SSC CGL 16 September 2025 · Shift 3 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the option that best explains the meaning of the highlighted idiom in the given sentence. After the sudden loss of funding, the startup remained in the doldrums for months before finding new investors.

A.Working with great enthusiasm
B.About to achieve success
C.In a state of depression or inactivity
D.Sailing in strong winds

Solution

Idiom — in the doldrums 'In the doldrums' means in a state of low spirits, stagnation or inactivity. The phrase comes from the calm equatorial belt where sailing ships were stranded. The startup was stuck and inactive after losing funding. Hence option (c).

77

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: RECLAIMABLE

A.Penitent
B.Redeemable
C.Salvable
D.Incorrigible

Solution

Antonym — Reclaimable 'Reclaimable' means capable of being recovered, improved or reformed. 'Incorrigible' means beyond correction or reform — the true opposite. Redeemable and salvable are synonyms; penitent means showing regret. Hence option (d).

78

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: Emily insisted that she comes with us, despite the long journey.

A.came with us
B.should come with us
C.is coming with us
D.has to come with us

Solution

Subjunctive after insist Verbs like insist, suggest, recommend and demand take the SUBJUNCTIVE mood. The structure is: that + subject + should + base verb (or just the base verb). So 'comes' becomes 'should come with us'. Hence option (b).

79

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The analyst observed that, had the market reacted sooner, the losses might have been contained.

A.The analyst said, "Had the market reacted sooner, the losses might have been contained."
B.The analyst said, "If the market reacts sooner, the losses might be contained."
C.The analyst said, "If the market had reacted sooner, the losses might be contained."
D.The analyst said, "Had the market react sooner, the losses would be contained."

Solution

Indirect → direct (third conditional) A third-conditional sentence does NOT backshift further — it stays as it is in direct speech. So the reported words are repeated exactly: "Had the market reacted sooner, the losses might have been contained." (b) changes it to a first conditional, (c) drops the perfect in the main clause, (d) is ungrammatical. Hence option (a).

80

Identify the correctly spelled adjective that describes a drug capable of causing hallucinations.

A.Hallucinogenic
B.Hallucinognic
C.Hallucinagenic
D.Halluscinogenic

Solution

Spelling — Hallucinogenic 'Hallucinogenic' is the correct spelling — hallucino + genic (producing). The others drop a vowel, swap a for o, or insert an extra s. Only option (a) is standard. Hence option (a).

81

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'One who denies the existence of God.'

A.Renegade
B.Atheist
C.Heretic
D.Apostate

Solution

One-word — Atheist An 'atheist' denies the existence of God. A renegade deserts a cause; an apostate abandons his own faith. A heretic holds beliefs contrary to accepted doctrine but may still believe in God. Hence option (b).

82

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words: 'A (religious) opinion or belief that is different from what is generally accepted to be true.'

A.Sedition
B.Heresy
C.Apostasy
D.Schism

Solution

One-word — Heresy 'Heresy' is a belief that runs against established religious doctrine. Sedition is incitement against the state; apostasy is the abandoning of one’s faith. A schism is a formal split within a religious body. Hence option (b).

83

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option: Rarely ____ such a broad and overwhelming consensus among critics regarding a work that challenged long-held artistic conventions.

A.has there been
B.there has been
C.was been there
D.there had been

Solution

Inversion after Rarely A negative adverb like 'Rarely' at the start of a sentence forces INVERSION. The auxiliary comes before the subject: has there been. 'Rarely has there been such a consensus…' ✓ Hence option (a).

84

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. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have emerged as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. 2. As global energy demand continues to rise, the transition to cleaner sources becomes increasingly urgent. 3. Governments and corporations are investing heavily in green technologies to reduce carbon emissions. 4. This shift not only mitigates climate change but also promotes economic innovation and energy security.

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

Solution

Para jumble — renewables Sentence 2 sets up the urgency — rising demand and the need for cleaner sources. Sentence 1 names renewables as the viable alternative. Sentence 3 describes the investment that follows, and sentence 4 ('This shift…') states the benefits. Order 2-1-3-4 — option (a).

85

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option: After years of extensive archival research, the historian finally managed to ____ the conflicting accounts of the regime’s collapse.

A.reconcile
B.revise
C.retract
D.retrospect

Solution

Vocabulary — reconcile 'Reconcile' means to make conflicting accounts agree or fit together. That is exactly what a historian does with contradictory sources. Revise means to change; retract means to withdraw; retrospect is a noun. Hence option (a).

86

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. Hardly did the manager knew (1)/ that his decision would (2)/ trigger such a massive protest (3)/ among the employees. (4)

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

Solution

Error — did + base verb After the auxiliary 'did', the main verb must stay in its BASE form. So 'knew' must become 'know'. Correct: 'Hardly did the manager know…' Hence option (a).

87

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. Has the technician repaired the faulty circuit?

A.Is the faulty circuit repaired by the technician?
B.Has the faulty circuit been repaired by the technician?
C.Was the faulty circuit being repaired by the technician?
D.Had the faulty circuit repaired by the technician?

Solution

Interrogative passive (present perfect) 'Has repaired' is present perfect interrogative. Passive: Has + object + been + past participle. (a) shifts to simple present, (c) to past continuous, (d) is ungrammatical. Hence option (b).

88

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. What we need right now (1)/ are a strong leader (2)/ who can unite the team (3)/ and restore confidence. (4)

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

Solution

Error — subject-verb The subject 'What we need right now' is singular. So the verb must be 'is', not 'are'. Correct: 'is a strong leader'. Hence option (b).

89

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. He took the current route to avoid delays.

A.The ocean current was unusually strong near the bridge.
B.The report analyzed current economic policies.
C.She quickly adapted to current fashion trends.
D.He reviewed current events before the examination.

Solution

Homonym — current In the given sentence 'current' means present or existing. A homonym uses the same word in a DIFFERENT sense. In (a) 'current' means the flow of water; (b), (c) and (d) keep the 'present' meaning. Hence option (a).

90

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The final report had been completed by the researchers before the deadline.

A.The researchers completed the final report before the deadline.
B.The researchers had completed the final report before the deadline.
C.The researchers were completing the final report before the deadline.
D.The researchers have completed the final report before the deadline.

Solution

Passive → active (past perfect) 'Had been completed' is past perfect passive. The active form keeps the past perfect: had completed. (a) is simple past, (c) past continuous, (d) present perfect. Hence option (b).

91

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: STUBBORN

A.Intransigent
B.Willing
C.Compliant
D.Submissive

Solution

Synonym — Stubborn 'Stubborn' means refusing to change one's mind. 'Intransigent' means unwilling to compromise — the closest synonym. Willing, compliant and submissive all mean the opposite. Hence option (a).

92

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word: UGLINESS

A.Vileness
B.Pulchritude
C.Grotesque
D.Blemish

Solution

Antonym — Ugliness 'Ugliness' is the quality of being unattractive. 'Pulchritude' means physical beauty — the exact opposite. Vileness, grotesque and blemish all carry negative senses close to ugliness. Hence option (b).

93

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.

Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

A.Cynical
B.Analytical
C.Sentimental
D.Didactic

Solution

RC — tone The author weighs originality against imitation, examining the merits of each with reasoned argument. There is no bitterness, no emotional appeal and no moral lecture. The approach is balanced and analytical. Hence option (b).

94

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.

The author suggests that imitation can serve as -

A.An obstacle to genuine creativity
B.A foundational process for achieving mastery
C.A meaningless repetition of prior work
D.A complete replacement for originality

Solution

RC — imitation The passage says imitating with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence. It calls imitation the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. So imitation is a foundation, not an obstacle or a replacement. Hence option (b).

95

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.

What does the author imply by "fetishization of originality"?

A.Society's excessive glorification of originality at the expense of learning from the past
B.The rejection of innovation in favor of traditional methods
C.The belief that imitation alone leads to mastery
D.The effort to balance creativity with discipline

Solution

RC — 'fetishization of originality' The passage warns that the fetishization of originality risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. That is, over-glorifying originality cuts creators off from learning from the past. Options (b), (c) and (d) reverse or distort this. Hence option (a).

96

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.

What is meant by the phrase "an echo refracted through time"?

A.Every creative idea carries traces of the ideas that came before it.
B.Innovation always replaces the traditions of the past.
C.Modern art rejects all historical influences.
D.Time weakens the value of older creative works.

Solution

RC — 'echo refracted through time' The passage says every so-called innovation is an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. An echo repeats an earlier sound in altered form. So new ideas carry traces of earlier ones. Hence option (a).

97

Directions (Qs. 93-97): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In the evolving theatre of human creativity, the contest between originality and imitation has long animated debates about authenticity and value. Originality, often romanticized as the spark of divine inspiration, is revered as the lifeblood of artistic and intellectual progress. The original creator, unshackled by precedent, is celebrated as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of the possible. Yet, imitation — frequently dismissed as parasitic mimicry — possesses its own quiet genius. To imitate with discernment is to study the anatomy of excellence; it is the apprenticeship through which mastery often gestates. The Renaissance, after all, flourished not through isolation but through reinterpretation. However, the fetishization of originality in modern culture risks estranging creators from the continuum of human knowledge. Every so-called innovation is, in essence, an echo refracted through time — an evolution rather than an eruption. Conversely, blind imitation breeds stagnation, where the act of creation devolves into mechanical repetition devoid of insight. The truth lies in equilibrium: originality must converse with tradition even as it challenges it. The most profound works, whether in art, science, or thought, emerge not from rebellion alone but from synthesis — where imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. In this delicate dialectic, creativity becomes less an act of invention and more an act of intelligent remembrance, where the past is neither idolized nor ignored but transmuted into something enduringly new.

From the author's perspective, true creativity arises when -

A.Originality is pursued in isolation from imitation
B.Tradition is preserved without modification
C.The old and the new are synthesized into meaningful innovation
D.The creator rejects all prior influence

Solution

RC — true creativity The passage says profound works emerge from SYNTHESIS — imitation provides the scaffolding and originality raises the edifice. Creativity becomes an act of intelligent remembrance in which the past is transmuted into something new. Isolation and outright rejection are precisely what the author cautions against. Hence option (c).

98

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: James is good in mathematics, especially when it comes to solving complex problems under time constraints.

A.is better in
B.is good at
C.is good for
D.is best at

Solution

good at Skill or ability takes the preposition AT: good at mathematics. 'Good in' is used for a place or a field of work in a different sense. 'Good for' means beneficial; 'better/best' need a comparison. Hence option (b).

99

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. He said, "We have been waiting here for an hour."

A.He said they were waiting there for an hour.
B.He said they have been waiting there for an hour.
C.He said they had been waiting there for an hour.
D.He said they had waiting there for an hour.

Solution

Direct → indirect (perfect continuous) Present perfect continuous backshifts to PAST perfect continuous. 'Have been waiting' → 'had been waiting'; 'here' → 'there'. 'We' becomes 'they'. 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. Urban planning must therefore integrate green spaces, efficient public transport, and affordable housing. 2. Rapid urbanization presents challenges such as congestion, pollution, and strain on infrastructure. 3. Cities that plan proactively can become more livable and resilient to social and environmental stresses. 4. Addressing these issues requires coordinated policy, community engagement, and long-term vision.

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

Solution

Para jumble — urbanization Sentence 2 introduces the problem — the challenges of rapid urbanization. Sentence 4 ('Addressing these issues…') states what is needed, and sentence 1 ('therefore') gives the concrete planning step. Sentence 3 closes with the outcome for cities that plan well. Order 2-4-1-3 — option (b).