SSC CGL 16 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Talkative

A.Reserved
B.Garrulous
C.Silent
D.Obey

Solution

Synonym — Talkative 'Talkative' means tending to talk a lot. 'Garrulous' means excessively talkative — the closest synonym. Reserved and silent are opposites; 'obey' is unrelated. Hence option (b).

77

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Intermittent

A.Irregular
B.Periodic
C.Incessant
D.Occasional

Solution

Antonym — Intermittent 'Intermittent' means occurring at irregular intervals — stopping and starting. 'Incessant' means continuing without pause — the true opposite. 'Irregular', 'periodic' and 'occasional' are near-synonyms of intermittent. Hence option (c).

78

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Bland

A.Piquant
B.Insipid
C.Tasteless
D.Dull

Solution

Antonym — Bland 'Bland' means lacking strong flavour or interest. 'Piquant' means having a pleasantly sharp, spicy taste — the opposite. Insipid, tasteless and dull are all synonyms of bland. Hence option (a).

79

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Taking wheat to a farmer is like carrying coals to Newcastle.

A.Provide something where it is already abundant
B.Seek advice from experts
C.Complain without cause
D.Travel without direction

Solution

Idiom — coals to Newcastle Newcastle was England's great coal-mining town — taking coal there is pointless. So 'carrying coals to Newcastle' = supplying what is already plentiful. A farmer already has wheat, exactly like Newcastle had coal. Hence option (a).

80

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Employees must toe the line at work.

A.Follow the leader exactly
B.Join the military
C.To obey rules or authority strictly
D.Oppose popular opinion

Solution

Idiom — toe the line 'Toe the line' means to conform strictly to rules or authority. The image is of runners keeping their toes exactly on the starting line. Employees toeing the line follow workplace rules obediently. Hence option (c).

81

Which is the correct spelling?

A.Autonomy
B.Autunamy
C.Autonomme
D.Autonaomy

Solution

Correct spelling 'Autonomy' (self-government, independence) is spelt A-U-T-O-N-O-M-Y. The other three insert or swap letters wrongly. Only option (a) is standard. Hence option (a).

82

Spot the correct spelling.

A.Circadeon
B.Circadian
C.Circadeen
D.Circadijon

Solution

Correct spelling 'Circadian' (relating to a 24-hour biological cycle) is the correct form. It comes from Latin circa diem — about a day. The other spellings distort the ending. Hence option (b).

83

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: The note was impossible to read'.

A.Illegible
B.Readable
C.Invisible
D.Unutterable

Solution

One-word — Illegible 'Illegible' means impossible to read because of unclear writing. 'Readable' is the opposite; 'invisible' means cannot be seen. 'Unutterable' means too great to be expressed in words. Hence option (a).

84

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: He stood at the edge of a deep and seemingly bottomless chasm.

A.Crevasse
B.Crater
C.Abyss
D.Trench

Solution

One-word — Abyss An 'abyss' is a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm. A crevasse is a deep crack in ice; a crater is a bowl-shaped hollow. A trench is a long narrow ditch. Hence option (c).

85

Choose the correct phrasal verb: After reviewing all the evidence, the committee could not ____ a final decision.

A.draw up
B.bring in
C.make up
D.arrive at

Solution

Phrasal verb — arrive at 'Arrive at' means to reach a decision or conclusion. 'Draw up' is used for documents; 'bring in' for verdicts by juries; 'make up' for minds, not decisions. 'The committee could not arrive at a final decision.' ✓ Hence option (d).

86

Select the correct part of speech to fill in the blank: Despite the unexpected challenges, the team remained ____ focused on their objective.

A.resolve
B.resolutely
C.resolution
D.more resolute

Solution

Part of speech — adverb The blank modifies the adjective 'focused', so an ADVERB is needed. 'Resolutely' (in a determined way) is the adverb. 'Resolve' is a verb/noun, 'resolution' a noun, 'more resolute' an adjective. Hence option (b).

87

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 central bank's decision not only aimed to curve inflation (1)/ but also intended to stimulate economic growth, (2)/ a dual objective that proved challenging (3)/ to balance effectively. (4)

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

Solution

Error — curve/curb 'Curve' (to bend) is the wrong word; the intended verb is 'CURB' (to control). Correct: 'aimed to curb inflation'. Parts (2), (3) and (4) are error-free. Hence option (a).

88

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The authorities might have revoked his security clearance.

A.His security clearance might had been revoked.
B.His security clearance might be revoked by the authorities.
C.His security clearance might have been revoked by the authorities.
D.His security clearance might have revoked by the authorities.

Solution

Passive — might have 'Might have revoked' → passive 'might have been revoked'. The agent is kept: by the authorities. (a) uses 'might had' (wrong), (b) drops 'have', (d) omits 'been'. Hence option (c).

89

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The dancer's movements were so graceful and ethereal, she seemed to float across the stage.

A.The faint, shimmering aurora created an ethereal glow in the night sky.
B.The old tale spoke of ethereal beings dwelling in the mists of the enchanted forest.
C.The chemist carefully prepared the ethereal solution by dissolving the compound in diethyl ether.
D.Her voice had an ethereal quality, delicate and otherworldly, enchanting all who heard it.

Solution

Homonym — ethereal In the given sentence 'ethereal' means delicate, light, otherworldly. A homonym must use the SAME word in a DIFFERENT sense. Option (c) uses 'ethereal' in its chemical sense — relating to ether; (a), (b), (d) repeat the same 'otherworldly' meaning. Hence option (c).

90

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. All the confidential files had been securely encrypted by the IT department before the system breach.

A.The IT department securely encrypted all the confidential files before the system breach.
B.The IT department had securely encrypted all the confidential files before the system breach.
C.The IT department was securely encrypting all the confidential files before the system breach.
D.All the confidential files were securely encrypted by the IT department before the system breach.

Solution

Passive → active (past perfect) 'Had been encrypted' is PAST PERFECT passive. Active form must keep past perfect: had securely encrypted. (a) shifts to simple past, (c) to past continuous, (d) stays passive. Hence option (b).

91

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. He decided to marry with her despite his parents' objections.

A.marry her
B.marrying with her
C.to marry to her
D.to marry her

Solution

to marry her 'Marry' is a transitive verb — it takes a direct object with NO preposition. 'With' must be dropped: to marry her. 'Decided' is followed by the to-infinitive, so 'to' stays. Hence option (d).

92

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. Every one of the participants have completed the arduous obstacle course.

A.has completed
B.are completing
C.were completing
D.complete

Solution

Every one of — singular 'Every one of + plural noun' takes a SINGULAR verb. So it must be has completed. The other options are plural or change the tense. Hence option (a).

93

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men’s, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.

Beyond income gaps, what are other dimensions of inequality mentioned in the passage?

A.Access to luxury goods and international travel.
B.Access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy.
C.Equal participation in entertainment industries.
D.Access to advanced scientific research.

Solution

RC — dimensions of inequality The passage calls inequality multi-dimensional. It explicitly extends beyond income gaps to unequal access to quality education, healthcare and digital literacy. Luxury goods, entertainment and scientific research are not mentioned. Hence option (b).

94

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men’s, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.

What specific challenges do women in India frequently face, despite legislative protections?

A.Overrepresentation in political spheres.
B.Systemic discrimination, violence, and a significant wage gap.
C.Exclusive access to advanced education.
D.A disproportionately high participation in the formal workforce.

Solution

RC — challenges to women The passage says women frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence and a significant wage gap. It also notes their formal workforce participation is LOWER than men’s. So (a), (c) and (d) contradict the text. Hence option (b).

95

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men’s, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.

What dual burden does India's public health infrastructure battle?

A.Economic prosperity and social stability.
B.Communicable and non-communicable diseases.
C.Urban and rural health demands.
D.Advanced technology and traditional medicine.

Solution

RC — dual burden The passage states: 'India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.' That is the exact phrase asked for. The other options are not described as a burden in the text. Hence option (b).

96

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men’s, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.

How does environmental degradation, such as pollution and deforestation, primarily impact society in India?

A.It benefits urban areas by attracting investment.
B.It disproportionately affects the poorest segments and agricultural communities.
C.It has no significant impact due to economic growth.
D.It leads to an increase in natural resources.

Solution

RC — environmental degradation The passage says degradation threatens vulnerable populations most. Extreme weather disproportionately affects agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources, deepening poverty. Options (a), (c), (d) reverse the passage’s message. Hence option (b).

97

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men’s, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.

What is ultimately suggested as a measure of progress for Indian society?

A.Only strong economic indicators.
B.The well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every individual.
C.The rate of industrialization and urbanization.
D.The number of new technological advancements.

Solution

RC — measure of progress The final sentence: progress should be measured not just by economic indicators. But by the well-being, equity and dignity afforded to every single individual. That is the passage’s concluding yardstick. Hence option (b).

98

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He told me that if I studied regularly, I would pass the examination.

A.He said to me, "If you study regularly, you will pass the examination."
B.He said to me, "Should I study regularly, I would pass the examination."
C.He said to me, "You studied regularly, you would pass the examination."
D.He said to me, "Had you studied regularly, you would not have failed the examination."

Solution

Indirect → direct (conditional) 'Told me' → 'said to me'; reported 'I' → 'you'. Reverse the backshift: studied → study, would → will. Direct: "If you study regularly, you will pass the examination." ✓ Hence option (a).

99

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. An old man said, "I am running out of time".

A.An old man said that he has been running out of time.
B.An old man said that he was running across time.
C.An old man said that he was running out of time.
D.An old man said that he has being run out of time.

Solution

Direct → indirect (continuous) Present continuous 'am running' becomes past continuous 'was running'. 'I' becomes 'he'; the phrase 'out of time' is kept. (a) and (d) use wrong helping verbs; (b) changes the preposition. Hence option (c).

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. This leads to a complex web of interactions that influence local weather patterns. 2. The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating global climate. 3. It releases vast amounts of moisture into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. 4. Deforestation, therefore, not only destroys biodiversity but also threatens global climatic stability.

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

Solution

Para jumble — Amazon Sentence 2 introduces the topic — the Amazon’s climate role — so it opens. Sentence 3 ('It releases…') explains HOW, and sentence 1 ('This leads to…') gives the effect. Sentence 4 ('therefore') draws the conclusion about deforestation. Order 2-3-1-4 — option (a).