SSC CHSL Tier 1 2021 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The given passive sentence is in the present perfect tense, as shown by the structure "has not yet been + past participle (repaired)". To convert this into the active voice, the agent "the locksmith" becomes the subject, the receiver "the lock" becomes the direct object, and the verb phrase is changed to the active present perfect form "has not + past participle (repaired)". The adverb "yet" is placed at the end of the clause for natural flow, resulting in the active sentence: "The locksmith has not repaired the lock yet."

Explanation

The idiom a fly on the wall refers to an unnoticed or invisible observer who is able to see and hear what is happening in a situation, especially when people are acting naturally or talking in private. It conjures the image of a tiny, silent insect sitting on a wall, completely ignored by the occupants of a room, allowing it to witness private events or overhear confidential conversations without influencing the situation or drawing attention to itself.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression face the music means to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions or decisions. In the context of the sentence, if no actions are taken to curb pollution, humanity will inevitably have to suffer the severe consequences of environmental degradation in the future. Therefore, this idiom perfectly fits the context of the sentence.

Explanation

The word amble means to walk or move at a slow, relaxed, and leisurely pace. Similarly, wander means to walk or move about in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way. Both terms share the core meaning of gentle, unhurried, and relaxed movement on foot.

Explanation

Benevolence is defined as the quality of being well-meaning, kind, and charitable. Compassion, which refers to a feeling of deep sympathy and care for others, accompanied by a strong desire to help them, closely aligns with this meaning. Both terms convey a sense of goodwill, generosity, and active kindness toward others, making them synonyms.

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective in the passive form to describe what will happen to the future of life on earth as a result of environmental contamination. The word endangered functions as an adjective meaning seriously at risk of extinction or harm. Placed after the verb phrase will be, it correctly completes the passive construction to show that the future of all life on earth will be put at risk or threatened.

Explanation

The verb "mind" is grammatically followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb) rather than an infinitive. When a pronoun is placed between the verb "mind" and the gerund, it typically takes either the objective form (me) or the possessive form (my). Therefore, the correct grammatical structure is "you mind me being", which correctly pairs the objective pronoun "me" with the gerund "being" after the verb "mind".

Explanation

The word renounce means to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession, or to reject and give up something. Similarly, the word forsake means to abandon, renounce, or give up something. Both words share the meaning of relinquishing or giving up something, making them direct synonyms.

Explanation

The sentence requires an infinitive of purpose to explain why Peter is studying hard. The standard structure for expressing purpose is the to-infinitive, which consists of the preposition "to" followed by the base form of the verb. Since "score" is the base form of the verb, the phrase "to score" is grammatically correct and appropriately conveys his future objective.

Explanation

The segment "receive a memorabilia" contains two grammatical errors. First, the subject "Each member" is singular, which requires the singular verb "receives" instead of the plural verb "receive" to maintain subject-verb agreement. Second, "memorabilia" is an uncountable collective noun, meaning it cannot be preceded by the indefinite article "a". The grammatically correct phrasing should be "receives a piece of memorabilia" or "receives memorabilia".

Explanation

In English grammar, the indefinite article a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

In the first blank, the word multifaceted begins with the consonant sound of the letter m, which requires the article a.

In the second blank, the word poet begins with the consonant sound of the letter p, so the article a is used here as well to introduce the singular countable noun. Using a poet also maintains the parallel structure of the list of professions that concludes with a painter.

Explanation

The word Robbut is incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is robot, which refers to a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, or robust, which means strong and healthy in constitution.

Explanation

The segment contains a subject-verb agreement error. The subject "we both" is plural and therefore requires the plural verb "love" instead of the singular verb "loves" to be grammatically correct.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is venison, which refers to the meat of a deer used as food. The spelling vension is incorrect because the letters i and o are transposed.

Explanation

Sentence B introduces the core subject of the paragraph by defining curricular or academic activities as those covering specified courses of study.

Sentence D naturally follows B by translating the formal definition into laymans terms, describing them as activities taking place within the classroom.

Sentence C refers back to these classroom activities using the phrase these exercises, identifying them as an essential component of the overall educational curriculum.

Sentence A completes the thought in C by providing the underlying reason, beginning with because, which explains why they are essential due to the active involvement of the institutions teaching staff.

Explanation

The word jubilant means feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. Welcoming a newly elected leader with a magnificent reception is a celebratory and joyous occasion, which makes jubilant the most fitting adjective to describe the enthusiastic and happy state of the crowd.

Explanation

The word equivocal refers to language that is open to multiple interpretations, deliberately vague, or misleading. This directly aligns with the meaning of ambiguous, which describes something that is unclear, doubtful, or has a double meaning. Both words share the core meaning of being open to more than one interpretation.

Explanation

Correct Answer: B

The idiom "in the same boat" is a common English expression used to describe a situation where multiple people are facing the same difficult, unpleasant, or challenging circumstances. Its origin lies in the literal concept of passengers sharing a small boat at sea, where everyone is subject to the same risks, dangers, and fate, and must work together to survive. Therefore, it perfectly conveys the idea of being in the same difficult situation as someone else.

Explanation

The phrase food, shelter, and clothing refers to the traditional triad of basic human needs required for survival and decent living. This concept is a universally recognized standard across sociological and economic contexts to describe the absolute minimum necessities of human life. In the context of the passage, clothing completes this standard three-part definition of basic survival requirements before the text transitions into discussing how money is required to meet these needs.

Explanation

The passage explains that to satisfy basic human needs like food and shelter, an individual must earn money through employment. In this context, a decent profession refers to a respectable and reliable occupation that provides an adequate and acceptable standard of income to comfortably meet these essential life requirements. Grammatically, it fits with the indefinite article to form have a decent profession, which conveys the idea of a standard, honorable livelihood.

Explanation

The sentence introduces a sad and unfortunate contrast to the ideal situation described previously, where everyone would be employed to satisfy their basic needs. The adverb regrettably, which means unfortunately or in a manner that inspires regret, is the most appropriate fit to highlight the disappointing global reality of unemployment.

Explanation

The passage describes the causal relationship between unemployment and a lack of income. The phrase "as a direct consequence" is a standard idiomatic expression in English used to denote the logical outcome or result of a previous event or situation. In this context, having a lack of income is the direct result or effect of being unable to obtain a job.

Explanation

The passage describes the situation of individuals who are unable to obtain a job, leading to unemployment. Since these individuals lack a steady profession to earn money, they will naturally have a very small, insufficient, or deficient income. The word meagre means deficient in quantity or quality, making it the contextually correct choice to describe the inadequate and limited amount of income associated with joblessness.

Explanation

The idiom "in high spirits" is used to describe a state of being extremely happy, lively, and optimistic. When people are said to be in high spirits, it means they are feeling vibrant, joyful, and full of positive energy, which is directly synonymous with being cheerful.

Explanation

The original phrase contains a redundant modifier and an incorrect prepositional structure. First, major is a non-gradable adjective, making the phrase very major structurally redundant. Replacing it with significant maintains the intended emphasis on importance without the redundancy.

Second, the noun role idiomatic construction is play a role in doing something, which utilizes the preposition in followed by a gerund, rather than using an infinitive like to continue.

Finally, the word enduring means continuing to exist, persisting, or lasting over a long period. This fits perfectly with the context of preserving family trends and age-old traditions over generations.

Explanation

The word jaded means feeling tired, worn out, or lacking enthusiasm, especially after a period of hard work or overexposure to something. The opposite of feeling exhausted and depleted is feeling restored and energetic. Refreshed directly denotes having regained ones strength, energy, and vitality, making it the most appropriate antonym in this context.

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is superstitious, which means having or showing a belief in superstitions. Option B correctly spells the word with the -tious ending.

Explanation

The word guile is defined as the use of clever and dishonest methods to achieve something, which translates directly to cunningness, deceit, or duplicity. The literal meaning or denotation of guile is slyness, representing a crafty or wily nature in dealing with others.

Explanation

The given passive voice sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the auxiliary verb "was" followed by the past participle "made". To convert this sentence into the active voice, the agent performing the action, "Bhavani", becomes the subject of the sentence. The main verb is converted to its simple past form, "made", and the receiver of the action, "a trip to the village temple", becomes the direct object. The adverb of time, "yesterday", remains unchanged at the end of the sentence. This results in the active voice sentence: "Bhavani made a trip to the village temple yesterday."

Explanation

The sentence uses the conjunction than, which indicates a comparison between two subjects: he and his friends. In comparative constructions, the comparative form of the modifier must be used. The comparative form of big is bigger. Using bigger completes the comparative structure bigger than and makes the sentence grammatically correct.

Explanation

The word inarticulate is defined as being unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly, especially when trying to convey thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It originates from the prefix in- meaning not and articulate meaning able to express ideas clearly in speech.

Explanation

The word cunning refers to having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit, evasion, or clever maneuvering. Similarly, slick describes something done in a smooth, highly effective, and clever or slyly deceitful manner. In the context of a sports match, a slick move is a highly skilled, deceptive, and clever tactic used to outsmart opponents, making it the most appropriate synonym for cunning.

Explanation

The idiom "gear up for" means to prepare oneself or get ready for an upcoming event, activity, or task. It is commonly used to describe the process of making necessary preparations, gathering resources, or mentally organizing oneself to handle a future challenge or undertaking.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a clear chronological and thematic progression of the author's experience. Sentence C introduces the journey to Simsbury, Connecticut, where the author worked on a tobacco farm for a summer before college. Sentence B builds on this by describing a specific experience in Simsbury, where he went to church and served as a religious leader on Sundays. Sentence D transitions from this period, describing the journey home after that summer in Connecticut and the harsh transition back to segregation on the train ride to Atlanta. Sentence A concludes the sequence by describing the profound psychological impact of that segregation, specifically detailing his feelings when first forced to sit behind a curtain in a dining car.

Explanation

The idiom "call upon" means to formally ask, appeal to, or request someone to do something. In official or formal contexts, this act of requesting someone to perform a task or fulfill a duty carries the authority of a directive, which is equivalent to giving an order.

Explanation

The given active voice sentence is in the simple past tense, as indicated by the verb "kicked". The subject is "The boy" and the direct object is "the ball".

To convert a sentence in the simple past tense from active voice to passive voice, the grammatical structure is: Object + was/were + past participle of the verb (V3) + by + Subject.

Applying this structure, the singular object "the ball" becomes the new subject, the verb "kicked" is converted into its passive form "was kicked", and the original subject "The boy" is placed at the end preceded by the preposition "by". This results in the grammatically correct passive sentence: "The ball was kicked high into the air by the boy."

Explanation

The metaphor comparing a wise king's wisdom to the sun requires a verb that represents the core characteristic of the sun. Since the sun brings light, warmth, and brightness, the verb illuminates perfectly captures how a ruler's wisdom sheds light, removes ignorance, and brings clarity and prosperity to the entire land.

Explanation

A faction is defined as a small, organized, dissenting group of people within a larger organization, political party, or government. It operates cohesively to promote its own specific interests or opinions, which often differ from those of the main body.

Explanation

The word "abundant" refers to something that is present in great quantity, more than sufficient, or overflowing. The word "plentiful" directly shares this meaning, denoting an ample, bountiful, or large supply of something, making it the most appropriate synonym.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the active voice and the simple future tense, following the structure: Subject + will + base form of the verb + Object. To convert it into the passive voice, the object of the active sentence, all the documents, becomes the subject of the passive sentence, while the active subject, Kiara, becomes the agent introduced by the preposition by. The auxiliary verb will changes to will be followed by the past participle of the main verb, which is signed. This gives the correct passive structure: Subject + will be + past participle + by + Agent, resulting in: All the documents will be signed by Kiara tomorrow.

Explanation

The word malice refers to the desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another person, representing ill will, spite, or malevolent intent. Its most appropriate antonym is sympathy, which denotes feelings of pity, compassion, sorrow, and understanding for the misfortunes of others, reflecting goodwill and care.

Explanation

The word ocular is misspelled with a double 'c'. The correct spelling is ocular, containing only a single 'c'. It is an adjective that relates to the eyes, vision, or the sense of sight.

Explanation

The noun attitude is conventionally paired with the preposition towards when indicating the target, feeling, or stance directed at a particular subject. In the passage, the phrase describes the specific stance or perspective (a god-like attitude) that novelists adopt regarding their subject matter, making towards the grammatically correct and natural choice.

Explanation

The relative pronoun which is used to refer to inanimate objects, ideas, or abstract concepts. In this sentence, the antecedent is the noun phrase the story, a man's life. Within the relative clause, the pronoun acts as the direct object of the transitive verb recount, representing the story or life that they can recount. This makes which the grammatically correct choice to connect the noun phrase to the relative clause.

Explanation

The phrase in every detail is a standard idiomatic expression meaning in all parts or aspects, down to the smallest element. The determiner every is used with the singular countable noun detail to emphasize that all individual parts of the story are included. In this context, it perfectly aligns with the novelist's claimed god-like perspective of total comprehension, where absolutely each and every part of the story holds complete meaning.

Explanation

The passage is from the prologue of Hermann Hesse's novel Demian, where the author contrasts a real, living person of flesh and blood with an "invented, or possible, or idealised or otherwise absent figure." Thus, "absent" is the correct word to fill in blank 4 as it denotes a figure that does not actually exist in reality.

Explanation

The passage is an excerpt from the prologue of Hermann Hesse's novel Demian. In this context, the author contrastingly describes a fictitious character with a real, living human. The phrase "of flesh and blood" is used to describe a real, living person. The word "being" functions as a noun referring to a living entity or person. Therefore, "unique being of flesh and blood" is the grammatically and contextually accurate choice to denote a real human existence.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the verb "sings" is modified by the following descriptor, which means an adverb must be used instead of an adjective. The word "sweet" is an adjective, whereas the adverb "sweetly" is required to correctly describe the manner in which Rahul sings. Therefore, the segment "very sweet" contains a grammatical error and must be replaced with "very sweetly".

Explanation

The verb cultivated means to prepare and use land for crops or gardening. In the context of a farmer working on three acres of land, cultivated is the most grammatically and contextually appropriate word. It matches the past tense of the sentence established by the verb was.

Explanation

The idiom "lose your touch" means to lose an ability, talent, or skill that you once possessed, resulting in a decline in your performance. It is used to describe someone who is no longer as successful, effective, or skilled at a particular activity as they used to be in the past.