SSC CGL 18 September 2025 · Shift 2 · English Comprehension — questions with answers

76

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. The sudden cancellation of the exam result was gall and wormwood for the students.

A.Lingering curiosity
B.Harmless envy
C.Sudden realization or enlightenment
D.Deep frustration or resentment

Solution

Idiom — gall and wormwood 'Gall and wormwood' refers to something intensely bitter and galling. Both gall and wormwood are proverbially bitter substances. For the students the cancellation caused deep frustration and resentment. Hence option (d).

77

Choose the correct spelling of a word meaning 'To cheat, sabotage, or cripple'.

A.Nobble
B.Noblie
C.Noble
D.Nobel

Solution

Spelling — Nobble 'Nobble' means to cheat, tamper with or sabotage — the correct spelling. 'Noble' means high-minded; 'Nobel' refers to the prize. 'Noblie' is not a word. Hence option (a).

78

Select the correct spelling.

A.Expostulation
B.Expostuletion
C.Expostelation
D.Exposetulation

Solution

Correct spelling 'Expostulation' — an expression of strong disapproval — is spelt correctly. It comes from the verb expostulate. The other three misplace the vowels. Hence option (a).

79

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A person who is too particular about rules, correctness, or minor details'.

A.Critic
B.Grammarian
C.Perfectionist
D.Pedant

Solution

One-word — Pedant A 'pedant' insists excessively on formal rules and trivial details. A perfectionist wants flawless work but need not fuss over rules. A critic judges quality; a grammarian studies grammar. Hence option (d).

80

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: After hearing the police sirens, the thief decided to leave suddenly and hurriedly.

A.Abscond
B.Perambulate
C.Circumambulate
D.Loiter

Solution

One-word — Abscond To 'abscond' is to leave hurriedly and secretly, especially to avoid arrest. Perambulate and circumambulate mean to walk about or around. To loiter is to linger idly — the opposite of leaving quickly. Hence option (a).

81

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. Rahul said, "I have completed my homework."

A.Rahul said that he has completed his homework.
B.Rahul said that he completed his homework.
C.Rahul said that he had completed his homework.
D.Rahul said that he was completing his homework.

Solution

Direct → indirect Present perfect in direct speech backshifts to the past perfect. 'Have completed' → 'had completed'; 'my' → 'his'. (a) keeps the present perfect, (b) drops the perfect aspect, (d) changes the meaning. Hence option (c).

82

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. She said, "I may go to the party tonight."

A.She said that she might go to the party that night.
B.She said that she may go to the party tonight.
C.She said that she would go to the party that night.
D.She said she went to the party tonight.

Solution

Direct → indirect (modal) The modal 'may' backshifts to 'might' in reported speech. 'Tonight' becomes 'that night'. (b) keeps may/tonight, (c) changes the modal to would, (d) alters the sense. Hence option (a).

83

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Had she worked harder, she ____ the examination.

A.would pass
B.would have passed
C.had passed
D.will have passed

Solution

Third conditional 'Had she worked…' is the inverted third conditional about an unreal past. The main clause must take would have + past participle. So: she would have passed the examination. Hence option (b).

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 main actor, as well as the supporting cast, (1)/ were praised (2)/ for their outstanding performance (3)/ in the film. (4)

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

Solution

Error — as well as With 'as well as' the verb agrees with the FIRST subject, not the phrase that follows. Here the subject is 'The main actor' — singular. So 'were praised' must become 'was praised'. Hence option (b).

85

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The teacher has taught the lesson.

A.The lesson was taught by the teacher.
B.The lesson has been taught by the teacher.
C.The lesson is taught by the teacher.
D.The lesson had been taught by the teacher.

Solution

Active → passive (present perfect) 'Has taught' is present perfect active. Its passive form is has been + past participle. (a) is simple past, (c) simple present, (d) past perfect. Hence option (b).

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. The minister assured that (1)/ all possible measures (2)/ were being taken to address (3)/ the crisis effectively. (4)

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

Solution

Error — assured The verb 'assure' needs a person as its object — one assures SOMEONE of something. 'Assured that' without an object is incorrect. Correct: 'The minister assured the people that…' Hence option (a).

87

Select the option which contains the most appropriate HOMONYM of the word given in bold/underline. The archbishop wore a mitre decorated with silver embroidery.

A.The carpenter cut a wooden mitre joint at an exact angle.
B.The priest's mitre was lined with rich purple cloth.
C.The museum preserved a medieval mitre behind glass.
D.The devotees looked at the shining mitre kept near the altar.

Solution

Homonym — mitre In the given sentence 'mitre' is the ceremonial headdress of a bishop. Options (b), (c) and (d) all use it in that same religious sense. In (a) a mitre joint is a carpentry term — a different meaning. Hence option (a).

88

Select the option that expresses the given sentence in the Active/Passive voice. The problem was considered to have been entirely overlooked by the previous administration.

A.The previous administration had overlooked the entire problem.
B.It was considered that the previous administration entirely overlooked the problem.
C.The previous administration was considered to have entirely overlooked the problem.
D.Someone considered that the previous administration had entirely overlooked the problem.

Solution

Passive → active The inner clause "the problem … overlooked by the previous administration" turns active. The administration becomes the subject while the outer verb stays passive: was considered to have overlooked. (a) and (d) drop or alter the reporting structure; (b) shifts to an impersonal clause. Hence option (c).

89

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underline/Bold segment in the given sentence. I am hearing a strange noise from upstairs.

A.hear a strange noise
B.have heard a strange noise
C.heard a strange noise
D.am hearing strange noise

Solution

Stative verb 'Hear' is a stative verb of perception and is not normally used in the continuous form. The simple present is correct for something perceived right now. So: 'I hear a strange noise from upstairs.' Hence option (a).

90

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the concept of "truth" has undergone a profound transformation. Once anchored in verifiable facts and shared understanding, it now often floats within fragmented online realities shaped by algorithms and personal biases. The democratization of information — while seemingly empowering — has paradoxically made distinguishing fact from fiction increasingly difficult. Social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, amplify voices not by credibility but by engagement metrics. As a result, emotional intensity often outweighs evidence, and virality substitutes for validity. The architecture of digital discourse rewards polarization; outrage generates clicks, and clicks generate profit. Consequently, misinformation thrives, spreading faster than verified facts. The modern individual, inundated by competing narratives, gravitates toward information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs — a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This creates parallel realities where objective truth becomes secondary to ideological comfort. News consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping the narratives they wish to believe. However, the problem is not technology itself but our uncritical dependence on it. Search engines and feeds, optimized for personalization, narrow our exposure to diverse perspectives. True digital literacy, therefore, lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness — questioning sources, examining intent, and embracing discomfort in confronting opposing viewpoints. Only through such self-reflection can individuals reclaim the integrity of truth in an age designed to distort it.

What is the central argument of the passage?

A.Technology has replaced human judgment entirely
B.Truth in the digital age is shaped by algorithms and personal biases
C.Social media platforms are neutral spaces for free speech
D.The internet has reduced global communication barriers

Solution

RC — central argument The passage opens by saying truth now floats within fragmented online realities. Those realities are shaped by algorithms and personal biases. So that is the central argument. Hence option (b).

91

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the concept of "truth" has undergone a profound transformation. Once anchored in verifiable facts and shared understanding, it now often floats within fragmented online realities shaped by algorithms and personal biases. The democratization of information — while seemingly empowering — has paradoxically made distinguishing fact from fiction increasingly difficult. Social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, amplify voices not by credibility but by engagement metrics. As a result, emotional intensity often outweighs evidence, and virality substitutes for validity. The architecture of digital discourse rewards polarization; outrage generates clicks, and clicks generate profit. Consequently, misinformation thrives, spreading faster than verified facts. The modern individual, inundated by competing narratives, gravitates toward information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs — a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This creates parallel realities where objective truth becomes secondary to ideological comfort. News consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping the narratives they wish to believe. However, the problem is not technology itself but our uncritical dependence on it. Search engines and feeds, optimized for personalization, narrow our exposure to diverse perspectives. True digital literacy, therefore, lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness — questioning sources, examining intent, and embracing discomfort in confronting opposing viewpoints. Only through such self-reflection can individuals reclaim the integrity of truth in an age designed to distort it.

According to the passage, what drives the spread of misinformation online?

A.Strict content moderation
B.The emotional and viral nature of online engagement
C.Lack of government regulation
D.A shortage of credible journalists

Solution

RC — misinformation Platforms amplify voices by engagement metrics rather than credibility. Emotional intensity outweighs evidence and virality substitutes for validity. Outrage generates clicks, so misinformation spreads faster than facts. Hence option (b).

92

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the concept of "truth" has undergone a profound transformation. Once anchored in verifiable facts and shared understanding, it now often floats within fragmented online realities shaped by algorithms and personal biases. The democratization of information — while seemingly empowering — has paradoxically made distinguishing fact from fiction increasingly difficult. Social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, amplify voices not by credibility but by engagement metrics. As a result, emotional intensity often outweighs evidence, and virality substitutes for validity. The architecture of digital discourse rewards polarization; outrage generates clicks, and clicks generate profit. Consequently, misinformation thrives, spreading faster than verified facts. The modern individual, inundated by competing narratives, gravitates toward information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs — a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This creates parallel realities where objective truth becomes secondary to ideological comfort. News consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping the narratives they wish to believe. However, the problem is not technology itself but our uncritical dependence on it. Search engines and feeds, optimized for personalization, narrow our exposure to diverse perspectives. True digital literacy, therefore, lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness — questioning sources, examining intent, and embracing discomfort in confronting opposing viewpoints. Only through such self-reflection can individuals reclaim the integrity of truth in an age designed to distort it.

What does the author suggest about confirmation bias?

A.It encourages exposure to new ideas
B.It makes people more open-minded
C.It causes individuals to seek information that supports their beliefs
D.It reduces online polarization

Solution

RC — confirmation bias The passage defines confirmation bias as gravitating toward information aligned with pre-existing beliefs. It creates parallel realities where ideological comfort outweighs objective truth. So it narrows, rather than widens, one’s outlook. Hence option (c).

93

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the concept of "truth" has undergone a profound transformation. Once anchored in verifiable facts and shared understanding, it now often floats within fragmented online realities shaped by algorithms and personal biases. The democratization of information — while seemingly empowering — has paradoxically made distinguishing fact from fiction increasingly difficult. Social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, amplify voices not by credibility but by engagement metrics. As a result, emotional intensity often outweighs evidence, and virality substitutes for validity. The architecture of digital discourse rewards polarization; outrage generates clicks, and clicks generate profit. Consequently, misinformation thrives, spreading faster than verified facts. The modern individual, inundated by competing narratives, gravitates toward information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs — a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This creates parallel realities where objective truth becomes secondary to ideological comfort. News consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping the narratives they wish to believe. However, the problem is not technology itself but our uncritical dependence on it. Search engines and feeds, optimized for personalization, narrow our exposure to diverse perspectives. True digital literacy, therefore, lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness — questioning sources, examining intent, and embracing discomfort in confronting opposing viewpoints. Only through such self-reflection can individuals reclaim the integrity of truth in an age designed to distort it.

What does the author identify as the essence of true digital literacy?

A.Staying constantly updated on trending topics
B.Accepting online content without question
C.Critically analyzing information and opposing views
D.Relying on automated fact-checking tools

Solution

RC — digital literacy True digital literacy lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness. That means questioning sources, examining intent and confronting opposing viewpoints. So critical analysis is its essence. Hence option (c).

94

Directions (Qs. 90-94): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. In an era dominated by digital interconnectivity, the concept of "truth" has undergone a profound transformation. Once anchored in verifiable facts and shared understanding, it now often floats within fragmented online realities shaped by algorithms and personal biases. The democratization of information — while seemingly empowering — has paradoxically made distinguishing fact from fiction increasingly difficult. Social media platforms, under the guise of free expression, amplify voices not by credibility but by engagement metrics. As a result, emotional intensity often outweighs evidence, and virality substitutes for validity. The architecture of digital discourse rewards polarization; outrage generates clicks, and clicks generate profit. Consequently, misinformation thrives, spreading faster than verified facts. The modern individual, inundated by competing narratives, gravitates toward information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs — a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias. This creates parallel realities where objective truth becomes secondary to ideological comfort. News consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants in shaping the narratives they wish to believe. However, the problem is not technology itself but our uncritical dependence on it. Search engines and feeds, optimized for personalization, narrow our exposure to diverse perspectives. True digital literacy, therefore, lies not in constant connectivity but in critical awareness — questioning sources, examining intent, and embracing discomfort in confronting opposing viewpoints. Only through such self-reflection can individuals reclaim the integrity of truth in an age designed to distort it.

Which tone best reflects the author's perspective?

A.Critical and analytical
B.Humorous and casual
C.Pessimistic and despairing
D.Indifferent and detached

Solution

RC — tone The author examines how algorithms and bias distort truth, with close reasoning. Yet the closing lines hold out hope through self-reflection, so it is not despairing. The tone is therefore critical and analytical. Hence option (a).

95

Select the correct indirect/direct form of the given sentence. The teacher said that if they had studied harder, they might have passed the exam.

A."If you studied harder, you might pass the exam," said the teacher.
B."If you had studied harder, you might have passed the exam," said the teacher.
C."Had you studied hard, you may pass the exam," the teacher said.
D."Had you been studying harder, you would pass the exam," said he.

Solution

Indirect → direct (third conditional) A third conditional does not backshift further, so it stays unchanged in direct speech. "If you had studied harder, you might have passed the exam" keeps both clauses intact. (a) turns it into a second conditional, (c) and (d) change the modals and aspect. Hence option (b).

96

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. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday devices to the internet, enabling them to communicate and share data. 2. For instance, smart home systems allow users to control lights and appliances remotely. 3. This interconnectivity improves efficiency, convenience, and decision-making across industries. 4. By analyzing the collected data, IoT systems can automate tasks and predict future needs.

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

Solution

Para jumble — IoT Sentence 1 defines IoT — the opener. Sentence 3 ('This interconnectivity…') follows straight from that idea. Sentence 4 explains how data is used and sentence 2 ('For instance…') gives the example. Order 1-3-4-2 — option (b).

97

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 has raised serious concerns among health experts. 2. Obesity has become one of the most common health issues worldwide. 3. It increases the risk of various diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. 4. The main reasons include unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.

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

Solution

Para jumble — obesity Sentence 2 introduces obesity as a worldwide problem. Sentence 4 gives its causes and sentence 3 its consequences. Sentence 1 ('This has raised…') closes with the reaction of experts. Order 2-4-3-1 — option (a).

98

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Tirade

A.Invective
B.Eulogy
C.Compliment
D.Admire

Solution

Synonym — Tirade A 'tirade' is a long, angry speech of criticism. 'Invective' means abusive or denunciatory language — the closest synonym. A eulogy is high praise; compliment and admire are positive. Hence option (a).

99

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Enthusiastic

A.Depressed
B.Dull
C.Ebullient
D.Quiet

Solution

Synonym — Enthusiastic 'Enthusiastic' means full of eager enjoyment. 'Ebullient' means overflowing with excitement — the closest synonym. Depressed, dull and quiet all suggest the opposite. Hence option (c).

100

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Foolish

A.Silly
B.Unwise
C.Sagacious
D.Imprudent

Solution

Antonym — Foolish 'Foolish' means lacking good sense. 'Sagacious' means wise and shrewd — the true opposite. Silly, unwise and imprudent are all synonyms of foolish. Hence option (c).