In this article, we have given all 25 solved questions of English language & comprehension asked in SSC CGL tier-1 exam held on 29thAugust, 2016 (Morning shift). Please find the distribution of questions in the table given below-
| Sub-topics |
No. of questions |
| Spotting Errors |
3 |
| Fill in the Blanks |
3 |
| Antonyms |
1 |
| Synonyms |
1 |
| Spelling Errors |
1 |
| Idioms and Phrases |
3 |
| One Word Substitution |
3 |
| Sentence Improvement |
5 |
| Reading comprehension |
5 |
From the above table, we can make a conclusion that you must focus more on Sentence improvement, Reading comprehension, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution, Fill in the blanks, and spotting errors. Now, let us take a look of the questions to figure out their difficulty levels and variety -
Question 1.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
DECIMATED
a. CAPTURED
b. DESTROYED
c. DAMAGED
d. WORRIED
Ans. DESTROYED
Explanation: “Decimate” is used for “killing/destroying a large percentage”. Hence, option(b.) is the most suitable word for the stated problem.
Question 2.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.
INVINCIBLE
a. IMPREGNABLE
b. OMNIPRESENT
c. POWERLESS
d. POTENT
Ans. POWERLESS
Explanation: “Invincible” means “Unbeaten or Undefeatable”. Hence, its opposite will be “Powerless”.
Question 3.Four words are given, out of which only one word is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt word.
a. Diarrhoea
b. Diarhea
c. Diarrhea
d. Diarrohea
Ans. Diarrhoea
Explanation: Diarrhoea is a condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.
SSC CGL 2018 English Language and Comprehension Preparation Strategy: Detailed Chapter-wise Syllabus
Question 4.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the "No error" option.
It took her a long time(A)/to get off (B)/the death of her husband.(C)/No Error(D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. B
Explanation: ‘Get off’ stands for ‘clearing off or absconding” and it does not suit here in the sentence. Hence, the correct sentence will be-“It took her a long time to get over the death of her husband.”
Question 5.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the "No error" option.
It is best(A)/ to be silent(B)/ than to speak in anger.(C)/No Error(D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. A
Explanation: Superlative degree is always prefixed with ‘the’ word. Hence, the correct answer-“It is the best to be silent than to speak in anger.”
Question 6.In the following questions, one part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error. If the sentence is free from error, choose the "No error" option.
His father is disgusted(A)/against him for his(B)/addiction to drink.(C)/No Error(D)
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. B
Explanation: The correct sentence for the problem statement will be-“ His father is disgusted with him for his addiction to drink.”
Question 7.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
The aim of a Peace Council is ________ rather than cure.
a. salvation
b. preservation
c. maintenance
d. cultivation
Ans. preservation
Explanation: “Preservation” stands for “Guarding in every respect”. Hence, the correct sentence will be-“The aim of a Peace Council is preservation rather than cure.”
Question 8.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
He gives everyone _________ the class opportunities for practice.
a. at
b. in
c. of
d. on
Ans. in
Explanation: The appropriate sentence using the given options will be-“He gives everyone in the class opportunities for practice.”
Question 9.The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
Harish soon gained _________ in English.
a. provincialism
b. proficiency
c. efficiency
d. eminency
Ans. Proficiency
Explanation: “Proficiency” stands for “Expertise”. Hence, the correct sentence will be-“Harish soon gained proficiency in English.”
Question 10.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Beggar description
a. Cannot be described
b. Something described by a beggar
c. A poor account of something
d. A description of a beggar
Ans. Cannot be described
Explanation: It is used to talk about something that is very difficult to describe.
SSC CGL 2018 Tier-I Exam: Preparation Tips and Strategy
Question 11.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Drag one's feet
a. Make someting more complicated
b. Expedite
c. Be reluctant to act
d. Stop working
Ans. Be reluctant to act
Explanation: It means “to move slowly and reluctantly because one does not want to do something”.
Question 12.In each of the questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
Hope against hope
a. Think wishfully from time to time
b. Hoped with good reason
c. Nurture an impossible hope
d. Pretend to hope
Ans. Nurture an impossible hope
Explanation: It is used for ‘clinging to a mere possibility’.
Question 13.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
Lack of skill
a. Inertness
b. Insistence
c. Ineptness
d. Insolence
Ans. Ineptness
Explanation: ‘Lack of skill’ is also referred as “Disqualification or ineptness”.
Question 14.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
Stick with a thick end used in a mortar for pounding
a. Thistle
b. Stifle
c. Sceptre
d. Pestle
Ans. Pestle
Explanation: Pestle is a heavy tool with a rounded end, used for crushing and grinding substances such as spices or drugs, usually in a mortar.
Question 15.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
An act when people vote in order to make a decision about a particular subject or policy rather than voting for a person
a. Election
b. Exit-poll
c. By-election
d. Referendum
Ans. Referendum
Explanation: Generally, we can say that a referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.
Question 16.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative.
Jane had told me that she hasn't done her homework.
a. told
b. tells
c. was telling
d. no improvement
Ans. tells
Explanation: Since the second part is in present perfect tense, then the first part of sentence must be in present definite tense. Hence, ‘had told’ should be replaced with “tells”.
Question 17.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative.
This survey is concerning your health as well as that of your family.
a. concerns with
b. is concerned with
c. concerns to
d. no improvement
Ans. is concerned with
Explanation: The correct sentence will be-“This survey is concerned with your health as well as that of your family.”
Question 18.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
a. be hid
b. hide
c. be hiding
d. no improvement
Ans. no improvement
Explanation: The sentence clearly conveys the message having no error with tenses and connectives.
SSC CGL Syllabus 2018: Tier I, II, III and IV with Exam Pattern
Question 19.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative.
A black and white goat were grazing.
a. The white and the black goat
b. A black and a white goat
c. A black and a white goat
d. no improvement
Ans. A black and a white goat
Explanation: Either there is one goat whose color is black & white or there are two goats. Since, ‘were’ is used there and it is used for plural nouns. Hence, the correct sentence will be-“A black and a white goat were grazing.”
Question 20.A sentence/a part of the sentence is underlined. Four alternatives are given to the underlined part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative.
I had took the papers to John's office.
a. will took the papers
b. taken the papers
c. took the papers
d. no improvement
Ans. took the papers
Explanation: Out of the given options, the correct sentence formation will be-“I took the papers to John’s office.”
Question 21.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of all times and to be a landmark oration that captures the essence of the triumphant culmination of the largely non-violent Indian independence struggle against the British Empire in India.
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, this is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell".
To whom did Nehru deliver this famous speech?
a. Nehru delivered this speech to a massive Indian crowd in attendance.
b. Nehru delivered this speech to the members of the Constituent Assembly.
c. Nehru delivered this speech to the members of the Lok Sabha
d. Nehru delivered this speech to the members of the Rajya Sabha.
Ans. Nehru delivered this speech to the members of the Constituent Assembly.
Explanation: The supporting lines to the answer is-“"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247.”
Question 22.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of all times and to be a landmark oration that captures the essence of the triumphant culmination of the largely non-violent Indian independence struggle against the British Empire in India.
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, this is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell".
Choose the answer which captures Nehru's belief.
a. Nehru believed that India could achieve perfection immediately.
b. Nehru said the India's struggle for freedom was new and sudden.
c. Nehru believed that India could take huge steps towards realizing its dreams.
d. Nehru believed that India's dreams were too unrealistic.
Ans. Nehru believed that India could take huge steps towards realising its dreams.
Explanation: The given answer is the gist of the paragraph.
Question 23.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of all times and to be a landmark oration that captures the essence of the triumphant culmination of the largely non-violent Indian independence struggle against the British Empire in India.
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, this is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell".
The most dominant voice in the speech is
a. the voice of optimism
b. the voice of surrender
c. the voice of negligence
d. the voice of weakness
Ans. the voice of optimism
Explanation: the supported statement to this answer is-“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.”
Question 24.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of all times and to be a landmark oration that captures the essence of the triumphant culmination of the largely non-violent Indian independence struggle against the British Empire in India.
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, this is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell".
Select the answer which best reflects Nehru's point of view.
a. Nehru believed that Communalism would not be a problem.
b. Nehru believed that Communalism would be a positive force.
c. Nehru believed that Communalism would be dangerous for India.
d. Nehru believed that Communalism would make any nation great.
Ans. Nehru believed that Communalism would be dangerous for India.
Explanation: The supported lines to the given answer is-“ We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.”
Question 25.A passage is given with 5 questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
"Tryst with Destiny" was a speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in Parliament, on 14th August 1247. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of all times and to be a landmark oration that captures the essence of the triumphant culmination of the largely non-violent Indian independence struggle against the British Empire in India.
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. Freedom and power bring responsibility. The responsibility rests upon the assembly, a sovereign body representing the sovereign people of India. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or in action.
To the people of India, whose representatives we are, this is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell".
What mansion did Nehru want to see built?
a. Nehru believed that the expensive mansion of India should be built.
b. Nehru believed that the honorable mansion of India should be built.
c. Nehru believed that the simple mansion of India should be built.
d. Nehru believed that the huge mansion of India should be built.
Ans. Nehru believed that the honorable mansion of India should be built.
Explanation: In the last lines of the paragraph, Nehru had emphasized on building the mansion of free India.
