SSC CGL 13 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom. He showed the white feather during the confrontation.

A.Acting in a cowardly manner
B.Asking others for help
C.Displaying great bravery
D.Accepting defeat politely

Solution

Idiom — white feather 'To show the white feather' means to behave in a cowardly way — to back out in fear. The idiom comes from cockfighting: a white feather in a gamecock’s tail was considered a sign of poor, timid breed. In the sentence, he lost his nerve during the confrontation. Hence option (a).

77

Select the most appropriate antonym of the highlighted word. He used subterfuge to hide his true intentions.

A.Trickster
B.Candor
C.Deceptive
D.Chicanery

Solution

Antonym — subterfuge 'Subterfuge' means deceit or a trick used to hide one’s real purpose. Its opposite is 'candor' — openness, honesty and frankness. 'Trickster', 'deceptive' and 'chicanery' all belong to the same deceit family as subterfuge. Hence option (b).

78

The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. The increase in the number of unresolved cases (1)/ and the lack of clear guidelines from the authorities (2)/ has contributed significantly to the confusion (3)/ surrounding the recent procedural changes. (4)

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

Solution

Error — compound subject Find the subject first: 'The increase … AND the lack …' — two nouns joined by 'and' make a PLURAL subject. A plural subject needs the plural verb 'have', not 'has'. Part (3) should read 'have contributed significantly to the confusion'. Hence the error is in part (3) — option (c).

79

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. Can the technician repair the faulty circuit before noon?

A.Could the faulty circuit have been repaired by the technician before noon?
B.Could the faulty circuit be repaired by the technician before noon?
C.Can the faulty circuit being repaired by the technician before noon?
D.Can the faulty circuit be repaired by the technician before noon?

Solution

Active → passive — modal question Passive of a modal question keeps the SAME modal: 'Can' stays 'Can' (options with 'Could' change the tense). Structure: Can + object + be + past participle — 'Can the faulty circuit be repaired …?' Option (c) wrongly uses 'being' after 'be'-position; options (a) and (b) shift to 'Could'. Hence option (d).

80

Choose the correct spelling.

A.Phitochrome
B.Phytoremediation
C.Phytologgy
D.Phitochemist

Solution

Correct spelling Words from Greek 'phyton' (plant) begin with PHYTO-, not phito-. 'Phytoremediation' — cleaning the environment using plants — is spelt correctly. The others should be phytochrome, phytology and phytochemist. Hence option (b).

81

Choose the one-word substitute for the below sentence. She specializes in designing and drawing accurate maps.

A.Topographer
B.Cartographer
C.Geodesist
D.Archivist

Solution

One-word — map maker A 'cartographer' is a person who draws or produces maps ('carta' = map/chart). A topographer studies surface features; a geodesist measures the Earth’s shape and gravity; an archivist keeps records. Designing and drawing maps is precisely the cartographer’s job. Hence option (b).

82

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The constant criticism from his peers ____ him to rethink his approach.

A.motivate
B.have motivated
C.were motivating
D.motivates

Solution

Subject–verb agreement Strip the sentence to its core: 'The criticism … him.' 'Criticism' is a singular, uncountable noun — 'from his peers' is only a phrase in between. A singular subject takes 'motivates'; the other options are all plural forms. Hence option (d).

83

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The diplomat was adept ____ negotiating complex international treaties.

A.at
B.in
C.of
D.to

Solution

Preposition — adept at The adjective 'adept' takes the fixed preposition 'at' before an activity. 'Adept at negotiating' = highly skilled in the act of negotiating. Remember similar pairs: good AT, skilled AT/IN, expert AT/IN — but adept always prefers AT. Hence option (a).

84

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. By the time the rescue team ____ at the site, most of the villagers had already been evacuated to safer ground.

A.will arrive
B.had arrived
C.arrives
D.arrived

Solution

Tense — by the time (past) The main clause uses the past perfect: 'had already been evacuated' — so the whole scene is in the past. With 'by the time' in a past context, the time clause takes the SIMPLE PAST, and the earlier action takes past perfect. 'By the time the rescue team arrived, … had already been evacuated' is the standard pattern. Hence option (d).

85

The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. The list of recommended candidates for various regional posts (1)/ were prepared in haste without proper background checks, (2)/ which resulted in several administrative complications (3)/ during the initial phase of deployment. (4)

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

Solution

Error — the list … was The true subject is 'The LIST' — singular; 'of recommended candidates … posts' merely describes it. So the verb must be singular: 'was prepared', not 'were prepared'. The error sits in part (2). Hence option (b).

86

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Harmful

A.Deleterious
B.Comforting
C.Beneficial
D.Helpful

Solution

Synonym — Harmful 'Deleterious' means causing harm or damage — e.g. 'the deleterious effects of smoking'. That is exactly what harmful means. Comforting, beneficial and helpful are all positive words — opposites, not synonyms. Hence option (a).

87

Select the most appropriate antonym of the highlighted word: His mind was a cacophony of conflicting thoughts and worries.

A.Noise
B.Harmony
C.Clamor
D.Dissonance

Solution

Antonym — cacophony 'Cacophony' is a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds. Its antonym is 'harmony' — a pleasing, orderly arrangement. Noise, clamor and dissonance are synonyms of cacophony. Hence option (b).

88

Select the sentence which contains the most appropriate homonym of the highlighted word: The infantry lowered every pike to stop the cavalry.

A.The soldier held a heavy wooden pike.
B.He caught a large pike from the river.
C.The sharp pike tip gleamed in the sun.
D.Guards carried a long pike during the parade.

Solution

Homonym — pike In the stem, a 'pike' is a long spear-like WEAPON used by infantry. A homonym is the same word with a different meaning — in option (b), a 'pike' is a freshwater FISH caught from the river. Options (a), (c) and (d) all use pike in the same weapon sense as the stem. Hence option (b).

89

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The experiment results had been carefully documented by the researchers.

A.The researchers carefully documented the experiment results.
B.The researchers had carefully documented the experiment results.
C.The researchers were carefully documenting the experiment results.
D.The experiment results were carefully documented by the researchers.

Solution

Passive → active — past perfect Identify the tense: 'had been documented' = PAST PERFECT passive. Its active form must keep the past perfect: 'had documented'. 'The researchers had carefully documented the experiment results.' — option (a) drops 'had' (simple past) and (c) changes to continuous. Hence option (b).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, reading habits have undergone a dramatic transformation. A few decades ago, printed books and newspapers were the primary sources of information and leisure reading. Today, digital screens dominate our lives, offering instant access to e-books, online articles, and news portals. While this shift has made reading more convenient, it has also raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. Researchers suggest that reading on screens often leads to superficial engagement, as readers tend to skim rather than absorb information deeply. Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience. Despite these concerns, digital reading has several undeniable advantages. It allows users to carry thousands of books in one device, provides built-in dictionaries for quick reference, and ensures accessibility for people with visual impairments through adjustable fonts and audio support. Moreover, digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. However, some educators argue that an overreliance on screens can cause eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Ultimately, the debate between digital and print reading is not about choosing one over the other, but about achieving balance. Readers can enjoy the convenience of technology while still preserving the depth of traditional reading. By practising mindful reading — whether on paper or screen — individuals can ensure that technology enhances rather than weakens their intellectual engagement.

What is the main concern raised about digital reading?

A.It is more expensive than printed books
B.It reduces deep engagement and comprehension
C.It is unavailable in rural areas
D.It discourages vocabulary development

Solution

RC — main concern The passage says the shift to screens has raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. It adds that screen readers tend to skim rather than absorb deeply. So the core worry is loss of deep engagement and comprehension. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, reading habits have undergone a dramatic transformation. A few decades ago, printed books and newspapers were the primary sources of information and leisure reading. Today, digital screens dominate our lives, offering instant access to e-books, online articles, and news portals. While this shift has made reading more convenient, it has also raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. Researchers suggest that reading on screens often leads to superficial engagement, as readers tend to skim rather than absorb information deeply. Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience. Despite these concerns, digital reading has several undeniable advantages. It allows users to carry thousands of books in one device, provides built-in dictionaries for quick reference, and ensures accessibility for people with visual impairments through adjustable fonts and audio support. Moreover, digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. However, some educators argue that an overreliance on screens can cause eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Ultimately, the debate between digital and print reading is not about choosing one over the other, but about achieving balance. Readers can enjoy the convenience of technology while still preserving the depth of traditional reading. By practising mindful reading — whether on paper or screen — individuals can ensure that technology enhances rather than weakens their intellectual engagement.

What advantage does digital reading offer according to the passage?

A.It increases paper usage
B.It limits accessibility
C.It provides portability and convenience
D.It reduces technological dependency

Solution

RC — advantage The passage lists carrying thousands of books in one device, built-in dictionaries and instant access. These are advantages of portability and convenience. The other options say the opposite of what the passage states. Hence option (c).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, reading habits have undergone a dramatic transformation. A few decades ago, printed books and newspapers were the primary sources of information and leisure reading. Today, digital screens dominate our lives, offering instant access to e-books, online articles, and news portals. While this shift has made reading more convenient, it has also raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. Researchers suggest that reading on screens often leads to superficial engagement, as readers tend to skim rather than absorb information deeply. Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience. Despite these concerns, digital reading has several undeniable advantages. It allows users to carry thousands of books in one device, provides built-in dictionaries for quick reference, and ensures accessibility for people with visual impairments through adjustable fonts and audio support. Moreover, digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. However, some educators argue that an overreliance on screens can cause eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Ultimately, the debate between digital and print reading is not about choosing one over the other, but about achieving balance. Readers can enjoy the convenience of technology while still preserving the depth of traditional reading. By practising mindful reading — whether on paper or screen — individuals can ensure that technology enhances rather than weakens their intellectual engagement.

What does the word "immersive" imply in the following sentence from the passage? "Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience."

A.Distracting
B.Deeply engaging
C.Superficial
D.Boring

Solution

RC — word meaning 'Immersive' comes from 'immerse' — to plunge completely into something. An immersive experience absorbs the reader fully, deepening focus and retention. So the implied meaning is 'deeply engaging' — the very opposite of distracting or superficial. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, reading habits have undergone a dramatic transformation. A few decades ago, printed books and newspapers were the primary sources of information and leisure reading. Today, digital screens dominate our lives, offering instant access to e-books, online articles, and news portals. While this shift has made reading more convenient, it has also raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. Researchers suggest that reading on screens often leads to superficial engagement, as readers tend to skim rather than absorb information deeply. Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience. Despite these concerns, digital reading has several undeniable advantages. It allows users to carry thousands of books in one device, provides built-in dictionaries for quick reference, and ensures accessibility for people with visual impairments through adjustable fonts and audio support. Moreover, digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. However, some educators argue that an overreliance on screens can cause eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Ultimately, the debate between digital and print reading is not about choosing one over the other, but about achieving balance. Readers can enjoy the convenience of technology while still preserving the depth of traditional reading. By practising mindful reading — whether on paper or screen — individuals can ensure that technology enhances rather than weakens their intellectual engagement.

How does digital reading support environmental sustainability?

A.By reducing electricity use
B.By promoting online advertisements
C.By reducing paper consumption
D.By recycling electronic waste

Solution

RC — sustainability The passage directly states: digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. Less paper means fewer trees cut for printing. The other options are not mentioned in the passage. Hence option (c).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, reading habits have undergone a dramatic transformation. A few decades ago, printed books and newspapers were the primary sources of information and leisure reading. Today, digital screens dominate our lives, offering instant access to e-books, online articles, and news portals. While this shift has made reading more convenient, it has also raised concerns about declining attention spans and reduced comprehension. Researchers suggest that reading on screens often leads to superficial engagement, as readers tend to skim rather than absorb information deeply. Printed books, on the other hand, encourage focus and retention through a more immersive experience. Despite these concerns, digital reading has several undeniable advantages. It allows users to carry thousands of books in one device, provides built-in dictionaries for quick reference, and ensures accessibility for people with visual impairments through adjustable fonts and audio support. Moreover, digital platforms promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. However, some educators argue that an overreliance on screens can cause eye strain, fatigue, and even disrupt sleep patterns due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Ultimately, the debate between digital and print reading is not about choosing one over the other, but about achieving balance. Readers can enjoy the convenience of technology while still preserving the depth of traditional reading. By practising mindful reading — whether on paper or screen — individuals can ensure that technology enhances rather than weakens their intellectual engagement.

What balance does the author suggest in the passage?

A.Completely avoiding digital reading
B.Preferring printed books over everything
C.Using both digital and print reading mindfully
D.Replacing all books with e-readers

Solution

RC — the suggested balance The final paragraph says the debate is not about choosing one over the other, but achieving balance. The author’s prescription is 'mindful reading — whether on paper or screen'. That is, use both formats thoughtfully. Hence option (c).

95

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: As we approached near the station, it started to rain heavily.

A.approached to
B.approached
C.approached towards
D.went nearby

Solution

Approach — no 'near' The verb 'approach' already means 'to come NEAR' — adding near/to/towards repeats the idea. Correct usage: 'As we approached the station …'. Such doubled words (approach near, return back, repeat again) are common exam traps. Hence option (b).

96

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the highlighted segment in the given sentence. The politician was widely criticised at his controversial remarks.

A.for his controversial remarks
B.on his controversial remarks
C.with his controversial remarks
D.about his controversial remarks

Solution

Criticised for 'Criticise' takes the preposition 'for' when giving the REASON of criticism. 'Criticised for his controversial remarks' = criticised because of those remarks. 'At', 'with' and 'on' do not collocate with criticise in this sense. Hence option (a).

97

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The detective said to the witness, "Did you observe anyone suspicious near the premises?"

A.The detective asked the witness if he observed anyone suspicious near the premises.
B.The detective asked the witness if he had observed anyone suspicious near the premises.
C.The detective asked the witness whether did they observe anyone suspicious near the premises.
D.The detective asked the witness if you had observed anyone suspicious near the premises.

Solution

Direct → indirect — question A yes/no question in reported speech takes 'asked … if/whether' with statement word-order. The past simple 'Did you observe' moves one step back to the past perfect: 'had observed'; 'you' becomes 'he'. Option (a) fails to backshift; (c) keeps question order ('did they observe'); (d) keeps 'you'. Hence option (b).

98

Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph. 1. Museums preserve cultural memory by safeguarding artefacts and stories. 2. Through careful curation, they connect past experiences with contemporary audiences. 3. This continuity helps communities understand their roots and shared identity. 4. Consequently, public support for museums strengthens when people see their relevance to daily life.

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

Solution

Para jumble — museums Sentence 1 introduces the topic (what museums do) — it must open the paragraph. Sentence 2 ('they') explains HOW museums connect past and present; sentence 3 ('This continuity') builds on that connection. Sentence 4 ('Consequently') gives the result — the natural closer. Order 1-2-3-4 — option (a).

99

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The historian claimed that the ancient civilisation had developed an advanced irrigation system.

A.The historian claimed, "The ancient civilisation developed an advanced irrigation system."
B.The historian announced, "The ancient civilisation developed an advanced irrigation system."
C.The historian claimed, "The ancient civilisation have developed an advanced irrigation system."
D.The historian claimed, "The ancient civilisation was developing an advanced irrigation system."

Solution

Indirect → direct — claim The reporting verb must stay 'claimed' — option (b) wrongly changes it to 'announced'. The past perfect 'had developed' converts back to the simple past 'developed' in direct speech. Option (c) uses the wrong form 'have developed' (plural + wrong tense) and (d) changes it to continuous. Hence option (a).

100

Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph. 1. Such initiatives often include public awareness campaigns and improved waste management infrastructure. 2. Urban areas worldwide grapple with escalating levels of municipal solid waste. 3. Addressing this crisis necessitates comprehensive strategies involving both policy-makers and citizens. 4. Furthermore, promoting recycling and composting can significantly reduce landfill dependency.

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

Solution

Para jumble — waste Sentence 2 states the PROBLEM (rising urban waste) — the opener. Sentence 3 ('this crisis') responds with the need for strategies; sentence 1 ('Such initiatives') details those strategies. Sentence 4 ('Furthermore') adds the final point on recycling. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (c).