In this article, you will find all 25 solved questions of English language & comprehension asked in SSC CGL tier-1 exam held on 3rdSeptember, 2016 (Morning shift). Please find the question’s distribution in this exam with 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 conclude that aspirants must focus more on Sentence improvement, Reading comprehension, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution, Fill in the blanks, and spotting errors to ace the SSC CGL exam. Now, Let us have a look at the asked questions for more detailed insights of difficulty level of exam and types of questions-
Question 1.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
LABYRINTH
a. MAZE
b. PATH
c. SKYSCRAPER
d. IMPASSE
Ans. MAZE
Explanation: The word ‘Labyrinth’ means ‘a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way’. This is similar to ‘Maze’. Hence, option (a.) is the correct answer.
Question 2.In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.
BARREN
a. FERTILE
b. ABUNDANT
c. HARSH
d. FALLOW
Ans. FERTILE
Explanation: The word ‘Barren’ means ‘too poor to produce much or any vegetation’, which has opposite meaning of ‘Fertile’.
Question 3.Four words are given, out of which only one word is spelt correctly. Choose the correctly spelt word.
a. Mysogynous
b. Misogynous
c. Mysoginous
d. Misoginous
Ans. Misogynous
Explanation: ‘Miso’ is the Greek word for ‘hate’ and ‘Gyne’ stands for ‘the women’. Therefore, a Misogynous is a person, who hates woman. Hence, Option(b.) is the correct answer.
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, click the "No error" option.
According to scientists(A)/, there are a lot of(B)/answers about it(C)/No Error(D).
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. C
Explanation: The sentence after correction will be-“According to scientists, there are a lot of answers to it.”
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, click the "No error" option.
They are coming (A)/ straight to (B)/our direction.(C)/No Error(D).
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. B
Explanation: The sentence after correction will be-“They are coming straight in our direction.”
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, click the "No error" option.
The building collapsed(A)/at the afternoon (B)/at about 4 o'clock (C)/No Error(D).
a. A
b. B
c. C
d. D
Ans. B
Explanation: The correct sentence formation will be-“The building collapsed in the afternoon at about 4 o’ clock.”
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 police is ________ on his activities.
a. keeping an eye
b. keeping watchful eyes
c. keeping both eyes
d. keeping one eye
Ans. keeping an eye
Explanation: The correct sentence formation will be- “The Police is keeping an eye on his activities.”
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.
Are you _______ stamp collecting?
a. interested by
b. interested in
c. interested at
d. interested about
Ans. interested in
Explanation: In such cases, the verb ‘interest’ is followed by ‘in’. hence, option (b.) is the most appropriate answer.
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.
Your report ________ my statement.
a. conforms
b. conforming
c. confirms
d. comforting
Ans. confirms
Explanation: The sentence after correction will be-“Your report confirms my statement.” Hence, option(c.) is the most appropriate answer.
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.
To get cold feet
a. Drenched
b. Fear
c. Felicitate
d. Fever
Ans. Fear
Explanation: ‘To get cold feet’ idiom represents a situation in which a person feels a wave of timidity or fearfulness in him.
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.
Beside the mark
a. Perfect
b. Not to the point
c. Relevant
d. Charming
Ans. Not to the point
Explanation: ‘Beside the mark’ is used for irrelevant things or off the subjects.
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.
On tenterhooks
a. Happy and excited
b. In suspense and anxiety
c. Angry and irritated
d. Surprised and shocked
Ans. In suspense and anxiety
Explanation: ‘On tenterhooks’ is used in a state of suspense or agitation because of uncertainty about a future event.
Question 13.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
Property inherited from one's father or ancestors.
a. Patrimony
b. Mercenary
c. Hereditary
d. Aristocracy
Ans. Patrimony
Explanation: Patrimony is the correct word to show the inheritance of any property from father or male ancestor.
Question 14.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
A person who is womanish in his habits
a. Feminist
b. Philogynist
c. Effeminate
d. Feminine
Ans. Effeminate
Explanation: Effeminate is an adjective, which is used for a person showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman.
Question 15.Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences.
One who is converted from one religion to another
a. Pilgrim
b. Polytheist
c. Proselyte
d. Presbyte
Ans. Proselyte
Explanation: ‘Proselyte’ is used for a person, who has converted from one opinion, religion, or party to another.
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. In case no improvement is needed, click the button corresponding to "No improvement".
Do you have some sugar?
a. any sugar
b. little sugar
c. small sugar
d. No improvement
Ans. any sugar
Explanation: ‘Some’ is used for countable things, whereas any is used for quantity related entity. Hence, the correct sentence will be-“Do you have any sugar?”
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. In case no improvement is needed, click the button corresponding to "No improvement".
Lago lied to Othello about his wife.
a. lay
b. laid
c. lain
d. No improvement
Ans. No improvement
Explanation: The given sentence comply with all the grammar rules. Hence, it needs no improvement.
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. In case no improvement is needed, click the button corresponding to "No improvement".
It is not possible to tell the entire story in nutshell.
a. in a nutshell
b. in the nut
c. in a shell
d. No improvement
Ans. in a nutshell
Explanation: The sentence after correction will be-“It is not possible to tell the entire story in a nutshell.”
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. In case no improvement is needed, click the button corresponding to "No improvement".
It is all but same to me whether I am transferred to Mumbai or Kolkata.
a. all or same
b. all the same
c. all one
d. No improvement
Ans. all the same
Explanation: the correct sentence will be after the modification will be-“It is all the same to me whether I am transferred to Mumbai or Kolkata.”
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. In case no improvement is needed, click the button corresponding to "No improvement".
Despite his father's financial assistance, he was always hard on.
a. hard in
b. hard up
c. hard out
d. No improvement
Ans. hard up
Explanation: ‘Hard on’ means ‘continuing to be hard’, while ‘hard up’ means ‘penniless’. Hence, option (b.) is the correct answer.
Question 21.Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Even the majority of elders turn their homes into hives of worry as they have too little to do in too much time. Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.
This common problem of inability to utilize leisure pleasurably and profitably is not restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.\
How has this social malady come about? Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.
Why do a majority of retired elders find retirement tiresome?
a. Because their homes have been turned into hives of worry.
b. Because they do not have hobbies to utilize their free time.
c. Because they had nothing to do.
d. Because they had plenty of free time.
Ans. Because they do not have hobbies to utilize their free time.
Explanation: The answer for this question can be found in the following lines-
“Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.”
Question 22.Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Even the majority of elders turn their homes into hives of worry as they have too little to do in too much time. Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.
This common problem of inability to utilize leisure pleasurably and profitably is not restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.
How has this social malady come about? Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.
How have the Japanese benefitted from their weekends?
a. They have increased enjoyment in life.
b. They enjoy health and happiness.
c. They use their free time to increase their enjoyment.
d. They become addicts to coffee or hard liquor and gambling.
Ans. They become addicts to coffee or hard liquor and gambling.
Explanation: the supporting answer can be found with the following lines- “In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.”
Question 23.Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Even the majority of elders turn their homes into hives of worry as they have too little to do in too much time. Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.
This common problem of inability to utilize leisure pleasurably and profitably is not restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.
How has this social malady come about? Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.
The syllabus-loaded education system
a. Places a heavy burden on the youth.
b. Ensures that parents pay attention to the development of children.
c. Lays emphasis on intelligence.
d. Gives students a lot of free time.
Ans. Places a heavy burden on the youth.
Explanation: Consider the following lines to find the answer-“ Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.”
Question 24.Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Even the majority of elders turn their homes into hives of worry as they have too little to do in too much time. Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.
This common problem of inability to utilize leisure pleasurably and profitably is not restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.
How has this social malady come about? Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.
The author thinks that
a. Authorities are more appreciative of the syllabus-loaded education system.
b. Hobbies play an important role in changing the unfortunate situation.
c. Co-curricular activities are discouraged.
d. Only Indians suffer from inability to utilize leisure.
Ans. Hobbies play an important role in changing the unfortunate situation.
Explanation: The author has talked a lot about the hobbies for overcoming the tiresome boredom.
Question 25.Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives.
Even the majority of elders turn their homes into hives of worry as they have too little to do in too much time. Those who have retired thus find retirement tiresome when hobbies, instead, could have turned it into a period of creativity and contentment.
This common problem of inability to utilize leisure pleasurably and profitably is not restricted to Indians. In fact, Japanese are the worse sufferers. Their weekends, rather than increase their enjoyment of life, have wreaked havoc on their health and happiness. Unable to while away the long, unstructured hours, many of them have become addicts to coffee or hard liquor, and have even taken to gambling.
How has this social malady come about? Ironically, the syllabus-loaded education system is the main culprit. It places a heavy work-load on children and youth, laying emphasis as it does on memory rather than intelligence.
The passage tells us that
a. Hobbies are a waste of time
b. Hobbies play a crucial role in physical and mental development.
c. Hobbies wreak havoc on man's health and happiness.
d. Hobbies can turn us into addicts of coffee, liquor or gambling.
Ans. Hobbies play a crucial role in physical and mental development.
Explanation: The author has given lot of examples ranging from old retired persons to the students to support the statement of developing hobbies to combat the physical and mental stress.
