or official context, responsible for the supply of food and equipment.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence C, which introduces the core subject, online education, and defines what it is. Sentence D naturally follows C by introducing its benefits, using the possessive pronoun "Its" to refer back to online education. Sentence A expands on these benefits, specifically listing high-quality learning opportunities, improved outcomes, and expanded choices. Sentence B, beginning with the transition word "Therefore," serves as the logical conclusion that summarizes how online education removes traditional barriers like location, time, and quality. This establishes the coherent sequence as C-D-A-B.

Explanation

The sentence uses the correlative conjunction structure so... that... to express a cause-and-effect relationship. The word so modifies the participle conditioned to show the degree of the conditioning, which leads directly to the result introduced by the clause starting with that (that they feel embarrassed...). This correlative structure requires the word so to complete the meaning.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the word stomach is used as a verb meaning to tolerate, bear, or endure. The grammatical structure find it + adjective + to-infinitive is used here, where it acts as a dummy object. Therefore, the adjective hard is followed by the infinitive marker to, forming the full infinitive to stomach.

Explanation

The blank requires a noun that introduces a statement of reality or truth to contrast with the readers' conditioned embarrassment described in the first sentence. The phrase "The fact is that..." is a standard English idiom used to assert the actual truth of a situation. In this context, it introduces the reality that very few people actually read or enjoy the works of acclaimed literary giants, making "fact" the grammatically and contextually correct choice.

Explanation

The sentence uses the construction "ourselves to be persuaded," which grammatically requires a transitive verb that takes a reflexive pronoun followed by a to-infinitive. The verb "allow" fits this structural pattern perfectly. In this context, "allowed" means permitting or letting oneself be influenced, indicating that readers have passively let themselves be convinced of the idea that story-driven books are of lower literary value.

Explanation

The passage discusses how readers are conditioned to value books that do not explicitly state everything but instead leave things unexpressed. When a literary work leaves details or meanings unexpressed, readers must deduce or make sense of those hidden elements. The verb interpret means to explain, decipher, or understand the meaning of something that is not explicitly stated, which perfectly fits the context of dealing with what is left unsaid in a book.

Explanation

An imperative sentence expressing a request can be converted into the passive voice using the structure: Let + object + be + past participle (V3) of the main verb.

In the active voice sentence, "bring" is the main verb and "a glass of water" is the direct object. Applying the passive rule, the direct object follows "Let", followed by "be", the past participle "brought", the prepositional phrase "to me", and the polite addition "please". This perfectly forms the sentence: Let a glass of water be brought to me, please.

Explanation

The word startle means to cause a sudden shock, alarm, or sudden feeling of wonder or astonishment. The word surprise is the most appropriate synonym as it likewise refers to the feeling or reaction caused by something unexpected.

Explanation

The phrasal verb "talk over" means to discuss a matter thoroughly, especially in order to reach a decision, solve a problem, or come to an agreement. In this context, the delegates spent an hour discussing a specific issue to find a solution or result, making "talked over" the grammatically and contextually correct choice.

Explanation

The preposition "at" is the grammatically correct choice to introduce a specific rate of interest, as loans are provided or taken at a certain rate. Additionally, "per month" is the standard and idiomatic English phrase used to express the periodic frequency of interest accumulation. This combines to make "at 2% interest rate per month" the most accurate and natural improvement for the sentence.

Explanation

The segment in Option C contains the spelling error, where the word committee was misspelled as commitee (lacking the double t) in the original exam text.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice, indicated by the past passive verb structure "was brought" acting on the grammatical subject "the young prince", while the agent performing the action is omitted. To convert this sentence into the active voice, an appropriate subject representing the performer of the action must be introduced, which is "the palace staff". The passive verb "was brought" is converted to the active simple past tense "brought", and "the young prince" becomes the direct object of the verb. This maintains the original past tense meaning and grammatical correctness of the sentence while clearly defining who performed the action.

Explanation

The modal auxiliary verb should is always followed by the bare infinitive or the base form of the verb. The base form of the verb stays is stay.

Explanation

The option "humiliated and started weeping" provides a more precise and emotionally resonant improvement to the sentence.

Humiliation describes a profound feeling of shame or a loss of dignity, which is a stronger and more descriptive emotion than simple embarrassment. This state of intense emotional hurt directly connects with "weeping", which refers to shedding tears in a continuous, deeply felt manner. This pair enhances the expressive depth of the sentence while maintaining perfect grammatical structure.

Explanation

The word nibble means to eat something by taking small, gentle, or cautious bites. In contrast, gobble means to eat food hurriedly, noisily, and in large chunks. Therefore, gobble acts as a direct antonym to nibble in the context of eating habits.

Explanation

The word gregarious describes an individual who is sociable, outgoing, and fond of the company of others. It is derived from the Latin root grex or gregis, meaning a flock or herd, which reflects the natural tendency of living or associating in a community or group rather than being alone.

Explanation

The idiom "under the weather" is a common English expression used to describe feeling slightly sick, unwell, or indisposed. Its origin is widely attributed to maritime terminology, where sailors experiencing motion sickness during bad weather would go below deck to rest, thereby putting themselves "under" the weather to recover.

Explanation

The denotation of divisive is tending to cause disagreement, hostility, or division among people. Alienating means causing someone to become unfriendly, hostile, or isolated, which directly corresponds to this definition as it involves creating a rift or estrangement within a group.

Explanation

Sentence A introduces the main theme of fossil fuel consumption and its depletion at an alarming rate. Sentence C logically follows A because it presents an additional issue, stating that the toxic pollutants released from burning these fuels are also a cause for concern, with "these fuels" referencing the fossil fuels introduced in A. Sentence B continues the discussion on the consequences of burning fossil fuels, using the analogy of an unchecked dripping tap to emphasize that they will eventually run dry. Sentence D concludes the paragraph by stating how "this" entire situation of depletion and pollution has prompted the shift toward tapping cleaner, non-conventional sources of energy.

Explanation

The word pure, when used in a moral or ethical context, means being chaste, innocent, virtuous, and free from any moral corruption or obscenity. The word indecent refers to behavior or language that is morally offensive, improper, or obscene, making it the direct antonym of pure in terms of moral uprightness.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error because the compound subject is You and I. When two subjects are connected by the conjunction and, they form a plural subject. A plural subject requires a plural verb. Therefore, the singular verb am must be replaced with the plural verb are to make the sentence grammatically correct as You and I are going to make a great team.

Explanation

The word in option D is spelt incorrectly. The correct spelling is definitely, while characteristic, appearance, and controversy are all spelt correctly.

Explanation

The phrase prohibited from receiving is the correct improvement because the verb prohibit grammatically requires the preposition from followed by a gerund (verb-ing). In the context of the sentence, receiving a drink corresponds directly to the act of taking or accepting a drink. This substitution preserves the original meaning of not being allowed to accept or consume a drink while using the correct grammatical construction.

Explanation

The idiom by leaps and bounds is used to describe progress, growth, or movement that occurs rapidly and in large progress steps. The phrase evokes the imagery of jumping or leaping forward, indicating a pace of development that is swift and substantial rather than slow or incremental. Consequently, it means doing something very quickly.

Explanation

The passage is an excerpt from the English translation of Charles Baudelaire's Intimate Journals, in which the opening sentence is: "Relate comic things in pompous fashion." The preposition "in" is used here to indicate the style, manner, or fashion in which an action is carried out. Therefore, "in" is grammatically correct to complete the phrase "in pompous fashion".

Explanation

Correct Answer: B

The passage is a direct English translation of a literary quote from the French poet Charles Baudelaire's Intimate Journals. In this excerpt, Baudelaire discusses aesthetic principles and the combination of contrasting qualities like the grotesque and the tragic. To elevate these elements to the region of pure poetry, he suggests immersing them in an abnormal, dreamy atmosphere. The adjective dreamy perfectly complements the magical, supernatural, and fantastical literary qualities described in the passage, evoking the surreal and poetic tone essential to his artistic vision.