SSC CHSL Tier 1 2023 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The correct spelling of the word is demolished. It means to completely pull down, tear down, or destroy a building or other structure. The word is derived from the French verb demolir and the Latin root demoliri, which means to pull down or demolish.

Explanation

The term philanthropist is derived from the Greek words philein, meaning to love, and anthropos, meaning human or mankind. Thus, a philanthropist literally translates to a lover of mankind, referring to a person who actively promotes the welfare of others, typically through generous charitable donations, volunteering, and other benevolent endeavors to improve the human condition.

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is the singular noun phrase "The integration", which requires a singular verb to maintain correct subject-verb agreement. The original verb "have" is plural and therefore incorrect. Replacing it with the singular verb "has" in "has the prospect" correctly aligns with the singular subject while retaining the original meaning and tense of the sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the passive voice and uses the simple past tense, as indicated by the auxiliary verb "was" followed by the past participle "killed". To convert a simple past passive sentence into the active voice, the structure is transformed from "Object + was/were + past participle (V3) + by + Subject" to "Subject + past tense verb (V2) + Object". Here, the agent of the action "a hostile hunter" becomes the subject, the verb "was killed" changes to its simple past active form "killed", and "the tiger" becomes the direct object. The adverbial phrase "on an unfortunate day" remains in its position. This yields the active sentence: "A hostile hunter killed the tiger on an unfortunate day."

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the present continuous tense, represented by the structure: Am/Is/Are + subject + present participle (verb-ing) + object.

To convert a present continuous interrogative sentence into passive voice, the structure becomes: Is/Am/Are + object (acting as the new subject) + being + past participle (V3) of the verb + by + subject (acting as the new object).

Applying this rule, the singular object the pizza takes the singular helping verb Is. The present participle delivering becomes being delivered, and the subject you becomes the object of the preposition by. This results in: Is the pizza being delivered by you?

Explanation

The word resilient means having the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions, as well as withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions, adversity, or difficult impacts. An entity that is resilient is robust and strong. The word weak means lacking strength, energy, or the ability to withstand force, pressure, or external impacts, making it the direct antonym of resilient.

Explanation

The correct arrangement of the jumbled parts to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence is B, D, A, C.

The sentence begins with the main subject clause, B (The first point to note), which is immediately followed by the verb and predicate nominative, D (is the intimate link). The noun link requires a prepositional phrase to specify what is being connected, which is provided by the correlative conjunction structure between... and... found in A (between renunciation of the social world) and C (and asceticism).

Combining these parts in this sequence yields the meaningful sentence: The first point to note is the intimate link between renunciation of the social world and asceticism.

Explanation

Deterioration refers to the process of becoming progressively worse or declining in quality, value, or character. Similarly, retrogression is defined as the process of returning to a less developed, simpler, or worse state, representing a direct decline or degeneration. Both terms convey the core concept of worsening and moving backward from a superior state to an inferior one.

Explanation

The sentence begins with the subject and main verb in part D, which establishes Loki as the companion of someone. Part B naturally follows to identify these companions as the great gods Odin and Thor, ending with the phrase helping them with. Part C continues by specifying what he helped them with, which is his clever plans, while introducing a contrast with the action causing. Part A completes the sentence by providing the direct objects of causing, namely embarrassment and difficulty for them and himself. This sequence of D, B, C, A forms a grammatically correct and logically coherent sentence.

Explanation

The parts assemble into a grammatically coherent sentence where B serves as the opening subject phrase, which is joined by the conjunction and to another subject clause in A. The verb exposed at the end of A requires the preposition to, which begins C. Finally, the phrase had a debasing effect in C naturally links with the prepositional phrase beginning with on in D, completing the idiomatic expression to have an effect on something. This yields the complete sentence: The waste of human resources and the fact that all members of the family were exposed to each other's capricious minds had a debasing effect on the vitality of society as a whole.

Explanation

The segment contains a grammatical error because the modal verb should cannot be followed directly by a present participle verb ending in -ing like holding. Modal auxiliary verbs must always be followed by the base form of the verb. To correct the error, the phrase should be written either as should hold to indicate a simple action, or should be holding to indicate a continuous action.

Explanation

An immigrant is defined as a person who moves from their native country to another country with the intention of settling and living there permanently or long-term. This process involves leaving one's home country to establish a new, permanent residence in a different nation.

Explanation

The word chivalrous refers to a person who is honorable, polite, noble, and gallant, representing high moral standards and courteous behavior. The antonym of chivalrous must denote a lack of moral character, respect, or honor. Degraded means reduced in quality, character, or value, or being morally debased and corrupt, which directly opposes the noble and honorable nature of being chivalrous.

Explanation

The word objection refers to an expression, statement, or feeling of opposition, disagreement, or dislike. Similarly, disapproval represents the feeling of having a negative opinion or expressing disagreement with an action, proposal, or belief. Both terms convey a refusal to agree or support something, making them direct synonyms.

Explanation

The sentence describes a chronological sequence of stages in learning to speak, as indicated by the subsequent use of the word then in then phrases, and then scripts. To establish the beginning of this sequential progression, the adverb first is required to introduce the initial stage of acquiring words.

Explanation

The phrasal verb carry around means to keep something with you as you go about your daily life. In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe possessing, retaining, or holding a large repository of words and phrases in one's mind or memory. Having a larger store of ready-made word combinations that we carry around in our cognitive lexicon makes spontaneous speech much easier, as it reduces the mental effort required to construct sentences from scratch during conversations.

Explanation

In the context of speech and language acquisition, combining bundles of words together leads to the formation of meaningful communication. The term expressions refers to words, phrases, or groups of words that convey a specific idea, thought, or feeling. Therefore, combining words into sensible expressions fits the linguistic theme of the passage, which focuses on conversations, words, phrases, and syntax.

Explanation

The word grammar is the most appropriate fit for blank 4 because it naturally pairs with syntax to describe the structural rules of language. In the context of the passage, which discusses how using pre-formed bundles of words makes simple conversations easier, the author highlights that speakers do not need to worry about constructing sentences step-by-step. Since syntax refers to the arrangement of words to create well-formed sentences, pairing it with grammar represents the broader rules of language structure that speakers can bypass when using ready-made phrases.

Explanation

The passage asks the reader to reflect on a typical real-life scenario to illustrate how people use pre-rehearsed scripts in daily conversations. The word "consider" is used as an imperative verb meaning to think about or reflect upon something. In this context, it directs the reader to contemplate the specific, everyday example of walking into a fast-food restaurant and observing how they react and speak without consciously choosing each word.

Explanation

The word calm refers to a state of being peaceful, quiet, and free from agitation or strong emotion. An antonym of calm is excited, which means feeling or showing great enthusiasm, eagerness, or being in a state of high energy and agitation. In the context of the sentence, she is experiencing a mix of contrasting emotions—feeling both excited and nervous—about her very first trip abroad.

Explanation

The word heckled means to harass, interrupt, or embarrass a public speaker or performer with aggressive, mocking, or abusive comments. Taunted means to provoke, mock, or insult someone with sarcastic or derisive remarks. In the context of a guest being subjected to hostile behavior by spectators, both terms describe the act of verbal harassment and public ridicule, making taunted the most appropriate synonym.

Explanation

A hearse is a specialized vehicle designed specifically to transport a coffin or casket containing a deceased person's body from a funeral service to a cemetery or crematorium.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression "in black and white" means written down or printed, rather than spoken. It is used to refer to formal, official, or documented statements, agreements, or rules that provide clear and permanent proof. Substituting it with "in writing" maintains the exact meaning of the sentence.

Explanation

The word support means to agree with, approve of, or actively help and advocate for a person, idea, or cause. The antonym of a word is its opposite in meaning. To oppose means to actively resist, disagree with, or fight against someone or something. Since opposing represents the exact contrary action to supporting, oppose is the most appropriate antonym.

Explanation

The idiom "costs an arm and a leg" is a widely used English expression that means something is extremely expensive or costs a large amount of money. It originates from the idea that sacrificing precious body parts like an arm or a leg would be an incredibly high price to pay for an item.

Explanation

In the sentence, the adverbial phrase very well modifies the verb draw. The coordinating conjunction and connects this modifier with another adverbial modifier that also describes how she can draw. Since draw is an action verb, it must be modified by an adverb rather than an adjective. The word creatively is the adverb form of creative, making as creatively the grammatically correct choice to maintain parallel structure and modify the verb draw.

Explanation

The idiom "half a loaf is better than none" means that receiving a portion of what you want or need is far better than receiving nothing at all. It encourages accepting a compromise or a smaller amount instead of holding out for the full amount and ending up with nothing. This perfectly aligns with the given statement.

Explanation

The word challenge refers to a call or invitation to engage in a contest, fight, or competition, or a provocation to perform a difficult action. The word dare is its direct synonym, as it also means to defy or challenge someone to perform an action, especially one requiring courage or boldness. Both terms share the core meaning of provoking or inviting someone to prove their ability or courage.

Explanation

The word hamper means to hinder, obstruct, or impede the progress or movement of something. Conversely, promote means to support, encourage, or further the progress, growth, or development of something, making it the direct antonym of hamper.

Explanation

The phrasal verb break into means to enter a building or property by force, typically with the intention of stealing. In this context, Robinhood enters the mansion forcibly to obtain food and money, making broke into the correct grammatical and contextual fit for the sentence.

Explanation

Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. The word is derived from the Greek root derma, which means skin, and the suffix -logy, which denotes the study of a subject. Thus, dermatology is the literal and scientific term for the study of skin.

Explanation

The idiom sweating bullets is a common informal expression used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, nervousness, or fear. It metaphorically represents someone sweating profusely due to intense stress or apprehension, making it the perfect description for someone experiencing high anxiety during a significant event like a job interview.

Explanation

The word anonimity in this segment is misspelled. The correct spelling is anonymity, which is derived from the word anonymous and refers to the state of being unknown or unidentifiable.

Explanation

The correct sequence is ACBD, which forms the grammatically correct and coherent sentence: "human life consists of a succession of small events each of which is comparatively unimportant and yet the happiness and success of every man depends upon the manner in which these small events are dealt with." In this arrangement, the phrase "each of which is" connects logically to the adjective "comparatively unimportant", and "depends" connects to the prepositional phrase "upon the manner".

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is "Our teachers", which is plural. A plural subject requires a plural verb to maintain subject-verb agreement. The auxiliary verb "have" is the correct plural form to accompany the plural subject "teachers", and the phrase "planned a picnic" correctly and idiomatically completes the sentence structure.

Explanation

The adjective bad has three degrees of comparison: the positive degree is bad, the comparative degree is worse, and the superlative degree is worst. To express the given sentence in the superlative degree, the positive adjective bad is replaced with its superlative form worst. This changes the sentence to: It looks like our worst fears are coming true.

Explanation

The active sentence is in the simple past tense, following the structure: Subject + V2 + Object. To convert a simple past sentence into the passive voice, the formula used is: Object + was/were + V3 (past participle) + by + Subject. Here, Austin is the subject, kept is the past tense verb, and the cake is the object. Applying this rule, the cake becomes the new subject, followed by the auxiliary verb was, the past participle kept, and the prepositional agent by Austin, giving the correct passive sentence.

Explanation

The singular noun employee requires a singular possessive pronoun to maintain proper pronoun-antecedent agreement. The pronoun his is singular and correctly agrees in number with the singular subject employee, satisfying the rules of standard formal grammar.

Explanation

Sentence A introduces the opening positive statement about the nation's overall progress over the last seven decades. Sentence C presents a contrasting fact using the conjunction "But", highlighting that achievements in healthcare and education have still not been fully realized. Sentence B directly explains the underlying cause of this failure, attributing it to the partial neglect and low budgetary allocations by governments. Sentence D concludes the paragraph by generalizing that while some specific reasons for this state of affairs are partially known, the remaining explanations remain a matter of speculation. This creates a logical and coherent flow from a general positive premise to a specific contrast, followed by its primary cause and a concluding summary about the known and speculative reasons.

Explanation

The word adopted in this context means to formally accept, approve, or put into effect a policy, measure, or course of action. Its direct antonym is rejected, which means to refuse to accept, dismiss, or discard something that has been proposed.

Explanation

The word despicable is a correctly spelled adjective that means deserving hatred, contempt, or intense disapproval. In the context of the sentence, it appropriately describes a creature that Amit finds highly unpleasant or objectionable.

Explanation

The time expression "since morning" indicates that an action started in the past and is continuing up to the present. For actions of this nature, the present perfect continuous tense (subject + have/has been + verb-ing) must be used instead of the present continuous tense. Therefore, the segment "I am" is grammatically incorrect and should be corrected to "I have been" to form the correct sentence: "I have been walking in the Cross Road Garden since morning."

Explanation

The comparative sentence "He was greater than any other physiologist of the century" compares one individual against all others using the comparative adjective "greater". To convert this comparison into the positive degree while preserving the original meaning, the structure "No other [noun] of the [time period] was as [adjective] as [subject]" is used. This structure employs the positive form of the adjective "great" in the "as... as" construction, resulting in "No other physiologist of the century was as great as he was".

Explanation

The word specify means to state, identify, or describe something clearly and definitely. In the given sentence, specifying the issue of feminism in one's own words requires explaining or outlining the nature of the topic clearly. The word define is the most appropriate synonym because it means to state or describe the exact nature, scope, or meaning of something, which perfectly matches the context of explaining the concept of feminism.

Explanation

The idiom forty winks refers to a short sleep or nap, typically taken during the daytime. It is a common colloquial expression used to describe getting a brief period of rest to feel refreshed.

Explanation

The word inept is defined as having or showing no skill, or being clumsy and incompetent. Its direct antonym is skilful, which refers to someone who possesses or displays great skill, proficiency, and competence in performing tasks.

Explanation

The correct arrangement begins with segment D, which contains the main subject, The Arthashastra, and the linking verb, is. This is naturally completed by segment B, which acts as the subject complement, defining the subject as one of the world's earliest books. Segment C follows as an adjective phrase modifying the noun books, specifying its focus as statecraft. Segment A then provides an additional descriptive phrase detailing the language and style of the text. Together, this sequence creates a grammatically correct and logically coherent sentence.

Explanation

The active voice sentence is in the simple future tense, following the structure: Subject + will + base verb + Object.

To convert this structure into the passive voice, the formula is: Object + will be + past participle of the verb + by + Subject.

Applying this rule, the object of the active sentence, the letter, becomes the subject of the passive sentence. The auxiliary will changes to will be, the verb post is converted to its past participle form posted, and the subject the peon becomes the object of the preposition by. This gives the passive sentence: The letter will be posted by the peon.

Explanation

The word formerly means relating to or occurring in the past, or previously. The antonym of formerly is subsequently, which means happening or coming after something else, or at a later time. Using subsequently in the sentence indicates that the coffee was brewed after a prior event, representing the opposite temporal sequence of formerly.

Explanation

The blank requires a singular verb that agrees with the singular noun phrase "a natural phenomenon", which serves as the antecedent of the relative pronoun "that". The verb "affects" correctly fits the context of the sentence, meaning to produce an effect on or influence weather patterns across the globe.