SSC CGL 15 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the idiom that means: To neglect a major crisis by focusing on trivial matters.

A.Fiddle while Rome burns
B.Bark up the wrong tree
C.Burn the midnight oil
D.Hit the nail on the head

Solution

Idiom — fiddle while Rome burns 'Fiddle while Rome burns' means to busy oneself with trifles during a crisis. It recalls Emperor Nero, said to have played music as Rome burned. 'Bark up the wrong tree' = pursue a mistaken course; 'burn the midnight oil' = work late. Hence option (a).

77

Select the correctly spelt word.

A.Serendipitous
B.Serenitty
C.Sentimentall
D.Sensasion

Solution

Correct spelling 'Serendipitous' (happening by a happy chance) is spelt correctly. The others should be 'Serenity', 'Sentimental' and 'Sensation'. Only option (a) needs no correction. Hence option (a).

78

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: A feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of excitement.

A.Languor
B.Ennui
C.Torpor
D.Boredom

Solution

One-word — Ennui 'Ennui' is exactly listlessness and dissatisfaction caused by a lack of excitement. Languor is pleasant tiredness; torpor is physical or mental inactivity. Boredom is the general state, but ennui carries the precise sense asked for. Hence option (b).

79

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The classic novel was being read by millions worldwide.

A.Millions worldwide are reading the classic novel.
B.The classic novel was read across millions worldwide.
C.Millions worldwide were the classic novel of reading.
D.Millions worldwide were reading the classic novel.

Solution

Passive → active 'Was being read' is past continuous passive. Its active form keeps the past continuous: were reading. (a) shifts to present, (b) drops the continuous, (c) is ungrammatical. Hence option (d).

80

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Had he arrived on time, he ____ the beginning of the presentation.

A.would catch
B.would have caught
C.will catch
D.had caught

Solution

Third conditional 'Had he arrived…' is the inverted third conditional — an unreal PAST condition. The main clause must take would have + past participle. So: he would have caught the beginning. Hence option (b).

81

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. She ran very quick to catch the bus.

A.quickly very
B.quick
C.quickly
D.more quickly

Solution

Adverb — quickly The word modifies the verb 'ran', so an ADVERB is needed. 'Quick' is an adjective; the adverb is 'quickly'. 'She ran quickly to catch the bus.' ✓ Hence option (c).

82

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He asked, "Where did you go yesterday?"

A.He asked where I went yesterday.
B.He asked where I had gone the previous day.
C.He asked where you went the previous day.
D.He asked where I had gone yesterday.

Solution

Direct → indirect question In reported speech the simple past backshifts to the past perfect: did you go → had gone. Time words shift too: 'yesterday' → 'the previous day'. 'You' becomes 'I'. Hence option (b).

83

Select the correct option: Although the survey had been carefully planned, unexpected factors ____ the reliability of its results.

A.exasperated
B.bolstered
C.ramified
D.undermined

Solution

Vocabulary — undermined The contrast word 'Although' signals that the results were weakened. 'Undermined' means to weaken or damage something gradually. Bolstered means strengthened; exasperated means irritated; ramified means branched out. Hence option (d).

84

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 new algorithm, designed to process vast amounts of data, (1)/ promises to revolutionise our approach to analytics, (2)/ but it also rises concerns (3)/ about data privacy and ethical implications. (4)

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

Solution

Error — rises/raises 'Rise' is intransitive — it takes no object; 'raise' means to bring something up. Concerns are being brought up, so the verb must be RAISES. Correct: 'but it also raises concerns'. Hence option (c).

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 consensus was, not that the data itself was flawed, but that its interpretation by the junior analysts (1)/ were overly optimistic (2)/ given the volatile market conditions (3)/ and the inherent uncertainties. (4)

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

Solution

Error — subject-verb The subject of the verb is 'its interpretation' — singular — not 'analysts'. So the verb must be 'was', not 'were'. Correct: 'was overly optimistic'. Hence option (b).

86

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The security team can internally monitor all network traffic.

A.All network traffic can be monitored internally by the security team.
B.All network traffic could be monitored internally by the security team.
C.All network traffic will be monitored internally by the security team.
D.All network traffic might be monitored internally by the security team.

Solution

Active → passive (modal) With a modal, the passive is modal + be + past participle. 'Can monitor' → 'can be monitored'. The other options change the modal (could / will / might), altering the meaning. Hence option (a).

87

Select the most appropriate antonym of the highlighted word: She had the audacity to oppugn his conclusions.

A.Contest
B.Defend
C.Dispute
D.Challenge

Solution

Antonym — oppugn 'Oppugn' means to call into question or argue against. Its antonym is DEFEND — to speak in support of. Contest, dispute and challenge are all synonyms of oppugn. Hence option (b).

88

Identify the incorrect spelling.

A.Maniacal
B.Occassionally
C.Bureaucracy
D.Survival

Solution

Incorrect spelling The correct spelling is 'Occasionally' — one s in the middle, then -ally. 'Occassionally' with a double s is wrong. Maniacal, bureaucracy and survival are all spelt correctly. Hence option (b).

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 essential gas then diffuses into the bloodstream, binding with haemoglobin in red blood cells. 2. Respiration is a complex physiological process vital for sustaining human life. 3. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. 4. It begins with the inhalation of air, where oxygen travels through the airways to tiny air sacs called alveoli in the lungs.

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

Solution

Para jumble — respiration Sentence 2 introduces respiration as a vital process — the opener. Sentence 4 ('It begins with…') describes the first step, inhalation. Sentence 1 ('This essential gas…') follows oxygen into the blood, and sentence 3 closes with carbon dioxide leaving. Order 2-4-1-3 — option (a).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The private sector, particularly in the current global economic climate, is characterised by a significant degree of volatility. Businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, constantly navigate a landscape riddled with unpredictable shifts. This inherent instability stems from a multitude of factors, both internal and external, creating an environment where adaptability is not merely an option but a critical necessity for survival and growth. Externally, geopolitical events play a substantial role. Trade wars, international sanctions, and political instability in key regions can disrupt supply chains, alter market access, and inflate operational costs almost overnight. Furthermore, technological advancements, while offering immense opportunities, also present a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing companies to invest heavily in research and development or risk falling behind competitors. Consumer preferences, driven by evolving social trends and increased environmental consciousness, are another potent force for change. A sudden shift in public sentiment towards sustainability, for example, can drastically impact demand for certain goods and compel industries to re-evaluate their production methods. Internally, companies face their own set of challenges. Labour market fluctuations, including shortages of skilled workers or rising wage demands, can exert immense pressure on operational budgets. Financial market instability, such as interest rate hikes or credit crunches, directly affects investment capacity and expansion plans. Moreover, the increasing pace of regulatory changes, especially in areas like environmental compliance and data protection, requires continuous vigilance and often significant expenditure to ensure adherence. This pervasive volatility mandates a strategic shift towards resilience. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust risk management frameworks, diversifying their supply bases, and fostering cultures of continuous learning and innovation. The ability to pivot quickly, reallocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future disruptions is paramount. Those that fail to build such organisational agility often find themselves unable to weather the storms of modern commerce, underscoring that in today’s private sector, the only constant is change itself.

What does the passage state is a critical necessity for businesses in the volatile private sector?

A.Maintaining static business models.
B.Adaptability.
C.Avoiding all forms of risk.
D.Focusing only on short-term profits.

Solution

RC — critical necessity The first paragraph says instability creates an environment where ADAPTABILITY is not merely an option. It calls adaptability a critical necessity for survival and growth. Static models are the opposite of what is advised. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The private sector, particularly in the current global economic climate, is characterised by a significant degree of volatility. Businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, constantly navigate a landscape riddled with unpredictable shifts. This inherent instability stems from a multitude of factors, both internal and external, creating an environment where adaptability is not merely an option but a critical necessity for survival and growth. Externally, geopolitical events play a substantial role. Trade wars, international sanctions, and political instability in key regions can disrupt supply chains, alter market access, and inflate operational costs almost overnight. Furthermore, technological advancements, while offering immense opportunities, also present a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing companies to invest heavily in research and development or risk falling behind competitors. Consumer preferences, driven by evolving social trends and increased environmental consciousness, are another potent force for change. A sudden shift in public sentiment towards sustainability, for example, can drastically impact demand for certain goods and compel industries to re-evaluate their production methods. Internally, companies face their own set of challenges. Labour market fluctuations, including shortages of skilled workers or rising wage demands, can exert immense pressure on operational budgets. Financial market instability, such as interest rate hikes or credit crunches, directly affects investment capacity and expansion plans. Moreover, the increasing pace of regulatory changes, especially in areas like environmental compliance and data protection, requires continuous vigilance and often significant expenditure to ensure adherence. This pervasive volatility mandates a strategic shift towards resilience. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust risk management frameworks, diversifying their supply bases, and fostering cultures of continuous learning and innovation. The ability to pivot quickly, reallocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future disruptions is paramount. Those that fail to build such organisational agility often find themselves unable to weather the storms of modern commerce, underscoring that in today’s private sector, the only constant is change itself.

Which of the following is an external factor contributing to private sector volatility?

A.Labour market fluctuations.
B.Financial market instability.
C.Rising wage demands.
D.Geopolitical events.

Solution

RC — external factor The passage lists geopolitical events — trade wars, sanctions, political instability — under EXTERNAL factors. Labour market fluctuations, wage demands and financial instability are listed as INTERNAL challenges. So only (d) is external. Hence option (d).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The private sector, particularly in the current global economic climate, is characterised by a significant degree of volatility. Businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, constantly navigate a landscape riddled with unpredictable shifts. This inherent instability stems from a multitude of factors, both internal and external, creating an environment where adaptability is not merely an option but a critical necessity for survival and growth. Externally, geopolitical events play a substantial role. Trade wars, international sanctions, and political instability in key regions can disrupt supply chains, alter market access, and inflate operational costs almost overnight. Furthermore, technological advancements, while offering immense opportunities, also present a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing companies to invest heavily in research and development or risk falling behind competitors. Consumer preferences, driven by evolving social trends and increased environmental consciousness, are another potent force for change. A sudden shift in public sentiment towards sustainability, for example, can drastically impact demand for certain goods and compel industries to re-evaluate their production methods. Internally, companies face their own set of challenges. Labour market fluctuations, including shortages of skilled workers or rising wage demands, can exert immense pressure on operational budgets. Financial market instability, such as interest rate hikes or credit crunches, directly affects investment capacity and expansion plans. Moreover, the increasing pace of regulatory changes, especially in areas like environmental compliance and data protection, requires continuous vigilance and often significant expenditure to ensure adherence. This pervasive volatility mandates a strategic shift towards resilience. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust risk management frameworks, diversifying their supply bases, and fostering cultures of continuous learning and innovation. The ability to pivot quickly, reallocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future disruptions is paramount. Those that fail to build such organisational agility often find themselves unable to weather the storms of modern commerce, underscoring that in today’s private sector, the only constant is change itself.

According to the passage, how can technological advancements be seen as a "double-edged sword"?

A.They reduce operational costs but eliminate jobs.
B.They offer opportunities but can make existing products obsolete.
C.They simplify supply chains but increase regulatory scrutiny.
D.They improve efficiency but always lead to financial instability.

Solution

RC — double-edged sword The passage says technology offers immense opportunities yet is a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing heavy R&D spending. That is the two-sided effect described. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The private sector, particularly in the current global economic climate, is characterised by a significant degree of volatility. Businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, constantly navigate a landscape riddled with unpredictable shifts. This inherent instability stems from a multitude of factors, both internal and external, creating an environment where adaptability is not merely an option but a critical necessity for survival and growth. Externally, geopolitical events play a substantial role. Trade wars, international sanctions, and political instability in key regions can disrupt supply chains, alter market access, and inflate operational costs almost overnight. Furthermore, technological advancements, while offering immense opportunities, also present a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing companies to invest heavily in research and development or risk falling behind competitors. Consumer preferences, driven by evolving social trends and increased environmental consciousness, are another potent force for change. A sudden shift in public sentiment towards sustainability, for example, can drastically impact demand for certain goods and compel industries to re-evaluate their production methods. Internally, companies face their own set of challenges. Labour market fluctuations, including shortages of skilled workers or rising wage demands, can exert immense pressure on operational budgets. Financial market instability, such as interest rate hikes or credit crunches, directly affects investment capacity and expansion plans. Moreover, the increasing pace of regulatory changes, especially in areas like environmental compliance and data protection, requires continuous vigilance and often significant expenditure to ensure adherence. This pervasive volatility mandates a strategic shift towards resilience. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust risk management frameworks, diversifying their supply bases, and fostering cultures of continuous learning and innovation. The ability to pivot quickly, reallocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future disruptions is paramount. Those that fail to build such organisational agility often find themselves unable to weather the storms of modern commerce, underscoring that in today’s private sector, the only constant is change itself.

What is one of the internal challenges mentioned that companies face due to volatility?

A.Shifting consumer preferences.
B.International sanctions.
C.Labour market fluctuations.
D.Disruptions in global supply chains.

Solution

RC — internal challenge The paragraph on internal challenges opens with labour market fluctuations — skill shortages and rising wages. Consumer preferences, sanctions and supply-chain disruption are all treated as external. So the internal one is labour market fluctuations. Hence option (c).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The private sector, particularly in the current global economic climate, is characterised by a significant degree of volatility. Businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, constantly navigate a landscape riddled with unpredictable shifts. This inherent instability stems from a multitude of factors, both internal and external, creating an environment where adaptability is not merely an option but a critical necessity for survival and growth. Externally, geopolitical events play a substantial role. Trade wars, international sanctions, and political instability in key regions can disrupt supply chains, alter market access, and inflate operational costs almost overnight. Furthermore, technological advancements, while offering immense opportunities, also present a double-edged sword. Rapid innovation can render existing products or services obsolete, forcing companies to invest heavily in research and development or risk falling behind competitors. Consumer preferences, driven by evolving social trends and increased environmental consciousness, are another potent force for change. A sudden shift in public sentiment towards sustainability, for example, can drastically impact demand for certain goods and compel industries to re-evaluate their production methods. Internally, companies face their own set of challenges. Labour market fluctuations, including shortages of skilled workers or rising wage demands, can exert immense pressure on operational budgets. Financial market instability, such as interest rate hikes or credit crunches, directly affects investment capacity and expansion plans. Moreover, the increasing pace of regulatory changes, especially in areas like environmental compliance and data protection, requires continuous vigilance and often significant expenditure to ensure adherence. This pervasive volatility mandates a strategic shift towards resilience. Businesses are increasingly investing in robust risk management frameworks, diversifying their supply bases, and fostering cultures of continuous learning and innovation. The ability to pivot quickly, reallocate resources efficiently, and anticipate future disruptions is paramount. Those that fail to build such organisational agility often find themselves unable to weather the storms of modern commerce, underscoring that in today’s private sector, the only constant is change itself.

What strategic shift is mandated for businesses to manage pervasive volatility?

A.Limiting investment in research and development.
B.Avoiding diversification of supply bases.
C.Building resilience through risk management and agility.
D.Resisting all forms of regulatory changes.

Solution

RC — strategic shift The last paragraph says volatility mandates a strategic shift towards RESILIENCE. Firms invest in risk management frameworks, diversify supply bases and build organisational agility. The other options contradict the passage. 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. Forest ecosystems act as natural regulators by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and supporting diverse forms of life. 2. However, rapid deforestation caused by urban expansion, logging, and agriculture has severely disrupted these ecological balances. 3. This degradation not only accelerates climate change but also threatens countless species with extinction. 4. Protecting and restoring forests through sustainable practices is therefore essential to preserve biodiversity and maintain global climate stability.

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

Solution

Para jumble — forests Sentence 1 introduces forests as natural regulators. Sentence 2 ('However…') brings in deforestation, and sentence 3 ('This degradation…') states its effects. Sentence 4 ('therefore') gives the conclusion. Order 1-2-3-4 — option (c).

96

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. The health of an ecosystem is directly proportional ____ the diversity of species it supports.

A.yet
B.but
C.to
D.via

Solution

Preposition — proportional to 'Proportional' is always followed by the preposition TO. Directly proportional to / inversely proportional to. Yet and but are conjunctions; via means by way of. Hence option (c).

97

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: You will not succeed unless you do not work harder.

A.unless you work
B.if you did not work
C.unless you will work
D.if you work

Solution

Double negative — unless 'Unless' already carries the meaning 'if not'. Adding 'do not' creates a double negative and reverses the sense. Correct: 'You will not succeed unless you work harder.' Hence option (a).

98

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said that she intended to start her own business soon.

A.She said, "She intends to start her own business soon."
B.She said, "I intend to start my own business soon."
C.She said, "I intended starting my own business soon."
D.She said, "I had intended to start my own business soon."

Solution

Indirect → direct Reverse the backshift: reported past ‘intended’ comes from present ‘intend’. The pronouns revert: 'she' → 'I', 'her own' → 'my own'. Direct: She said, "I intend to start my own business soon." ✓ Hence option (b).

99

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Favourable

A.Unlikely
B.Propitious
C.Hopeless
D.Doubtful

Solution

Synonym — Favourable 'Favourable' means showing approval or likely to bring success. 'Propitious' means giving a good chance of success — the closest synonym. Unlikely, hopeless and doubtful all point the other way. Hence option (b).

100

Select the sentence which uses the homonym of the given word. Word: Digest Meaning: a substance or mixture obtained by digestion.

A.The digest was rich in organic nutrients.
B.Bacteria converted the waste into a liquid digest.
C.The weekly digest summarises the top news stories.
D.Farmers used the digest as a natural fertilizer.

Solution

Homonym — digest The given meaning is the technical one — the material left after digestion. A homonym uses the same spelling in a DIFFERENT sense. In (c) 'digest' means a summary or compilation of news — a different meaning. Hence option (c).