SSC CGL 12 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Renounce

A.Embrace
B.Abnegate
C.Support
D.Request

Solution

Synonym — RENOUNCE 'Renounce' means to formally give up or reject something. 'Abnegate' carries the same sense of renouncing or relinquishing. Embrace and support are opposites — option (b).

77

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom in the given sentence. The parents moved heaven and earth to secure the best treatment for their child.

A.To do everything you can to achieve something
B.Change places again and again
C.Remain quiet as a form of protest
D.Obey instructions without questioning

Solution

Idiom — moved heaven and earth 'To move heaven and earth' means to make every possible effort. The parents tried everything in their power for the treatment. Hence option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the word in bracket to fill in the blank. She is a bit old and ____ (puissant) now.

A.Mighty
B.Feeble
C.Sturdy
D.Strong

Solution

Antonym in blank — puissant 'Puissant' means powerful or mighty. Its antonym is 'feeble' — weak and frail, which also fits someone old. Mighty, sturdy and strong are synonyms of puissant — option (b).

79

Identify the misspelt word.

A.Bureaucracy
B.Acknowledge
C.Priviledge
D.Separate

Solution

Misspelt word The correct spelling is 'privilege' — there is no 'd' before the 'g'. 'Priviledge' is therefore misspelt. Bureaucracy, acknowledge and separate are all correct — option (c).

80

Select the option that corrects the spelling error in the given sentence. Modern psychopharmocology explores how drugs affect the mind.

A.Modarn
B.psychopharmacology
C.xplores
D.effect

Solution

Spelling correction The misspelt word in the sentence is 'psychopharmocology'. The correct spelling is 'psychopharmacology' (pharmaco-). The other options introduce new errors — option (b).

81

Choose the one-word substitute for the below sentence. He lived a life of strict self-discipline, deliberately avoiding all pleasures and indulgences.

A.Ascetic
B.Hedonist
C.Mystic
D.Cynic

Solution

One-word substitute — ascetic A person who practises severe self-discipline and abstains from pleasures is an ascetic. A hedonist is the exact opposite — a pleasure-seeker. Hence option (a).

82

Select the correct option: You can either submit your research paper today ____ by the end of the week.

A.so
B.but
C.or
D.not

Solution

Correlative — either…or 'Either' always pairs with 'or'. 'Either today or by the end of the week' completes the correlative pair. Hence option (c).

83

Select the correct option: The venerable professor, ____ lectures always captivated his students, announced his retirement.

A.what
B.whom
C.whose
D.that

Solution

Relative pronoun — whose The blank shows possession — the lectures belong to the professor. The possessive relative pronoun is 'whose'. Hence option (c).

84

Select the correct option: Nothing short of decisive reform will ____ the deep-seated administrative inertia.

A.persuasion
B.dislodge
C.distraction
D.confusion

Solution

Vocabulary in context The blank needs a verb that means to remove something firmly fixed. 'Dislodge' — to force out of an established position — fits deep-seated inertia perfectly. Persuasion, distraction and confusion are nouns and do not fit — option (b).

85

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The myriad challenges confronting modern urban planners (1)/, ranging from sustainable infrastructure to social equity, often demands (2)/ an interdisciplinary approach (3)/ to yield effective solutions. (4)

A.(1)
B.(2)
C.(3)
D.(4)

Solution

Subject–verb agreement The subject is 'challenges' — plural. Part (2) uses the singular verb 'demands'; it should be 'often demand'. Hence the error is in part (2) — option (b).

86

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The manager, along with her entire team, (1)/ expects that the project will be completed (2)/ before the deadline, and they shall submits (3)/ the final report on Friday. (4)

A.(1)
B.(2)
C.(3)
D.(4)

Solution

Verb form error A modal verb like 'shall' must be followed by the base form of the verb. 'Shall submits' is wrong — it should be 'shall submit'. Hence the error is in part (3) — option (c).

87

Change the following from active to passive: The council will consider the new zoning proposal next month.

A.The new zoning proposal would be considered by the council next month.
B.The new zoning proposal will be considered by the council next month.
C.The new zoning proposal has been considered by the council next month.
D.The new zoning proposal is being considered by the council next month.

Solution

Voice — future simple The active sentence is in the future simple ('will consider'). Its passive requires 'will be + past participle': 'will be considered'. Only option (b) keeps the tense — hence (b).

88

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word: The royal emblem prominently displayed gules on the family coat of arms.

A.The woven wall hanging showed gules alongside argent.
B.The cook made a sauce using rich gules mixed with cumin.
C.A band of gules along the edge represented a warrior heritage.
D.The guide described the meaning of gules to the audience.

Solution

Homonym — gules In heraldry, 'gules' means the colour red on a coat of arms — the sense used in the given sentence and in options (a), (c) and (d). Option (b) uses 'gules' in a food context (a sauce ingredient) — a different sense of the word. Hence option (b).

89

Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure: A new satellite system is being developed by the aerospace engineers.

A.The aerospace engineers developed a new satellite system.
B.The aerospace engineers are developing a new satellite system.
C.A new satellite system has been developed by the aerospace engineers.
D.The aerospace engineers develop a new satellite system.

Solution

Passive → active — present continuous The given sentence is in the present continuous passive ('is being developed'). Its active form must keep the same tense: 'are developing'. 'The aerospace engineers are developing a new satellite system.' — option (b).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) from those without, poses a significant challenge to equitable development. While the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for education, economic growth, and civic participation, billions globally remain unconnected or lack the necessary digital literacy to leverage its benefits. This divide is not merely about access to hardware like smartphones or computers; it encompasses disparities in broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service, and the skills needed to effectively navigate the digital landscape. In developed nations, the divide often manifests as a gap between urban and rural areas, or between different socio-economic groups. In developing countries, it is a more fundamental barrier, with entire regions lacking basic infrastructure. The consequences are profound: those on the wrong side of the divide face reduced educational opportunities, limited access to remote work, exclusion from e-governance services, and a diminished voice in the global conversation. Bridging this gap requires multi-faceted interventions, including government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies to make internet access affordable, and comprehensive digital literacy programmes. Furthermore, content must be culturally relevant and multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, ensuring universal access and digital competence is not just about technology; it's about fostering social equality and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A.The rise of new technologies.
B.The challenges and consequences of the digital divide.
C.The benefits of fast internet.
D.How governments provide technology.

Solution

RC — main idea The passage defines the digital divide, its dimensions, its consequences and the ways to bridge it. So its central theme is the challenges and consequences of the digital divide. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) from those without, poses a significant challenge to equitable development. While the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for education, economic growth, and civic participation, billions globally remain unconnected or lack the necessary digital literacy to leverage its benefits. This divide is not merely about access to hardware like smartphones or computers; it encompasses disparities in broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service, and the skills needed to effectively navigate the digital landscape. In developed nations, the divide often manifests as a gap between urban and rural areas, or between different socio-economic groups. In developing countries, it is a more fundamental barrier, with entire regions lacking basic infrastructure. The consequences are profound: those on the wrong side of the divide face reduced educational opportunities, limited access to remote work, exclusion from e-governance services, and a diminished voice in the global conversation. Bridging this gap requires multi-faceted interventions, including government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies to make internet access affordable, and comprehensive digital literacy programmes. Furthermore, content must be culturally relevant and multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, ensuring universal access and digital competence is not just about technology; it's about fostering social equality and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.

What does the "digital divide" primarily refer to?

A.A gap between old and new technology.
B.The difference in access to modern technology and related skills.
C.The separation of digital and analogue devices.
D.A boundary between online and offline activities.

Solution

RC — definition The passage calls it a chasm between those with access to modern ICT and those without. It explicitly includes hardware, connectivity, affordability and the skills to use them. Hence option (b).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) from those without, poses a significant challenge to equitable development. While the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for education, economic growth, and civic participation, billions globally remain unconnected or lack the necessary digital literacy to leverage its benefits. This divide is not merely about access to hardware like smartphones or computers; it encompasses disparities in broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service, and the skills needed to effectively navigate the digital landscape. In developed nations, the divide often manifests as a gap between urban and rural areas, or between different socio-economic groups. In developing countries, it is a more fundamental barrier, with entire regions lacking basic infrastructure. The consequences are profound: those on the wrong side of the divide face reduced educational opportunities, limited access to remote work, exclusion from e-governance services, and a diminished voice in the global conversation. Bridging this gap requires multi-faceted interventions, including government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies to make internet access affordable, and comprehensive digital literacy programmes. Furthermore, content must be culturally relevant and multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, ensuring universal access and digital competence is not just about technology; it's about fostering social equality and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.

Besides hardware, what other factors contribute to the digital divide?

A.Only the cost of software.
B.Broadband quality and digital skills.
C.The number of available apps.
D.The speed of social media.

Solution

RC — beyond hardware The passage says the divide is not merely about hardware. It includes broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service and digital skills. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) from those without, poses a significant challenge to equitable development. While the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for education, economic growth, and civic participation, billions globally remain unconnected or lack the necessary digital literacy to leverage its benefits. This divide is not merely about access to hardware like smartphones or computers; it encompasses disparities in broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service, and the skills needed to effectively navigate the digital landscape. In developed nations, the divide often manifests as a gap between urban and rural areas, or between different socio-economic groups. In developing countries, it is a more fundamental barrier, with entire regions lacking basic infrastructure. The consequences are profound: those on the wrong side of the divide face reduced educational opportunities, limited access to remote work, exclusion from e-governance services, and a diminished voice in the global conversation. Bridging this gap requires multi-faceted interventions, including government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies to make internet access affordable, and comprehensive digital literacy programmes. Furthermore, content must be culturally relevant and multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, ensuring universal access and digital competence is not just about technology; it's about fostering social equality and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.

What is one major consequence for those on the "wrong side" of the digital divide?

A.Increased opportunities for remote work.
B.Better access to e-governance services.
C.Reduced educational opportunities.
D.A louder voice in global conversations.

Solution

RC — consequence The passage lists the consequences of being on the wrong side of the divide. These include reduced educational opportunities, limited remote work and exclusion from e-governance. Hence option (c).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The digital divide, a chasm separating those with access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) from those without, poses a significant challenge to equitable development. While the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for education, economic growth, and civic participation, billions globally remain unconnected or lack the necessary digital literacy to leverage its benefits. This divide is not merely about access to hardware like smartphones or computers; it encompasses disparities in broadband connectivity, affordability, quality of service, and the skills needed to effectively navigate the digital landscape. In developed nations, the divide often manifests as a gap between urban and rural areas, or between different socio-economic groups. In developing countries, it is a more fundamental barrier, with entire regions lacking basic infrastructure. The consequences are profound: those on the wrong side of the divide face reduced educational opportunities, limited access to remote work, exclusion from e-governance services, and a diminished voice in the global conversation. Bridging this gap requires multi-faceted interventions, including government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies to make internet access affordable, and comprehensive digital literacy programmes. Furthermore, content must be culturally relevant and multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Ultimately, ensuring universal access and digital competence is not just about technology; it's about fostering social equality and ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly advancing digital age.

What is one suggested solution to bridge the digital divide?

A.Governments expanding infrastructure.
B.Reducing the number of available online platforms.
C.Focusing only on urban areas.
D.Limiting access to content.

Solution

RC — solution The passage suggests multi-faceted interventions to bridge the gap. These include government initiatives to expand infrastructure, subsidies and digital literacy programmes. Hence option (a).

95

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined/bold segment in the given sentence. Scarcely had she finished her speech then the applause erupted.

A.than the applause erupted
B.when the applause had erupted
C.when the applause erupted
D.that the applause erupted

Solution

Scarcely…when 'Scarcely/hardly' pairs with 'when', never with 'then' or 'than'. The second action stays in the simple past. 'Scarcely had she finished … when the applause erupted' — option (c).

96

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined/bold segment in the given sentence. The committee decided on to postpone the decision until the next meeting.

A.to postpone
B.on postponing
C.for postponing
D.postpone

Solution

Decide + infinitive 'Decide' takes a to-infinitive directly: decided to do something. 'On to postpone' wrongly mixes the preposition with the infinitive. 'Decided to postpone' is correct — option (a).

97

Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence. The teacher asked, "Why are you late today?"

A.The teacher asked why I was late that day.
B.The teacher asked why are you late today.
C.The teacher asked why I am late that day.
D.The teacher asked why was I late that day.

Solution

Question → indirect speech A wh-question is reported in statement order with the tense moved back. 'Are' becomes 'was', 'you' becomes 'I', and 'today' becomes 'that day'. 'The teacher asked why I was late that day.' — option (a).

98

Select the correct direct form of the given sentence. He urged us to complete the assignment before the deadline.

A.'You should complete the assignment before the deadline,' he urged.
B."Complete the assignment before the deadline," he said.
C.'Will you complete the assignment before the deadline?" he asked.
D."We must complete the assignment before the deadline,' he said.

Solution

Indirect → direct — urge 'Urged … to + verb' reports an imperative addressed to the listeners. Its direct form is the plain command: "Complete the assignment before the deadline." Option (b) gives exactly this imperative — hence (b).

99

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. This often leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and a breakdown in teamwork. 2. Semantic barriers, arising from different interpretations of words or jargon, are particularly common. 3. Effective communication is frequently hindered by various obstacles in the workplace. 4. Overcoming these requires clarity in language, active listening, and empathy for diverse perspectives.

A.3, 2, 1, 4
B.2, 1, 3, 4
C.3, 1, 2, 4
D.1, 3, 2, 4

Solution

Para jumble — communication Sentence 3 introduces the general problem, so it opens; sentence 2 names a specific barrier. Sentence 1 ('This often leads …') describes its effect, and sentence 4 closes with the remedy. Order: 3, 2, 1, 4 — option (a).

100

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. Solar power, harnessing the sun's abundant radiation, is becoming increasingly cost-effective and efficient. 2. The world is actively seeking sustainable alternatives to finite fossil fuels for its energy needs. 3. Wind energy, derived from atmospheric currents, provides another clean and readily available source. 4. These inexhaustible resources offer a promising pathway to a future powered by clean, renewable energy.

A.2, 1, 3, 4
B.1, 3, 2, 4
C.2, 4, 1, 3
D.1, 2, 3, 4

Solution

Para jumble — renewable energy Sentence 2 sets up the need for alternatives, so it opens the paragraph; sentence 1 gives the first example (solar). Sentence 3 adds 'another' source (wind), and sentence 4 ('These … resources') concludes. Order: 2, 1, 3, 4 — option (a).