SSC CGL 14 October 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Cut from the same cloth

A.To wear identical outfits
B.Of the same nature
C.To share a common ancestry
D.To work in the same profession

Solution

Idiom — cut from the same cloth "Cut from the same cloth" means very similar in character or behaviour. The image is of two garments made from a single piece of fabric. It refers to nature, not to clothing, ancestry or profession. Hence option (b).

77

Select the correct spelling to fill in the blank. A ____ satellite orbits the Earth at the same rate as the Earth's rotation, appearing stationary from the ground.

A.geosynchronous
B.geosincronous
C.aeosvnchronus
D.geosvncronous

Solution

Spelling — geosynchronous 'Geosynchronous' is the correct spelling — geo + synchronous. It keeps the y and the ch of "synchronous". The other three replace the y with i or v, or drop the h. Hence option (a).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: TACITURN

A.Reserved
B.Loquacious
C.Quiet
D.Uncommunicative

Solution

Antonym — Taciturn 'Taciturn' means saying very little and reserved in speech. 'Loquacious' means very talkative — the true opposite. Reserved, quiet and uncommunicative are all synonyms of taciturn. Hence option (b).

79

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. To blackball someone

A.To play a game of pool with them
B.To give someone a special, prestigious award
C.To accuse someone falsely of a crime
D.To exclude someone from a group or society, often by secret vote

Solution

Idiom — blackball The word comes from the old practice of voting with balls, a black ball meaning rejection. So to blackball someone is to vote against admitting him to a club or society. It has nothing to do with awards or false accusations. Hence option (d).

80

Select the correct spelling of the surgical specialty dealing with the heart, chest and blood vessels.

A.Cardiothorasicvascular
B.Cardio-thoraco-vascular
C.Cardiothoracovacular
D.Cardiothoracovascular

Solution

Spelling — Cardiothoracovascular 'Cardiothoracovascular' is the correct spelling — cardio + thoraco + vascular. It is written as one word, with no hyphens. (a) misspells thoracic, (b) inserts hyphens and (c) drops the s from vascular. Hence option (d).

81

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: Vocabulary that is used between people who belong to the same social group and who know each other well.

A.Idiom
B.Colloquialism
C.Slang
D.Euphemism

Solution

One-word — Slang 'Slang' is the informal vocabulary shared within a particular group. An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning is not literal. A colloquialism is any informal usage, and a euphemism softens an unpleasant idea. Hence option (c).

82

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The government's new policies sought to ____ economic growth, not stifle it.

A.hinder
B.impede
C.stimulate
D.curtail

Solution

Meaning — stimulate The phrase "not stifle it" sets up a contrast, so the blank must be the opposite of stifling. "Stimulate" means to encourage and speed up. Hinder, impede and curtail all mean to hold back, like stifle. Hence option (c).

83

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The instructors directed the participants to follow the new guidelines strictly.

A.The participants were directed by the instructors to follow the new guidelines strictly.
B.It was directed by the instructors that the participants follow the new guidelines.
C.The new guidelines were directed by the participants for the instructors.
D.Strict following of the new guidelines was directed by the instructors.

Solution

Passive of a direction The object is "the participants", so it becomes the subject of the passive. "Directed" is simple past, so the passive is "were directed". The to-infinitive that follows stays as it is. Hence option (a).

84

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The explorers sailed into a sheltered bight where the cliffs formed a natural harbour.

A.The map marked a shallow bight along the riverbank, ideal for anchoring.
B.The coastline’s bight created calm waters that allowed fishermen to work safely.
C.The surveyors recorded a narrow bight where the shoreline curved inward.
D.The sailor tied the knot by first forming a loose bight in the rope and then pulling it tight.

Solution

Homonym — bight In the given sentence "bight" means a curve or inward bend of a coastline. Options (a), (b) and (c) all use it in that same geographical sense. In (d) it is a loop formed in a rope while tying a knot — a different meaning altogether. Hence option (d).

85

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The diligent technician made the broken machine function again.

A.The broken machine was made to function again by the diligent technician.
B.The diligent technician is causing the broken machine function again.
C.The diligent technician caused the broken machine to function again.
D.The broken machine functioned again because of the diligent technician.

Solution

Passive of a causative In the passive of "make + object + bare infinitive", the infinitive takes "to". So "made the machine function" becomes "was made to function". (c) and (d) simply rewrite the sentence in the active voice. Hence option (a).

86

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. The interviewer asked the candidate whom will the new role report to if they are selected for the position.

A.the candidate whom the new role shall reporting to
B.the candidate whom will report to the new role
C.the candidate whom the new role would report to
D.the candidate whom the new role will report to

Solution

Embedded question order An embedded question takes statement word order, not the inverted question order. So "whom will the new role report to" must become "whom the new role will report to". The main verb "asked" does not force a backshift here because the if-clause keeps the present, which rules out (c). Hence option (d).

87

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He said, "Do not disturb her."

A.He instructed that she should not be disturbed.
B.He refused that she should not be disturbed.
C.He advised that she is not disturbed.
D.He said do not disturb her.

Solution

Reported prohibition A negative imperative is reported with a verb such as instructed, ordered or told. It is then followed by "that … should not be" or by "not to". (b) uses "refused" wrongly, (c) keeps the present and (d) leaves the imperative unchanged. Hence option (a).

88

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. Many animals eat these plants or live among them. 2. Healthy forests and grasslands are very important for our planet. 3. If the plants disappear, many animals will also struggle to survive. 4. They provide food and homes for countless creatures.

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

Solution

Para jumble — forests Sentence 2 states the main idea — the only possible opener. Sentence 4 ("They provide…") follows directly from it and sentence 1 ("these plants") gives the detail. Sentence 3 closes with what would happen if they were lost. Order 2-4-1-3 — option (d).

89

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. This transition allowed communities to cultivate crops and domesticate animals. 2. The Neolithic period marked a decisive shift from nomadic life to settled farming. 3. As food production became stable, populations expanded and villages began to form. 4. These early settlements eventually laid the groundwork for complex human civilisations.

A.4-2-3-1
B.2-1-3-4
C.2-3-4-1
D.3-1-4-2 Cloze Test

Solution

Para jumble — Neolithic Sentence 2 names the shift — the opener. Sentence 1 ("This transition…") explains what it allowed and sentence 3 the growth that followed. Sentence 4 ("These early settlements…") closes with the long-term outcome. Order 2-1-3-4 — option (b).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (90) ____ through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the "expectations effect", noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (91) ____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (92) ____ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (93) ____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (94) ____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (90).

A.guaranteed
B.manufactured
C.borrowed
D.disrupted

Solution

Cloze — manufactured The sentence contrasts declarations with confidence that "grows through consistent governance". So the point is that confidence cannot be artificially produced by announcements. "Manufactured" carries exactly that sense of being made to order. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (90) ____ through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the "expectations effect", noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (91) ____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (92) ____ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (93) ____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (94) ____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (91).

A.accelerate
B.inhibit
C.disguise
D.divert

Solution

Cloze — inhibit When expectations turn pessimistic, people spend and invest less. That caution holds growth back, so the word must mean to restrain. "Inhibit" fits; "accelerate" would mean the opposite. Hence option (b).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (90) ____ through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the "expectations effect", noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (91) ____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (92) ____ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (93) ____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (94) ____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (92).

A.strengthens
B.delays
C.weakens
D.neutralises

Solution

Cloze — strengthens The sentence praises clarity and steady execution, set against policies that breed scepticism. A sense of direction built that way must build up resilience. "Strengthens" fits; weakens and neutralises point the other way. Hence option (a).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (90) ____ through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the "expectations effect", noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (91) ____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (92) ____ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (93) ____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (94) ____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (93).

A.limiting
B.repeating
C.restoring
D.measuring

Solution

Cloze — limiting Without balance, economies become reactive — that is presented as a risk. So the effect on their capacity to adapt must be a negative one. "Limiting" carries that sense; restoring would be a benefit instead. Hence option (a).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (90) ____ through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the "expectations effect", noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (91) ____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (92) ____ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (93) ____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (94) ____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (94).

A.decline
B.conflict
C.growth
D.caution

Solution

Cloze — growth The closing line speaks of turning temporary disruptions into OPPORTUNITIES. An opportunity must be for something positive. "Renewed growth" fits; decline, conflict and caution are all negative. Hence option (c).

95

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. Overfishing remains one of the greatest threats to global fish populations, disrupting marine ecosystems at an alarming rate. 2. When adult fish are removed faster than they can reproduce, entire species face long-term decline. 3. Sustainable fishing practices, such as regulated catch limits and protected breeding zones, help restore balance to marine environments. 4. These measures not only support ecological stability but also ensure that coastal communities can rely on fisheries for future livelihoods. 5. Recognising the delicate relationship between harvesting and replenishment is crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations across the world.

A.1-5-2-4-3
B.2-1-3-5-4
C.1-2-5-3-4
D.5-1-2-3-4

Solution

Para jumble — overfishing Sentence 1 states the problem — the opener. Sentence 2 explains the mechanism and sentence 5 draws the lesson from it. Sentence 3 gives the remedy and sentence 4 ("These measures…") its benefits. Order 1-2-5-3-4 — option (c).

96

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: ACTIVE

A.Indolent
B.Sedulous
C.Industrious
D.Slothful

Solution

Synonym — Active 'Active' means engaged in action and full of energy. 'Industrious' — hard-working and diligent — is the closest of the four. Indolent and slothful both mean lazy, the very opposite. Hence option (c).

97

Select the correct spelling of a word meaning 'in a way that shows readiness to conform or obey'.

A.Compliantly
B.Complyantly
C.Compliently
D.Complaiantly

Solution

Spelling — Compliantly 'Compliantly' is the correct spelling — compliant + ly. The root is comply, but the adjective keeps an i, not a y. (b) restores the y, (c) writes -ently and (d) inserts an extra a. Hence option (a).

98

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 training programme of the new coach was (1)/ more effective than the previous coach, (2)/ as it offered better structure and helped (3)/ participants stay focused for a greater portion of the day. (4)

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

Solution

Faulty comparison The sentence compares a training PROGRAMME with a COACH, which are not comparable things. The comparison must be between the two programmes. Correct: ‘more effective than that of the previous coach’. The error lies in part (2) — option (b).

99

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. Our team leader demands to know how has the critical error gone unnoticed for so long despite multiple review stages.

A.demands to know how is the critical error
B.demands to know how the critical error has
C.demands to know how critical the error is
D.demands to know how the critical error have

Solution

Embedded question order An embedded question takes statement word order, so the auxiliary follows the subject. "How has the critical error gone" must become "how the critical error has gone". "Error" is singular, which rules out "have" in (d). Hence option (b).

100

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He said to me, "Will you submit your resignation tomorrow?"

A.He asked me that I will submit my resignation the following day.
B.He asked me whether I would submit your resignation tomorrow.
C.He asked me if I would submit my resignation the following day.
D.He told me that you would submit your resignation the following day.

Solution

Reported yes-no question A yes-no question is reported with "if" or "whether", never with "that". "Will" backshifts to "would", "your" becomes "my" and "tomorrow" becomes "the following day". (a) uses "that", (b) keeps "your" and "tomorrow", and (d) uses "told" with a statement. Hence option (c).