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

76

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Inexperienced

A.Experienced
B.Callow
C.Clever
D.Mature

Solution

Synonym — Inexperienced 'Callow' describes a person who is young and inexperienced — e.g. 'a callow youth'. That is exactly the sense of inexperienced. Experienced and mature are opposites; clever is unrelated to experience. Hence option (b).

77

Choose the idiom that means: To change one's mind constantly about something.

A.piece of cake
B.apple of discord
C.blow hot and cold
D.cup of tea

Solution

Idiom — blow hot and cold 'To blow hot and cold' means to keep changing one's opinion — favouring something one moment and rejecting it the next. 'Piece of cake' = very easy; 'apple of discord' = cause of quarrel; 'cup of tea' = something one likes. Only one idiom captures constant vacillation. Hence option (c).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the highlighted word: Her new book has received fulsome praise from the critics.

A.Overdone
B.Sincere
C.Abundant
D.Lavish

Solution

Antonym — fulsome 'Fulsome' praise is excessive and INSINCERE — flattery that feels overdone. Its antonym is therefore 'sincere' — genuine and heartfelt. Overdone, abundant and lavish all lean towards the same excess as fulsome. Hence option (b).

79

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The officer said to the guard, "Do not allow anyone to enter without permission."

A.The officer told the guard not to allow anyone to enter without permission.
B.The officer said the guard not to allow anyone to enter without permission.
C.The officer forbade the guard to not allow anyone to enter without permission.
D.The officer instructed that the guard does not allow anyone to enter without permission.

Solution

Direct → indirect — prohibition A negative command becomes: told/ordered + object + NOT TO + verb. 'The officer told the guard not to allow anyone to enter without permission.' ✓ Option (b) uses 'said the guard' (wrong verb pattern); (c) doubles the negative with 'forbade … not to'; (d) breaks the infinitive structure. Hence option (a).

80

Choose the correct one-word substitute for the following sentence. The statement seemed to contradict itself at first, but on closer thought it revealed a deeper truth.

A.Axiom
B.Maxim
C.Paradox
D.Irony

Solution

One-word — paradox A paradox is a statement that LOOKS self-contradictory yet contains a deeper truth. An axiom is a self-evident truth; a maxim is a rule of conduct; irony is a contrast between expectation and reality. The description — apparent contradiction hiding truth — fits paradox exactly. Hence option (c).

81

Select the correct option: No sooner had the curtain fallen ____ the audience erupted into applause.

A.when
B.before
C.than
D.after

Solution

No sooner … than 'No sooner' is a comparative expression — and comparatives always pair with 'than'. The fixed pattern is: No sooner had … THAN … ('Hardly/Scarcely' take 'when', but 'no sooner' never does.) Hence option (c).

82

Select the correct option: ____ having been warned about the risks, she proceeded with the experimental procedure.

A.In spite of
B.Due to
C.As
D.Since

Solution

In spite of + -ing The sentence shows CONTRAST — she was warned, yet she proceeded. 'In spite of' expresses contrast and correctly takes the -ing form: 'In spite of having been warned …'. 'Due to', 'as' and 'since' give reasons, which would make the sentence illogical. Hence option (a).

83

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 process, known as evaporation, plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature and maintaining the water cycle. 2. It occurs when water molecules at the surface gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as vapor. 3. The rate of evaporation depends on several factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. 4. Evaporation is one of the key processes through which water moves from the earth's surface to the atmosphere.

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

Solution

Para jumble — evaporation Sentence 4 introduces the topic — evaporation as a key process of the water cycle — so it opens. Sentence 2 ('It occurs when …') explains HOW the process happens. Sentence 3 adds the factors affecting its rate, and sentence 1 concludes with its crucial role. Order 4-2-3-1 — option (a).

84

Select the correct option: The committee recommended that the new policy ____ implemented immediately.

A.is
B.was
C.be
D.will be

Solution

Subjunctive — recommend Verbs like recommend, suggest, insist and demand take the SUBJUNCTIVE in the that-clause. The subjunctive uses the base form: that the policy BE implemented. 'Is', 'was' and 'will be' all break the subjunctive pattern. Hence option (c).

85

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The committee, which oversee multiple departments, (1)/ has been granted additional funds (2)/ to implement the new training initiative (3)/ across all regional offices. (4)

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

Solution

Error — which oversee(s) The relative clause refers to 'the committee' — a singular noun. So the verb must be 'oversees', not 'oversee'. Part (1) 'which oversee multiple departments' carries the error. Hence option (a).

86

Select the word that is opposite in meaning: Placatory

A.Concilliatory
B.Calming
C.Aggravating
D.Soothing

Solution

Antonym — Placatory 'Placatory' means intended to calm or pacify someone's anger. Its opposite is 'aggravating' — causing annoyance or making anger worse. Conciliatory, calming and soothing are all synonyms of placatory. Hence option (c).

87

Change the following from active to passive: The sudden noise startled the sleeping birds in the trees.

A.The sleeping birds in the trees were startled by the sudden noise.
B.The sleeping birds in the trees had been startled by the sudden noise.
C.The sudden noise was startling the sleeping birds.
D.The sleeping birds in the trees are startled by the sudden noise.

Solution

Active → passive The active verb 'startled' is SIMPLE PAST. Passive of simple past: were/was + past participle — 'were startled by'. Option (b) shifts to past perfect, (c) to continuous, (d) to present. Hence option (a).

88

Select the sentence that uses a different meaning of the highlighted word. He studied very hard to pass the difficult math tripos.

A.The student felt nervous before starting her tripos.
B.Earning a first class in the tripos is a goal for many.
C.The ancient wooden tripos stood in the corner of the room.
D.Results for the natural sciences tripos were announced.

Solution

Different sense — tripos In the stem, 'tripos' means the final honours EXAMINATION at Cambridge University. Options (a), (b) and (d) all use it in the same examination sense. In option (c) the 'wooden tripos' is a three-legged stool — the original object after which the exam was named — a different sense. Hence option (c).

89

Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure: It was reported that confidential data had been stolen by unidentified hackers.

A.Unidentified hackers reportedly stole confidential data.
B.Confidential data reportedly was stolen from the hackers.
C.The government server reportedly lost data to hackers.
D.Reporters said hackers had stolen the data.

Solution

Passive → active Find the doer: 'by unidentified hackers' — they become the subject. 'It was reported that' converts neatly to the adverb 'reportedly'. 'Unidentified hackers reportedly stole confidential data.' keeps the meaning intact; the other options change the meaning or the facts. Hence option (a).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the contemporary era, the relationship between technology and human cognition has become increasingly intertwined. Digital tools have transformed how we process, store, and retrieve information. On one hand, technology enhances efficiency — allowing instantaneous access to knowledge, fostering global communication, and enabling complex problem-solving. On the other hand, constant digital engagement has raised concerns about attention fragmentation, superficial learning, and declining memory retention. Psychologists argue that reliance on external devices for information storage — commonly termed as "digital amnesia" — may erode our natural cognitive abilities. When individuals delegate tasks like remembering phone numbers, dates, or even directions to devices, they strengthen convenience but weaken mental endurance. However, advocates of digital integration claim that such delegation allows the human mind to focus on higher-order thinking rather than routine recall. They argue that every technological revolution — printing press, calculator, or computer — has similarly redefined intelligence rather than diminished it. The central challenge, therefore, is not resisting technology but using it judiciously — balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. The future of human intellect will likely depend on how effectively individuals cultivate mindfulness in an age of mental automation.

Which of the following best captures the essence of the passage?

A.Technology has made human cognition obsolete.
B.Technology has both enhanced and challenged human cognition.
C.Digital tools have replaced human intelligence.
D.People should completely avoid dependence on technology.

Solution

RC — essence The passage presents BOTH sides — efficiency and access on one hand, attention fragmentation and digital amnesia on the other. Its closing line asks for balance, not rejection or surrender. So the essence is that technology has both enhanced and challenged cognition. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the contemporary era, the relationship between technology and human cognition has become increasingly intertwined. Digital tools have transformed how we process, store, and retrieve information. On one hand, technology enhances efficiency — allowing instantaneous access to knowledge, fostering global communication, and enabling complex problem-solving. On the other hand, constant digital engagement has raised concerns about attention fragmentation, superficial learning, and declining memory retention. Psychologists argue that reliance on external devices for information storage — commonly termed as "digital amnesia" — may erode our natural cognitive abilities. When individuals delegate tasks like remembering phone numbers, dates, or even directions to devices, they strengthen convenience but weaken mental endurance. However, advocates of digital integration claim that such delegation allows the human mind to focus on higher-order thinking rather than routine recall. They argue that every technological revolution — printing press, calculator, or computer — has similarly redefined intelligence rather than diminished it. The central challenge, therefore, is not resisting technology but using it judiciously — balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. The future of human intellect will likely depend on how effectively individuals cultivate mindfulness in an age of mental automation.

Which of the following is a concern raised by psychologists in the passage?

A.Technology limits creativity and curiosity.
B.Technology causes people to forget essential information.
C.Technology has made learning too slow.
D.Technology eliminates the need for education.

Solution

RC — psychologists’ concern Psychologists in the passage warn of 'digital amnesia' — reliance on devices for storing information. Delegating phone numbers, dates and directions to devices weakens memory — i.e. people forget essential information. Creativity, slow learning and education are not their stated concern. Hence option (b).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the contemporary era, the relationship between technology and human cognition has become increasingly intertwined. Digital tools have transformed how we process, store, and retrieve information. On one hand, technology enhances efficiency — allowing instantaneous access to knowledge, fostering global communication, and enabling complex problem-solving. On the other hand, constant digital engagement has raised concerns about attention fragmentation, superficial learning, and declining memory retention. Psychologists argue that reliance on external devices for information storage — commonly termed as "digital amnesia" — may erode our natural cognitive abilities. When individuals delegate tasks like remembering phone numbers, dates, or even directions to devices, they strengthen convenience but weaken mental endurance. However, advocates of digital integration claim that such delegation allows the human mind to focus on higher-order thinking rather than routine recall. They argue that every technological revolution — printing press, calculator, or computer — has similarly redefined intelligence rather than diminished it. The central challenge, therefore, is not resisting technology but using it judiciously — balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. The future of human intellect will likely depend on how effectively individuals cultivate mindfulness in an age of mental automation.

How do advocates of digital integration defend technology use?

A.They believe technology replaces memory entirely.
B.They argue it allows the mind to focus on complex and higher-order thinking.
C.They insist humans should rely solely on devices.
D.They reject traditional intelligence models.

Solution

RC — advocates’ defence The passage says advocates claim that delegating routine recall FREES the mind. The mind can then focus on higher-order thinking instead of routine memory tasks. They also cite the printing press, calculator and computer as revolutions that redefined intelligence. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the contemporary era, the relationship between technology and human cognition has become increasingly intertwined. Digital tools have transformed how we process, store, and retrieve information. On one hand, technology enhances efficiency — allowing instantaneous access to knowledge, fostering global communication, and enabling complex problem-solving. On the other hand, constant digital engagement has raised concerns about attention fragmentation, superficial learning, and declining memory retention. Psychologists argue that reliance on external devices for information storage — commonly termed as "digital amnesia" — may erode our natural cognitive abilities. When individuals delegate tasks like remembering phone numbers, dates, or even directions to devices, they strengthen convenience but weaken mental endurance. However, advocates of digital integration claim that such delegation allows the human mind to focus on higher-order thinking rather than routine recall. They argue that every technological revolution — printing press, calculator, or computer — has similarly redefined intelligence rather than diminished it. The central challenge, therefore, is not resisting technology but using it judiciously — balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. The future of human intellect will likely depend on how effectively individuals cultivate mindfulness in an age of mental automation.

What tone does the author adopt toward technological influence on human intellect?

A.Pessimistic and alarmist
B.Balanced and reflective
C.Sarcastic and dismissive
D.Nostalgic and regretful

Solution

RC — tone The author fairly presents both the benefits and the concerns. The conclusion urges 'judicious' use and mindfulness — a thoughtful, weighing approach. There is no alarm, sarcasm or nostalgia in the treatment. Hence Balanced and reflective — option (b).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the contemporary era, the relationship between technology and human cognition has become increasingly intertwined. Digital tools have transformed how we process, store, and retrieve information. On one hand, technology enhances efficiency — allowing instantaneous access to knowledge, fostering global communication, and enabling complex problem-solving. On the other hand, constant digital engagement has raised concerns about attention fragmentation, superficial learning, and declining memory retention. Psychologists argue that reliance on external devices for information storage — commonly termed as "digital amnesia" — may erode our natural cognitive abilities. When individuals delegate tasks like remembering phone numbers, dates, or even directions to devices, they strengthen convenience but weaken mental endurance. However, advocates of digital integration claim that such delegation allows the human mind to focus on higher-order thinking rather than routine recall. They argue that every technological revolution — printing press, calculator, or computer — has similarly redefined intelligence rather than diminished it. The central challenge, therefore, is not resisting technology but using it judiciously — balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. The future of human intellect will likely depend on how effectively individuals cultivate mindfulness in an age of mental automation.

What is the central concern raised in the passage?

A.Whether technology should replace human intelligence
B.How to balance cognitive independence with technological assistance
C.Why humans are addicted to devices
D.When artificial intelligence will surpass humans

Solution

RC — central concern The passage states the central challenge in its own words: 'not resisting technology but using it judiciously'. That means balancing cognitive independence with technological assistance. Replacement, addiction and AI surpassing humans are not its framing. Hence option (b).

95

Choose the most suitable replacement for the highlighted part: The committee discussed about implementing new safety protocols during the meeting.

A.discussed implementing
B.had a discussion about implementing
C.were discussing about implementing
D.had been discussed implementing

Solution

Discuss — no 'about' The verb 'discuss' is transitive — it takes its object DIRECTLY, never with 'about'. Correct: 'The committee discussed implementing new safety protocols.' (The noun 'discussion' can take about, but that needlessly lengthens the sentence here; options (c) and (d) are ungrammatical.) Hence option (a).

96

Choose the most suitable replacement for the highlighted part: Strict regulations were enacted to prevent industries to discharge untreated waste into the river.

A.from discharging untreated waste into
B.from discharge of untreated waste into
C.to discharging untreated waste into
D.for discharging untreated waste in

Solution

Prevent … from The fixed structure is: prevent + object + FROM + -ing form. 'Prevent industries from discharging untreated waste into the river.' ✓ 'Prevent … to discharge' is a classic error; options (b) and (d) break the -ing or preposition pattern. Hence option (a).

97

Spot the incorrect spelling.

A.Prophecy
B.Propulsion
C.Propriozeption
D.Property

Solution

Incorrect spelling The correct word is 'proprioception' — the body's sense of its own position. 'Propriozeption' (with a z) is the misspelt form. Prophecy, propulsion and property are all spelt correctly. Hence option (c).

98

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He said that he was reading a novel when I called him.

A.He said, "I am reading a novel when you call me."
B.He said, "I was reading a novel when you called me."
C.He said, "I read a novel when you were calling me."
D.He said, "I had been reading a novel when you called me."

Solution

Indirect → direct — continuous The time clause 'when I called him' pins the whole event in the past, so the past continuous 'was reading' stays PAST in direct speech. Direct form: He said, "I was reading a novel when you called me." — only the pronouns change (he→I, I→you). Option (a) wrongly shifts to present; (c) swaps the tenses; (d) adds an unnecessary past perfect continuous. Hence option (b).

99

Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph: 1. These systems use sensors and software to interpret their surroundings, enabling them to make navigation decisions without human input. 2. Autonomous vehicles are considered one of the most transformative innovations in modern transportation. 3. However, widespread adoption faces challenges related to safety, regulation, and ethical decision-making. 4. They promise to reduce accidents, improve traffic efficiency, and revolutionize urban mobility.

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

Solution

Para jumble — autonomous vehicles Sentence 2 introduces the subject — autonomous vehicles — so it opens. Sentence 1 ('These systems …') explains how they work, following the introduction. Sentence 4 ('They promise …') lists the benefits, and sentence 3 ('However …') closes with the challenges. Order 2-1-4-3 — option (b).

100

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 emergence of new infectious variants (1)/ amid inconsistent global vaccination efforts (2)/ have reignited debates on public health preparedness (3)/ and international cooperation. (4)

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

Solution

Error — emergence … has Strip to the core subject: 'The EMERGENCE … has/have reignited'. 'Emergence' is singular; 'of new infectious variants' and 'amid … efforts' are only modifiers. So part (3) must read 'HAS reignited debates …'. Hence option (c).